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AGENDA

Ordinary meeting of the

 

Sports and Recreation Committee

 

Thursday 24 November 2016

Commencing at 9.00am

Council Chamber

Civic House

110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

 

 

Membership: Councillor Tim Skinner (Chairperson), Her Worship the Mayor Rachel Reese, Councillors Ian Barker, Mel Courtney, Kate Fulton, Brian McGurk, Mike Rutledge (Deputy Chairperson) and Stuart Walker


Guidelines for councillors attending the meeting, who are not members of the Committee, as set out in Standing Orders:

·      All councillors, whether or not they are members of the Committee, may attend Committee meetings (SO 2.12.2)

·      At the discretion of the Chair, councillors who are not Committee members may speak, or ask questions about a matter.

·      Only Committee members may vote on any matter before the Committee (SO 3.14.1)

It is good practice for both Committee members and non-Committee members to declare any interests in items on the agenda.  They should withdraw from the room for discussion and voting on any of these items.

 


N-logotype-black-wideSports and Recreation Committee

24 November 2016

 

 

Page No.

 

1.       Apologies

Nil

2.       Confirmation of Order of Business

3.       Interests

3.1      Updates to the Interests Register

3.2      Identify any conflicts of interest in the agenda

4.       Public Forum

4.1      James Horan - Nelson Mountain Bike Club

James Horan, from the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, will speak about the Parks and Reserves Track Strategy.

5.       Confirmation of Minutes 

6.       Status Report - Sports and Recreation Committee - 24 November 2016                                                            7 - 8

Document number R6809

Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the Status Report Sports and Recreation Committee 24 November 2016 (A1664423).

  

7.       Chairperson's Report        

Recreation and Leisure

8.       Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy                           9 - 51

Document number R6380

Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy (R6380) and its attachments (A1657732, A1575993 and A1595471).

 

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

Adopts the Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy ‘Out and About – On Tracks’ (A1657732) and the ’Implementation Plan – Proposed Tracks and MTB Hubs’ (A1575993) and ‘Proposed Tracks Location Maps’ (A1595471).

 

9.       Brook Valley Holiday Park: Options to Re-open         52 - 60

Document number R6605

Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Brook Valley Holiday Park: Options to Re-open (R6605).

 

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

Approves a limited reopening of the Brook Valley Holiday Park, camp sites only, with a minimum increase in service standards, noting the increase in capital ($14,500) and operational costs ($12,500) to achieve this as detailed in report R6605; and

Considers a reduced rate for freedom campers; and

 

Considers any full opening of the Brook Valley Holiday Park on completion of the Brook Recreation Reserve Comprehensive Development Plan.

 

10.     Natureland Capital Grant                                          61 - 64

Document number R6784

Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Natureland Capital Grant (R6784).

 

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

Approves the request from Natureland Wildlife Trust to spend the remaining $35,000 capital grant allocation towards projects in 2016/17, adjusting budgets accordingly.

         

Public Excluded Business

11.     Exclusion of the Public

Recommendation

That the Committee

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows: 

 

 

Item

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interests protected (where applicable)

1

Public Excluded Status Report - Sports and Recreation Committee - 24 November 2016

 

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7

The withholding of the information is necessary:

·   Section 7(2)(i)

     To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

2

Community Leases - Omnibus Report

 

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7

The withholding of the information is necessary:

·   Section 7(2)(i)

     To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

 

12.     Re-admittance of the public

Recommendation

That the Committee

Re-admits the public to the meeting.

 

 

 

 

   


 

Sports and Recreation Committee

24 November 2016

 

 

REPORT R6809

Status Report - Sports and Recreation Committee - 24 November 2016

     

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To provide an update on the status of actions requested and pending.

 

2.       Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the Status Report Sports and Recreation Committee 24 November 2016 (A1664423).

 

 

Shailey Burgess

Administration Adviser

Attachments

Attachment 1:  A1664423 - Status Report - Sports and Recreation Committee

   


    


 

Sports and Recreation Committee

24 November 2016

 

 

REPORT R6380

Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy

     

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To recommend to Council to adopt the Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy ‘Out and About – On Tracks’.

2.       Summary

2.1      The ‘Out and About – On Tracks’ Strategy provides clear direction for the Council, key partners and the community with regards to the planning and provision of front country off road recreation.

 

3.       Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy (R6380) and its attachments (A1657732, A1575993 and A1595471).

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

Adopts the Parks and Reserves Tracks Strategy ‘Out and About – On Tracks’ (A1657732) and the ’Implementation Plan – Proposed Tracks and MTB Hubs’ (A1575993) and ‘Proposed Tracks Location Maps’ (A1595471).

 

 

 

4.       Background

4.1      Following discussion on the ‘Out and About - Active Travel and Pathway -based Recreation Travel Policy’ during the Long Term Plan 2015-25 deliberations, a sum of $10,000 was allocated to develop a Parks and Reserves off road tracks strategy.

4.2      The strategy will encourage the shared use of tracks and trails with courtesy, care and consideration recommended between and within user groups. Conflict reported by some users and concern from representatives of the Brook Valley Community Group will be addressed by providing planning objectives and an implementation plan.

4.3      Various groups and individuals have been consulted in the preparation of the strategy including the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, the Mountain Bike Trails Trust, Tasman Cycle Trails Trust, Bicycle Nelson Bays, Over Fifties Walking Group, Waimea Tramping Club, Athletics Nelson, Nelson Walkers Unite, Brook Valley Community Group, Department of Conservation and Tasman District Council.

4.4      A Council workshop was held on 12 July 2016. Feedback was received from councillors as follows:

·   General support for converting the existing ‘shared use’ section of the Maitai Walkway from the lower Nile Street Bridge at Domett Street to Jickells Bridge immediately above Branford Park as ‘exclusive use walking’.

·   Differing responses on converting the existing ‘shared use’ section of the Maitai Walkway from Jickells Bridge above Branford Park around the Maitai Cricket Ground to Gibbs Bridge beside Sunday Hole as ‘exclusive use walking’. Officers advised that this would be discussed further with stakeholders.

·   General support for converting the existing Grampians ‘shared use’ paths to ‘exclusive use walking’ with a ‘shared use’ track between Motueka Street/Blampied Street over the Grampians to Blick Terrace. 

·   Upgrading the tracks to the Maitai Caves and Dew Lakes should be deferred at this time until further information is known on possible environmental effects. 

5.       Discussion - Strategy Content

The strategy includes the following sections:

5.1      Demand analysis. This section assesses the participation levels and considers population profiles and projections to 2025.

5.2      Key findings. These relate to either ‘behavioural’ or ‘design/infrastructure’ aspects.

5.3      Hierarchy and grading of tracks. The draft strategy explains three levels of use hierarchy (shared use, priority use and exclusive use) which applies to users, be they pedestrians or cyclists. It further covers the grading or level of difficulty of tracks for both walkers and mountain bikers. 

5.4      Desired outcomes. These include contributions to improved social, mental and physical well-being of residents, benefits to the local economy, an embedded culture of courtesy and respect and reduction in any negative environmental impacts.

5.5      Statements of intent. These include user equality; consultation; track design and sustainable management; hierarchy and grading systems that are defined understood and managed; and a code of conduct.

5.6      Planning objectives to achieve the desired outcomes.

5.7      Procedure for new track developments.

5.8      Implementation plan. This lists the key actions over the next ten years and is appended to the strategy to enable amendments to be made over time. It includes proposed tracks for walking and cycling, hierarchy and grade. Construction will be subject to any necessary resource consents, available funding for development and agreement between the Council and the applicant on responsibility for ongoing maintenance.

·   The implementation plan will be reviewed in 2017 as part of the Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan 2018-28 prior to its adoption and thereafter every three years.

·   The Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan will inform the Long Term Plan 2018-28 which determines work on track development and related facilities annually through its Annual Plan.

5.9      Memoranda of Understanding. For non-Council built tracks Memoranda of Understanding will be entered into with the Nelson Mountain Bike Club and other applicant groups or individuals covering development and maintenance funding responsibilities, hierarchy, grade and quality of build and be a condition of approval prior to commencement of work.

5.10    Responses to the proposed strategy are as follow:

Nelson Mountain Bike Club

5.11    The Club opposes the exclusion of bikes on the Maitai Walkway between the Nile Street Bridge at Domett Street and Jickells Bridge immediately above Branford Park.

5.12    The Club accepts in principle the proposed changes to the track system on the Grampians but is concerned that loss of these links prematurely will result in riders being encouraged to ignore the restrictions because no alternative has been provided.

5.13    The Club requests that restrictions on mountain biking on the Grampians not be undertaken until the reinstatement of the existing Codgers tracks is completed and that a route between Bishopdale and Brook Valley via the south Grampians is completed and open to riding.

5.14    The Club has requested further trails to the Maitai Caves, the Dew Lakes and beyond to Department of Conservation ‘back country’ land. These however have been excluded from the strategy at this time to allow further investigation of possible environmental effects. These routes can be considered when the Implementation Plan is reviewed for the Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan 2018-28.

Nelson Walkers Unite

5.15    Supports the Strategy document. Supports the exclusion of MTBs on the Maitai Walkway between Gibbs Bridge and the Nile Street/Domett St Bridge. 

Brook Community Group

5.16    The Group asks for a balance of walking and MTB tracks with clear maps and signage. It asks to be consulted on activities or changes to activities in the Brook Valley. It supports discouraging parking at Betsy Eyre Park and asks to be consulted on the location of a future MTB hub in the Brook.

Tasman Cycle Trails Trust

5.17    The Trust is planning a future extension to the Dun Mountain Trail from the upper Maitai Valley to join the existing trail at the Tantragee Saddle and the Maitai Walkway below the Maitai Camp. It is also working with Council officers on a route alongside the Tahuna Beach Camp to join the existing Great Taste Trail at Nelson Airport. These trails will be addressed as future amendments to this strategy through the Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan 2018-28.

5.18    Following adoption of the Strategy the Nelson Mountain Bike Club will be advised in writing of the process it must adhere to prior to the commencement of work on a new or existing track. Other future applicants for new track developments will receive the same advice.

6.       Conclusion

6.1      The draft ‘Out and About – On Tracks’ strategy is expected to provide a managed way forward for the future development and operation of the  off road tracks network on Council land.

6.2      The Implementation Plan lists the proposed new tracks and changes to the existing track hierarchy. This will be reviewed in 2017 for the 2018-28 Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan and thereafter on a triennial basis.

6.3      Officers recommend the adoption of this strategy.

 

Andrew Petheram

Property Parks and Facilities Asset Manager

Attachments

Attachment 1:  A1657732 - Out and About - On Tracks 

Attachment 2:  A1575993 - Implementation Plan

Attachment 3:  A1595471 - Proposed Tracks Location Maps

 

 

Important considerations for decision making

1.    Fit with Purpose of Local Government

The recommendation is for the provision of good quality fit for purpose recreation tracks. Most tracks will be ‘shared use’.

This activity provides for the recreation needs of the local community but is increasingly drawing visitors from further afield. The Nelson/Richmond/Tasman mountain bike track network was accredited as an International Mountain Bike Association Gold Ride Centre in August 2015, placing it among the best mountain bike destinations in the world.

2.    Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The recommendation is consistent with the intent of the Long Term Plan 2015-25 and the Community Outcome of ‘Our communities have access to a range of social, educational and recreational facilities and activities’. 

It is consistent with other previous decisions by the Council including the ‘Out and About’ – Active Travel and Pathway-based Recreation Policy.

The strategy fits with Nelson 2060 by encouraging a vibrant and sustainable Nelson and a thriving economy.

 

3.    Risk

There is little risk in adopting the Strategy and there are opportunities to amend or add to the implementation plan through the Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan on a triennial basis.

A risk to cyclists’ safety could occur if cyclists are excluded from the Maitai Walkway before a cycle lane along the short length between Branford Park and Nile Street is developed.

4.    Financial impact

$88,000 is included in the 2016/17 Annual Plan for remedial works and improvements to the Codgers mountain bike tracks; car parking, wash down and a portable toilet in the Brook Valley and a descending track and portable toilet on Fringed Hill. The Nelson Mountain Bike Club has indicated it will be funding the remainder of the costs. A further $50,000 has been provided for a Grade 2 and 3 track at Marsden Valley.

The costs of implementing further tracks and related infrastructure beyond 2016/17 are unbudgeted in the current Long Term Plan 2015-25 but will be considered in the Long Term Plan 2018-28.

Preparation of a separate but related financial report has been provided for in the 2016/17 Annual Plan to consider the overall financial benefits of mountain biking to the City. This will inform decisions for the 2017/18 Annual Plan and the Long Term Plan 2018-28.

5.    Degree of significance and level of engagement

Preparation of the strategy incurs a minor level of significance but consultation has been extensive and has included the following: Nelson MTB Club, MTB Trails Trust, Bicycle Nelson Bays, Over Fifties Walking Group, Waimea Tramping Club, Athletics Nelson, Nelson Walkers Unite, Brook Valley Community Group, Department of Conservation and Tasman District Council. All groups are generally in agreement with the draft document. 

The recommendation is not significant under the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy

6.    Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

Maori have not been included in the preparation of this draft strategy document. Ngati Koata has been consulted as owners of adjacent land.

7.    Delegations

The Sport and Recreation Committee’s areas of responsibility include the provision and operation of recreation facilities and services.

The Sport and Recreation Committee has powers to recommend policies and strategies to the Council.

 

 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Sports and Recreation Committee

24 November 2016

 

 

REPORT R6605

Brook Valley Holiday Park: Options to Re-open

     

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To consider options and costs associated with the potential reopening of the Brook Valley Holiday Park (BVHP).

 

2.       Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Brook Valley Holiday Park: Options to Re-open (R6605).

          Recommendation to Council

That the Council

Approves a limited reopening of the Brook Valley Holiday Park, camp sites only, with a minimum increase in service standards, noting the increase in capital ($14,500) and operational costs ($12,500) to achieve this as detailed in report R6605; and

Considers a reduced rate for freedom campers; and

Considers any full opening of the Brook Valley Holiday Park on completion of the Brook Recreation Reserve Comprehensive Development Plan.

 

 

 

 

3.       Background

3.1      The Brook Valley Holiday Park has been closed to casual campers since early 2014, and future direction for the holiday park has been waiting on the Brook Recreation Reserve Management Plan, and a review of Council owned campgrounds.

3.2      The Brook Recreation Reserve Management Plan 2015-2025 adopted in principle by Council on 15 October 2015, has a vision that:

“The Brook Recreation Reserve serves as a centre for environmental education and conservation and as a destination for camping and outdoor recreation, including appropriately-scaled and complementary commercial recreation and tourism development.”

3.3      The Brook Recreation Reserve Management Plan anticipates a Comprehensive Development Plan is prepared.  That would aim to provide for a minimum of 65 camping sites (or a number defined as sustainable by a business plan), toilets, kitchen facilities and provision for other activities which comply with the Camping-Ground Regulations 1985.  The Comprehensive Development Plan is subject to final adoption of the Brook Recreation Reserve Management Plan. 

3.4      In August 2016, Council considered the campground reviewp.  Officers are to undertake further work and report back to Council. 

3.5      In September 2016, Council considered the possible reopening of one or more block of cabins for immediate use for tourism accommodation for the spring-summer period. This report outlines the matters associated with that proposal.

4.       Discussion

Tourism demand

4.1      New Zealand and Nelson experienced a significant upturn in visitor numbers last summer season, and it was expected that numbers would be at least at similar levels this year. However, this may be impacted by the recent earthquakes. This may result in fewer international tourists but more domestic visitors (particularly from Canterbury) visiting the region.

4.2      Shoulder season visitor numbers are up on the same period last year. Occupancy rates for holiday parks across Nelson and Tasman in September were up 14%, signalling that there is still demand for this type of accommodation.  

Current operations

4.3      The Brook Valley Holiday Park (BVHP) first opened in the mid 1920’s, with its hey-day in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The condition of facilities at BVHP, constructed in the 1960’s, are best described as adequate given acceptable standards for a campground today. Significant capital expenditure would be required to ensure the facilities met user expectations.  The cabins themselves are structurally sound and clean; however, they are tired and dated. The toilet block can best be described as “beyond its use by date”. 

4.4      The routine management and operation of the BVHP is currently managed by Council staff (total of 1.25 FTE’s). These two staff members currently provide back up for each other as required, and undertake all administrative and cleaning duties.

4.5      Prior to the closure of the BVHP to casual campers in 2014, the camp was managed by 2.5 FTE’s.

4.6      Nelmac provides maintenance services (mowing, recycling and refuse collection).  There may be an increase in service required as a result of increased refuse if camper numbers increase. 

4.7      It should be noted that BVHP also has 19 semi-permanent campers.  These campers have reduced in number over the last two years.

4.8      There have been prior instances of conflict between campers which could pose a risk to campers and staff. 

Operational expenses

4.9      The revenue from general user charges over the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 was $108,165. Expenses for the same period total $294,722. It should be recognised that the camp has been mainly closed over this period. This compares with revenue of $232,150 from general user charges and expenses of $423,628 for 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 prior to the “closure” of the BVHP.

4.10    An increase in numbers of campers will drive an increase in costs, as a result of increased staffing required. 

Budget requirements for re-opening of BVHP

4.11    If BVHP is to reopen and be available to increased numbers, it would require capital budget provision for:

·    Maintenance work (estimated $3,000) to bring the toilet block to the best presentation possible without significant works. 

·    $8,000 for replacement whiteware in common areas.

·    $17,000 for mattresses/bedding/heaters and smoke alarms in cabins.

·    $3,500 to complete the electrical maintenance for camper van sites. 

·    The operating budget would need to increase as a result of increased staffing.  The best estimate at this stage is a minimum of $12,500 for increased security to $38,000 (patrols most frequently over the peak period, and intermittently over the remainder of the season).

           Freedom Camping

4.12    Currently BVHP is open to freedom campers. There has been little to no uptake of this service though as freedom campers are generally not willing to pay $17 per person per night. Signage has been placed in Millers Acre, Montgomery Square and Buxton Square to reinforce the fact that BVHP is available. This will encourage freedom campers to Council’s three camp sites, including the Brook, as a first call.

4.13    Any significant increase in the number of freedom campers could drive an increase in expenses.  This will need to be monitored and assessed during the year. Currently no major problems have arisen although demand is very low given the current operation of the camp.

4.14    It would be timely to consider the fees and charges with respect to freedom campers. Currently costs for a night are $17 per person. In comparison the Maitai Camp charges $10 per person.  In order to maximise outcomes supporting the Council direction of catering for freedom campers at BVHP, it may be appropriate to consider a reduced fee.

4.15    Council needs to consider this direction for two reasons.  Firstly, it is understood freedom campers are unlikely to pay any camping fee.  Secondly, should a reduced fee (aimed at encouraging freedom campers) apply to all other campers?  This needs to be considered in the light of camping in Nelson overall.

4.16    An option may be to offer a reduced price to freedom campers on the basis that they are self-contained campers, and limited use of ablution and areas in common likely to occur.  Cabins would not be available at that reduced price.

Other Campgrounds

4.17    Council owns and leases the Maitai campground and the Tahuna Beach Motor Camp.

4.18    In the report to Council on the campground review, it was advised the Maitai Camp is leased until 2021. The current lessee has indicated that its focus is on providing a good standard of budget accommodation.  However, the profitability of the camp is marginal and the review has identified that Council investment in infrastructure is required to ensure the long term viability of the camp. 

4.19    The review found that Tahuna Beach Holiday Park is currently run as an effective and efficient campground, making a substantial return to ratepayers and maintaining strong community connections. The Park has developed a Revitalisation Master Plan and has a clear strategic focus on enhancing facilities to bring it up to a resort status.

4.20    It is possible an increase in camping at BVHP could reduce the number of campers using the Maitai in particular (given its focus on budget accommodation).  Tahuna Beach has a different strategic focus.  In addition, if the Maitai campground requires an investment in infrastructure, it will seek that from Council.  This needs to be taken into account when considering any investment in BVHP. 

5.       Options

5.1      There are three options considered below with respect to potentially opening up the BVHP again this spring-summer. All options exclude costs to upgrade the ablution facilities to modern standards, which could be substantial.

 

Option 1: Limited reopening of the campground – Camp sites only

Reopen the BVHP campsites only. Minimal capital expenditure required ($14,500).  Increase in operational costs (security) may be required ($12,500). This targets freedom campers who may be willing to pay a small amount to use facilities.

Assumes no significant improvements in ablution facilities.

Advantages

·    Freedom campers still accepted.

·    Slightly less administration and other resources required compared to a full reopening of the site.

·    Minimal capital expenditure required.

·    Only minor additional cleaning required.

Risks and Disadvantages

·    May not meet potential customer demand.

·    Condition of facilities do not meet what is expected of a Council facility and may not meet user/customer expectations.

·    Reputational damage to NCC due to offering unsatisfactory facilities.

·    Potential conflict between casual and long-term camp residents.

·    Security risks for staff and customers.

·    Time constraints to have facilities ready for summer season.

·    No marketing of the facility has commenced for the upcoming season.

Option 2: Reopening of the campground

This option allows for a full reopening of the campground including campsites and cabins. This would require additional capex budget of $31,500, and additional opex budget of $38,000.

Assumes no significant improvements to the ablution facilities.

Advantages

·    Provides fit for purpose campground (other than ablution facilities and playground facilities)

·    Public perception likely to be positive.

·    Could provide additional budget camping choice.

·    May alleviate freedom camping issues for Nelson.

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Significant time constraints to have facilities ready for summer season.

·    No marketing of the facility has commenced for the upcoming season.

·    Capital expenditure required to upgrade facilities.

·    Reputational damage to Nelson and/or Council may occur if marketing is not clear about the standard or facilities offered.  Even so, people may not remember this upon arrival.

Option 3: Brook Valley Holiday Park remains closed (No increase in budgets)

Status quo. The BVHP would continue to be managed on a day to day basis by existing NCC operations staff and would remain closed to casual campers. 

Advantages

·   Fits current Council direction.

·   Fits existing budget provision. No increase in budget required.

·   No additional staff resourcing required.

·   No capital expenditure required for facilities at this time.

·   No risk of insufficient time to be adequately prepared for the summer season.

·   No marketing required.

·   Caters for freedom campers.

Risks and Disadvantages

·   Existing facility remains unused

 

6.       Conclusion

6.1      Considering timeframes required to deliver by summer there will be significant risk to reputational damage for NCC if a fit for purpose facility is not provided that meets community expectations and acceptable standards. The facilities are tired with the ablution blocks needing significant works.

6.2      There is no budget provision for reopening the BVHP this summer, nor any capacity within existing staff numbers. To achieve any option other than option 3 will require an increase in budget and staff resource and several other work streams to be either slowed down or dropped.

6.3      Officers recommend option 1 - that the Brook Valley Holiday Park opens for camp sites only with a minimum increase in service standards.

 

Peter Anderson

Manager Operations and Asset Management

Attachments

Nil

 

Important considerations for decision making

1.   Fit with Purpose of Local Government

Campgrounds are local infrastructure that provide services to residents and visitors to Nelson. The recommendation of this report would ensure the services provided at Brook Valley Holiday Park are of an appropriate standard for levels of use and delivered effectively and efficiently.

2.   Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The recommendation is consistent with the Community Outcomes of Council to ensure we are meeting the current and future needs of our community. In particular the following outcomes:

1.  Our unique natural environment is healthy and protected by Nelson being a place where everyone can enjoy the natural environment while it is protected for the future and by recognising the importance of a healthy environment for tourism, and minimise the impacts of human activities on the environment

2.  Our communities have access to a range of social, educational and recreational facilities and activities where we have high quality and accessible recreation, education, health and community facilities.

3.   Risk

The primary risk is reputational – Opening a facility that does not meet reasonable standards and what could be expected by users.

4.   Financial impact

$281,000 is included in the 2016/17 budgets for the operation of the BVHP including salaries. This budget allows only for operating of the park, assuming that the camp remains closed to casual campers and continues to be managed on a day to day basis by existing council officers, and for minor renewals.

If Council indicates a preference to reopen the camp for summer 2016/17 this will result in a requirement to increase existing budgets by between $51,000 to $70,000 per annum (this includes the cost of staff resourcing which would need to increase from 1.25 FTE to 2.5 FTE).

Any increase would need to be identified in future years Annual Plans, Asset Management Plans and Long Term Plans.

5.   Degree of significance and level of engagement

This matter is of low significance. Other than historic public interest, the degree of significance to the community or subgroups when assessed against all the criteria in Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy is low. Extensive consultation, which considered this facility reopening, has occurred during the development of the Brook Recreation Reserve Management Plan 2015-2025, Nelson City Council’s Freedom Camping Strategic Plan 2016 and during earlier decisions by Council regarding closure of the BVHP.  It is considered that no further consultation will need to occur.

6.   Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

No specific consultation has been undertaken with Māori.

7.   Delegations

The Sports and Recreation Committee has the responsibility for campgrounds including the Brook Valley Holiday Park.

 

 


 

Sports and Recreation Committee

24 November 2016

 

 

REPORT R6784

Natureland Capital Grant

     

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To consider a request from the Natureland Wildlife Trust to bring forward the budget for the Natureland Capital Expenditure Grant of $15,000 from 2017/18 to 2016/17.

 

2.       Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Natureland Capital Grant (R6784).

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

Approves the request from Natureland Wildlife Trust to spend the remaining $35,000 capital grant allocation towards projects in 2016/17, adjusting budgets accordingly.

 

 

 

2.       Background

2.1      As part of the funding agreement with Natureland Wildlife Trust, a grant of $200,000 across five years of the agreement was allocated toward capital improvement projects at the facility.

2.2      Of the $200,000 approximately $35,000 has not yet been allocated and a request has been made for this to be made available to Natureland Wildlife Trust this financial year (2016/17) to carry out their final capital projects from the Grant.

2.3      The request is to carry out projects including update to structures, a new porcupine den on exhibit, lighting improvements, tarantula enclosure work, rabbit encounter work, baby changing table, sheds and visitor shelters, horticulture and plantings, new interpretation panels and signage, security upgrade with cameras, new fencing to shape visitor flow and realignment of paddock. Quotes have been provided for all of the above.

3.       Discussion

3.1      The current budget allocations, which were agreed during the Long Term Plan 2015-25, do not align with the request received from the Trust. $20,000 is currently allocated in 2016/17 with the remainder ($15,000) in 2017/18. Bringing forward this budget has minimal impact for Council.

3.2      Natureland Wildlife Trust has been managing the park since 2013 and have maintained a stable financial position. This request is supported as it fits with the strategic plan for the Trust.

3.3      The funding allocation has been used to leverage in-kind contributions and discounted goods and services towards the work to be carried out. For example, the Nelson Host Lions Club are donating labour for the paddock realignment; labour is being provided free of change by two volunteers for all other projects; installation costs for security are being donated; heavily discounted rates for horticultural supplies.

3.4      Previous capital funds have been used for signage rebranding, development of a 10 year plan, demolition of the bird aviary (asbestos), Project Janszoon (breed for release and native bird rehabilitation project), update of the dragons den and cotton top exhibits, development of the marmoset agouti exhibit, paddocks, invertebrates, aviary pond, security improvements and the kea aviary project and have resulted in improved facilities for the animals and visitors to Natureland.

4.       Options

4.1      Approve the request to bring forward the $15,000 allocated in 2017/18 to 2016/17 to allow the remaining $35,000 to be spent towards projects this financial year, adjusting budgets accordingly.

4.2      Decline the request and keep the budget allocations as per the current budgets.

 

Option 1: Approve the request

Advantages

·   Natureland’s Strategic Plan can be implemented in a timely way

·   Further improvements to the visitor experience and animal welfare

Risks and Disadvantages

·   None

Option 2: decline the request

Advantages

·    Budgets allocated as per Long Term Plan 2015-25

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Opportunity to leverage funds is reduced

·    Slower implementation of Natureland’s Strategic Plan

 

 

Shanine Hermsen

Manager Community Partnerships

Attachments

Nil

 

Important considerations for decision making

1.   Fit with Purpose of Local Government

This is a discretionary activity.  Previous consultation has shown Natureland is important to the Nelson community.

2.   Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The recommendations in this report are consistent with Councils objectives in the Long Term Plan 2015-2025 and align with Council’s Community Outcome ‘Our communities have access to a range of social, educational and recreational facilities and activities’.

3.   Risk

The recommendation is highly likely to allow the Trust to improve capital facilities and enhance the visitor experience at Natureland and is unlikely to have adverse consequences as the Trust has already negotiated to leverage off the funding.

4.   Financial impact

This decision will not have a long term cost associated with the recommendation as funding has already been allocated in the Long Term Plan and is managed through an existing funding agreement with the Trust.

5.   Degree of significance and level of engagement

This matter is of low significance because the funding for the capital grant has already been allocated in Council’s Long Term Plan which has been previously consulted on.

6.   Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

Māori have not been specifically been consulted on this report.

7.   Delegations

The Sports and Recreation Committee has the responsibility for considering Recreation and Leisure Facilities and Services, and Parks and Reserves.