North Rothbury Pop Up Session - Q and A
When will North Rothbury receive sewerage services?
The draft Villages Strategy recognises that the provision of a reticulated sewerage service is highly important to the community. Unfortunately, Council is not a Water Authority, and so does not have control over this matter. The draft Strategy does however include an action for Council to act as an advocate for the servicing of the village.
The Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and LWP - Question included below
The Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and LWP requires the expenditure of $900,000 on local improvements for the original village. Has this been spent and what on? Can the local community be involved in determining how this is spent if it hasn’t been?
The Huntlee Planning Agreement requires the payment of an $800,000 monetary contribution towards upgrading streets within North Rothbury. This contribution is required to be expended on upgrades to the local street network and not able to be assigned for other purposes.
This contribution is being utilised to fund the current upgrades to Thomas Street. It is unlikely that the entirety of the contribution will be required by this project, and some funds may remain. The expenditure of the remaining funds is guided by Council’s Operational and Delivery Plan and submissions received in response to these draft plans when exhibited.
Are secondary dwellings able to be constructed as complying development in North Rothbury in the RU5 zone?
Secondary dwellings cannot be carried out as Complying Development within the RU5 zone. They are however permissible with consent in the zone and so can be carried out with development consent, i.e., subject to a Development Application.
Can the delivery timeframes for the actions in the draft Strategy be adjusted or brought forward?
The timing for the delivery of actions within the draft strategy considers Council’s existing and future operational and delivery programs. This considers available budgets and resourcing within Council. Changing the delivery timeframes within the draft strategy is likely to impact the delivery of other projects within the LGA which have already been endorsed by Council.
The pathway along Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba was recently replaced. Why was this upgraded?
The pathway in this locality is part of the Bridges Hill to Wine Country Drive Shared Pathway, connecting the Bridges Hill park to Llomas Lane. The pathway required upgrading to 2.5m in width and was funded by the State Government under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program and Council. More information on this project can be found on Council’s website: https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Works/Completed-works/Bridges-Hill-Park-to-Wine-Country-Drive-shared-pathway.
What are the works currently being undertaken on Thomas Street?
The works currently being undertaken on Thomas Street are to upgrade road pavement and stormwater management. Additional information can be found on Council’s website: https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Works/Current-works/Thomas-St-North-Rothbury
The local character statements should also include reference to the National Park (protecting Persoonia pauciflora) and the Ayrfield Miners Memorial.
These are great suggestions. These can be included in the character statements.
Can a local signage strategy be developed to better distinguish the original village area from Huntlee, but also recognise cultural and heritage values?
Council has a Signage Strategy which is available on Council’s website: https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Forms-and-documents/Plans-and-strategies/Signage-Strategies
The Signage Strategy has been developed to provide a consistent themed approach to signage within the LGA. Any signage within the existing villages would need to be consistent with the Signage Strategy.
Can the existing shared pathway along Wine Country Drive be extended from Thomas Street to Main Street, as well as other pathways within the village?
The draft Villages Strategy includes an action to “Investigate opportunities to provide more formal walking and cycling opportunities between the village and Wine Country Drive shared pathway.”
What can we do about speed limits within the village?
The draft Villages Strategy includes an action to “Investigate the viability of a range of local area traffic management options to enhance road safety and amenity throughout the village.”
There are many improvements needed to Ayrfield Miners Memorial Park, for example, accessible pathways and amenities, shading for playground equipment, storage for Tidy Towns equipment, lighting etc. How can these ideas be implemented?
The draft Villages Strategy includes an action to “develop concept plans for Ayrfield Miners Memorial Park”. During the preparation of this plan, additional community consultation will be undertaken providing more opportunities for input.