CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION...2 1.1 Plan Melbourne Refresh...2 1.2 Future Challenges and Opportunities...2 2. FAST FACTS...3 3. HIGHLIGHTS...4 3.1 Construction Management Plan Guidelines and Template...5 3.2 Water Project High Commendation...5 3.3 Lawford Reserve Upgrade...5 3.4 Schramms Reserve Upgrade...5 3.5 MC² Revitalisation...6 3.6 Private Sector Development...6 4. PROJECTS...7 4.1 Transport Initiatives...7 4.2 Litter Hotspot Reduction Trial...8 4.3 Doncaster Hill Community Garden...8 4.4 Migrant and Refugee Welcome Bench...8 4.5 Reserve Upgrades...8 5. PLANNING AND INVESTMENT... 10 5.1 Planning Applications... 10 5.2 Construction Management Plan Guidelines... 10 5.3 District Energy Service... 10 5.4 Recycled Water Project... 10 5.5 Amendment C104 Proposed Westfield Doncaster Expansion. 11 5.6 Development Contributions Plan Review... 11 5.7 Investment Attraction... 11 5.8 Co-working in Doncaster Hill... 12 5.9 Digital Built Environment... 12 5.10 Development Facilitation... 12 5.11 Sustainable Design Taskforce... 13 6. PROMOTION... 13 6.1 Marketing and Communications... 13 6.2 Media Coverage... 13 6.3 Doncaster Hill Website... 13 6.4 Doncaster Hill enewsletter... 13 Page 1 of 15
1. INTRODUCTION This is the 15th Doncaster Hill Annual Report on the work undertaken through the Doncaster Hill Work Program for the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. The report outlines major achievements for the year and highlights the work undertaken by Manningham City Council, its partners and the Manningham community to achieve the Doncaster Hill vision. The Doncaster Hill Strategy 2002 (revised 2004) is the key strategic document that drives Council s vision for the Doncaster Hill Major Activity Centre. The Strategy aims to facilitate the development of more than 5,400 new residential apartments, additional retail and office space and an extra seven million visitors each year. The population of Doncaster Hill is set to increase by more than 10,000 residents by 2036. The Strategy is Manningham Council s response to increased demand for more appropriate, sustainable and diverse housing options for the Manningham community. During the year Council continued to work in partnership with a number of stakeholders to progress the Doncaster Hill vision, including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Yarra Valley Water; United Energy; the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources; Regional Development Australia; Public Transport Victoria; Transdev and VicRoads. Previous annual reports can be viewed at www.doncasterhill.com 1.1 Plan Melbourne Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 was released by the State Government on 11 March 2017, following a consultation period in late 2015/early 2016. Manningham Council advocated to the State Government through a comprehensive submission prepared in late 2015 to position Doncaster Hill as a higher order Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC). While the Doncaster Hill Strategy 2002 (revised 2004) is consistent with Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 planning principles, in Plan Melbourne, Doncaster Hill has been designated as a Major Activity Centre. However it still has an important role to play in connecting and providing a skilled workforce for neighbouring MACs such as Box Hill and Ringwood. Council will continue to work with the State Government, through regional working groups, to develop and implement strategies to attract investment, funding and jobs to Doncaster Hill. 1.2 Future Challenges and Opportunities Doncaster Hill will face a number of short and long term challenges, including providing appropriate housing and infrastructure to cater for ageing population; creating local jobs for a highly skilled workforce and students who are currently travelling out of the area for work; improving public transport to cope with high demand; and a lack of local health and education facilities and housing affordability. These challenges also present opportunities: Improving services, frequency and connectivity of bus services and unlocking infrastructure capacity with a proposed Bus Rapid Transit service a possible interim solution to the future provision of heavy rail to Doncaster The creation of specialist satellite health and education services Commercial investment attraction to create jobs locally Vertical retirement living to cater for the Manningham s fastest growing age group Creating mechanisms to deliver affordable housing; 6% achieved in Doncaster Hill of a 10% target Investigating public/private partnership for the nearby Doncaster Park and Ride commercial redevelopment The neighbouring Tullamore estate $1B investment will bring 900 new homes to the area, including a proposed $27M health and lifestyle Country Club. Page 2 of 15
2. FAST FACTS Doncaster Hill has a business revenue of $1.27B, a gross regional product of $625M and a population anticipated to grow 43% by 2026. $1.175B private investment to date; $1,4B anticipated in next 10 years. $68M community infrastructure delivered by Council. Outcome Additional apartments (since 2002) 1 Target 2036 Actual 5400 1534 Outcome Public transport mode shift Target 2036 Actual 30% 19 2 Development Contribution Delivered Open space Infrastructure 100% 35% 3 100% 28% Additional commercial 4 Additional retail 5 21,040m 2 4,554m 2 85,025m 2 34,155m 2 Social Development Contribution Projects Delivered 100% 86% Open space Public Acquisition Overlays Properties Acquired 7 5 Transport 100% 16% Transport 5 5 Streetscape Parks upgraded 6 100% 40% 5 3 Public art Urban plazas built 100% 50% 4 2 1 Additional 253 currently under construction 2 No additional data available for 2016/17 3 Approximate only - based on site values 4 Target does not include Westfield - Westfield development plan is proposing an additional 18,000m² commercial space 5 Target does not include Westfield - Westfield development plan is proposing an additional 43,000m² retail space. 6 Further upgrades required for the three completed parks. Does not include additional land purchases, but includes the upgrade of Lawford Reserve currently being undertaken. Page 3 of 15
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3. HIGHLIGHTS This year marks the most significant amount of private development completed since the inception of the Doncaster Hill Strategy in 2002. 643 new apartments in five separate apartment developments were completed and a further 253 apartments are currently under construction. An additional 11 planning permits, totaling 1271 apartments have been approved in the Hill. Work was undertaken by Council on key capital works projects, advocacy was undertaken for improved public transport services and a mandatory Construction Management Plan Guidelines and Template for Doncaster Hill and other major construction projects in Manningham was developed. 3.1 Construction Management Plan Guidelines and Template Council continues to work proactively with developers to ensure that neighbourhood amenity is not significantly impacted during construction activities. Comprehensive Construction Management Guidelines and a Template were developed during the year and are now being trialled in Doncaster Hill. Issues such as parking, noise abatement measures, appropriate waste removal and measures to reduce dust on construction sites are required to be addressed by developers and builders by using the template that can be downloaded at www.doncasterhill.com/donhilldevelopment/planning-process 3.2 Water Project High Commendation Manningham City Council was awarded a High Commendation at the 2017 Local Government Professional Awards in January 2017 for the Zero Additional Maintenance Water Sensitive Urban Design (ZAM-WSUD) project. The ZAM-WSUD, located in Precinct 1 of Doncaster Hill, is a water sensitive urban design system that requires zero maintenance by more effectively filtering runoff from roads to remove pollutants. 3.3 Lawford Reserve Upgrade In August 2016, Council approved plans for a major upgrade of Lawford Reserve, located between Westfield Doncaster and Tullamore Estate. The upgrade will include new pedestrian and cycling paths, a new skate, scooter and ball play area, a new playground, picnic area, public toilets and more. The final plan was prepared following community consultation undertaken in late 2015. Construction commenced in early in 2017 and will be completed over the next three years. More detail is provided in Capital Works (Section 5). 3.4 Schramms Reserve Upgrade An upgrade of the northern end of Schramms Reserve was completed in June 2017. The upgrade was a recommendation of Council s Open Space Strategy, to cater for the growing population of Doncaster Hill. The new playground complements the existing playground by including elements for older children, including a climbing frame, hip hop spinner and the first viking swing in Manningham. Following community feedback in September 2016, a mixture of junior play equipment, nature-based play elements and informal seating areas were incorporated into the design. For more information, see Capital Works (Section 5). Page 5 of 15
3.5 MC² Revitalisation A comprehensive revitalisation of MC² was undertaken in June 2017 to improve the facility s appearance. Works included pressure washing of the exterior of the building and the Civic Plaza; sanding and re-sealing of the external decking and the addition of planter boxes and plants around the front entrance of the building. 3.6 Private Sector Development Five apartment developments were completed during the year and construction commenced at the Nest (642 Doncaster Road). Permits were issued and amendments submitted for a number of sites and marketing continued for key projects during the year. Highlights included: 1. Construction completed for the following developments: a. 101 Tram Road (Panorama) b. 5 Elgar Court (Gardenhill) c. 24 Hepburn Road (Magnolia) d. 8 Hepburn Road (8Hepburn) e. 88 Tram Road (88Tram) 2. Permits issued for developments at 9-11 Williamsons Road and 19-21 Frederick Street 3. Amended permits issued for a staged Bunnings development at 659 Doncaster Road and an office/retail development at 8 Tower Street 4. Marketing commenced for projects at 600 and 686 Doncaster Road. Page 6 of 15
4. PROJECTS 4.1 Transport Initiatives 4.1.1 Advocacy Advocacy for improved Doncaster Hill public transport services continued in 2016/17 through Council s Integrated Transport Advisory Committee (ITAC), the Eastern Transport Coalition and the Metropolitan Transport Forum, despite lack of commitment from State Government to fund local transport projects. However, with a firm commitment to investigate projects such as Bus Rapid Transit and a North East Link (NEL) freeway connection between the Northern Ring Road in Greensborough to either Bulleen or Ringwood, Council will continue to work with the State Government to improve public transport options for Doncaster Hill residents. 4.1.2 Bus Rapid Transit Council worked with bus operator, Transdev and Public Transport Victoria during the year to investigate the feasibility of upgrading bus services in Manningham to a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) standard. BRT is a bus-based public transport system designed to improve capacity and reliability through more frequent priority services. A project scope and implementation schedule was developed and proposed route options identified between Doncaster and the Melbourne CBD. The Transdev market-led proposal was submitted to the State Government in May 2017 for initial consideration. If successful, the system would be operational by 2021/22. 4.1.3 Bus Infrastructure improvements More than 5000 Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) trips are taken to and from Doncaster Hill each day and demand for SmartBus and DART services continues to grow as the population of Doncaster Hill increases. Council worked closely with Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and VicRoads to identify opportunities to improve bus travel times and reliability through Doncaster Hill, including investigating the provision of a dedicated bus lane and bus priority along Doncaster Road through the Williamsons/Tram/Elgar Road intersections. Throughout 2016/17, PTV allocated a number of articulated buses (longer buses with double the passenger capacity) on the 907 DART route to meet growing patronage demand. In May 2017, PTV surveyed passengers on various bus routes throughout Doncaster Hill, as buses were often overcrowded and/or left passengers behind during the weekday AM peak. The findings are due to be released in July 2017. 4.1.4 Doncaster Rail In December 2016, Infrastructure Victoria released its 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy, which stated that Doncaster Rail is not a feasible project to include in the 30 year plan and there is currently no support for the proposal from either side of the State Government. However, Council will continue to advocate for heavy rail to Doncaster as a long term project and focus in the short term on advocating to improve local bus services. Page 7 of 15
4.1.5 Doncaster Hill - One Step at a Time The Doncaster Hill Mode Shift Plan 2014 identifies actions to achieve a mode shift of 30% to sustainable transport by encouraging the community to walk, cycle and take public transport and leave their car/s at home, particularly when travelling locally. This will also help reduce traffic congestion in the Hill. A key part of the mode shift plan is the development of the Doncaster Hill Mode Shift Plan Behaviour Change Plan and the One Step at a Time community campaign. A pilot project for Precinct 5 of Doncaster Hill continued this year, with a workshop for residents held on 1 December 2016 to identify future projects to be undertaken, including a local walking event, making information on sustainable travel available at community events and participating in the Mall Walkers group at Westfield. 4.2 Litter Hotspot Reduction Trial In late June 2017, a specially designed litter bin was installed adjacent to the Doncaster Bowling Club, in Precinct 1 of Doncaster Hill. The site was selected as one of six Litter Hotspot Reduction trial sites across the City. The bin traps litter washed by stormwater into the drainage pit located directly below the bin and is emptied by a standard side arm garbage collection truck used for household waste collection. 4.3 Doncaster Hill Community Garden The Doncaster Hill Community Garden volunteers hosted a visit by Vasili from the TV show Vasili s Garden in November 2016. Vasili spent a few hours with Council s Home Harvest team to teach the group how to grow fresh organic home grown food without the use of chemicals. The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a shared backyard where people with a passion for home grown food can connect and grow fresh produce to donate to local charities and to Doncare s emergency relief pantry. Volunteers plant, grow and harvest foods, as well as get involved in a host of fun and interesting activities. To get involved in activities at the community garden, email doncasterhill@manningham.vic.gov.au. 4.4 Migrant and Refugee Welcome Bench Thousands of messages of welcome from the Manningham community have been collected over the past few years following Manningham being declared a Migrant and Refugee Welcome Zone. These messages have now been engraved onto a welcome bench installed in March 2017 adjacent to the MC² Civic Plaza. A gum tree has also been planted in the garden bed next to the seat and it is hoped that Manningham residents will meet by the Welcome Tree, sit on the new timber seat and enjoy this public space. 4.5 Reserve Upgrades 4.5.1 Lawford Reserve Stage One of the Lawford Reserve upgrade was completed during the year, with bulk excavation undertaken and a pedestrian/cycling path constructed connecting the reserve with Tullamore Estate. Page 8 of 15
Future stages, to be completed by 2019, will include: Relocating the playspace to the east of the existing play equipment and upgrading it to include climbing nets, swings and natural elements such as sand, water, rocks and planting A new paved multi-use space incorporating the relocated basketball half court, netball ring and a rebound wall for ball play Skateable elements and a scooter and bike play area A grassed terrace area for future community events New picnic and barbeque shelter, seating and public toilets Increased on street parking and disabled parking spaces. For more information on the upgrade, contact Council s City Strategy Unit on 9840 9323. 4.5.2 Schramms Reserve North As part of the implementation of Council s Open Space Development Program in 2016/17, an upgrade of the northern end of Schramms Reserve in Precinct 1 of Doncaster Hill was completed in June 2017. To find out more, contact Council s City Strategy Unit on 9840 9129. 4.5.3 JW Thomson Reserve In June 2017 new footpaths, drainage, kerb and channelling and bollards were installed as part of an upgrade to improve connectivity and the appearance of JW Thomson Reserve, adjacent to The Pearl apartments at 1 Grosvenor Street. Page 9 of 15
5. PLANNING AND INVESTMENT 5.1 Planning Applications During the year, two planning permits were issued; for a 12 storey development with 137 apartments at 9-11 Williamsons Road (23 September 2016) and a five storey development with 48 apartments at 19-21 Frederick Street (24 April 2017). Amended planning permits were issued for the Bunnings development (258 apartments, retail and trade supplies) and a four storey office and retail development at 8 Tower Street. For more information about current planning permits in Doncaster Hill, refer to the Planning Permit Applications Map (Appendix 1). 5.2 Construction Management Plan Guidelines Council continues to work proactively with developers and builders to ensure that neighbourhood amenity and Council s assets are protected during construction activities. Comprehensive Construction Management Plan Guidelines and Template and a Works Code of Practice were developed during the year. The template will form part of a planning permit when approved by Council. The Works Code of Practice is a handy guide for smaller developments in Manningham. These documents can be downloaded at www.doncasterhill.com/donhilldevelopment/planning-process 5.3 District Energy Service In June 2014, Council endorsed Cofely Australia (now known as Engié) as the preferred provider for a future district energy system for Doncaster Hill. The system is based on production of thermal energy from one local energy centre, rather than the current practice of installing plant and equipment in each apartment development. The result is delivery of cleaner and lower cost energy for Council and the community. Council officers met with Engié and project partner United Energy on 4 April 2017 to discuss the District Energy Service business case in light of volatile energy markets (electricity and gas) and lack of engagement with Westfield, identified as the potential location for a future energy centre for the District Energy Service. While the existing Memorandums of Understanding for the District Energy Service project remain in place until 2019, the district energy project Doncaster Hill will not be actively pursued until current market conditions improve. 5.4 Recycled Water Project In 2010, Yarra Valley Water mandated the inclusion of a third pipe for recycled water in all new Doncaster Hill developments. This is the first time a recycled water system has been introduced into an established urban setting in metropolitan Melbourne and in the future will enable Doncaster Hill residents to access Class A recycled water from a treatment plant for garden, toilet and laundry use. Tullamore Estate and more than 1300 apartments in 10 Doncaster Hill developments are currently plumbed with a recycled water connection. Planning permits have been approved for a further 1500 apartments in Doncaster Hill that will have the required plumbing infrastructure to connect to a future recycled water supply. Page 10 of 15
Yarra Valley Water has reaffirmed its commitment to construction of a recycled water treatment plant to service Doncaster Hill and the Tullamore Estate, particularly given the significant level of development now occurring. A Council briefing is planned for early July 2017, followed by an extensive community engagement program that will make recommendations to an independent panel about the preferred site for construction of a recycled water treatment plant. For more information on Doncaster Hill recycled water requirements, download the fact sheets at www.doncasterhill.com/donhilloverviewsustainability/water-initiatives 5.5 Amendment C104 - Proposed Westfield Doncaster Expansion On 2 November 2015, Contour Consultants, on behalf of Scentre Group (Westfield Doncaster), lodged a formal request to amend the Manningham Planning Scheme to change the planning controls that apply to the Westfield Doncaster site to facilitate a future expansion of the Centre. Amendment C104 and a draft development plan were publicly exhibited in July/August 2016. Council considered submissions to the Amendment and draft Development Plan in December 2016 and referred them to a combined Independent Panel/Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister for Planning. A significant amount of work has been undertaken by Council officers in 2016/17 to assess amendment documentation, draft Development Plan and technical reports. The proposed independent panel hearing scheduled for April 2017 was postponed at the request of Scentre Group and it is anticipated that a new hearing date will be set for early 2018. 5.6 Development Contributions Plan Review Work progressed during the year on a review of the Doncaster Hill Development Contributions Plan 2005 (DCP). The Doncaster Hill Strategy will deliver a substantial increase in higher density housing and major improvements to community infrastructure such as roads, community facilities and pedestrian/cycling paths. Doncaster Hill developers contribute a portion of their development costs to Council to fund this infrastructure. To date more than $3.5M in development contributions has been collected from 15 developments. More than $19.5M, including grant funding and proceeds from land sales, has been spent on new or upgraded community infrastructure in Doncaster Hill. The DCP comprises 56 projects in four infrastructure categories: Social (86% of projects completed) Transport (23% of projects completed) Streetscape (42% of projects completed) Public Art (50% of projects completed). Recommendations on remaining and future community infrastructure to be funded through a development contribution for Doncaster Hill will be made in 2017/18. 5.7 Investment Attraction Doncaster Hill continues to be successful in attracting large scale residential apartment investments, however there is still a need for commercial and retail development that creates local jobs. Council continues to work proactively with developers and businesses and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) as well as Regional Development Australia Melbourne Eastern Region (RDA) to identify and create more diverse employment opportunities to enable people to live and work locally. Page 11 of 15
Actions undertaken in 2016/17 include: Development of a regional plan in association with the seven councils in Melbourne s east, RDA and DEDJTR that provides a clear direction for economic growth in the region. Launch of a dedicated Regional Investment portal website www.aboutme.org.au that will market Melbourne s East and Doncaster Hill as a prominent investment opportunities. Creation of the Melbourne East Economy Work Group, comprising State and Local Government representatives to prioritise opportunities for economic growth in Melbourne s East Preparation of a Doncaster Hill advocacy fact sheet in June 2017 which was distributed to the Melbourne East Economy Work Group (refer table below for key facts). 5.8 Co-working in Doncaster Hill During the year, Council developed a survey and prepared a Council briefing paper to investigate the demand for a co-working space for local business professionals and home-based businesses in Doncaster Hill and Manningham. Co-working spaces provide a shared work space, including resources and networking opportunities, and give local residents an alternative to travelling long distances to work. The survey, conducted in September 2016, identified that 84 per cent of respondents indicated interest in working in a co-working space. More research will be undertaken into the specific coworking needs of Manningham businesses and residents and the options for creating local office space, particularly in Doncaster Hill. 5.9 Digital Built Environment Council s digital built environment (DBE) was updated during the year to include highly accurate scale modes of digital buildings, terrain and landscaping. Doncaster Hill developers are now required to supply a 3D building file as part of the planning process, which will allow planners to visually track and analyse changes made throughout site development and assess applications against other surrounding digital buildings. The new DBE is a useful tool which allows the user to analyse shadowing and heights, including seeing what is visible from a particular height, i.e. views from an apartment that is yet to be constructed. The DBE can also be used for Council meetings, consultation and sales and marketing. 5.10 Development facilitation During the year, the Doncaster Hill Place Manager met with developers, landowners, real estate agents and prospective property purchasers to discuss development opportunities for key sites in Doncaster Hill. Pre-application meetings for a number of sites were held and involved members of the Statutory Planning Unit. The Place Manager acted as the point of contact for developers and community members who sought further information on the Doncaster Hill Strategy, resolution of issues, or assistance with Doncaster Hill marketing and branding. Council hosted a breakfast for local developers on 28 April 2017 and a real estate agents forum on 19 April 2017 to actively facilitate future development on Doncaster Hill. Page 12 of 15
5.11 Sustainable Design Taskforce Council s Sustainable Design Taskforce continued to provide pre-application advice and constructive feedback to developers and architects on ecologically sustainable development (ESD) and urban design objectives. The Taskforce of Councillors, Council officers and external urban design and architectural professionals met with the proponents of a development at 90-96 Tram Road on 8 December 2016. 6. PROMOTION 6.1 Marketing and Communications Marketing and communications activities for Doncaster Hill were guided by the Doncaster Hill Communications and Marketing Strategic Plan 2016/17 and include ongoing engagement with stakeholders, website updates, media liaison and promotion. During 2016/17 a wide range of tools were used to communicate and promote news and information about Doncaster Hill. 6.2 Media Coverage A number of positive news articles were published in local and metropolitan media during the year. Media releases and media statements were issued, with articles appearing in the Manningham Leader, Melbourne Weekly Eastern, The Age, Herald Sun and industry journals. Media releases and media statements issued by Council covered topics such as transport advocacy, planning activities, planning scheme amendments and events happening within Doncaster Hill. 6.3 Doncaster Hill website The Doncaster Hill website recorded 5,931 sessions throughout 2016/17, with 4,409 users viewing 14,984 pages (as at 30 June 2017). Of these users, 73.38 per cent were new to the site. During the year, visitors viewed an average of 2.53 pages per visit, spending an average of 1.52 minutes on the site. After the home page, the most popular pages are Doncaster Hill Development - 6.41% (960 visits) and Development - 4.44% of page visits (666 visits). 6.4 Doncaster Hill enewsletter During 2016/17, five editions of the Doncaster Hill enewsletter were produced. The enewsletter has a total of 153 subscribers. Page 13 of 15
Doncaster Hill Annual Report 2016/17 APPENDIX 1: Doncaster Hill Planning Applications Map April 2017 Page 14 of 15