Residents Guide Blue Mountains City Council - Blue Mountains Australia
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Blue Mountains City Council
Residents Guide
Residents Guide
Contents
Introduction Your Community
• Welcome 6 • Community Services 24
• Introduction 7 Aboriginal Services 24
• Access to Information 8 Access & Equity 24
• Aboriginal People in the Blue Aged & Disability Services 25
Mountains 9 Community Care Guide 29
Children’s Services 27
Contacts Family Day Care 29
• Blue Mountains City Council 12 Multicultural Services 30
• Emergency Numbers 12 Vacation Care 31
After hours emergency contact 12 Youth Services 31
Bushfire 12 • Facilities 33
Storms & Flooding 12 Community Halls for Hire 33
Snow 12 Leisure Centres 34
• Hospitals 12 Libraries 35
• Transport 13 Blue Mountains Cultural Centre 36
• Bike Network Map 13 Neighbourhood Centres 37
• Sydney Trains 13 Parks & Ovals 38
• Buses 13 • Waste & Recycling in your
• Taxi Services 13 community 40
• Social Media 13 • Environment Initiatives & Services 44
• Cultural & Art Services 46
Your Council • Tourism 47
• Councillors 16 • How do I obtain an Echo Point
• Memebers of Parliament 17 parking voucher 47
• Council Meeting Information 17 • Where can I get shcool assignment
• Local Government Area information on local government 47
Statistics 18
• Council Services at a Glance 19
Your Household
• Media 21
• Companion Animals 50
• Privacy of Ratepayers 21
• Waste & Recylcing in your
• Roads and Maritime Services
household 53
(RMS) 22
• Landuse & Development 56
• Tree Removal 56
Residents Guide
Contents
Introduction
• Welcome
• Introduction
• Access to Information
• Aboriginal People in the Blue
Mountains
Introduction Welcome As Mayor of the Blue Mountains I would like to welcome you to our community. The Blue Mountains is a very special place to live and I hope your time living in the Mountains is both enjoyable and rewarding. The Residents Guide has been designed to help give you an idea of the services, facilities and opportunities the City of Blue Mountains has to offer. The Blue Mountains is made up of a number of distinct villages and townships, each with its own climate, terrain and atmosphere. We border one of the world’s greatest National Parks which was recognised in the year 2000 as a World Heritage Area. Living in this unique and fragile environment carries responsibilities for us all. Council is working hard to protect the sensitive Blue Mountains ecosystem and every resident can play an important role in helping to care for our environment. Council provides a range of services and facilities for residents including five aquatic centres, six libraries, sporting grounds, parks and playgrounds as well as a number of community halls and buildings across the Blue Mountains. You will find information about these and other Council services in this guide. Council staff are also very happy to help you and can be contacted on (02) 4780 5000 at Katoomba (upper Mountains) and (02) 4723 5000 at Springwood (Lower Mountains) or email council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au. Again welcome to your new home in the Blue Mountains. Clr Mark Greenhill Mayor Residents Guide Page 6 Blue Mountains City Council
Introduction The Blue Mountains City Council is pleased to provide new residents with this Information Booklet and trusts that this quick reference guide will be of assistance to you and will give you a lead in the direction to follow on enquiries you may have. The City of Blue Mountains is regarded as a unique place and is located on the traditional lands of the Darug and Gundungurra Nations. This area of great natural beauty annually attracts more than 3 million visitors per year from throughout the world. The Blue Mountains features settlements that are generally confined to a narrow ridge that connects the Cumberland Plains of Sydney and the Western Plains of Central West NSW. Strung along this ridge are a series of distinct communities – each with its own sense of climate, terrain and atmosphere. Each of these communities borders one of the world’s great national parks, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000. The management of the Blue Mountains fragile ecosystem, while maintaining sustainable economic development, is the principle challenge for Blue Mountains City Council and the Community. The Local Government area is 1,432 square kilometers in size. Its population of approximately 75,000 people is spread across 26 towns and villages on a narrow 100 km long ridge. These diverse centres include highly urbanized towns and isolated rural townships. The major commercial centre is Katoomba, a popular destination for day trippers and overnight visitors. Katoomba is home to the famous Three Sisters, a majestic rock formation dominating the Jamison Valley. Katoomba is also an excellent base to explore areas to the West such as Jenolan Caves, Oberon, Lithgow, Bathurst, Cowra and Mudgee. The Blue Mountains City Council is committed to protecting both the natural and the urban environment, as well as encouraging sustainable and appropriate industry. Welcome to the Blue Mountains – enjoy living in our beautiful City and please make use of this handy resource. Residents Guide Page 7 Blue Mountains City Council
Introduction Access to Information The Council provides access to information and records under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. The Act makes provision for a wide range of information to be publicly available. What is the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act)? The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act) replaces the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW) and has repealed Section 12 of the Local Government Act. NSW government agencies, including local councils are required to release information in accordance with the GIPA Act. Section 12 of Local Government Act 1993 - Repealed With the commencement of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, Section 12 of the Local Government Act 1993 has been repealed. The same information is now accessible under Schedule 1 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. For more information and for those who wish to apply for access to documents held by Council under the GIPA Act, go to council’s website www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcouncil/accesstoinformation Residents Guide Page 8 Blue Mountains City Council
Introduction Aboriginal People in the Blue Mountains Aboriginal People in the Blue Mountains There are many sites throughout the Blue Mountains that are of both cultural and historical significance to Aboriginal people. Australian’s natural and cultural heritage is integral to the environment. Our natural heritage is the physical landscape – plants, animals, mountains and rivers. This landscape is also imbued with human associations, stories, myths, personal histories and emotions. Aboriginal people have lived in the Blue Mountains for many thousands of years. The region incorporates significant parts of the traditional lands of the Gundungarra and Darug tribal groups. Aboriginal heritage extends well beyond archaeological sites, rock engraving and rock shelter art. It includes natural landscape features, ceremonial, mythological or religious areas, massacre sites or other places with which Aboriginal people maintain a strong spiritual or historical association. The Blue Mountains and surrounding plateaus comprise a rich diversity of Aboriginal sites. A rock shelter on Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls, dates Aboriginal prehistoric occupation back to 22,000 years. Research and discovery of Aboriginal sites has centred on developed areas, that is, alongside walking tracks or close to residential development. The large extent of relatively unexplored terrain potentially contains a wealth of important Aboriginal sites. Large areas have not been the subject of systematic survey or the recording of Aboriginal history. These areas may contain sites which are not currently known. The Aboriginal People of the Blue Mountains invite you to share their unique home. For information on Aboriginal Services contact the Aboriginal Community Development Officer on (02) 4780 5560 or visit: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/communityservices/ aboriginalservices Residents Guide Page 9 Blue Mountains City Council
Residents Guide
Contacts
Contacts
• Blue Mountains City Council
• Emergency Numbers
After hours emergency contact
Bushfire
Storms & Flooding
Snow
• Hospitals
• Transport
• Bike Network Map
• Sydney Trains
• Buses
• Taxi Services
• Social Media
Contacts
Blue Mountians City Council
Administrative Headquarters Springwood Office
– Katoomba Office
Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm 104 Macquarie Road, SPRINGWOOD NSW 2777
2-6 Civic Place, KATOOMBA NSW 2780 Inside Springwood Library
Postal Address Email
Locked Bag 1005 council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Telephone:
Website:
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au for local call cost from
Lower Mountains (02) 4780 5555
Online community consultation forum: Upper Mountains (02) 4723 5000
www.bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au Fax: (02) 4780 5000
Emergency Numbers
After Hours Emergencies
Ph: (02) 4780 5000 (Including fallen trees, animal control, Council building break-in/vandalism)
Fire Brigade/Police/Ambulance
Ph: 000 (Emergencies)
State Emergency Services (SES) Katoomba
Ph: (02) 4782 3200
Ph: 132 500 (Emergencies/Flood or Storm Damage/Snowfall)
Bushfires - Rural Fire Service (RFS)
Ph:(02) 4782 2159
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
In all emergencies please dial Triple Zero 000
Hospitals
Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial (with Emergency Department)
Ph (02) 4784 6500 Cnr. Woodlands Road and Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Nepean (with Emergency Department)
Ph (02) 4734 2000
Entrance via Derby Street, Kingswood
Springwood (no Emergency Department)
Ph (02) 4751 0300 7 Huntley Grange Road, Springwood
For information concerning these hospitals please visit the Sydney West Area Health Service Website
at www.swahs.health.nsw.gov.au or call 1234 for Directory Assistance.
In all emergencies please dial Triple Zero 000
Residents Guide Page 12 Blue Mountains City Council
Contacts Transport Bike Network Map The Blue Mountains Bike Plan 2020 aims to create safe and accessible pathways of travel that improves our connections with our destinations and each other and encourages people of all ages to use their bicycles for everyday transportation and enjoyment. For a Bike Network Map visit Council’s website www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcouncil/ policiesplansandstrategies/ or contact Council on: Lower Mountains on (02) 4723 5000 Upper Mountains on (02) 4780 5000 Sydney Trains For Blue Mountains Train Timetable information please visit: www.sydneytrains.info or telephone 131 500. Buses Blue Mountains Bus Company (Services the Area Mt. Victoria to Emu Plains) For Blue Mountains Bus Timetable information please visit www.bmbc.com.au (info@bmbc.com.au) or (02) 4751 1077 or fax (02) 4751 1079 Jones Bros Bus Company Pty Ltd (Provides a school service from Bell, Mt. Victoria and Blackheath to Lithgow) For Bus Timetable information please visit www.jonesbros.com.au (lithgow@jonesbros.com.au ) or (02) 6352 3888 or fax (02) 6351 3206 Taxi Services Wentworth Falls to Mt Victoria (02) 4782 1311 Katoomba Radio Cabs Co-op Ltd Katoomba NSW 2780 Hazelbrook-Lawson (02) 4759 3000 Blue Mountains Taxi Cabs Honour Ave Lawson 2783 Springwood-Winmalee (02) 4751 1444 Springwood and Districts Taxis Macquarie Road Springwood NSW 2777 Glenbrook-Blaxland (02) 4731 4888 Glenbrook Blaxland Taxis 2 David St Glenbrook NSW 2773 Social Media Council is active and available across a range of social media platforms, to help keep you up to date with important information and Council events. Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/bluemountainscitycouncil Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/BlumtsCtyCncl Subscribe to our YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/user/BlueMtnsCityCouncil Flick through our Flickr Photos – www.flickr.com/photos/bluemntscitycouncil/ Residents Guide Page 13 Blue Mountains City Council
Residents Guide Your Council Your Council • Councillors • Members of Parliament • Council Meeting Information • Local Government Area Statistics • Council Services at a Glance • Media • Privacy of Ratepayers • Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)
Your Council
Councillors
Ward 1 – Bell to Leura, Megalong Valley & the Mounts
BEGG, Michael Mobile: 0431 501 981
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: mbegg@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
SHRUBB, Sarah Mobile: 0414 195 980
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: sshrubb@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
McGREGOR, Don Mobile: 0434 306 143
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: dmcgregor@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Ward 2 - Wentworth Falls to Faulconbridge/Springwood
HOLLYWOOD, Romola Mobile: 0414 195 983
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: rhollywood@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
BENNETT, Annette Mobile: 0431 501 984
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: abennett@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
VAN DER KLEY, Chris Mobile: 0427 805 810
(DEPUTY MAYOR) Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: cvanderkley@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Ward 3 – Faulconbridge/Springwood to Valley Heights
LUCHETTI, Brendan Mobile: 0414 195 986
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: bluchetti@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
FELL, Mick Mobile: 0414 195 991
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: mfell@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
MYLES, Daniel Mobile: 0414 418 161
PO Box 455 SPRINGWOOD NSW 2777
Email: dmyles@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Ward 4 - Warrimoo to Lapstone
GREENHILL, Mark Mobile: 0414 195 990
(MAYOR) Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: mgreenhill@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
CHRISTIE, Brendan Mobile: 0423 565 988
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: bchristie@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
VON SCHULENBURG, Anton Mobile: 0414 195 989
Locked Bag 1005 KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Email: avonschulenburg@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Residents Guide Page 16 Blue Mountains City CouncilYour Council
Members of Parliament
Member for Macquarie (Federal) Member for Blue Mountains (NSW)
Mrs. Louise Markus MP Ms. Trish Doyle, MP
(Member of Liberal Party of Australia) (Member of Labor Party of Australia)
Parliament House contact: Electorate Office contact:
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives to be confirmed following the NSW Election on 28
Parliament House March 2015
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6277 2371
Fax: (02) 6277 8463 Member for Penrith (NSW)
Email: louise.markus.mp@aph.gov.au
Mr. Stuart Ayres, MP
Electorate Office Contact: (Member of Liberal Party of Australia)
Shop 24, Riverview Shopping Centre
227 George Street Electorate Office contact:
PO Box 855 Windsor NSW 2756 Shop 11, Station Street
Tel: (02) 4577 2631 Penrith NSW 2750
Fax: (02) 4577 2640 Ph: (02) 4722 8660
Fax: (02) 4731 4782
Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Council Meeting Information
Council Meetings are held from 7:00pm in the Council Chambers, 2 Civic Place, Katoomba (unless
otherwise stated).
The latest information concerning Council Meetings may be obtained by telephoning Council's Executive
Services Branch staff on (02) 4780 5491 or (02) 4780 5508.
All Business Papers from 1998 to the present are available in hardcopy form at Council’s Libraries and
Offices on request and in PDF format by visiting the Blue Mountains City Council website www.bmcc.
nsw.gov.au . The current Business Paper is also available in hard copy for inspection at Council's Libraries
and Offices on the Wednesday afternoon preceding the meeting.
Business Papers and Minutes
Before each Council meeting, a Business Paper is prepared detailing the items that are to be presented
to the Council meeting.
Readers should be aware that the Recommendations and Notices of Motion as set out in the Council
Business Paper are simply proposals to the Council for its consideration.
The Council may adopt these proposals, amend the proposals, determine a completely different course
of action, or it may decline to pursue any course of action.
The decision of the Council becomes a resolution of the Council and is recorded in the Council Minutes.
Readers are referred to this separate document.
The Council Business Paper and the Council Minutes are linked by the common Item Numbers and
Titles.
For further information please telephone Upper Mountains (02) 4780 5000 or Lower Mountains (02)
4723 5000 (local call charge from areas east of Linden) or email Council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au .
Residents Guide Page 17 Blue Mountains City CouncilLocal Government Area Statistics Local Government Area -1,432 sq km Enrolment- 44,179 2011 Census Statistics Person Characteristics Total Persons: 75,942 Males: 36,711 (48.3% of total persons for Region) Females: 39,237 (51.6% of total persons for Region) Age groups Males Females Persons % of total persons for Region 0-4 years 2,444 2,261 4,700 6.2% 5-9 years 5,352 5,056 5,003 6.6% 10-14 years 2,697 2,597 5,093 6.7% 15-19 years 2,127 1,841 4,987 6.6% 20-29 years 3,724 3,939 6,989 9.2% 30-39 years 5,038 5,628 8,618 11.4% 40-49 years 5,700 6,261 11,141 14.7% 50-59 years 4,623 4,884 12,021 15.9% 60-69 years 2,459 2,801 9,525 12.5% 70-79 years 1,406 1,985 4,808 6.3% 80 years and over 361 884 3,055 4.1% For further information visit, Australian Bureau Statistics: 2011 Census www.abs.gov.au Residents Guide Page 18 Blue Mountains City Council
Council Services at a Glance
Blue Mountains City Council provides the following ongoing day-to-day external services for the
community. In providing these services the Council manages a wide range of assets and natural
areas on behalf of the community such as roads, parks, ovals, bushland reserves, swimming
pools, community centres, libraries, halls, childcare facilities, walking tracks, lookouts, footpaths and
stormwater drainage.
Looking After Environment – Libraries and Information
– Natural Environment – Sport and Recreation
– Waste Resource Management Sustainable Economy
– Water Resource Management – Economic Development & Tourism
Using Land – Commercial Activities
– Burial and Ashes Placement Civic Leadership-Good Governance
– Building Certification – Administrative Property Portfolio
– Land Use Management – Asset Planning
– Town Centres – Central Warehousing and Purchasing
Moving Around – City-wide Strategic Planning
– Transport and Public Access – Corporate Communications and Marketing
Looking After People – Corporate Strategic Planning and Reporting
– Aquatic and Leisure Centres – Customer Service
– Community Development – Finance Management
– Cultural Development – Fleet
– Emergency Management – Governance and Risk
– Environmental Health & Regulatory – Information Solutions
Compliance
– People and Safety
– Family Day Care
Residents Guide Page 19 Blue Mountains City CouncilBlue Mountains City Council also manages, to support the provision of services, over $1 billion
worth of assets and facilities.
This includes:
• 27 towns and villages
• 2 waste resource
management facilities
• 1 dam
• 300km of water ways
• 665km sealed roads
• 120km unsealed roads
• 34 bridges
• 73,000 sqm of sealed
car parks
• 523 km kerb and gutter
• 153km stormwater pipes
• 175km footpaths
• 105 parks
• 66 playing courts
• 5 swim leisure centres
• 5 skate parks
• 15 halls including 5 community centres
• 12 child care buildings
• 6 libraries
• 126 bus shelters
• 189 litter bins
• 493km kerbs & gutter
• 7,935 drainage pits
• 120km walking tracks
• 35 playing fields at 22 sportsgrounds
• 31 RFS & SES buildings
• 300 bushfire asset protection zones
• 88 public toilets
• 9 cemeteries
Residents Guide Page 20 Blue Mountains City CouncilMedia
Blue Mountains Gazette
Circulating throughout the Blue Mountains Lithgow to Lapstone
Springwood Office
274 Macquarie Road
Telephone: (02) 4751 1955
Fax: (02) 4751 5556
Email: editorial.bmgazette@ruralpress.com
Website: www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au
Katoomba Office
16 Katoomba Street
Telephone: (02) 4782 4788
Fax: (02) 4782 4881
Radio Blue Mountains
Studio 7 Gang Gang Street Katoomba
Office: (02) 4782 9286
Studio: (02) 4782 2490
Email: info@rbm.org.au
Website: http://www.rbm.org.au
Privacy of Ratepayers
Blue Mountains City Council has a responsibility to protect the privacy of ratepayers, residents and
the public. You have rights in relation to information held by Council that relates to you.
The Council must tell you how we will use any personal information we might collect from you and
let you know how you can find out what personal information we might have recorded.
Council will only disclose your personal information if:
• You have consented to the disclosure
• The disclosure is required or authorised by law
• Where it is necessary to lessen a threat to someone's life or health
Privacy Statement (as at 1/8/2013)
Blue Mountains City Council is committed to protecting your personal information. This Statement
outlines Council's practices relating to personal information obtained through access to its website.
Council has adopted a Privacy Management Plan in accordance with the Privacy and Person-
al Information Protection Act 1998 (the Privacy Act) and the Department of Local Government
Model Privacy Management Plan 2013.
Collecting Your Information
Council will only collect personal information directly from you, or your authorised agent. The infor-
mation collected will be for lawful purposes directly related to the functions of Council. Council will
only request information that is necessary for the purpose of the collection. If you do not wish to
provide personal information to Council, it may be unable to provide you with the services required.
In accordance with the Privacy Act, you can make application for Council to consider suppressing
your personal information from a public register held by Council.
How we use your personal information
Residents Guide Page 21 Blue Mountains City CouncilCouncil will use your information for the purpose for which it was collected. Council will use your information to understand community and customer needs to improve our services. Council may use your information to let you know about services or other information available. (eg News from the Hill). Disclosure of your personal information Council will only disclose your personal information if: • You have consented to the disclosure • The disclosure is required or authorised by law • Where it is necessary to lessen a threat to someone's life or health Accuracy of your personal information Council will take reasonable care to ensure that the personal information it collects, uses or disclos- es is accurate, complete and up to date. Storage and Security of your personal information Council will take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information it holds from misuse, unau- thorised access and modification. How to access, correct or update your personal information If you want to know exactly what personal information the Council is holding about you, you are welcome to request such information by contacting the Council's Privacy Officer. You can apply to Council to amend your personal information to ensure it is relevant, up to date and complete and not misleading. Use the Personal Information Form (download at right) to make an application to amend your personal information Council has recorded. Note: you will need to present some personal identification when you make an application so Council staff can verify that you have the authority to amend the information. How we dispose of your personal information Council will dispose of your personal information in accordance with the State Records Act 1998. RMS - Roads & Maritime Services Blue Mountains City Council is an agency for the RMS. We are able to assist with most of your licensing and vehicle registration needs at Council's Administrative Headquarters located at 2 Civic Place, Katoomba. The agency operates from 8:30am to 5:00pm week days. Please direct RMS phone enquiries to 13 22 13 or www.rta.nsw.gov.au. Great Western Highway upgrading For information please visit the Blue Mountains City Council Website at www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au and go to A – Z Listing of Services, “T” for Transport Corridor or visit the RMS Website www.rms.nsw.gov. au . Residents Guide Page 22 Blue Mountains City Council
Residents Guide
Your Community
Your Community
• Community Services
Aboriginal Services
Access & Equity
Aged & Disability Services
Community Care Guide
Children’s Services
Family Day Care
Multicultural Services
Vacation Care
Youth Services
• Facilities
Community Halls for Hire
Leisure Centres
Libraries
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Neighbourhood Centres
Parks & Ovals
• Waste & Recycling in your
community
• Environment Initiatives & Services
• Cultural & Art Services
• Tourism
• How do I obtain an Echo Point
parking voucher
• Where can I get shcool assignment
information on local governmentYour Community
Community Services
Blue Mountains City Council has a Community Outcomes Team focusing on supporting, facilitating and
resourcing community development in the Blue Mountains. Specific services include:
Aboriginal Services
Aboriginal people have lived in the Blue Mountains for many thousands of years. The region incorporates
significant parts of the traditional lands of the Gundungurra and Darug tribal groups.
For information on Aboriginal Services contact the Aboriginal Community Development Officer on (02)
4780 5560 or visit: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/communityservices/aboriginalservices
BMCC Aboriginal Advisory Council
In September 2010 Blue Mountains City Council resolved to endorse the membership of the then First
Peoples Advisory Committee. The appointment of the Advisory Committee members was the result of a
broad engagement process with the local Aboriginal community. In 2013 new committee membership
was endorsed and the committee was re-named the BMCC Aboriginal Advisory Council (AAC).
The AAC provides advice to the Council on matters that are significant to the Blue Mountains Aboriginal
community, with the Council also seeking advice from the AAC when there are matters important to
the Council that involve the Aboriginal community.
The Aboriginal Advisory Council has been established to provide:
• An opportunity where Aboriginal peoples voices can be heard on issues relating to the Councils
polices, plans and services and Aboriginal Communities needs and priorities;
• A robust communication mechanism, between the Council and the Aboriginal communities; and
• A meaningful engagement and relationship between the Council and the Aboriginal communities.
The Aboriginal Advisory Council meets a number of times per year at different venues in the Blue
Mountains LGA. If you would like more information about the Aboriginal Advisory Council or to contact
this committee email: aac@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Access and Equity
The Community Outcomes Team convenes Council's Access and Equity Working Group
which oversees Council's Access and Equity initiatives. The Working Group consists of staff
representatives from all relevant Groups of Council and four community representatives. For more
information contact the Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.
Blue Mountains declared a Refugee Welcome Zone, April 2004
At its meeting of 27 April 2004 (Minute No. 207), Council resolved:
"that Blue Mountains City Council sign the Refugee Welcome Zone declaration
as advocated by the Refugee Council of Australia".
Council adopted the Access and Equity Policy in January 2000. This policy provides a framework
for supporting an ongoing "whole of Council" approach to achieving access and equity in service
provision. Access and equity activities, as outlined in Council's adopted Access and Equity Policy,
are those that benefit both the broader community and / or particular target groups within it and
which help Council to:
• Promote fairness in distribution of resources, particularly for those most in need;
• Recognise and promote people's rights and improve accountability of decision makers;
Residents Guide Page 24 Blue Mountains City Council• Ensure people have fairer access to the resources and services essential to meeting their
needs and improving their quality of life; and
• Give people better opportunities for genuine participation and consultation about decisions
affecting their lives
Blue Mountains City Council Access and Equity Working Group
Council's Access and Equity Working Group oversees Council's Access and Equity initiatives.
The Working Group consists of staff representatives from all relevant Groups of Council and three
community representatives. Since its initiation in 2001 this Working Group has coordinated access
and equity work across the organisation and with external groups. It has also advised on the
expenditure of funding to upgrade access in existing Council building facilities.
Contact us
Post
Access and Equity Working Group
Corporate Planning
Blue Mountains City Council
Locked Bag 1005
KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Telephone: (02) 4780 5000
Fax: (02) 4780 5555
Email: council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
If you would like to know the accessible toilets and parking spaces throughout the mountains you
can download via your mobile or computer the free app at WheelMate
Aged and Disability Services
There are a diverse range of services and programs designed to support and encourage older
people living in the Blue Mountains to participate in community life.
The Blue Mountains population is an ageing one, with the proportion of the population in the older
age groups increasing. In accordance with the 2006 census the 60+ age group makes up 13,967 or
18.8% of the population.
It is projected that the number of older people will increase to 4,997 by 2018.
Due to the Blue Mountains population ageing, there will be a substantial increase in the demand for
services. Blue Mountains City Council will strive to meet this demand by working in close partnership
with the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care and the Department of Health to provide
our seniors with access to health services, Meals on Wheels, Respite services, and other vital
community care services.
Seniors Card
Applications for a Seniors Card can only be made online at www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/home.asp
A Seniors Card is a discount-shopping card for older people. Seniors Card holders are also entitled
through this card to a discount in their travel, for eg at the cost of $2.50 seniors can enjoy an all
round trip on a ferry, train and bus.
The scheme is free to join. To qualify you must be a NSW permanent resident aged 60 years or over
and work no more than 20 hours a week in paid employment. Each year Seniors Car holders are
sent a Guide for the region they live in, listing businesses that offer Seniors Card discounts.
Residents Guide Page 25 Blue Mountains City CouncilAccess and Equity Working Group Council has an Access and Equity Working Group, the aim of the working group is to promote fairness in the distribution of resources, and to provide an accessible and equitable environment throughout the Blue Mountains Local Government area. The working group consists of staff representatives from all relevant groups of Council and four community representatives. Community Care Guide The Community Care Guide is a booklet that lists a number of services available throughout the Blue Mountains that can assist the Frail Aged, Disabled and their Carers to live more independently. Services in this booklet include Meals on Wheels, Respite Care and Home Help. Physical Activity Services Directory Staying Physically Active is a comprehensive booklet that lists A to Y physical services and activities both at an individual level and group level available in the Blue Mountains that Older People can participate in, whether actively or as a volunteer. The directory also has a monthly planner to help people get started in an exercise program. Contact Council's Aged and Disability Services Development Officer on (02) 4780 5546 for more information. Pets of Older Persons (POOPS) Program Pets are renowned for their therapeutic ability to heal the sick, the lonely and the isolated elderly. However age and or disability can often restrict the elderly from caring for their best friend. Pets of Older Persons or more commonly known as POOPs provides a number of services to assist the elderly with the care of their pet. This service which is an initiative of the Aged Care Assessment Team and the RSPCA covers clients in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Some of the services provided under POOPS include: • Monthly grooming • Treatment by RSPCA vets when required • Assistance with Pet food if needed. For more information on any of these services please see Council’s website or contact Council Phone: (02) 4780 5000 Email: council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au Residents Guide Page 26 Blue Mountains City Council
Children’s Services The early childhood years are recognised as a unique stage within the human life cycle. The role of the parent or carer in these early childhood years is seen as the most important in a young child's life. There is also another significant contribution that can be made to the child's early years and that is the role of the children's service. A parent's understanding and appreciation of their child can be enhanced by the child's participation in an early childhood service. Many families place their children into services long before 'formal schooling' begins. Services such as long day care, preschool or playgroup are most common. The children's service is most often the entrance point for support for children and their families. It is a point where support can be received, information can be shared and families can extend their networks and partnerships into the broader community, leading to participation in other community activities. Your child will have access to many worthwhile learning and development opportunities through the experiences offered at the early childhood service. To choose a service you need to firstly know what is available. You need clear and factual information in order to make an informed choice about care for your child. Refer to "A Guide to Children's Services in the Blue Mountains", produced by Blue Mountains City Council, which lists services for children, explains the types of services available and offers a list of questions for you to answer to assist you in the childcare decision making process. More information about topics including immunization, early intervention services, toy libraries and parenting tips can be obtained by selecting from the links on this site.To include a link or provide feedback about this site please contact the Child and Family Services Development Officer on telephone (02) 4780 5542. Children's Services Directory Blue Mountains City Council's Community Outcomes Team is pleased to launch our new Guide to Services and Activities for Children and Families. In producing this guide we have attempted to include all the services in or around our area relevant to children, parents, carers and associated services. Included are sections on childcare, preschool and school aged services; through to parenting support, meeting other parents, health services and recreation activities. We welcome your feedback, suggestions or updates; please contact Council's Child and Family Services Development Officer on (02) 4780 5542. Think about how often families, teachers, friends and playmates hear this from children everywhere. It is an invitation to the world to share in a child’s joy at a new discovery or to notice and celebrate their attempts at mastering a new skill. From taking their first steps, learning new words, riding a bike for the first time or reading a book all by themselves, children invite the people in their world to notice, support and encourage them as they discover and learn. Children’s Week is a week which helps to remind us all of the enduring presence and importance of children in our homes, neighbourhoods and local communities. Children’s Week is proudly supported by Blue Mountains City Council and the Blue Mountains Children’s Week Planning Committee. For further information please contact Council's Community Project Support Officer on (02) 4780 5631. Residents Guide Page 27 Blue Mountains City Council
Partnerships In Learning: Linking children, families and early childhood services The Partnerships In Learning project was a research partnership between the University of Western Sydney and Blue Mountains City Council. The purpose of the project was to find out from parents what were the barriers and enablers to their child participating in an early childhood education and care program. Early childhood services examined in the study included child care, preschool, family day care and supported playgroups. The pilot project was conducted in partnership with families living in the Katoomba and Leura whose children were now in Kindergarten. It is hoped through additional funding the project will be extended throughout the Blue Mountains. Council conducted this research in response to long-term research showing that quality early childhood education supports children to do well at school and go onto to access post school education and employment. A significant finding was that many parents did not realize that children receive an early childhood education at long day care centres. In NSW pre-schools and long day care centres are licensed by the same set of regulations. These regulations require both types of service provide an early childhood education program. You can therefore ensure your child gains an early childhood education through enrolment in a long day care centre in New South Wales. The report also found that parents do not know what to look for when assessing quality of care in Children's Services. For more information about quality in Children's Services please see Blue Mountains City Council's Guide to Services and Activities for Children and Families page 6, Choosing an Early Childhood Service. Contact Council on (02) 4780 5000 to obtain a copy of the report. The findings from the research project also showed that: • Services were easiest to access when they were affordable, flexible and convenient. • Barriers to accessing services included cost, transport, availability of places, lack of information and parents not understanding the benefits that early childhood education services offered children. • Parents and teachers understood that children being ‘ready to start school’ was underpinned by children's emotional and social development, rather than just their knowledge of numbers and letters. Residents Guide Page 28 Blue Mountains City Council
Community Care Guide The Community Care Guide is a booklet that lists a number of services available throughout the Blue Mountains that can assist the Frail Aged, Disabled and their Carers to live more independently. Services in this booklet include Meals on Wheels, Respite Care and Home Help. The booklet can be downloaded at right, and is also available from Council's Customer Service Centres, library branches, local GPs, medical centres, and chemists free of charge. Alternatively contact Prue Hardgrove, Council's Aged and Disability Services Officer on (02) 4780 5546. For those with a vision impairment an audio CD of this booklet is available via the neighbourhood centres, and library branches. If you do receive a service, you can stop receiving this service if you wish to or if your circumstances change. All information given to a service regarding your circumstances remains confidential. If you have an issue regarding paying a fee for a service this can be discussed with the service provider, and an agreement between yourself and the service will be arranged. www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/communityservices/communitycareguide Family Day Care Quality Home Based Care for Children 0-12 years. Family Day Care is flexible small group child care offering every child and parent the benefit of warm, personal attention and enriching experiences in a safe family home. Corner San Jose Avenue and Loftus Street, Lawson Phone: (02) 4780 5280 Fax: (02) 4759 1922 Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. An answering service operates after hours. Family Day Care in the Blue Mountains Family Day Care commenced in the Blue Mountains in March 1980. The Service is funded by the Federal Government early childhood section of the Department of Education, employment and workplace relations and is sponsored by Blue Mountains City Council. What is Family Day Care? Licensed Educators operate from their own homes, and are assessed, registered, trained and supported by the Blue Mountains Family Day Care Co ordination team. Our educators are committed people who have participated in training to ensure the highest quality child care for your child. This means the educator can give each child the personal care and attention which is vital to help young children develop new skills and interests. The children also form friendships with their play mates easily in groups of this size. We welcome applications to become a educator. We can train and support you to operate a rewarding small business that can generate a very good income. If you are a parent seeking childcare, we encourage you to give your child the very best family- based, individual care. Email Family Day Care to request for childcare. We work to assure that children and parents have equal access to home based childcare, appropriate to individual and special needs, that is also: Residents Guide Page 29 Blue Mountains City Council
• Affordable • Safe and • High quality What would my child be doing? The emphasis in Family Day Care is on security, warmth, learning and fun in a home environment. There isn't a fixed routine but there are plenty of fun activities for the children, including singing, listening to music and stories, make-believe play and dressing-up. The children are also included in normal daily household routines such as cooking, shopping and visiting friends, relatives and other places. Most Family Day Care educators attend regular organised playgroups with other educators so that the children can play together in larger groups. You can discuss your child's activities directly with your educator. Family Day Care Staff The Service Coordinator is responsible for the overall management of the service and the recruitment of educators. An important part of this position is maintaining parent, educator and staff relations. Childcare Services Officers provide support and resources to educators and monitor children's development and the placement of their care. Administrative Officers respond to daily enquiries process rebates and maintain the office records. Charges 2014/2015 • Administration Levy - Families: $1.10 per hour per child • Administration Levy - Educators: $12.00 per week • Playgroup: $1.90 per child/session • New Family Registration Fee: $43.00 • New Educator Registration Fee: $190.00 For more information on Family Day Care go to www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/ communityservices/familydaycare Multicultural Services The Blue Mountains is home to people from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The traditional owners of Blue Mountains are the Darug and Gundungurra peoples, who have strong and ongoing connections to their traditional lands, cultures, heritage and history. Migration to Australia over the last 220 years from more than 200 countries has made Australia one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. The 2006 census indicated that approximately 6.3% of the Blue Mountains population was born in a non-English speaking country. Residents from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds living in the Blue Mountains are scattered throughout the LGA with people from European, Middle Eastern, Asian, African and Latin American countries. Blue Mountains City Council supports initiatives that contribute to a safe, caring and inclusive community through the implementation of a range of community safety initiatives, community diversity celebrations, and the provision of support for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Information Blue Mountains Multicultural Service and Resource Directory The aim of this directory is to assist service providers and community members with CALD specific Residents Guide Page 30 Blue Mountains City Council
service and resource information in the absence of locally based multicultural services. It is also hoped that by making this information available it will encourage local services to meet their access and equity commitments to CALD residents; and CALD community members will have greater access to available services, resources and information. This directory was developed and produced as a result of a long standing campaign to provide better Access and Equity for the CALD community living in the Blue Mountains. It was conceptualised by Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN), Sydney West Area Health Service Multicultural Health Network Western Cluster, Mountains Multicultural Interagency and Blue Mountains Multicultural Residents Association (MRA); and was researched and developed by Julianne Abood in her capacity of MCRN project worker, and produced by MCRN in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council. East Meets West East meets West: Exploring Cultural Diversity in the Blue Mountains, a research project funded and overseen by Sydney West Area Health Service, came about in response to concerns among service providers in the Blue Mountains about engaging with and providing culturally appropriate services to local residents from CALD backgrounds, in the absence of locally based multicultural workers. The project's report details extensive qualitative research findings and recommendations, which include the recommendation for the development of 'a directory of CALD specific programs, services, multilingual groups and voluntary associations and source points for CALD specific and multilingual information' (Recommendation 3.2.6:10), and which led to the development of the Blue Mountains Multicultural Directory. The East Meets West research demonstrated that, despite stereotypes of a mono-cultural tradition, the Blue Mountains is home to people from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds, whose contribution can be seen in the rich and diverse range of artistic, cultural and business enterprises across the area. For information, events and celebrations and contact details for local multicultural groups and services please contact the Community Outcomes team on (02) 4780 5000 or see Council’s website Vacation Care To find out more about Blackheath Vacation Care please contact: Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre on (02) 4787 7770 Youth Services There are a diverse range of services for young people throughout the Blue Mountains. Blue Mountains City Council's "Strategy for Young People 2002-2007" outlines Council's commitment to creating and strengthening partnerships with youth services in order to provide excellent facilities for young people in areas of health, housing, recreation and employment. Young people are generally defined as being between the ages of 12 to 24. At the 1996 Census there were 12,755 young people living in the Blue Mountains, approximately 17.6% of the population. You can download a brief listing of local services that work with young people on Council’s website. For any questions regarding Youth Services or events, contact the Youth Services Development Officer on (02) 4780 5545 or go to www.mountainsofhelp.org.au Youth Council 2013 marked the Blue Mountains Youth Council's 10th year, and from Council's perspective, the Residents Guide Page 31 Blue Mountains City Council
involvement of young people is very important - we need to understand how young people throughout
the Blue Mountains feel about decisions we make that affect them. It is also a chance young people
to educate Council, let us know what's working, what your needs are and your dreams for this city,
your home.
Some of the outstanding achievements of Blue Mountains Youth Council so far have been:
• Hosting a visit from the NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Gillian Calvert,
and doing a formal consultation with the Commission on matters of youth health to inform NSW
Health policy.
• Creation of a short film 'I Can Do What You Can Do' - concerning the achievements of Youth
Councillor Anthony Fowler, premiered during Youth Week 2007.
• Presentating to Councillors on issues relating to the Glenbrook Skatepark Facility.
• Initiating the SmartStart University Scholarship, a partnership with Blue Mountains City Council
and the University of Western Sydneywhich aims to improve access to University of Western
Sydney for young residents of the Blue Mountains.
• Representation on a number of internal and external committees including: the NSW Commission
for Children and Young People's Advisory Committee, the NSW Youth Week Committee, the Blue
Mountains World Heritage Advisory Committee and most recently the NSW Youth Parliament.
Council is committed to supporting young people's involvement in decision-making, and strives
towards creating a positive, healthy, inclusive environment in the Blue Mountains for our young
people to grow and thrive.
For more information contact Council's Youth Services Development Officer on (02) 4780 5680.
Residents Guide Page 32 Blue Mountains City CouncilYour Community
Facilities
Community Halls for Hire
Whether you need a small hall for an activity space for children, birthday party, meeting or a venue
large enough for a wedding, community festival or seminar there is a good chance there will be a
community hall that will fit the bill.
Council is custodian of a number of public halls conveniently located in the Upper, Mid and Lower
Blue Mountains which are available for use by residents and community groups.
Hire fees are dependent on the type and period of usage. Council has a fixed scale of fees and
charges and these include a special discount rate for non-profit activities.
For general information and / or to book the under-mentioned venues contact the relevant booking
officer.
Halls in the Upper Mountains:
• Mount Wilson Village Hall
• Mount Victoria Public Hall and Cinema
• Blackheath Community Centre
• Megalong Valley Community Hall
• Katoomba / Leura Seniors and Community Centre
• Wentworth Falls School of Arts
Halls in the Mid Mountains:
• Mid Mountains Community Centre,
• Lawson Community Hall (Mechanics Institute)
• Gloria Park Pavilion,
• Weroona Park Meeting Facility.
Halls in the Lower Mountains:
• Faulconbridge Community Hall
• Springwood Civic Centre (is currently undergoing upgrades)
• Winmalee Community Hall
• Braemar Gallery
• Warrimoo Citizens Hall
• Blaxland Community Centre
• Mount Riverview Hall
• Glenbrook School of Arts
To find out more about the locations, venue size and contact details of the numerous community
halls available for hire please visit Council's Website at www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au > Council Services >
Halls for Hire or phone the Community Facilities Co-ordinator on (02) 4780 5425.
Contact Details
• Blackheath Community Centre Booking Officer (02) 4787 7770
• Blaxland Community Centre Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5025
• Braemar Gallery Booking Officer (02) 4723 5046
• Faulconbridge Community Centre Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5735
• Glenbrook Hall Booking Officer (02) 4739 2601
Residents Guide Page 33 Blue Mountains City Council• Gloria Park Pavilion Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5025 • Katoomba-Leura Senior Citizens / Community Centre Booking Officer (02) 4782 9745 • Lawson Community Hall (Mechanics Institute Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5735 • Megalong Valley Community Hall Booking Officer (02) 4780 9181 • Mid Mountains Community Centre Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5735 • Mount Riverview Hall Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5025 • Mount Victoria Public Hall Booking Officer (02) 4787 1577 • Mount Wilson Village Hall Booking Officer (02) 4756 2120 • Springwood Civic Centre Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5025 • Warrimoo Citizens Hall Facilities Liaison Officer (02) 4780 5735 Leisure Centres Blue Mountains City Council has five dedicated leisure centres throughout the Blue Mountains all offering different facilities. There are two Leisure centres open year round, one at Katoomba and one at Springwood each with a range of competitive and recreational pools and programs as well as Fitness centres and group fitness available. The three outdoor pool facilities at Glenbrook, Lawson and Blackheath each have a range of competitive and recreational pools and are open seasonally. All Blue Mountains Leisure Centres offer Swim and Survive Learn-to-Swim lessons. All Blue Mountains Leisure Centres are closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day and close at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. On Anzac Day, all Centres will be closed until midday. For more information about a specific site please contact the relevant centre or the Co-ordinator – Sales and Marketing on telephone (02) 4723 5114 or visit www.bmleisurecentres.com.au Blackheath Pool Prince Edward Street Phone: (02) 4787 8018 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Blackheath-Pool Glenbrook Swim Centre Wascoe Street / Fletcher Street Phone: (02) 4739 5880 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Glenbrook-Swim-Centre Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre Catalina Avenue Phone: (02) 4782 1748 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Katoomba-Sports-Aquatic-Centre Lawson Swim Centre St Bernards Drive Phone: (02) 4759 1458 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Lawson-Swim-Centre Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre Plateau Road Phone: (02) 4723 5111 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Springwood-Aquatic-Fitness-Centre Residents Guide Page 34 Blue Mountains City Council
Libraries
The Blue Mountains Library Service comprises 6 Branch Libraries situated at Springwood, Ka-
toomba, Blaxland, Lawson, Blackheath and Wentworth Falls plus a Book Express Service to
railway commuters.
The services offered by the Library include:
• Loans & Reservations,
• Inter-Library Loans,
• Internet and Computer access,
• Photocopying & Fax Service,
• Information Enquiries,
• Online Databases,
• Local Studies & Family History,
• Children’s and Youth Services and
• A Housebound Service is co-ordinated through the various Neighbourhood Centres. For
these and other services please ask Library Staff for details.
The Library catalogue can be accessed 24 hours a day from the Blue Mountains City Council
Website at www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsCityLibrary
For all other enquiries please call Library Administration on (02) 4723 5053.
Book Express - Springwood Railway Station Thursday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Monday: 6:15am - 8:00am Friday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 6:15am - 8:00am Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Book Express - Katoomba Railway Station Lawson Library
Tuesday: 5:45am - 7:30am Cnr San Jose Ave and Loftus St, Lawson
Springwood Library Phone: (02) 4759 1446
104 Macquarie Road, Springwood Monday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Phone: (02) 4723 5040 Tuesday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Monday: 10:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 5:30pm Thursday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday:10:00am - 5:30pm Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm Wentworth Falls Library
School of Arts Building, Great Western Highway,
Katoomba Library Wentworth Falls
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke St, Phone: (02) 4757 2095
Katoomba Monday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Phone: (02) 4780 5750 Tuesday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Monday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Thursday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesday:10:00am - 5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Blackheath Library
Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm Community Hall, Great Western Highway,
Sunday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Blackheath
Phone: (02) 4787 8893
Blaxland Library Monday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Community Centre, 33 Hope St, Blaxland Tuesday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Phone: (02) 4739 4284 Thursday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Monday: 10:00am - 5:30pm Friday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday:10:00am - 5:30pm
Residents Guide Page 35 Blue Mountains City CouncilYou can also read
