Question

Have PSP amendments taken into account the Planning (Walkable Neighbourhoods) Amendment Regulation 2020 (Amendment Regulation) which introduced new assessment benchmarks, in particular:

1. Footpaths are provided on at least one side of local neighbourhood roads and on both sides of main streets.
2. At least one street tree is provided per 15 metres on each side of all streets.
3. Blocks are within 400 metres of a park or open space to the extent topography and other physical constraints reasonably permit.

The new Regs took effect in September 2020.

- Graeme Bews

Answer

1. No, because the Walkable Neighbourhoods amendment occurred after the review of the PSP. Officers will look to incorporate “low hanging fruit” with a later comprehensive review occurring with the new Planning Scheme development. It is expected that a report will go before a Council Ordinary Meeting in the near future where consideration will be given to developing a new Planning Scheme.
2. In local streets, the standard recommended distance between street tree plantings is 8m – refer to Sunshine Coast Street Tree Master Plan. This Standard exceeds the new Walkable Neighbourhoods amendment.
3. Section SC6.14.5 Local Parks of the PSP was introduced to provide greater guidance for the provision of local parks (non-trunk infrastructure).
   An amendment to the Planning Scheme on 1 April 2019 introduced a new provision to the Reconfiguration of a Lot Code (9.4.4 PO19) to improve clarity around the requirement to provide land for local parks.

AO19 of the Reconfiguration of a Lot Code (9.4.4) specifies that land for local parks is to be provided within 500m of the catchment it is intended to serve, and the PSP further clarifies this requirement. Specifically, the local park specifications (SC14.5.5) require local parks to be “Within 500 metres from residences in urban areas (generally a 5-10min walk)”. The 500m provision requirement aligns with the Open Space Desired Standards of Service outlined in the Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Strategy 2017. Combined with other provision requirements (e.g. 1 hectare per 1000 people, minimum size of 0.5ha), we are of the view that 500m is an appropriate measure to contribute to an effective standard of service for the provision of local parks on the Sunshine Coast.

The combined provision requirements of the AO19 (25m2 per dwelling or lot; and 0.5 hectares, and within 500m of the catchment) are considered to be consistent with or exceed the standalone requirement of the Planning (Walkable Neighbourhoods) Amendment Regulation 2020 (Amendment Regulation) to provide a park or other area of open space within 400m.

Question

1. What % of pavement failures have been consultant designed on private works that have been handed over to Council, compared to Council designed works?
2. What is the ratio of failures?
3. What is the reason it has been updated - is it Council designed/built or is it Developer designed/built?

- Kevin Covey

Answer

Council looks after all road assets, Council built and contributed. Some sections of collector roads in new estates over the past 15 – 20 years, have not lasted 20 years, e.g. at Bellvista, Parklands, Glenfields, Peregian Springs and Chancellor Park. Council has no data informing a % split or ratio of failures on Council built vs Development activities. The PSP update is directed solely at improving the life of road pavements, generally on the higher order roads, to limit unnecessary expenditure in reinstating road pavements failing short of the design life.

Benchmarking with other SEQ councils has been undertaken to inform the recommended changes. Council plans to upgrade the requirements of the PSP to see an improvement in the performance and achieved asset life, particularly of higher order roads. Improved whole of life on all contributed road assets, including minor roads, is desirable for Council and the community.

The most economical way to renew failing road pavements is to carry out insitu stabilisation. Effective stabilisation requires a minimum 200 to 250mm of pavement, in line with TMR’s Technical Specification, (allowing a 50mm margin) to avoid contamination through penetration of the subgrade. Accordingly, the PSP calls for minimum pavement depths no less than 250mm.

Question

1. Is 32 MPa slip form (the requirement) from now on? What were the changes directed towards?
2. What is the availability of slip form machines on the Coast?

- Kevin Covey

Answer

Council currently maintains 3,000 km of kerb and channel – low slump, extruded slurry topped product, which is non-structural. Findings show approx. 11% is in fair condition and is roughly graduating, every 10 to 15 years, to poor and very poor condition. The cost to reinstate is 3 ½ times the initial construction, due to the costs of removal, usually involving taking away some of the road pavement, reinstating driveway crossovers, employing traffic control. Generally, the cost comparison is $350 per linear metre vs around $100 per linear metre or less to lay upfront. Slip form is more expensive.

Council has been using the slip form method now for approx. one year. Cost comparison is around $70 (traditional method) vs $90 (slip form method) per linear metre when investigated approximately a year ago, depending on size of project. Council believes that a doubling of the asset life is achieved for minimum additional cost.

Currently there are two companies on the Coast that Council utilises to provide slip form kerb and channel. The anticipated increased demand will attract increased competition and additional providers.