Venue

Executive Team Meeting Room, Administration Building, Mullumbimby

Date

Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Time

10.30am

Committee Members

Jessica Healey – Roads and Maritime Services

Snr Constable Anthony Darby – Police

Cr Duncan Dey

Hon Tamara Smith MP

Report No. 6.1             Request for Heavy Vehicle restrictions, Granuaille Road, Bangalow

File No:                        I2015/879

Two residents of Bangalow will attend to outline their concerns to the Committee. One of them, in their capacity of the Bangalow Progress Association (BPA), has chaired a community meeting (details as attached, E2015/55160) and advised they hope for the following from Council: 

1. to get endorsement of the community concern about excessive traffic on the roads through Bangalow and the implications for safety, health and noise abatement; 

2. to seek action by LTC toward achievement of our immediate remediation requests;

3.  to work with the community on the assessment of the impact of the new motorway and the Lismore signage, through a joint RMS, Council, community working party to determine location of traffic counters and assessment of results before and after opening of the T2E; and

4. support our requirement for an overall review of regional traffic flows including the need for a southern bypass of Bangalow.

Similar concerns have been raised by another Granuaille Road resident who seeks Council support to limit heavy vehicle use, preferably with outright ban or very least restrictions in regard to their operational times.

Committee Comments

·        noted document provided and discussed by Tony Hart (E2015/55160)

·        noted Council had supported southern bypass proposal in Council T2E EA submission 2008

·        noted Council did not and still does not support sign-posting Lismore for southbound highway traffic at the Ewingsdale interchange, nevertheless it is also noted motorists are increasingly using GPS over signage for directional purposes

·        however in support of the community concern tabled it was agreed a recommendation be made on the RMS proposal to assess Lismore signage 

·        as for Granuaille Rd specifically, the following was noted:

·    RMS data provided (Feb 2015 count, 710m north of roundabout) indicates most traffic (85^th percentile) travel at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit suggesting enforcement required and if persists engineering works be considered to reduce speeds   

·    to this end, RMS will review the traffic data and provide to the Police to see if a pattern of speeding vehicles can be detected (e.g. time of day) to assist with targeted enforcement

·    most traffic is considered local (i.e. regular and recurring) and may not change their route (or habit) when the Highway upgrade is completed

·    it is a public road and part of a state network (MR65) and putting a load limit on the road is not appropriate or warranted and would require RMS approval noting they have undertaken development of a road corridor strategy which would review issues such as road safety     

Management Comments

Management had no comments to make in relation to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.       That Council note the concerns raised by Bangalow Progress Association (BPA) regarding heavy vehicle use, noise and speed, and traffic volumes in general, including concerns held regarding amenity and safety.

2.       That the Local Traffic Committee, in noting Council’s previous opposition to sign posting Lismore on the Pacific Highway prior to the Ewingsdale interchange, recommend that if the RMS are to proceed with their intended assessment of such signage it be carried out only after completion of the T2E upgrade on the basis that:

a)   the highway is fully operational, i.e. no road works or temporary speed limits apply south of Ewingsdale Road and associated road works are completed

b)   it start with no signage for a period of at least three months

c)   if necessary, followed by the same time period with signage for comparison

3.       That Council notes that load limiting, or restriction of general access vehicles (including heavy vehicles such as trucks up to 19 metres, buses, etc) is not possible on a road, unless there is a road hazard or asset management concern present.

4.       That Council notes the RMS Corridor Strategy will address speed, traffic volumes, heavy vehicle use, signage etc, however, RMS advice and approval for signage in regard to heavy vehicle use and noise reduction on Granuaille Road (eg compression braking) be sought.

Report No. 6.2             Road Closure, Mullumbimby Music Festival, 22 November 2015

File No:                        I2015/880

The same event as held in previous years is proposed, including the same street parade which requires the temporary closure of Burringbar Street and Dalley Street.

As no problems or objections have arisen from previous events, Committee endorsement is sought.

Committee Comments

The Committee had no comments to make in relation to this item.

Management Comments

The proponent will be advised Council no longer provide traffic control services for such events.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.                That the Mullumbimby Music Festival Street Parade scheduled for Sunday, 22        November 2015 be endorsed, including the temporary road closure of:

                   a)       Dalley Street, Mullumbimby between Tincogan Street and Burringbar Street                            which is effective between 11am and 12noon

                   b)       Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby between Station Street and Dalley Street                       which is effective between 10.45am and 11.15am

                   c)       Lane 7, between Dalley Street and east of the Fire Station driveway, and                           Lane 2, from Lane 7 to Tincogan Street, with both in effect from 4pm                                  Thursday 19 November 2015 through to 8am Monday 23 November 2015.

2.                That the temporary road closure be subject to the following conditions, each to      be met prior to the event being held:

                   a)       that the organisers be responsible for implementing a Traffic Control Plan,                    including the use of signed detours, as designed and implemented by                                those with appropriate accreditation;

                   b)       payment of Council’s relevant on-road event fee ($350 inc GST);

                   c)       that each temporary bus stop as required by the event be established in                                      accordance with an accredited Traffic Control Plan;  

                   d)       that public liability insurance be in place for the sum of at least $20 million;

                   e)       that the written concurrence of local Police and from the Fire Stations on                                  both Gordon Street and Dalley Street, be obtained by the organisers and                                    provided to Council;

                   f)        that Council advertise the event in accordance with the Roads Act;

                   g)       that Council provide prior notification of the event on Council's website.

3.3.        That the organisers note Council no longer provides traffic control services or      equipment for such events.

Report No. 6.3             Road Closure, Twilight Markets, Brunswick Heads, 16 December 2015

File No:                        I2015/881

The same event as held in previous years is proposed including the same temporary closure of Mullumbimbi Street between Park Street and The Terrace. 

As no problems or objections have arisen from previous events Committee endorsement is sought.

Committee Comments

The Committee had no comments to make in relation to this item.

Management Comments

The proponent will be advised Council no longer provide traffic control services for such events

RECOMMENDATION:

1.      That the temporary road closure of Mullumbimbi Street between Park Street and The Terrace, Brunswick Heads from 12 noon to 12 midnight on Wednesday, 16 December 2015 be approved for the holding of the annual Twilight Markets.

2.      That the temporary road closure be subject to the following conditions:

     a)       that the temporary traffic arrangements and road closure be undertaken as per a            Traffic Control Plan as designed and implemented by those with appropriate                 accreditation and includes the provision of two temporary accessible (disabled)            parking bays outside the Brunswick Heads Hotel from 7am to 12noon

     b)      that public liability insurance be in place for the sum of at least $20 million

     c)       that the concurrence of local Police be obtained by the organisers, independent              of the Local Traffic Committee endorsement

         d)       that the event be advertised in accordance with the Roads Act

         e)       that the written concurrence of local Police be obtained by the organisers                        and provided to Council

         f)        that Council advertises the event in accordance with the Roads Act

         g)       that prior notification of the event be provided on Council's website

         h)       that the applicable Council fee for lodgement of a road event application                          apply ($350 inc GST) and be paid prior to the event

3.      That the organisers note Council no longer provides traffic control services or equipment for such events.

Report No. 6.4             Endorsement of One-Way Entry and Exit, Mullumbimby High School Car Park

File No:                        I2015/882

Council has undertaken third party works as per agreement and as paid for by the Department of Education. This had included a footpath on the eastern side from the pedestrian crossing linking with the student car park which itself was subject of changes, namely the addition of a second driveway. These changes, along with other requests or requirements of the school, are depicted below.

However the matter relevant to the Committee is the new car park access and egress. To this end committee endorsement is sought that the northern driveway be entry only and the southern driveway be exit only and relevant regulatory signage be installed.

Committee Comments

·    The pedestrian fencing may be applicable for ‘Safety Around Schools’ funding from RMS

Management Comments

·    Staff have since submitted a cost estimate and details of proposed fencing for RMS consideration 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the car park on Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby, as located north-east of the intersection with Azalea Street, be endorsed and signed with the appropriate regulatory signage for No Entry (R2-4) so that the northern driveway be effectively an ‘Entry Only’ site and the southern driveway be an ‘Exit Only’.

Report No. 6.5             Proposed Loading Zone, Council Office, Station Street, Mullumbimby

File No:                        I2015/883

The front entry of Council’s Administration building, located at the corner of Station Street and Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby provides no Loading Zone, despite the numerous deliveries that are made each day.

As a result, many delivery vehicles mount the kerb and park adjacent to the building putting footpath users at risk.  To stop this practice concerned Council staff have requested a Loading Zone be provided.

Committee Comments

·        noted that three well used 2P limited car spaces will be lost, however to limit impacts or the need for extra unfunded works it was agreed the location suggested appears most appropriate and therefore supported

Management Comments

·        in addition, a bollard is to be installed adjacent to the pedestrian crossing to deter vehicle access onto the paved area between Council’s administration building and the chambers

RECOMMENDATION:

That the three angled spaces on the east side of Station Street, Mullumbimby, south of the two mobility permit (disabled) spaces located south of Burringbar Street, be endorsed and signed as a Loading Zone Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.

Report No. 6.6             Request for 2P time limit, Tincogan Street, Mullumbimby

File No:                        I2015/884

Committee Comments

The Committee had no comments to make in relation to this item

Management Comments

Management had no comments to make in relation to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.   That consultation with properties adjacent to Tincogan Street, Mullumbimby, between Dalley Street and Stuart Street, be undertaken in regard to both parking and traffic needs and demands and the use of a time limit to assist with turn over.

2.   That the results of the consultation be referred to and help inform Council’s parking study of Mullumbimby town centre, which will be reported to Council in due course.

Report No. 6.7             Request for Mobility Permit Parking Space, Community Gardens, Mullumbimby 

File No:                        I2015/886

The Mullumbimby Community Gardens has requested that one of the car spaces within the sealed and line marked car park, as located closest to their main entry, be signed as a mobility permit only space.  This is supported and Committee endorsement is sought.

Committee Comments

The Committee had no comments to make in relation to this item.

Management Comments

Management had no comments to make in relation to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That a single car park space within the sealed car park at the frontage of the Mullumbimby Community Gardens be marked and signed as a mobility permit (disabled) parking space only.

Report No. 6.8             Request for 60kph speed limit, Myocum Downs Drive, Myocum

File No:                        I2015/887

A resident has requested a 60kph speed limit be introduced for the 1.2km length of Myocum Downs Drive.  As shown the subject site is a sealed, no through road, has 29 residential properties, is in a rural setting and located approximately 3.5km south of Mullumbimby.  Council has no record of traffic volume or speeds or any crash data, based on records dating back to 1996.

Nevertheless, the number of accesses (up to 29) and that no through traffic occurs would suggest some of the RMS speed zone criteria for reviewing the speed limit is met.  The road is currently state default (100kph), drive to conditions while the main road (and sole access point) of Myocum Road has recently (in last 18 months) been reduced from a similar, rural 100k limit to 80kph.

However as RMS are the sole authority for authorising speed zone changes it is requested that they undertake such a review if they believe it warranted and, if it proceeds, provide results back in due course.

Committee Comments

·        noted the high number of property accesses along the road

·        RMS to inspect the site post-meeting

Management Comments

·        RMS officer inspected the site and believes a speed limit is warranted with details to be confirmed in due course 

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council request the RMS, as the sole NSW authority for authorising speed zone changes, undertake such review of Myocum Downs Drive, Myocum if they believe it warranted and, if such review proceeds, provide results back in due course.

Report No. 6.9             Request for 60kph Speed Limit, Yelgun Road, Yelgun

File No:                        I2015/888

A resident has requested a 60kph speed limit be introduced for the 1.7km length of Yelgun Road, Yelgun.  The subject site is depicted and is a sealed, no through road, has 25 adjacent properties, is in a rural setting and located approximately 2.5km north of Billinudgel.  Council has no record of traffic volume or speeds or any crash data, based on records dating back to 1996.

Nevertheless, the number of accesses (approx. 18 active and up to 25 potential) and that no through traffic occurs would suggest some of the RMS speed zone criteria for reviewing the speed limit is met.  The road is currently state default (100kph), drive to conditions while the main road (and sole access point) of Tweed Valley Way is 80kph.

However as RMS are the sole authority for authorising speed zone changes it is requested that they undertake such a review if they believe it warranted and, if it proceeds, provide results back in due course.

Committee Comments

·        RMS to inspect the site post-meeting

Management Comments

·        RMS officer inspected the site and believes a speed limit is unwarranted due to ‘self regulating’ nature of the road which, if proceeds, would mean the state default limit will remain (100kph) but not signed other than advisory signs, eg ‘Reduce Speed to Conditions’

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council request the RMS, as the sole NSW authority for authorising speed zone changes, undertake such review of Yelgun Road, Yelgun if they believe it warranted and, if such review proceeds, provide results back in due course.

Report No. 6.10           Proposed Trial, School Bus Contra-Flow, Wilsons Creek Public School Bus Bay

File No:                        I2015/889

The Committee were advised this matter would be provided in the Minutes subject to an onsite inspection occurring post-meeting.  Such a meeting was held that same day (4pm) with Council and RMS staff on the Committee meeting onsite where the following was discussed.

As per photos below the bus bay as being funded by RMS is near completion. The completed western end has been operational since July catering for 3 of the 4 bus services. It is proposed the 4^th service (outbound PM), which currently uses the bus stop in the unsealed road shoulder opposite the school, be allowed to enter the eastern end of the new bus bay once completed in a  contra-flow arrangement with signage as depicted and restricted operation as per schematic below.

To protect the students further, who would be escorted to the bus under teacher supervision, they will wait on the yet to be built platform  above the bus bay, use the steps into the bus bay and board the contra-flow bus only once it has stopped and adjacent to a heavy galvanized pedestrian fence which is to be mounted upon a median to physically demarcate the travel lane and bus bay area. It should be noted the Department of Education are funding the new path, platform and steps to the bus bay.

Also as per the photos below, it can be seen how the new bus bay will greatly improve safety and provide off-street space for passenger and bus alike. The full potential of the bus bay and the safety benefits it offers however will only by fully realised is all four services can utilise the facility. This can be done by allowing a restricted and controlled contra-flow operation as per the below schematic; i.e. only one bus is ever present in the bus bay at anyone time (which is achievable as the two services each AM and two at PM are by the same operator) and the contra-flow is only available to the single PM service which requires 2-3minutes typically between 330-4pm hence the previously endorsed bus zone signage to reflect such times of operation and (as per below schematic) the proposed No Entry restriction at the eastern end.

Also - and most importantly of  all - by allowing this contra-flow arrangement in the bus bay it will mean no bus will need to park opposite the school and no student will need to cross the road therefore making the southern side bus stop in the unsealed gravel shoulder redundant and can be removed.

As such it is recommended the Committee support the proposed contra-flow, or in the very least endorse a controlled trial if further confirmation of the benefits and potential risks is needed.   

Figure 1: photos prior and after works

Committee Comments

·     noted Council staff and RMS will carry out a site inspection after this meeting

RMS comments, provided after  the onsite review as held after  the LTC meeting

·     it remains that there is still risk to pedestrians and traffic with the proposed contraflow arrangement. 

·     RMS has provided comments in the June 2015 minutes which include:

o  concern for the lack of hard stand area/path adjacent the proposed separation fencing, and

o  questioned enforcement of a ‘no entry’ arrangement in an isolated area as Wilsons Creek.

o  Furthermore RMS recommended u-turn facilities be investigated east of the site to negate the need for contraflow entirely (still yet to be investigated) 

·    Granted however  that traffic volumes are quite low and the time of use is limited to a brief window within 40 school zone operation times, therefore placing the contraflow at a relatively low risk category when considering the changes that have now taken place at the site. 

·    On this basis, if the school and bus operator are willing to necessarily support this arrangement and council as the road authority wish to pursue this option, RMS will concur based on the following additional recommendations:

o  No Entry / Buses excepted ) are also placed at the mid point of the bus bay to regulate eastbound vehicles conflicting a bus entering/exiting from the opposing direction (further LTC comments required for this additional regulatory device).

o  That it is noted RMS reserve the right to appeal this decision in accordance with the delegations of the Local Traffic Committee.

o  That a report is prepared towards the end of Term 4 - 2015 to provide an update regarding the arrangements operation.  Furthermore that the details of the report are reviewed at that time as required.

o  School zone/warning signposting as previously recommended and provided by RMS is installed.

Management Comments

·    The above RMS comments were provided and inserted after the draft report and recommendation was circulated to the Committee for comment.

·    Accordingly the recommendations of the RMS are now inserted into Committee recommendation

RECOMMENDATION:

1.       That in regard to the constructed bus bay at the frontage of Wilson’s Creek Public         School, Council support a trial of the contra-flow arrangements as described at Report      No. 6.10 within the Local Traffic Committee Minutes (I2015/894) and that it:

          a)      cease immediately if either Council, RMS, NSW Transport, Police, the bus operator, or the School or any authority with such power request as such, on the proviso such request is in writing and lodged with Council prior to the end of Term 4 2015; or

          b)     in event of no such request,  be adopted as a permanent measure commencing                with the start of the 2016 school year; and

          c)      a report be provided to Council in due course on either of the above outcomes                once known

2.       That on the basis Part 1 is adopted, both sides of the entry to the eastern end of the       bus bay as provided between the fenced median and retaining wall and the mid-point     of the bus bay be signed as No     Entry (R2-4) Buses Excepted (R9-2) and that such         signage be removed in the event the contra-flow arrangements cease to operate.

3.       That Council note and accept the RMS advice as contained in above cited minutes,        namely that:  

a)  RMS reserve the right to appeal this decision in accordance with the delegations of the Local Traffic Committee;

b)  a report be provided prior to end of Term 4 2015 regarding the arrangements operation and that the details of the report are reviewed at that time as required, e.g. by the Local Traffic Committee, Council and RMS;

c)  school zone/warning sign-posting as previously recommended and provided by the RMS be installed prior to the contra-flow trail commencing.

Report No. 6.11           Request for Bus Stop, Byron Bay Pool

File No:                        I2015/890

Details to be provided at meeting for discussion. Request for a formal bus stop is made from Blanch’s/BVC bus company, who are the main public transport operators within the Shire.

Committee Comments

·        the Committee noted that according to the NSW Road Rules, a bus unloading or loading passengers can legally use a loading zone such as the one nearby on Bay Street, opposite the Beach Hotel and adjacent to Apex Park

·        it was noted however such a location or ‘dual use’ does not address the concerns of the operator who would prefer a stop adjacent to the pool

·        providing a poolside stop however will require removal of car parking and considerable physical works so as to provide a safe turn around area which is preferable than a bus reversing in an urban area which can be undertaken if and when needed a per current practice  

Management Comments

·        the request would better considered as part of any future upgrade to this key intersection, which if it did proceed, would involve bus and other transport operators as part of the consultation process  

RECOMMENDATION:

That the applicant be informed that under NSW Road Rules 2014, a bus can legally use any loading zone whilst engaged in loading or unloading passengers.

Report No. 6.12           Request  for No Parking limits, Market Street, Bangalow

File No:                        I2015/891

The adjacent public school requests No Parking apply in Market Street, Bangalow between Byron Street and its end on Market Days and School Days only. The subject site is shown by the yellow line.

Committee Comments

·        the Committee noted the narrow width of Market Street, Bangalow and requested that a post-meeting site inspection confirm if width would allow parking to remain on one side of the street and make a recommendation on the basis of such inspection

Management Comments

·        the road width is less than 6m and No stopping applies on the eastern side

·        the width justifies that parking be disallowed on both sides of the street, hence the recommendation made

RECOMMENDATION:

1.       That in accordance with Australian Standard 2890.5, No Parking be signed and apply on the western side of Market Street, Bangalow.

2.       That Kiss and Ride supplementary signage be attached to the No Parking signs, subject to the school’s concurrence, which if not forthcoming an alternative site be investigated for such purpose.

Report No. 7.1             Byron Bay Bypass – DA 10.2015.384.1

File No:                        I2015/892

Byron Bay Bypass – DA 10.2015.384.1

Committee advice on the project is sought and endorsement of the regulatory controls will be proposed.

Detailed design plans will be tabled to assist the committee’s review.

Committee Comments

·        noted the turning and exit line marking on and through the roundabout travel lanes are not needed and could cause confusion for motorists

·        noted regulatory matters, as they arise, will be referred to the Committee at a later date

Management Comments

Management had no comments to make in relation to this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That in regard to the GHD preliminary designs as included at Appendix E of  DA Application 10.2015.384.1 (as per Council file E2015/41826) for the Byron Bay town centre bypass, Council notes that the Local Traffic Committee:

a)   provide in-principle support for the traffic facilities and provisions proposed;  

b)   recommend the turning and exit lines shown to demarcate roundabout travel lanes be removed from the design; and

c)   require regulatory traffic matters be referred back to the Local Traffic Committee as and when required.