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 2010, 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 25 November 2009)

  • Heatherbrae House
    A draft conservation management plan for the house and its site is currently being prepared and is expected to be completed in the New Year.
  • Heritage Amendment
    An LEP amendment for the listing of heritage items has been re-exhibited. The results of the public re-exhibition will be reported to the Council on 1 December 2009.
  • Lawson Town Centre
    Lawson has been given a new lease on life with the first stage of the town centre redevelopment works completed in May 2008. Five months of construction work has seen some major improvements, including the installation of new services, roads and car parking, landscaping, a Village Green and a new Town Square.
    ECO Design Architects were appointed by the Council to undertake the location study, community consultation and the design and documentation for the new Lawson Public Toilets. The DA application was exhibited from 23 September to 26 October 2009, with the DA approval expected by the end of the year. The tender for construction is anticipated to be advertised prior to Christmas, and construction is planned to commence early in 2010.
  • Lawson Community Hall and RFS
    The Council recently resolved to amend the Plan of Management for the site and to retain the Hall. The Council is also keen to seek grant funding for upgrading of the Hall.
    A draft amended Plan of Management (Plan) was exhibited for public comment for 2 months ending 13 November 2009. This draft Plan examined different options to retain and reuse the Hall, and to transfer the operations of the RFS to a new station building in future. The submissions received on the exhibited draft Plan are currently being analysed and appropriate modifications to the Plan considered. A report presenting the submissions and a final Plan of Management recommended for adoption is expected to be presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting in February 2010.
  • Lawson Industrial Estate
    In July 2008 the Blue Mountains Better Economic Future Forum was held with over 120 representatives from business, industry, government agencies and the community. The Economic Development Action Plan resulting from the Forum included the proposed upgrade of the existing Lawson Industrial Estate to improve infrastructure and develop the estate as a "clean Technology Park" with a focus on attracting sustainable business and industry. Existing businesses will be encouraged to be more sustainable and work toward the upgrading of the estate. A "Clean technology" cluster has been formed and is working towards this goal. A brochure is being developed to promote the concept and a call for consultants to tender for the development of concept plans for the estate is currently being developed.
  • Former Lawson Golf Course
    Community consultation on a review of recreation provision for the Mid Mountains is programmed to commence in early 2010. This will inform the planning for the former Lawson Golf Course and adjoining Crown Reserves for Recreation.
  • Former Ridge Street Landfill
    Preliminary works have commenced at Lawson landfill including the establishment of site facilities, construction of exclusion zone and silt fencing. Site clearing and earthworks are about to commence.
  • Community Facilities Hub
    Council planning has highlighted the potential social, economic and environmental benefits of further developing and consolidating key service centres within the City of Blue Mountains. The feasibility of further developing Lawson Town centre as a community services hub is being investigated in consultation with potential stakeholders. Lawson's position in the middle of the City means that it is an ideal location for community service providers delivering services across the Blue Mountains.
    The feasibility assessment has involved assessing current and future community service and facility needs that could potentially be addressed within the community services hub; assessing how existing and proposed services and facilities could contribute to place making and community building; analysing the need for additional facilities and assessing their best location; and making recommendations on the best use of Council owned community facilities in Lawson. The results of this feasibility study will inform and support future Council decision making as well as any applications for grant funding relative to community services and facilities in Lawson. This study will be commenced in the New Year.
  • Community Garden
    Advice has been provided to the Lawson community group on the permissibility of community gardens on various sites nominated after the MMSRG meeting of 26 of August 2009. In addition 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 New Year.