Blue Mountains City Council

Mid Mountains Projects

Sustainability Reference Group and Forum

The Mid Mountains Sustainability Reference Group (MMSRG) is part of a Council initiative to deliver integrated planning in the Mid Mountains. The group is aimed at establishing a strong link between community needs, project development and sustainable outcomes. The main focus of the Reference Group which comprises 38 community representatives has been a series of quarterly community forums designed to bring together community members, Councillors and Council project managers.

Since May 2008 the Mid Mountains Forums have provided an opportunity for the presentation of key Mid Mountains projects. The forums have facilitated community input into the projects and have assisted in identifying and developing new projects to meet the needs of the Mid Mountains community. Matters that have been considered in the forums include the establishment of the Hazelbrook Community Forum, Lawson Town Centre, the Hazelbrook Town Centre upgrade, conservation of Heatherbrae House, and the establishment of community gardens as well as several other important projects throughout the Mid Mountains area.

Looking Ahead

The Mid Mountains Sustainability Reference Group Forums have been endorsed by the Council to run until June 2011, at which time its operation will be reviewed. The review will consider extending the Reference Group Forum and the possibility of aligning the forum dates with key Mid Mountains Project's timelines and consultation plans.

Project Updates (as at 24 November 2010)

  • Heatherbrae House
    Negotiations are currently underway with a number of interested parties for Heatherbrae, with a view to entering into a long term rental agreement.
  • Lawson Town Centre
    The last major component of the redevelopment of the Lawson Town Centre has been completed, until such time as the new shops have been completed. When the new shops are completed Council will undertake landscaping works at the rear of the shops including kerb and guttering, footpath and street furniture installation. The timing of this stage of the work is dependent on land owners of the shops.
    The DAs for shops on council land have been submitted and a request for information is being answered. The application is being dealt with as part of the normal assessment process.
  • Lawson Community Hall and RFS
    The Lawson Hall Committee members have made a recommendation for the future use of the hall; this will be considered by the Councillors in the near future.
  • Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) Projects
    A number of Highway related projects are ongoing. A further detailed update will be provided as progress on these projects is made. The current status of projects can be accessed through the RTA web site at http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/constructionmaintenance/majorconstructionprojectsregional/greatwesternhighway/index.html.
  • Lawson Industrial Estate
    Lawson Clean Technology Park Integrated WSUD Stormwater Management Strategy has been completed with detailed design of Council site underway. A draft critical analysis summary report has been completed (background study of the Estate). Business study has completed. Cycleway construction along Honour Avenue has commenced and is nearing completion. Design and documentation for sewer installation is complete and the Tender for Sewer installation has been advertised and closes 15 December 2010. Construction work on the North end of Cataract Street is about to commence.
    The detailed design and documentation for the infrastructure and WSUD works is 90 % complete with the tender anticipated to be advertised mid January.
  • Lawson Community Facilities Hub
    Project is subject of renewed focus at Corporate Planning and expect update at next meeting.
  • Hazelbrook Town Centre Upgrade
    Work has commenced on internal planning at Council with a view to briefing the Town Association shortly. Issues to be addressed include the Child Care Centre, new public toilets and public domain upgrade. The project once approved by Council is due for commencement later in the year.
  • Former Ridge Street Landfill
    Final design of the leachate treatment wetland has been completed and approved. A further section of stabilisation works is being undertaken to allow safe access for construction of the leachate treatment wetland. Construction of the wetland will commence as soon as the remaining stabilisation works are completed and this work will be followed by construction of the 2nd drop structure.
  • Former Lawson Golf Course
    Masterplanning for the former Lawson Golf course site and adjoining Crown Reserves for Recreation and Cemetery is now programmed to commence in 2012-2013.
  • Community Garden
    A Draft Council Policy on Community Gardens and Draft Guidelines for the establishment of gardens by community groups has been prepared. It is expected that the policy and guidelines will be reported to the Council in the upcoming year.

For more information you can email integratedplanning@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or telephone (02) 4780 5000.