Future Provision of Community Services Infrastructure … · Future Provision of Community Services Infrastructure in Lara Overview and Implementation Plan October 2010

Future Provision of Community Services Infrastructure in Lara

Overview and Implementation Plan

October 2010

Lara Implementation Plan 1. Introduction

Council is undertaking Community Services Infrastructure Planning across the municipality. The Plan will provide Council with a strategic direction for the future provision of Community Services Infrastructure in the township over the next 10 – 20 years.

1.1 Study Area

Lara is a satellite township of Melbourne and certainly Geelong. It is both a residential and rural town, located 58km south west of Melbourne and 16km from Geelong. The town centre is located just west of the Princes Freeway which links Melbourne and Geelong. It is naturally separated by the Geelong Bypass from Corio, and is approximately 10 kilometres from the nearest neighbouring township.

The area’s growth occurred from the 1920s onwards. However, the most rapid growth occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. Between 1996 and 2001, there was another spurt of growth in Lara resulting in the development of new dwellings. Moreover, due to its strategic position between Melbourne and Geelong, Lara has been designated as a location for further urban growth.

However, Lara is subject to a range of physical constraints both natural and man-made, such as impermeable roads, railway lines, waterways and parklands. These confine the opportunities and directions for its future growth. To date they have also influenced Lara’s urban form and the creation of a number of separate neighbour-hoods.

While Lara has a role as a growth centre, it also strives to retain its ‘country town’ feel.

Lara - Regional Context

1.2 Purpose of the Plan

• Understanding the policy context for community infrastructure provision.

• Demographic analysis comparing Lara with the City of Greater Geelong and Victoria as a whole.

• Analysis of projected population for Lara up until 2030.

• Audit and mapping of the existing community facilities and services in Lara.

• Consultations with service providers and facilities managers to investigate service capacity; usage profiles; appropriateness of facilities; and issues and opportunities for future service provision.

• Identification of relevant benchmarks for both stand alone community facilities and community hubs.

• Lara’s projected population assessed against policy, benchmarks and anecdotal evidence to determine recommendations for future community infrastructure needs, including configurations for these facilities.

2. Policy Context

This study builds on existing infrastructure planning and community service policy frameworks to determine an appropriate local response to service and facility planning in Lara.

2.1 Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)

The MSS identifies Lara as an urban growth location for the City of Greater Geelong. The MSS suggests that an analysis of community infrastructure be undertaken for Lara to meet the needs of the growing population. It states:

A key issue to be addressed for the township is the expansion of the town centre to provide more shops and better facilities for the current and future population of Lara.

In particular, objectives three, five and seven of the MSS and the corresponding strategies are relevant to the planning of community infrastructure in Lara. These are detailed below.

Objective 3:

To reinforce the area around The Centreway Shopping Centre as the primary activity centre in Lara.

To provide a wider range of goods and services within the town centre to accommodate the projected population growth of Lara.

Strategies:

• Consolidate and develop the Lara Town Centre as the primary retail, commercial and cultural centre for Lara.

• Consolidate and develop the Lara Town Centre generally in accordance with the principles and actions identified in the Lara Town Centre Urban Design Framework March 2006.

• Create new and improve existing community services in the town centre to cater to existing demand and the needs of future Lara residents including a library and town square.

Objective 5:

To provide a network of useable open spaces within the township and to maximise community accessibility to open space.

Strategy:

• Retain Austin Park as one of the key focal points of the town centre and improve it by reconfiguring the Park to:

o Contribute to the creation of a legible town centre structure

o Reduce the amount of unusable space

o Create a strong visual and physical link between the retail / commercial precinct and the park

o Improve links to the park throughout the town

o Improve parking and service opportunities within the town centre.

Objective 7:

To identify community development needs (education, recreation and community facilities) and ensure that facilities are located to optimise community accessibility and convenience.

Strategies:

• Negotiate with the land developer and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to provide a site for an education facility within the Canterbury Road West growth area if deemed necessary.

• Incorporate appropriate community facilities into future residential subdivisions.

2.2 Community Facilities

The Lara Structure Plan highlights the current identified needs and / or wishes of the Lara community for community infrastructure; however, it acknowledges that a more detailed study will be required to identify expected longer term community infrastructure and service requirements as the population grows.

2.3 Lara Urban Design Framework

An Urban Design Framework (UDF) was prepared in 2006 by David Lock and Associates. The values of the UDF are recognised by Council as an essential step towards achieving the best long term outcomes that reflect community aspirations whilst providing a catalyst for private investment.

The UDF acknowledges that existing facilities within the town centre do not adequately cater for the current needs.

Strategy 1.2: Improve services in the town centre

To cater for the existing demand as well as that of future residents it is necessary to create new and improve existing community services.

Proposal:

• Create a new library within the Lara town centre, as it is the view of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation that the success of a library in Lara is dependent on its location within the town centre and connection to the surrounding area.

• Create a ‘community hub’ around the community centre.

• Combine the three emergency services of Police, Fire and Ambulance in a new Emergency Service Hub, located in close proximity to the town centre.

• Improve the physical relationship between the bowling club and the town centre.

2.4 Implications

The key themes that emerge in relation to community infrastructure planning in Lara through the relevant policy include:

• Population growth will continue to exacerbate the need for further provision of infrastructure in Lara, priorities are a library and kindergarten spaces.

• Push for the centralisation of facilities and a town square near the Centreway Shopping Centre to create a town focal point or civic precinct.

• Ensure new residential growth is complemented by new facilities and open space.

2.5 Recommendations

Theme/Issue

Summary Recommendations Indicative Time

Frame

1 Role of the Town Centre

• It is recommended that Council integrate planning for community services infrastructure into future planning for the redevelopment of the Town Centre to maximise co-location and connection of facilities in any new proposal. Including consideration of the role of the Library, Austin Park Community Centre, Children’s Facilities / Hub in creating a vibrant town focus / community / civic / retail hub.

Short Term

2 Development of Central Lara Community Hub including a Library, Community Centre and Children’s Hub

• Undertake planning and development for future community services infrastructure that is co-located / integrated on a site adjacent to the retail precinct and Austin Park.

Medium Term

3. Stage 2 – Development of Children’s Hub / Community Facility at Lara Lake

• Undertake planning and development of Stage 2 of the preschool including flexible meeting spaces, playgrounds and linkages to primary school site.

Short Term

4. Construction of Community Facility at Grand Lakes

• In conjunction with the developer (Bisinella) via S173 agreement, construct a purpose built community facility including flexible meeting spaces and consult rooms

Short Term

5. Specialist Services Delivery Capacity

• Support exploration of potential development of specific aged care, well being, community health, and medical services to meet community needs including integration with new or existing facilities.

Medium Term

Theme/Issue

Summary Recommendations Time Frame

6. Opportunities for Young People

• In line with development of the Town Centre redevelop the skate park and consider other initiatives to support active involvement of young people in civic, cultural and community life.

• In partnership with Lara Secondary College consider opportunities for young people to utilise school facilities outside of normal school hours.

Medium Term

Short Term

7. Local Open Space

• Continue to develop and renew local open space in line with population growth to provide amenity at a whole of township level as well as at a local neighbourhood level.

Medium Term

8. Mobility and Access

• Undertake Strategic Footpath Study to ensure and improve walkability within the township and to key destinations including Town Centre, schools, swimming pool, neighbourhood shops and railway station.

Medium Term

9. Community Transport and Linkages

• Access viability of community transport services linking key destinations.

• Continually advocate for improved access to and amenity of public transport.

Ongoing

10. Provision of Other Community Facilities

• Continue to support and develop facilities including: - Lara Community Hall - Flinders Preschool - Lara RSL in line with population growth, change and provision of new facilities in the Town Centre and neighbourhoods.

Ongoing

3. Demographic Characteristics

3.1 Population

The enumerated population (excluding overseas visitors) of Lara in 2006 was approximately 10,860. Of the total population, 5,620 are male and 5,240 are female. Between 1996 and 2006, the enumerated population of Lara has increased by 46.7% or 3,460 persons, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the Barwon South West Region of Victoria.

Lara has a current land area of 1,582 hectares and a population density of 6.87 people per hectare.

3.2 Age Structure

Lara has a young population compared with the City of Greater Geelong with a larger percentage of people in the 0–17 age groups (27.8%) and a lower percentage of people in the 60+ age group (12.2%).

The most significant changes in the age structure of Lara between 2001 and 2006 were in the following age groups:

• 35 to 49 (+510 persons)

• 50 to 59 (+346 persons)

• 60 to 69 (+217 persons)

• 18 to 24 (+138 persons)

The number of children aged 0 to 4 is shown in the table below.

Age Males Females Persons

0 106 78 184

1 91 88 179

2 101 71 172

3 95 95 190

4 86 107 193

Total 0 – 4 years 479 439 918 Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2006

3.3 Ethnic Origin

The Lara population includes 8,926 (82.2%) born in Australia and 1,620 (14.9%) born overseas. There are 112 Indigenous persons in Lara.

The highest number of people born outside Australia came from the United Kingdom (6.5%) followed by a very small percentage from the Philippines (1.1%) and the Netherlands (1%). Of the total population, 7% are from non-English speaking backgrounds. When compared with the City of Greater Geelong there is a similar proportion of people born overseas but a smaller proportion of people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

3.4 Income

According to the profile for Lara created by ID Consulting, Lara is generally wealthier than the rest of Greater Geelong and Victoria. Of the population of Lara, 18.3% earn a high income (over $1,000 per week), and 37.8% earn a low income (less than $400 per week). In the City of Greater Geelong, 14.6% earn a high income and 45.7% earn a low income. For the State of Victoria, there are 17.1% who earn a high income and 41.8% which earn a low income.

The above statistics refer to individual incomes. However; a more useful indicator of socio-economic advantage is household income. It is important to remember that households vary in size, so that some areas have a greater number of dependents per income generated than others. If the area has a large number of retirees then this will produce a higher proportion of households with low income. This is not necessarily a measure of retirees’ socio-economic status, as retirees often have capital resources.

3.5 Education

In total, 36.4% of the population of Lara hold educational qualifications, while 48.5% have no qualifications. In contrast, Victoria as a whole and the City of Greater Geelong both have a greater number of people with a Bachelor or Higher Degree and less people who have vocational training.

Highest Education Qualification Achieved

The following table shows the number of people attending educational institutions in Lara. There are a total of 1,184 children attending primary school and 824 attending secondary school.

No. of People attending education institutions in Lara

Educational Institution Number Attending

Percentage of Total Population

Preschool 258 2.4%

Primary School – Government 862 8.0%

Primary School – Catholic 227 2.1%

Primary School – Independent 95 0.9%

Primary School – Total 1,184 10.9%

Secondary School – Government 545 5.0%

Secondary School – Catholic 168 1.6%

Secondary School – Independent 111 1.0%

Secondary School – Total 824 7.6%

TAFE 180 1.7%

University 241 2.2%

Other 56 0.5%

Not Attending 7,137 66%

Not Stated 971 9.0%

Total 10,818 100% Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2006

The largest changes in the number of people attending education institutions in Lara between 2001 and 2006 were:

• Primary – Total (+145 persons)

• Primary – Government (+90 persons)

• Secondary – Total (+81 persons)

• Secondary – Government (+75 persons)

3.6 Employment

In 2006, the size of Lara’s labour force was 5,242. Of the total labour force, 1,713 were employed part-time (32.7%) and 3,181 were employed full time (60.7%).

In Lara, 95.6% of the labour force is employed (60.4% of the population aged 15+) and 4.4% unemployed (2.8% of the population aged 15+). In Victoria, 94.6% are employed and 5.4% are unemployed.

Between 2001 and 2006, the number of employed people in Lara increased by 554 and the number of people unemployed decreased by 27.

3.7 Forecast Population

The population of Lara is forecast to increase to approximately 12,650 by 2012 and to 14,820 by 2030. Correspondingly, the number of dwellings and households will increase significantly. However, the size of the households will be reduced.

Lara Projected Population and Households

2006 2012 2018 2024 2030

Total Population 10,859 12,647 14,546 14,893 14,817

Households (occupied private dwellings) 3,645 4,352 5,120 5,375 5,458

Dwellings 3,876 4,352 5,120 5,375 5,458

Average Household Size 2.8 2.74 2.7 2.64 2.58 Source: id consulting, City of Greater Geelong website, 2008

The following table shows the forecasted population of Lara by age group in six year intervals between 2006 and 2030.

Lara Projected Population by Age Group

2006 2012 2018 2024 2030

Number % Number % Number % Number % Number %

0 to 4 872 7.6 823 6.5 938 6.4 903 6.1 863 5.8

5 to 9 892 7.7 946 7.5 1,036 7.1 1,006 6.8 956 6.5

10 to 14 884 7.7 973 7.7 1,092 7.5 1,057 7.1 1,010 6.8

15 to 19 800 6.9 892 7.1 1,023 7 1,035 6.9 988 6.7

20 to 24 687 6 785 6.2 911 6.3 934 6.3 920 6.2

25 to 29 806 7 854 6.8 961 6.6 938 6.3 929 6.3

30 to 34 1,052 9.1 956 7.6 1,095 7.5 1,032 6.9 992 6.7

35 to 39 1,050 9.1 1,049 8.3 1,153 7.9 1,125 7.6 1,059 7.1

40 to 44 882 7.7 1,026 8.1 1,078 7.4 1,092 7.3 1,045 7.1

45 to 49 805 7 873 6.9 1,012 7 1,009 6.8 1,002 6.8

50 to 54 708 6.1 803 6.4 899 6.2 963 6.5 941 6.4

55 to 59 642 5.6 700 5.5 821 5.6 861 5.8 890 6

60 to 64 396 3.4 634 5 729 5 791 5.3 823 5.6

65 to 69 307 2.7 445 3.5 614 4.2 691 4.6 743 5

70 to 74 219 1.9 320 2.5 486 3.3 576 3.9 636 4.3

75 to 79 200 1.7 213 1.7 298 2 437 2.9 485 3.3

80 to 84 151 1.3 159 1.3 195 1.3 231 1.6 313 2.1

85 + 160 1.4 192 1.5 205 1.4 212 1.4 218 1.5 Source: id consulting, City of Greater Geelong website, 2008

Based on the projections shown in the table above, the major changes in the population of Lara include:

• An increase in the number of persons in all age groups up until 2024.

• A reduction in the percentage of the population aged between 30 and 39.

• An increase in the number of 5 to 14 year olds up until 2012.

• A significant increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over.

• A decline in the population between 2024 and 2030.

4. Issues Raised by Service Providers and Community Representatives

4.1 Introduction

Discussions were held with representatives from:

• Flinders Kindergarten

• Lara Kindergarten

• Lara Community Centre

• Geelong Regional Library Corporation

• Lara Secondary School

• Lara Primary School

• Lara Lake Primary School

• Maternal and Child Health

• Lara Medical Centre

• You Yangs Medical Clinic

• St Laurence Park

• Lara RSL Club

• Lara Lions Club

• Chamber of Commerce

The aim of the discussions was to gain an understanding of the current usage of facilities and services, and the needs and issues facing the Lara community. The following section identifies the key findings of the discussions for each service type.

4.2 Key Issues

Health Services

• The Maternal and Child Health facility is very old.

• There is a shortage of GPs in Lara due to attraction and retention issues.

• Both medical centres are at capacity.

• There is limited consulting space for Allied Health Services in Lara.

• There is a demand for youth specific and aged specific health services.

• Medical centres would benefit from co-location with Allied Health Services.

• There are no low-cost Allied Health Services.

• Mental health and well-being is not currently catered for.

Education Services

• There is no existing demand for increasing the number of primary or secondary schools.

• The existing schools have sufficient facilities to meet current needs.

• There is opportunity for further collaboration between the schools and other groups in the community, such as the RSL and the Chamber of Commerce.

• An increase in after-school programs and activities, such as homework clubs and a school musical would increase student engagement with the rest of the community and give them increased support.

• The culture of the high school would be improved by more opportunities for parents to become involved in the school community such as parent education sessions.

Children, Youth and Family Services

• There is a shortage of qualified kindergarten teachers.

• Increased birth notifications may result in higher demand for kindergarten places into the future. Double kindergartens with both a three year old and a four year old room may help cater to this demand.

• The kindergartens in Lara are appropriately distributed to cater for families from the local neighbourhood. However, state policy suggests that co-locating kindergartens with primary schools, long day care, maternal and child health and early intervention services is of great benefit to children and families.

• A central waiting list is going to be established for the three kindergartens.

• New Federal Government initiatives to provide 15 hours of kinder per child will place increasing pressure on kindergartens.

• There is a shortage of activities for youth within Lara leading to boredom and anti-social behaviour such as under-age drinking and violence.

• There is a lack of children, youth and family support services in Lara.

Other

• A permanent library is a number one priority. Almost all service providers mentioned the need for a library when asked what they thought was lacking in the current community infrastructure offering of Lara.

• There is a shortage of storage space for community clubs and groups.

• Lara often misses out on programs and services because it does not have such high needs groups as the nearby suburbs of Corio and North Shore.

• Disability access is a problem in many of Lara’s community buildings.

• Young people would benefit from there being more opportunities for work experience.

• Lara does not currently have a large community hall to cater for big events.

• Young families in the area need more support services.

• A new police station is needed to cater for the growing population.

• The Lara pool would be more popular if it was heated, incorporated a gym and able to be open all year round.

Key Issues to be addressed

Based on the above, the key issues that need to be addressed in Lara at this time relate to:

• distribution, provision and delivery of medical and health facilities to meet all target groups;

• early childhood services and support for young families;

• permanent library; and

• consideration of high needs groups, including disability access for those handicapped by their mobility.