Agenda of Planning and Environment Committee

Planning and Environment Committee

6 August 2019

Part A Reports

DCC submission on New Zealand’s new Road Safety Strategy 2020-2030: Road to Zero

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report seeks approval of a draft submission (Attachment A) to the Ministry of Transport on the new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030: Road to Zero, as proposed by the Ministry of Transport’s consultation document (Attachment B).

2 The Ministry of Transport has requested all submission be submitted via their online survey. The draft submission for approval is a list of questions and answers that will be copied into the online survey, and thus is not styled in the standard submission DCC letter format.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Infrastructure Services and Networks Committee:

a) Approves the draft DCC submission on the Ministry of Transport’s new Road Safety Strategy 2020 - 2030

BACKGROUND

3 The new road safety strategy intends to help New Zealand build the safest road system possible, and work towards zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. The new strategy will set out priority focus areas to drive national road safety performance to the end of 2030. It will also lay the groundwork for longer-term goals and aspirations, and accountability through clear and measurable outcomes.

4 Submissions close on 14 August 2019.

DISCUSSION

5 The DCC is supportive of the new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030, and notes the new strategy aligns well with the targets, actions and frameworks established under the DCC’s existing Integrated Transport Strategy and Dunedin Road Safety Action Plan.

6 The DCC is already fulfilling or exceeding many proposed targets in the new strategy. For example, the new strategy sets a target of reducing annual deaths and serious injuries in New Zealand by 40 percent by 2030 (relative to 2018 levels), the DCC has already committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious injuries by 50 percent by 2024 (relative to 2014 levels).

7 DCC staff attended pre-consultation workshops held by the Ministry of Transport to provide input on the new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030 as it was being drafted.

OPTIONS

Option One (Recommended Option) – Submit on the Ministry of Transport new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030: Road to Zero

8 Approve the DCC submission on the proposed new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030: Road to Zero, with any suggested amendments, to the Ministry of Transport.

Advantages

· Enables the DCC to contribute at a national level towards the safety of New Zealand’s Roads.

· Enables the DCC to provide the Ministry with Dunedin’s perspective on a central Government strategy that will impact Dunedin’s transport network.

Disadvantages

· There are no identified disadvantages for this option.

Option Two – Do not submit on the Ministry of Transport new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030: Road to Zero

9 Do not submit a DCC submission on the proposed new Road Safety Strategy 2020 – 2030: Road to Zero.

Advantages

· There are no identified advantages for this option.

Disadvantages

· Missed opportunity to provide the Ministry with Dunedin’s perspective on a central Government strategy that will impact Dunedin’s transport network.

· Missed opportunity to contribute at a national level towards the safety of New Zealand’s Roads.

NEXT STEPS

10 If the committee approves the draft submission DCC Staff will ccomplete the Ministry of Transport’s online survey by 14 August 2019.

Signatories

Author:

Nick Sargent - Transport Strategy Manager

Authoriser:

Richard Saunders - Group Manager Transport

Simon Drew - General Manager Infrastructure Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Road to Zero consultation document	20
⇩b	Road to zero draft council submission	88

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☒
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☒
Integrated Transport Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☐	☐	☒

The submission has been developed in line with the goals and objectives of the strategic framework, in particular, the objectives of the Integrated Transport Strategy.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

There are no known specific impacts for sustainability resulting from a decision to approve the draft DCC submission.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no known impacts for current levels of service and/or performance measures resulting from a decision to approve the draft DCC submission.

Financial considerations

There are no financial impacts of the decision to approve the draft DCC submission.

Significance

This decision has been assessed under the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy as being of low significance.

Engagement – external

There was no external engagement.

Engagement - internal

Staff from Corporate Policy, and Transport have contributed to the development of this submission.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

The DCC submission may be of interest to Community Boards.

Planning and Environment Committee

6 August 2019

PDF Creator

Planning and Environment Committee

6 August 2019

Proposed Consultation Dunedin City Speed Limit Bylaw Ammendment 10

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 Council staff have been working with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on a review of the speed limit on State Highway 88 (SH88) through the Port Chalmers town centre.

2 NZTA is proposing to consult on a change of the posted speed limit to 40kmh on State Highway 88 through the Port Chalmers town centre.

3 Staff are proposing changes to the posted speeds on all roads approaching the section of SH88 that will be subject to lower speeds.

4 Staff recommend initiating the formal consultation process for an amendment to the Dunedin City Speed Limits Bylaw (Amendment 10), to provide for the proposed speed limit changes.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves that the Statement of Proposal for Amendment 10 to the Dunedin City Council Speed Limits Bylaw 2004 be publicly notified for consultation during the period 12 August 2019 to 13 September 2019.

b) Notes that a hearings committee will be appointed in the new triennium if required.

c) Notes that the NZTA led consultation of the proposed speed changes to SH88 will be occurring at the same time.

BACKGROUND

5 The Dunedin City Speed Limits Bylaw dates from 2004, following the change in legislation giving road controlling authorities the responsibility of setting speed limits.

6 For a number of years the Port Chalmers community has been requesting a lower posted speed limit through the Port Chalmers town centre.

7 Following a decision by the NZTA board, they are now preparing to formally consult on a proposal to lower the posted speed limit to 40kmh.

8 In order to ensure safe speeds through the town centre staff have prepared a proposal to reduce speeds on the roads approaching SH88. It is proposed that these changes are consulted on at the same time as the NZTA led consultation on SH88 changes.

DISCUSSION

9 One Network Road Classification (ONRC) is a classification system which divides New Zealand’s roads into six categories based on how busy they are, whether they connect to important destinations or are the only route available. The classification of New Zealand’s roads using ONRC was completed in 2013.

10 Table 1 shows the adopted safe and appropriate speed classification method for urban roads, using the ONRC.

Table 1: Proposed Safe and Appropriate Speeds classification method – Urban Roads

11 The following table shows the speed limit changes included in proposed amendment 10.

Reference	Location/Road Name	Road Section	Speed Limit (km/h)
Reference	Location/Road Name	Road Section	current	proposed
DCC local roads leading to NZTA’s State Highway 88 (i.e. George Street, Port Chalmers) running through the Port Chalmers Town Centre. Remove the 50 km/h speed zone and reduce the speed limit to 40 km/h to match the safe and appropriate speed for a town centre.
1	Wickliffe Terrace	From 60m northwest to 100m southeast of SH88	50	40
2	Borlases Road	50 m west of SH88	50	40
3	Albertson Avenue	50 m south of Wickliffe Terrace	50	40
4	Grey Street	70 m south of SH 88	50	40
5	Beach Street	From 50 m northwest to 105 m southeast of SH 88	50	40

Table 2: Proposed Permanent Speed Limit Changes and Rationale

12 The purpose of the proposed changes is to support the changes on SH88 by having consistent, safe and appropriate speeds on the roads that connect to SH88. Attachment A show the roads included in the proposal.

13 Table 3 shows the proposed dates for the bylaw amendment process. It is anticipated that this process will run simultaneous to the NZTA process so that all speed changes can be made at the same time.

Task	Date
Initiate Formal Process	5 August 2019 (this meeting)
Public consultation	12 August - 13 September 2019 (or amended to align with NZTA consultation dates)
Speed Bylaw Committee convened (if required)	November 2019
Council Resolution	TBC
Amendment 10 takes effect	TBC

Table: 3 Key Dates for bylaw amendment process

14 Preliminary conversations have been held with the West Harbour Community board who support the proposal to achieve consistent speeds on the approach roads.

15 The costs for the proposed changes are minimal and can be met from within existing budgets.

16 Staff are proposing to complete consultation in collaboration with the NZTA consultation on the proposed changes to SH88. Attachment B includes a Statement of Proposal and appendices for this consultation.

OPTIONS

Option One – Publicly consult on proposed Amendment 10, to incorporate permanent speed limit changes (recommended option)

17 The recommended option is to proceed with the public consultation process for amendment 10 for proposed speed limit reduction on streets in Port Chalmers.

Advantages

· Speed in affected areas will be consistent with the proposed change on SH88.

· Speed limit changes that are recommended in this report are appropriate for the roadside environment.

· The proposed speed limit supports NZTA intention to reduce speed on SH88 through the Port Chalmers town centre.

Disadvantages

· There are no identified disadvantages.

Option Two – Status Quo

18 Do not proceed with public consultation on the proposed amendment 10 for proposed speed limit changes.

Advantages

· There are no identified advantages.

Disadvantages

· Speed on approach roads will not be consistent with the proposed changes on SH88.

· The speeds on approach roads to Port Chalmers town centre will not be appropriate for the roadside environment.

· Does not support the NZTA proposal to reduce speeds and improve safety within the Port Chalmers town centre.

NEXT STEPS

19 If approved, the next step in the speed limit review process is to undertake public consultation for 20 working days from 12 August 2019 to 13 September 2019 followed by a public hearing if required in November 2019.

Signatories

Author:

Lisa Clifford - Senior Transportation Engineer

Richard Saunders - Group Manager Transport

Authoriser:

Simon Drew - General Manager Infrastructure Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Consultation Map - Proposed West Harbour Speed Changes	110
⇩b	Statement of Proposal	111

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This proposal relates to providing a regulatory function and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective, by reducing speeds and minimising infrastructure costs.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Spatial Plan	☒	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☐	☐	☐

Safe and appropriate speeds on Dunedin roads contribute to a number of objectives within the DCC strategic framework.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

There are no known implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Funding for infrastructure is included in the current ten year plan through the minor improvement programme.

Financial considerations

The costs for the proposed changes are minimal and can be met from within existing budgets.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

External engagement has occurred with NZTA to ensure the proposed changes will support the changes on SH88.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

The proposed speed limit changes will “treat” the risk by reducing speeds to fit the road environment.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts identified.

Community Boards

The West Harbour Community Board have an interest in this decision. They support a change to the speed limit on SH88 through the Port Chalmers town centre.

Planning and Environment Committee

6 August 2019

Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 30 June 2019

Department: Community and Planning and Customer and Regulatory Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report updates the Committee on activities including city development, resource consents, building services, alcohol licensing, environmental health, animal control and parking enforcement for the quarter ended 30 June 2019.

2 Due to the timing of Committee meetings, satisfaction statistics and Customer and Regulatory Services data reported in this report are for June 2019 only. Year-end comparisons with 2017/18 are also provided.

3 Key highlights for the quarter included:

· 2GP Appeals: Commencement of informal meetings with appellants, appointment of the Environment Court mediator and scheduling of the Group 1 mediations for August.

· Resource Consents: The 2018/19 financial year was the busiest since the Global Financial Crisis. 23% more applications were processed than the average since 2007/8.

· Building Services cadet programme convened and outsourcing of Building Consents ceased.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 30 June 2019.

BACKGROUND

4 The Community and Planning group of activities works with other agencies to set the direction for managing Dunedin’s built and natural environment and is responsible for promoting the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources through its administration of the functions of the Council under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

5 Regulatory Services contributes directly to the Safe and Health City outcome which is a part of the Social Wellbeing Strategy and enhances personal safety in relation to building services, animal services, health licensing, the sale and supply of alcohol and parking enforcement.

DISCUSSION

6 The Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS) is the principal mechanism by which the Council measures resident satisfaction with a wide range of its activities.

7 From July 2016 the ROS has been conducted on a continuous monthly basis, aiming to obtain around 100 responses each month, to replicate the average annual sample size of around 1,200 obtained in previous years. The quarterly results in the graphs below generally reflect the responses of around 300 residents. A sample of 300 has an expected 95% confidence interval (margin of error) of +/- 5.7%, whereas the annual result for 2015/16 had a margin of error of +/- 2.5%. Results for the year will continue to be published in the annual ROS report at year end. Notable measures are listed in the balance of this report.

Satisfaction with Look and Feel of the City

8 A 5% increase in satisfaction with ‘Overall Look and Feel of the City’ was reported at 30 June 2019. A 1% decrease in satisfaction was reported between the annual results for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Satisfaction with Regulatory Services

9 A 3% decrease in satisfaction with ‘Regulatory Services’ was reported as at 30 June 2019. However, a 5% increase in satisfaction was reported between the annual results for 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Value and Efficiency

Resource Consents

10 The 2018/19 financial year was the busiest since the Global Financial Crisis; 23% more applications were processed than the average since 2007/8. It was also the fourth busiest year since 1998/99. The demands on the Resource Consent team were further increased with the release of the 2GP decisions in November 2018, which required the consideration of two district plans.

11 During the quarter to the end of June 271 of 283 (97%) applications were processed within the statutory timeframe. The graph shows resource consent processing on a monthly basis over the last five years up to June 2019. The blue line shows the percentage meeting the statutory deadline; ranges from 89 to 100. The red line shows the number of resource consents granted each month. The fluctuation is normal. The January and December low points reflect the summer holiday periods.

12 RMA complaint numbers have remained high. To the end of June the number received was 44% higher (105 v 73) than the average for the 2012-18 period.

13 The above graph also serves as an indication of overall activity of all the work undertaken by the Resource Consent team (e.g. Admin, LIMs, subdivision certification, building consent planning checks, HAIL’s, enquiries). If resource consent numbers are high then the other parts of the team busy. More detailed information is provided each month as the City Planning Activity report on the Council’s website. This can be accessed via this link: http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/planning.

Building Services

14 The number of building consent applications for the second quarter of 2019 is down for the comparable quarter in 2018 with 751 received (846 in 2018). The overall value of consents for the quarter is similarly down at $66M ($80.9M for the comparable quarter in 2018). The number of new dwelling applications is similar at 80 for the quarter (83 in 2018).

15 Processing times for Building Consents finished the quarter at 98.2%. In late May and early June a number of consents breached the 20 working days. Further breaches have taken place in early July with mandatory external training courses, internal training of three new processing officers, internal training of the new cadets and the ceasing of outsourcing building consents all impacting on productivity. Some pressure is expected to continue throughout the July-Sep quarter before it starts to improve. Code Compliance Certificate processing times for the quarter was 99.5%, with average time to book an inspection being 3-4 days with high inspection volumes taking place.

16 Other updates for the Building Services team include:

a) The outsourcing of Building Consents stopped at 30 June 2019.

b) The cadet programme commenced within the April – June quarter.

c) An inaugural Industry Advisory Group meeting was held in May with representatives from the Building Industry.

d) The early results and feedback from the new building inspectors’ mobility devices are positive.

e) A Compliance Officer to support the work associated with legislative changes for Earthquake Prone Buildings commenced 1 July 2019 (although they will continue to support Building Consent processing in the short term).

Alcohol Licensing

17 There have been no new premises open in the reporting period although several have changed ownership.

18 The DLC has been quiet with no hearings being convened in the reporting period. At the end of the financial year there has been a 3% increase in the number of applications processed with a total of 1249 for the year, up from 1208 in the previous year.

Environmental Health

‘A’ Graded Food Premises

19 The percentage of food premises with an ‘A’ Grade remains constant over the last twelve months. Overall the standard of food safety in Dunedin food premises is at a very high standard.

Noise

20 As expected noise complaint numbers have dropped somewhat after the busy last quarter. Winter is usually quieter although there is a slight increase compared to the previous 12 months. An increase is expected over July with the return of students to the city and Re‑Orientation week. Proactive work with the Police, University Proctor and Student Landlords is on-going.

21 Environmental Health are continuing to log and respond to an unusually high number of complaints relating to Port noise. This is primarily as a result of the new Rio Class container ships. The Resource Consent team are providing input, responding to enquiries and liaising with Port Otago as required. Port Otago have engaged noise consultants to assess the noise impact of the Rio Class ships. Port Otago have been exploring best practicable options as required by the District Plan and have taken steps to reduce noise impacts. Reducing ship visits to one night has been the most effective measure, however the noise level is still causing a nuisance to many residents. The next best option is the use of a muffler, which is being explored by the shipping operator; however, this is not a simple task.

Animal Services

22 There has been a 9% increase in the number of barking complaints compared with the same time last year. The number of requests for service relating to dog behaviour and roaming is similar to last year.

Parking Services

23 Over the last 12 months there has been a small increase in infringements issued due to a full complement of staff. The reduction in June is due to staff taking leave.

24 Parking Services customer requests for the last quarter remained relatively consistent with the previous 12 months without any noticeable trends being shown.

Eco Design Advisor

25 Customer feedback continues to be good, with people expressing appreciation of this being a free service.

26 The Eco Design adviser has input to the orientation sessions for refugees who have recently arrived in Dunedin with follow up appointments made with several of the attendees.

27 The Warmer Kiwi Homes insulation scheme was recently increased to cover an extra 1200
homes in Dunedin. The number of people applying for this has increased significantly resulting in a wait time of about 4-5 months from when households ask for the insulation and it being installed. The deadline of rental insulation has put pressure on the installers.

Major Initiatives

28 The following section is not confined to the quarter ending June 2019 quarter and provides updates on the current status of the initiatives.

29 Proposed Second Generation Dunedin City District Plan (2GP) - 83 appeals were lodged with the Environment Court in respect of the 2GP decisions. All the appeal points, along with the s274 parties who wished to be party to these appeals under RMA s274, have been categorised into four groups based on priority areas. On 18 March 2019, the Group 1 priority topics were the subject of a Pre-hearing Conference meeting with Judge Borthwick, who has been appointed to consider the 2GP appeals. Group 1 priority topics include Residential Strategic, Rural Residential Strategic, Rural Strategic, Natural Hazards Strategic; the non-strategic topics for Group 1 are Earthworks Provisions, Retail Activity in Warehouse Precinct and Residential Zoning - Broad.

30 Prior to any Environment Court hearing, court-assisted mediation is required. The Group 1 priority topics will begin mediation on 8 August through to 22 August 2019. Ms Marlene Oliver, who has been appointed by the Environment Court, will be the mediator. At present Groups 2-4 are on hold until the Group 1 mediation is complete.

31 Work is progressing on Variations to the Plan. The intention is to notify Variation 1 (Plan change to address minor issues in the 2GP) for public submissions in September 2019 at the earliest.

32 Population growth / Urban Development Capacity - Work has started to identify options on how to address medium and long-term capacity requirements following the identified shortfall when Dunedin was reclassified as a medium growth urban area. The NPS-UDC requires that the DCC considers all practicable options to enable necessary housing capacity. This could include applying residential zoning to new areas (greenfield development), amending rules or other provisions to increase the density of housing enabled in residential zones, or using statutory tools and methods available under other legislation.

33 Dunedin Waterfront - Further information was provided to MBIE in early July 2019 to supplement the submission to the Provincial Growth Fund made in November 2018. It is expected that Council will hear back on the result of the revised submission from the Provincial Growth Fund Unit later in August. Work has begun on scoping the masterplanning for the public realm and involvement of the community engagement in this process. Initial discussions have been held with Aukaha regarding their role.

34 Dunedin Heritage Fund - The Heritage Fund Committee met for four rounds in the 2018/19 and allocated a total of $426,000 in heritage grants across the city. The April Committee report detailed the first three grant rounds which amounted to $346,000.00 in heritage grants. The fourth and final round of the year offered the following grants (confirmed).

Round 4 April 2019:

Address	Grant	Work	Project Value
389 Princes Street (former SF Aburns)	$30,000	Repair, strengthening & façade restoration	$727,785
Pukehiki Church, 1054 Highcliff Road	$20,000	Phase 1 of 5-stage repair and restoration programme	$450,000
Cargill’s Castle, 111D Cliffs Road	$5,000	Concrete investigation and analysis to inform strengthening & presentation programme	$7,310
82 Bond Street (former Donald Stuart building)	$5,000	Stage 2 of seismic strengthening and repair work	$9,136
Dunedin Club, 33 Melville Street	$5,000	Detailed specification for repair and restoration work programme	$10,000
Ferntree Lodge, 14 Ferntree Drive	$15,000	Stage 2 of a major repair and restoration programme (roofing repairs and restoration of ponga)	$50,500
Total	$80,000	Total	$1,254,731

35 A further $201,000 was transferred in June 2019, as the balance of the annual Council Heritage Fund grant, which had been retained to cover anticipated legacy payments from the Council’s own heritage grant schemes (consolidated in mid-2018). This sum will be included in the 2019/20 year for allocation; future legacy amounts are reducing as projected and are expected to be drawdown within the next financial year.

36 Staff have recently undertaken a review of the Dunedin Heritage Fund, looking at its operation with the aim of providing clearer and more efficient procedures, and more effective grant streams.

37 Biodiversity – The Biodiversity Advisor, established in October 2018 oversaw a review of the Council’s 12-year-old Biodiversity Fund, with changes approved by this Committee in February 2019. A fine-scale vegetation cover map of the Dunedin City District is being developed. This map will provide detailed baseline information on the city’s indigenous biodiversity extent and range of ecosystems and be used for a variety of cross-department biodiversity and environmental programmes, including climate change mitigation. The Biodiversity Advisor position has allowed better in-house scrutiny of biodiversity outcomes for consent and compliance functions, and greater engagement with community groups and external ecological expertise.

38 Te Ao Tūroa – Following the Partnership decision to support a trial of a summer studentship with the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, the first trial will take place during the summer months.

39 This year’s recipient of Environment Envoy commission ‘4KT Elephants’ project attracted at least 350 people over three weekends, including a large number of families and students, and engaging the community in practical solutions to repurpose textile waste and reduce landfill. The online ‘Story Map’, which makes it easier to discover areas of interest around the Town Belt, is at the final revision stage and expected to be available on the DCC website by end of August.

40 The Environment Strategy continues to support education and volunteer initiatives such as Town Belt Kaitiaki, War on Weeds, Trail Crew and Wildlife Response. A pop-up garden on how to make private gardens more wildlife-friendly is progressing to launch in mid-late October. The DCC has become a funding sponsor for the Great Kererū Count 2019 (20 – 29 September), inspiring more people to care for the natural world and help achieve a healthy environment.

41 Covenant of Mayors – Participation in the Global Covenant of Mayors is in the final stage of developing a Dunedin climate action plan. To support this, the Te Ao Tūroa Partnership has proposed financial support towards stakeholder engagement activities to develop the action plan and work towards the city’s carbon reduction target.

42 2019/20 Annual Plan – As part of the 2019/20 Annual Plan deliberations, a report on a Climate Resilience Work Programme was provided and a budget was allocated to the South Dunedin Future Project, as part of the wider climate resilience work.

43 South Dunedin Future Project – As part of the 2019/20 Annual Plan deliberations, a report on a Climate Resilience Work Programme was provided and a budget was allocated to the South Dunedin Future Project, as part of the wider climate resilience work.

44 Work is underway in a number of areas to progress the South Dunedin Future project:

· The DCC submitted on the Kāinga Ora Bill and the Climate Change Responses (Zero Carbon Amendment) Bill, advocating for support from central government in working on climate change adaptation;

· Work is continuing on the development of the technical database to support the development of short, medium and longer term options for South Dunedin;

· Staff have continued to engage with key stakeholders like the South Dunedin Community Network and through community hui; and

· Work underway to procure project management support to finalise a project plan for 2019/20 and 2020/21.

45 Changes announced to Resource Management Act 1991 – On 24 July 2019, the Environment Minister announced plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the RMA. There will be initial short-term RMA changes, followed by more significant changes after a comprehensive review looking at changes to ‘support the transition to a more productive, sustainable and inclusive economy’. A review panel is being established, which will then develop proposals for public consultation.

46 The RMA is of great significance to Māori. RMA provisions for Māori participation are some of the most significant expressions of how the Crown provides for the Treaty and the Māori-Crown relationship. As we are entering a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement in respect of the RMA, this may have implications for our partnership.

Capital Projects

47 Urban Design – Key projects completed within 2018/19 include the Stuart Street Median upgrade, Great King Street Pocket Park, parklets introduced to the CBD, Abutment Square (Warehouse Precinct) and Caversham Reserve Improvements.

48 The Urban Design Team have taken a leading role in the major projects of the Long-Term Plan 2018-2018, such as the Central City Plan: George Street Project, Tertiary Streets, Peninsula Connection, Waterfront Bridge Projects, with work focussed on Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Preliminary Design and landscape architectural/urban design advice.

OPTIONS

49 As this is an update report there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

52 Key areas of focus for the next quarter include:

· Mediation on 2GP appeals and notification of 2GP Variation 1 to address minor changes in September / October.

· Work on options to address medium- and long-term development capacity will be undertaken and will feed into Variation 2 to the 2GP.

· Masterplanning of the public realm for the Waterfront following a funding decision.

· External auditors (IANZ) undertaking the biennial accreditation audit for the Building Consent Authority in September.

· Extensive engagement with the South Dunedin community and analysis of technical work to feed into development of short, medium- and longer-term options for South Dunedin.

Signatories

Author:

Nicola Pinfold - Group Manager Community and Planning

Adrian Blair - Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services

Authoriser:

Simon Pickford - General Manager Community Services

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing a public service and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☒	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☒	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☒	☐	☐

The Planning and Environment portfolio of activities support the outcomes of a number of strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no specific impacts for tangata whenua identified.

Sustainability

As an update report, there are no specific implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

As an update report, there are no implications for the LTP, although some measures are level of service performance measures annually reported as part of the LTP.

Financial considerations

The updates reported are within existing operating and capital budgets.

Significance

This report is assessed as low significance under the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As an update report, no external engagement has been undertaken.

Engagement - internal

As an update report, no internal engagement has been undertaken. Input to the major initiatives and project updates has been provided by teams within Regulatory Services and Community and Planning Groups.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no specific implications for Community Boards, although aspects of the report may be of interest.

Planning and Environment Committee

6 August 2019

Freedom Camping - 2018/2019 Season Report

Department: Parks and Recreation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report provides a summary of freedom camping in Dunedin during the 2018/2019 season.

2 Data gathered during the 2018/2019 freedom camping season indicates an increase in use of Dunedin City Council freedom camping sites and facilities, an increase in resident complaints related to freedom camping, and an increase in infringement notices issued for Camping Control Bylaw breaches when compared with the previous season. Several initiatives were trialled to improve Bylaw compliance and improve the distribution of campers throughout the city.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Freedom Camping – 2018/2019 Season Report.

BACKGROUND

3 Freedom camping in Dunedin is restricted by the Camping Control Bylaw 2015 (the Bylaw).

4 Armourguard security conducted daily patrols on behalf of the Dunedin City Council from 1‑November 2018 to 31 May 2019 to enforce the Bylaw and gather data. Patrols visited known freedom camping hotspots along the northern and southern coasts, Otago Peninsula, city centre, South Dunedin, and into hill suburbs and Taieri as required.

5 A DCC Pay & Display carpark on Thomas Burns Street was trialled as an inner-city unrestricted freedom camping site during the 2018/2019 season as an initiative to relieve pressure on the Warrington Domain and Ocean View Reserve sites.

6 Community Rangers were employed to improve Bylaw awareness and assist in gathering camper statistics. Community Rangers distributed surveys to freedom campers staying at DCC sites. Two hundred and twenty-four completed surveys were returned.

DISCUSSION

7 Armourguard Security counted 26,132 camping vehicles during nightly patrols over the 2018/2019 season. Of these vehicles, 66% stayed at one of three unrestricted freedom camping sites established by the DCC (Warrington Domain, Thomas Burns Street Trial Site, Ocean View Reserve).

8 The number of freedom campers who stayed at DCC unrestricted freedom camping sites increased by 25% during the 2018/2019 season. With the Thomas Burns Street Trial Site taking the bulk of these campers, the total number of campers staying at Warrington Domain and Ocean View Reserve decreased by 36% and 41% respectively. The Thomas Burns Street Trial Site accommodated 49% of the visitors to DCC unrestricted freedom camping sites and 35% of the total freedom camper visitors to the city.

9 Data obtained through nightly patrols and completed surveys indicated that the occupants of vehicles staying at DCC unrestricted sites:

· Stayed in Dunedin for 2.4 nights

· Travelled in pairs (65%)

· Spent $49.62 per person per night

· Were predominantly European (67%)

· Found the campsite using the campermate app (74%)

· Were first-time visitors to Dunedin (81%)

· Were younger than 35 years of age (82%)

· Were travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle (54%).

10 Data indicated that approximately 30,100 freedom campers visited Dunedin, travelling in 13,600 vehicles and spending $3.4m over the 2018/2019 season. Confidence in this data could be improved with subsequent surveys. See Appendix A for a summary of the 2018/19 Freedom Camping season statistics.

11 Six hundred and eighty-two Camping Control Bylaw Infringement Notices were issued during the 2018/2019 freedom camping season; following waiver request reviews, 531 of these notices were upheld. This was a 26% increase on the previous season.

· 71% of infringement notices were issued against vehicles found to be “freedom camping in a restricted area without a valid self-containment certificate”.

· 21% of infringement notices were issued for “failing to park in the designated area displayed on site”.

· 4% of infringement notices were issued for “freedom camping in a prohibited zone on the Otago Peninsula”.

· 3% of infringement notices were issued for “freedom camping more than two consecutive nights”.

· Areas with a high infringement rate were the south coast (46% of infringements issued) and the city centre/South Dunedin area (44% of infringements issued).

12 Bylaw compliance rates were determined by comparing camper and infringement numbers in a particular area or site and were monitored throughout the season. Compliance improvements were seen with the implementation of the Community Ranger initiative and the installation of a parking-space sensor at the Ocean View Reserve. This was a collaborative initiative with CamperMate.

13 The DCC received 135 complaints relating to freedom camping during the 2018/2019 season, a 23% increase over the previous season. Most complaints concerned the city centre/South Dunedin and were informing staff that a Bylaw breach had occurred. Positive feedback has been received from the Waikouaiti Coast and Saddle Hill Community Boards about the Thomas Burns Street trial site and the effect it has had in reducing pressure on the Ocean View and Warrington sites. There were 11 complaints associated with DCC unrestricted sites.

14 The DCC’s Freedom camping enforcement expenditure for the 2018/2019 season totalled $109,449.88. The value of infringement notices issued in the 2018/2019 season totalled $106,200.00. Of this total, $65,000.00 (61%) has presently been collected by the DCC.

15 The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment contributed $79,000.00 toward short‑term practical solutions to freedom camping issues in Dunedin. This funding was allocated toward the following initiatives:

· $15,000 – Increased frequency of enforcement patrols

· $10,000 – Community Ranger remuneration

· $10,000 – Administrative support for Regulatory Services (0.5 FTE)

· $9,000 – Hire of eight additional temporary toilets

· $35,000 – Purchase of four compacting smart-bins.

OPTIONS

16 Not applicable.

NEXT STEPS

17 Staff will present a further report recommending measures to improve management of freedom camping in the upcoming 2019/2020 season.

Signatories

Author:

Stephen Hogg - Parks and Recreation Planner

Authoriser:

John Brenkley - Planning and Partnerships Manager

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Freedom Camping Report 2018/19 Season	165

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

This report relates to providing local infrastructure that is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☒
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☒
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☐	☐	☒

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

The management of freedom camping has implications for environmental sustainability, especially with regard to reserve and coastal spaces.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no known implications.

Financial considerations

There are no known financial implications.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

There was no external engagement undertaken.

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement undertaken.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified Legal or Health & Safety risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Freedom Camping is of interest to a number of Community Boards, especially Saddle Hill, Peninsula and Waikouaiti Community Boards.

Planning and Environment Committee

6 August 2019

Freedom Camping in the 2019/2020 season

Department: Parks and Recreation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report recommends initiatives to assist with the management of freedom camping in Dunedin during the upcoming 2019/2020 season. These initiatives aim to improve compliance to the Camping Control Bylaw 2015, improve Bylaw enforcement capabilities, improve the Dunedin City Council’s understanding of freedom camper behaviour, and improve the relationship between freedom campers and Dunedin residents.

2 A Community Ranger initiative trialled during the 2018/2019 freedom camping season provided the DCC with a method of increasing Bylaw awareness and was also useful from a data collection standpoint. Funding for this initiative was provided by MBIE as part of its Responsible Camping programme. Repeating the Community Ranger initiative with increased resource will allow Rangers to contact more campers in more places, leading to a further improvement in Bylaw awareness and improved data collection.

3 A further trial of the Thomas Burns Street carpark as an unrestricted freedom camping site would allow staff to project year-on-year increases in camper numbers and estimate the costs and benefits that a permanent inner-city freedom camping site might bring to Dunedin residents.

4 A review of the Camping Control Bylaw 2015 will be required in order for the DCC to designate additional sites as unrestricted areas for freedom camping. A review of the Bylaw would also be necessary to designate any sites to prohibit freedom camping.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves the expansion of the Community Ranger numbers from two to four for the six‑month freedom camping season in 2019/2020, subject to funding approval from MBIE.

b) Approves the continuation of the Thomas Burns trial site for the six-month freedom camping season in 2019/2020.

BACKGROUND

5 Freedom camping in Dunedin is restricted by the Camping Control Bylaw 2015 (the Bylaw). The Bylaw was last reviewed in November 2015 and is due for review by November 2025.

6 The 2018/2019 freedom camping season saw a 25% increase in use of Council freedom camping sites, a 23% increase in freedom camping related complaints and a 26% increase in the number of infringement notices issued.

7 A DCC Pay & Display carpark on Thomas Burns Street was trialled as an inner-city unrestricted freedom camping site to relieve pressure on the Warrington Domain and Ocean View Reserve sites. Camper numbers at these sites decreased by 36% and 41% respectively, despite a 25% increase in unrestricted site use across the city in the 2018/2019 season. This trial was permitted through discretionary consent under clause 6 of the Bylaw.

8 Two Community Rangers were employed to improve Bylaw awareness and assist in gathering data during the 2019/2020 freedom camping season. The number of infringements issued at DCC unrestricted sites decreased by 54% in the months following implementation. The initiative was well received by campers and communities adjacent to camping sites. Community Rangers also distributed surveys to campers and provided information regarding the Reserves and Beaches Bylaw 2017.

DISCUSSION

9 The Thomas Burns Street trial site was the most popular DCC unrestricted freedom camping site during the 2018/2019 season. There was an average of 40 vehicles per night between 1 November 2018 and 31 May 2019. Approximately 41% of the vehicles staying at this site were not certified self-contained. The DCC has received feedback on the Thomas Burns Street trial from DOC, Community Boards, Councillors, residents and campers, the clear majority of which has been positive.

10 The central-city and South Dunedin areas were the source of most freedom camping-related complaints during the 2018/2019 season. There were only six complaints relating to the Thomas Burns Street trial site during this period.

11 A review of the Bylaw would be necessary to use this site as a permanent unrestricted freedom camping area, or to implement other permanent or temporary unrestricted sites.

12 Community Rangers distributed survey questionnaires to campers staying at unrestricted DCC freedom camping sites, 224 surveys were completed and returned. DCC has used the surveys to improve its understanding of freedom camper behaviour, especially regarding duration of stay, spending habits, direction of travel and attractions that were visited. Confidence in this data is limited by the small sample size and staff have received feedback that indicates some questions may have been misinterpreted. Community Rangers were limited in the time they had on each site and limited in the number of sites that surveys were able to be distributed. As a result, more than half of the surveys were completed by campers staying at the Warrington Domain, a site where campers tend to arrive within the Rangers’ working hours.

13 The Otago Peninsula Community Board has called for an extension on the prohibited camping zone at Ocean Grove to include the Smails Beach area. This came in response to issues with littering and public fouling in these areas. Residents in St Clair have also called for a ban on overnight camping along the Esplanade and the adjacent DCC carpark. Freedom camping vehicles in St Clair are believed to contribute to congestion and a lack of available parking spaces for residents. An amendment of the Bylaw would be necessary to designate these areas as freedom camping prohibited zones.

OPTIONS

Option One – Recommended Option

14 For the 2019 / 2020 freedom camping season:

· Increase the number of Community Rangers from two to four (subject to a successful funding application from MBIE)

· Extend the Thomas Burns Street Trial.

15 The recommended option is based on experience gained over the previous two freedom camping seasons where issues have been resolved through initiatives such as Community Rangers and the provision of an inner-city unrestricted freedom camping site.

Advantages

· Community Rangers would be able to visit more sites, more frequently. More time on-site interacting with campers would become available which may allow for improvements in information distribution and data collection. Rangers could respond to specific camping-related complaints and provide information in the first instance, rather than a reliance on infringement notices.

· A further trial of the Thomas Burns Street carpark would offer an opportunity to compare the year-on-year increase in users that may be expected at an unrestricted inner-city site and in turn indicate whether it would be feasible and beneficial to open the site to unrestricted freedom camping permanently. The site already has existing infrastructure in place therefore extending the trial will be inexpensive to do.

Disadvantages

· No disadvantages have been identified with this option, provided the application lodged with MBIE for Responsible Camping funding is granted.

Option Two – Status Quo

16 The numbers of freedom campers are expected to increase by 25% over the current season in line with recent trends. There are significant implications for the success of the freedom camping experience for both campers and residents of Dunedin during the upcoming freedom camping season if the status quo is maintained.

Advantages

· No extra funding required.

Disadvantages

· Continue to provide a limited amount of Community Ranger services.

· The Thomas Burns will not be available for unrestricted freedom camping during the 2019/202 freedom camping season which will result in increased numbers at Warrington Domain and Ocean View Reserve.

NEXT STEPS

17 Plan the implementation of the initiatives proposed for the 2019/2020 freedom camping season.

18 Work with Enterprise Dunedin to ensure that freedom camping strategies align with and contribute to the Dunedin Destination Plan.

Signatories

Author:

Stephen Hogg - Parks and Recreation Planner

Authoriser:

John Brenkley - Planning and Partnerships Manager

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

This report relates to providing local infrastructure that is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☒
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☒
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☐	☐	☒

The Parks and Recreation Strategy states that ‘protecting and caring for our special places’ and providing ‘a fit-for-purpose network of facilities’ are priorities.

Dunedin is a popular destination for freedom campers. Providing adequate facilities for these visitors will help to limit adverse effects of freedom camping on communities and reserve spaces.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

The recommended option will assist in the long-term management of freedom camping in Dunedin. The management of freedom camping has implications for environmental sustainability, especially with regard to reserve and coastal spaces.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no known implications.

Financial considerations

The cost of these initiatives will be funded from within existing PARS budgets.

An application has been made to MBIE to supplement the costs of this initiative.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

Businesses in proximity to the Thomas Burns trial site – A letter drop to businesses in the area was completed prior to the first trial that requested feedback on the initiative. Concern has been raised by 2 accommodation providers who have indicated that the Thomas Burns trial site has had a negative impact on their businesses.

Engagement - internal

There has been internal engagement done with Citifleet, CSA and Legal.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified Legal or Health & Safety risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

The recommended option will aid in managing the number of overnight campers to the Warrington Domain and Ocean View unrestricted sites. With an increase in Community Ranger resource, visitors to all sites will have improved access to Bylaw information. Community Boards have reported on the effects previous initiatives have had on camper numbers and Bylaw compliance in their communities.

Chairperson	Cr David Benson-Pope
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Damian Newell	Cr Conrad Stedman

Members	Mayor Dave Cull	Cr Rachel Elder
	Cr Christine Garey	Cr Doug Hall
	Cr Aaron Hawkins	Cr Marie Laufiso
	Cr Mike Lord	Cr Jim O'Malley
	Cr Chris Staynes	Cr Lee Vandervis
	Cr Andrew Whiley	Cr Kate Wilson