COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Proposed Medical Centre at 49A Robyn Street, Blacktown

PREPARED BY:

Metris Urban Planning

http://www.metris.com.au

Social Impact Assessment

49A Robyn Street, Blacktown


COPYRIGHT 2020 All rights reserved © Metris Urban Planning

This document is copyrighted and may only be used for purposes associated with the subject Development Application to which it relates to and may not be otherwise copied, reproduced, distributed or used without the written permission of Metris Urban Planning.

DISCLAIMER

Metris Urban Planning (Metris) prepared this report on the instructions, and for the benefit only, of the Client (Instructing Party) for the purpose of Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment (CSIA) and not for any other purpose or use. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Metris expressly disclaims all liability, whether direct or indirect, to the Instructing Party which relies or purports to rely on this report for any purpose other than the SEE, and to any other person which relies or purports to rely on this report for any purpose whatsoever (including the SEE).

Whilst Metris has made all reasonable inquiries it believes necessary in preparing this report, it is not responsible for determining the completeness or accuracy of information relied upon. Metris (including its officers and personnel) is not liable for any errors or omissions, including in information provided by the Instructing Party or another person or upon which Metris relies.

This report has been prepared with due care and diligence by Metris and the statements and opinions given by Metris in this report are given in good faith and in the reasonable belief that they are correct and not misleading, subject to the limitations above.

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, it relies of information / documentation provided by others and therefore the author disclaim any and all liability done or the consequence of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document.

Printed March 2020

Contact details:

E [email protected]

M 0406 611 799

W www.metris.com.au

Version Review Date 1 MH 28/02/2020 2 SS 1/03/2020

http://www.metris.com.au/

CONTENTS


Table of Contents DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... ii 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 2. Standards for a Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment ............................................... 2

Criteria ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 3 Research undertaken to support proposed Medical Centre ................................................... 4

3. Strategic planning controls and policies ........................................................................... 5 Blacktown City Council – Our Blacktown 2036, Community Strategic Plan ............................ 5 Community Profile (Profile.id) ................................................................................................. 5 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) ........................................................................................ 7 A Metropolis of Three Cities .................................................................................................... 7 Engagement ............................................................................................................................. 8 NSW Health .............................................................................................................................. 9

4. Proposed Development ................................................................................................. 11 Development Summary ......................................................................................................... 11

5. Site locality ................................................................................................................... 14 6. Subject site ................................................................................................................... 15 7. Social Impact Comment Initial Assessment .................................................................... 16

Population change .................................................................................................................. 16 Housing ................................................................................................................................... 16 Accessibility ............................................................................................................................ 16 Community and recreation services / facilities ...................................................................... 16 Cultural and community significance ..................................................................................... 16 Community identity and sense of belonging ......................................................................... 16 Health and well-being ............................................................................................................ 17 Crime and safety .................................................................................................................... 18 Local economy and employment opportunities .................................................................... 18

Needs of specific population groups ...................................................................................... 18 8. Potential social impacts of the proposed medical centre ................................................ 19 9. Assessment of significance ............................................................................................ 20 10. Consideration of Impacts ............................................................................................... 21

Social impact types ................................................................................................................. 21 Social impact assessment ....................................................................................................... 22

11. Impact Mitigation Measures .......................................................................................... 23 Impact Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................. 23

12. Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 24




Figures Figure 1: Proposed development ....................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2: Proposed development ....................................................................................................... 13 Figure 3: Site locality .......................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 4: Survey Plan .......................................................................................................................... 15

Tables Table 1: Social Impact Criteria ............................................................................................................. 2 Table 2: Supporting Documentation .................................................................................................... 4 Table 3: Estimated Resident Population - Blacktown NSW 2148 ........................................................ 5 Table 4: Need for assistance with core activities by age – Blacktown NSW 2148 .............................. 6 Table 5: Need for assistance with core activities summary – Blacktown NSW 2148 .......................... 6 Table 6: Death from all causes Blacktown LGA .................................................................................. 10 Table 7: Medical facilities in proximity to the subject site ................................................................ 17 Table 8: Methodology for potential social impacts ........................................................................... 19 Table 9: Significance of social impacts ............................................................................................... 20 Table 10: Common social impact types – Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment ..................... 21



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DECLARATION

I Shivesh Singh, declare that I am appropriately qualified to complete this Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment for a proposed medical centre at 49A Robyn Street, to Blacktown City Council.

Qualifications: Masters of Town and Regional Planning

University of Natal, South Africa

Registration: Registered Planner with Planning Institute of Australia

Shivesh Singh has an excellent reputation in relation to the relevant work. He has over 24 years of town planning experience and assessing social impacts from a range of development types whilst working for local government, State government and the private sector. Shivesh is also a post graduate town planning lecturer at Macquarie University.

The information provided in this Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment is not false or misleading and appropriate level of data gathering and data analysis was undertaken for this report in accordance with Council’s guidelines and industry standards.

There is no conflict of interest or a financial interest in the project.

Shivesh Singh MTRP RPIA

Director




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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overview This Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment (CSIA) has been prepared by Metris Urban Planning in support of the proposed medical centre at 49A Robyn Street, Blacktown.

Council requested in the Pre-DA meeting on 8 January 2020, with reference C19/56542, that a Social Impact Assessment must be included as part of the DA and must include the following:

• The demand of the proposed development; • The design and fit with the local character of the area, • Likely positive and negative impacts that may result from the development over time; and • How the development will be operated in a manner that protects the amenity of residents

and people in neighbouring properties.

The CSIA responds to the relevant statutory planning controls and policies applicable to the site and meets the criteria in accordance with the Planning Institute of Australia’s Social Impact Position Statement.

The potential social impacts of the proposed medical centre are assessed using the following methodology as follows:

a) A detailed analysis of the issues identified in the SIC Initial Assessment.

b) An outline of the methodology used to conduct the CSIA.

c) An outline of the research undertaken (including communication and consultation with the impacted communities and key stakeholders).

d) The applicant seeking a meeting with Council Officers early in the process to discuss Council’s specific requirements.

Proposal Development consent is sought to construct a Medical Centre on the site which comprises of the following:

• New medical centre comprising of the following elements: o Three medical consulting rooms; o Reception with waiting area; o Office; o Treatment room; o Recovery room; o Procedure room; o A sterilisation room; o Staff room; o Two wash closets of which one is accessible; and o Storage room.

• Car parking for 12 vehicles (inclusive of one accessible car parking bay); • Landscaping which includes removal of several trees on the site and driveway; and • Stormwater works.



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There would be a total of 6 staff in the form of 3 doctors, 1 Nurse, 1 Practice Manager and 1 Receptionist at the medical centre during business hours.

Assessment The CSIA responds to the relevant statutory planning controls and policies applicable to the site, with s specific reference to:

• Planning Institute of Australia’s Social Impact Position Statement; • Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act); • The Greater Sydney Commission - Central City District Plan (2018); • Our Blacktown 2036 Community Strategic Plan (2017); • Community Profile (Profile.id); • Community Engagement Policy; • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS); • Department of Planning Industry & Environment;; and • NSW Health.

To this effect several studies have been prepared in support of the DA:

• Architectural plans • Landscaping and Arboricultural impacts • Stormwater • Traffic and parking • Acoustics • Contamination • Construction management • Waste management • Operational Plan of Management • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

The proposed development has been assessed in accordance with the relevant State, regional and local planning policies. In specific, Council’s LEP and DCP demonstrates the consistency of the proposed development with the relevant statutory planning policies and achieves the objectives of the relevant provisions.

Conclusion

It is recommended that the DA for a medical centre be approved by Blacktown City Council as it would have a significant social benefit to the local community as well as the wider Local Government Area.

The assessment of environmental impacts in the supporting studies of the Development Application have concluded that there would be minor impacts for properties surrounding the subject site. Whilst impacts would be minimal, any mitigation measures proposed in the sub-consultants DA reports would be implemented at the subject site.

It is strongly believed that there would be only direct benefits to the community by improving local health and well-being from the proposed medical centre. The cumulative impacts from the medical centre would ensure the local community would have quick and easy access to medical care.



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1. Introduction This Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment (CSIA) has been prepared by Metris Urban Planning in support of the proposed medical centre at 49A Robyn Street, Blacktown.

The CSIA accompanies the Development Application (DA) submitted to Blacktown City Council (Council). The SIA responds to the relevant statutory planning controls and policies applicable to the site, with specific reference to:


Council has requested that a Social Impact Assessment be prepared to support the Development Application to Council for the proposed medical centre at this site. This report has been prepared to satisfy this request from Council.



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2. Standards for a Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment

Criteria In accordance with the Planning Institute of Australia’s Social Impact Position Statement, this comprehensive social impact assessment, submitted to Council, meets the following criteria:

Table 1: Social Impact Criteria Criteria Response a) The process is undertaken by a competent,

professional social scientist and uses rigorous social science methodologies

Yes. Declaration undertaken.

b) The process includes effective, timely and transparent public involvement

Yes. Community will be consulted during the exhibition of the DA as per Council’s regulations.

c) The baseline (pre-change) situation is adequately researched and documented

Yes. Section 5 and 6.

d) The scope of proposed changes is fully described

Yes. Section 4

e) Examples of similar changes are identified, including impacts likely to affect minority groups, different age, income and cultural groups and future generations

Yes. Similar and surrounding land use changes are researched in Section 7.7. Community needs profiling undertaken in Section 3.

f) Direct as well as indirect, long term and short term, positive and negative, passing and accumulating impacts are identified


g) The relative equity of impacts is identified. It is important to identify how the benefits and losses will be distributed to different sections of the community


h) Impacts over time and location are considered (e.g. local as opposed to state and national benefits and losses)

Yes. Local environmental impacts assessed in Statement of Environmental Effects.

i) Impacts which are not amendable to precise measurement are not excluded from consideration – the assessment is and evaluation not a proof

All impacts are mitigated with appropriate recommendations made in DA.

j) A review mechanism is included where appropriate

NA. Statement of Environmental Effects has assessed impacts with mitigation measures where necessary. The proposed Plan of Management would be reviewed as required.

k) The precautionary principle is applied in making an assessment

Yes. The Statement of Environmental Effect has demonstrated there is no harm or risk



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to health associated with proposed development. The possibility of harm arising from the proposed medical centre would be minimal. Extensive scientific knowledge is relied upon in the Development Application and its supporting documentation as well as this CSIA to allow a decision to be made on the proposed development.

Methodology The SIA responds to the relevant statutory planning controls and policies applicable to the site, with specific reference to:


This Social Impact Assessment has been prepared in accordance with Council’s pre-DA meeting held on 8 January 2020, with reference C19/56542, that a Social Impact Assessment must be included as part of the DA and specifically address the following:

• The demand of the proposed development (see Section 7 of this report); • The design and fit with the local character of the area (see Section 4 of this report and SEE); • Likely positive and negative impacts that may result from the development over time (see

Sections 7,8,9,10 of this report); and • How the development will be operated in a manner that protects the amenity of residents

and people in neighbouring properties ( Section 11, see Plan of Management and CPTED Assessment Appendix to SEE).

Community consultation would be undertaken as part of the exhibition of the DA by Council.



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Research undertaken to support proposed Medical Centre This SIA should be read in conjunction with the following supporting documentation prepared in support of the DA.

Table 2: Supporting Documentation Study Prepared by Statement of Environmental Effects Metris Cost of works report Perfect Practice Architectural Plans Demolition Survey Plan

Perfect Practice GEBERN SURVEYS

Landscape Plan Arboricultural Impact Report

New Leaf Arboriculture Pty Ltd

Stormwater Concept Plan Erosion and sediment control plan

Cane Consulting

Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment

TTPA

Acoustic Report

VMS

Contamination Assessment

Trace Environmental

BCA

Certis

Construction Management Plan

Perfect Practice

Waste Management Plan Perfect Practice Operational Plan of Management

Metris

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Metris



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3. Strategic planning controls and policies The following policies were reviewed to understand the strategic context of the proposed development.

Blacktown City Council – Our Blacktown 2036, Community Strategic Plan

The Blacktown City Council Our Blacktown 2036 Community Strategic Plan (2017) establishes the priorities and future directions of the community. The CSP is structured around six strategic directions, with associated focus areas.

Key focus areas of relevance to this assessment include:

• Support a whole-of-government approach on key social issues and needs in the City. • Provide a safe community.

Community Profile (Profile.id) 3.2.1. Population growth Blacktown NSW 2148 Between 2011-2016 there has been a steady population growth in Blacktown which would have a direct impact on need for medical services in the area.

Table 3: Estimated Resident Population - Blacktown NSW 2148

3.2.2. Need for assistance Blacktown City's disability statistics relate directly to need for assistance due to a severe or profound disability. The information may be used in the planning of local facilities, services such as day-care and occasional care and in the provision of information and support to carers.

Blacktown City's disability statistics help in understanding the prevalence of people who need support in the community, and along with information on unpaid care to a person with a disability, how that support is provided.



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Table 4: Need for assistance with core activities by age – Blacktown NSW 2148

With regards to dominant groups, analysis of the need for assistance of people in Blacktown City to Greater Sydney shows that there was a higher proportion of people who reported needing assistance with core activities.

Table 5: Need for assistance with core activities summary – Blacktown NSW 2148

Overall, 5.1% of the population reported needing assistance with core activities, compared with 4.9% for Greater Sydney.

It is noted that the age groups reporting a need for assistance in Blacktown City were higher in every age group than that of the Greater Sydney.



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Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 3.3.1. Australia’s leading causes of death (2018) With regards to specific causes of death, the ABS summaries the top 20 leading causes of mortality for 2018 compared with 11 years ago (2009) and 7 years ago (2013) as follows:

Key points include:

• The leading cause of death was Ischaemic heart disease. The standardised death rate from Ischaemic heart disease has decreased by 22.4% since 2009, with declines in heart disease mortality observed now for more than 50 years.

• Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, remained the second leading cause of death. Deaths due to dementia have increased by 68.6% since 2009.

• Cerebrovascular diseases, Cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung and Chronic lower respiratory diseases round out the top five leading causes of death.

• The top five leading causes of death account for more than one-third of all registered deaths.

• Influenza and pneumonia were the 12th leading cause of death. The number of influenza deaths is strongly linked to the severity of flu seasons and this can drive changes in ranking for this leading cause group.

• Intentional self-harm was the 14th leading cause of death. It has the lowest median age at death among the top 20 leading causes, at 44.4 years of age.

The proposed medical centre would assist the community in dealing with these leading causes of mortality by ensuring medical assistance is received or dispensed early to those in need and also to provide ongoing support.

A Metropolis of Three Cities 3.4.1. Health services The proposed medical centre achieves the aims and objectives of A Metropolis of Three Cities which places an emphasis on providing housing, employment, infrastructure and services for residents.

Integrated planning for health services will make it easier for people to access a comprehensive health system including general practice, community health services, in-home and aged care, medical centres, pharmacies, dental and allied health services. Strategic planning will continue to respond to the changing nature of health service delivery providing accessibility for patients, visitors and staff in well-located health facilities. The co‑location of health, higher education and related activities such as research, housing for health workers and students, short-term accommodation, and complementary commercial uses supports collaboration, innovation and accessibility outcomes.

…greater proportional increases in people aged over 65 years in local government areas within the Western Parkland and Central River cities. These cities will experience much greater demand from older people for health, social and aged care services than currently exist.



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Tailored services and infrastructure are required for people to age within their communities where being close to friends, family and support networks improves their wellbeing. This means local access to health services, transport and social infrastructure which may require more innovative approaches to delivery.

In an age-friendly city, policies, services and infrastructure support and enable people to age actively, which means optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life.

Digital technologies are increasingly improving the capacity of health and social services to be accessed from home. As this enables more people to age in their communities there will be increased demand for local aged care facilities as well as housing diversity for downsizing allowing for in-home care with associated parking.

3.4.2. Other applicable objectives The proposed medical centre would also achieve several Objectives of A Metropolis of Three Cities where infrastructure is required to meet future needs as well as build a health community.

Objective 1. Infrastructure supports the three cities

Objective 2. Infrastructure aligns with forecast growth – growth infrastructure compact

Objective 3. Infrastructure adapts to meet future needs

Objective 4. Infrastructure use is optimised

Objective 6. Services and infrastructure meet communities’ changing needs

Objective 7. Communities are healthy, resilient and socially connected

Objective 24. Economic sectors are targeted for success

Engagement 3.5.1. Community engagement It is believed due to the size of the proposed medical centre, extensive public workshopping of the medical centre would not be necessary as in the case of a State Significant Development.

It is believed that an appropriate level of community consultation would be undertaken during the exhibition of the DA. The exhibition process would ensure surrounding properties are notified of the propose development via:

• Letters; or • Advertisement in local papers; or • Hard copies being available at Council for viewing.

The community would be given the opportunity to advise Council of their views in writing.



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3.5.2. Stakeholder engagement 3.5.2.1. Roads and Maritime Services The proposed development does not fall under the provisions of Traffic Generating Development for a medical centre as identified under Schedule 3 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

NSW Health 3.6.1. Deaths from all causes, Blacktown LGA 2001-2002 to 2016-2017 Health Stats NSW indicates that death from all causes has declined slightly over time, however the average number of deaths per year of 1,614 deaths in 2016-2017 is still significant. Any health infrastructure facility in the Council would assist in reducing the number of deaths.



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Table 6: Death from all causes Blacktown LGA



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4. Proposed Development Development Summary

Development consent is sought to demolish all structures on the site and construct a medical centre which comprises of the following:

• New medical centre comprising of the following elements: o Three medical consulting rooms; o Reception with waiting area; o Office; o Treatment room; o Recovery room; o Procedure room; o A sterilisation room; o Staff room; o Two wash closets of which one is accessible; and o Storage room.

• Car parking for 12 vehicles (inclusive of one accessible car parking bay); • Landscaping which includes removal of several trees on the site and driveway; and • Stormwater works.

There would be a total of 6 staff in the form of 3 doctors, 1 Nurse, 1 Practice Manager and 1 Receptionist at the medical centre during business hours. Business operating hours would be:

• Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm • Saturday 9am – 2pm • Sunday 9am – 2pm

Architectural Plans for the proposed development are provided with the Development Application to Council.



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Figure 1: Proposed development

Source: Perfect Practice



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Figure 2: Proposed development




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5. Site locality The proposed medical centre is located at 49A Robyn Street, Blacktown and is legally described as Lot 9 in DP 210790 (subject site). The site has an area of 746.1m² and is in the residential neighbourhood of Blacktown.

Figure 3: Site locality


Subject Site



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6. Subject site The subject site currently contains a residential dwelling with vehicle access off Robyn Road. It is proposed to demolish the existing buildings on site.

Figure 4: Survey Plan

Source: GEBERN SURVEYS



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7. Social Impact Comment Initial Assessment Population change

NA

Housing NA

Accessibility A Traffic and Parking Impact Assessment was prepared by Transport and Traffic Planning Associates (TTPA) who assessed that the traffic and parking aspects of the proposed development would be satisfactory.

The TTPA report summary is as follows:

• the traffic generation of the proposed development will not present any adverse traffic implications;

• the proposed parking provision is adequate and appropriate to the circumstances; and • the design of the proposed access, internal circulation and parking arrangements will accord with

the AS2890.1 and AS2890.6 criteria. • Adequate sight distances will also be available at the property boundary to facilitate ingress/egress

movements for vehicles and pedestrians. • The design of the carpark complies with the requirements of AS2890.1 and 6 and the carpark will

provide for convenient access, manoeuvring and turnaround of cars. • Refuse will be collected from the street by Council’s garbage service while other infrequent service

vehicles (e.g. pathology collection and small deliveries) will be able to use the visitor spaces with arrangements made for deliveries to occur during off peak times (e.g. early in the morning).

Community and recreation services / facilities The medical centre would provide valuable medical services to the Blacktown community in the form of medical services.

Cultural and community significance The medical centre would have community significance as the proposed land use would improve health and well-being of residents and workers Council wide.

Community identity and sense of belonging There would be an improved community identity and sense of belonging with improved community services to the local area as proposed in the form of the medical centre.



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Health and well-being There would be a total of 6 (six) staff in the form of 3 (three) doctors, 1 (one) Nurse, 1 (one) Practice Manager and 1 (one) Receptionist at the medical centre during business hours. There are 4 (four) existing medical facilities/practitioner services located approximately 700m – 1.5km to the proposed medical centre.

Table 7: Medical facilities in proximity to the subject site Address Distance to proposed medical

centre in metres (measured in straight line)

General Practitioner - 24 Guthega Cl, Woodcroft NSW 2767 685m

General Practitioner - 4 Yantara Pl, Woodcroft NSW 2767 798m

Medical Centre - 31 Davis Road, Marayong NSW 2148 976m

Family Practice – Woodcroft Shopping Village NSW 2767 1.40km

The proposed medical centre would not create an oversupply of medical facilities in the area, considering the ageing population as well as the growing population in the area. The Practice will be providing holistic health care including:

• general services; • women’s health and antenatal care; • family planning services; • men’s health; • mental health; • immunisation and kids health; • travel medicine; • pre-medical check up and workers’ compensation; • skin check and surgery; and • all services that is offered in a General Practice.

The practice will also provide many specialist services on a regular basis. The main focus of the practice will be providing specialised Family Planning services including Vasectomy. There is a huge and ever-increasing demand for Vasectomy in Blacktown areas and in Western Sydney in general, but the service is not readily accessible and costly at present.

Men wishing to get a Vasectomy have to wait a long time to get appointment in the hospital with surgeons or urologists or in a clinic. The hospital/specialist fee is often too high, and many men cannot afford it. Considering these issues of accessibility, convenience and cost, the owner of the practice intends to mitigate the problem by opening a new dedicated Vasectomy clinic operating from 49A Robyn Street, Blacktown.

The other focus of the Practice will be skin checks and surgeries. The owner of the practice has advanced training in skin check up and skin cancer surgeries.

Robyn Street Medical Practice, by virtue of its central location, will be providing Vasectomy services not just to local Blacktown areas but also to Greater Sydney area, NSW, interstate and even to international clients.



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Besides the General Practice services, Vasectomy and Skin Checks and surgeries, the Practice will also utilise services from other specialities including:

• dietician; • psychologist; • physiotherapist; • podiatrist; and • other on demand services on a weekly/fortnightly/monthly basis.

Crime and safety Several reports and plans have been prepared for the proposed medical centre to help minimise criminal activity on the site. In specific,:

• A Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment report has been prepared by Metris Urban Planning;

• Completed NSW Police CPTED checklist is attached to this report; and

• Light Spill Plan prepared by PerfectPractice.

The recommendations made in the report, checklist and plan would need to be implemented to improve safety and security on the site.

CCTV monitoring of the entries will be installed to cover external areas. Whilst not considered a high-risk environment, staff will have procedures in place to deal with incidents which includes calling the Police, if required.

Local economy and employment opportunities There would be 6 (six) members employed at the medical centre during business hours.

Needs of specific population groups The medical centre would benefit the local community and the wider Blacktown area. The whole community would have access to the medical centre.



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8. Potential social impacts of the proposed medical centre

The potential social impacts of the proposed medical centre are assessed using the following methodology as follows:

a) A detailed analysis of the issues identified in the SIC Initial Assessment

b) An outline of the methodology used to conduct the CSIA

c) An outline of the research undertaken (including communication and consultation with the impacted communities and key stakeholders)

d) The applicant seeking a meeting with Council Officers early in the process to discuss Council’s specific requirements.

The following strategic planning documents are applicable to the subject site and proposed development:

Table 8: Methodology for potential social impacts

Methodology Criteria Consistent

a) A detailed analysis of the issues identified in the SIC Initial Assessment

Refer to Section 7 for SIC Initial Assessment Yes

b) An outline of the methodology used to conduct the CSIA

Refer to Section 2.2. for methodology Yes

c) An outline of the research undertaken (including communication and consultation with the impacted communities and key stakeholders)

Refer to Section 2.3. for research undertaken

Consultation would be undertaken during the exhibition of the DA

Yes

The applicant seeking a meeting with Council Officers early in the process to discuss Council’s specific requirements.

A Pre-DA meeting with Council was held on 9 January 2020, with reference C19/56542.

Council’s pre-DA minutes states that a Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment would be required for the proposed medical centre.

Yes



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9. Assessment of significance The assessment of significance applies to the development application (or other change event) as submitted (that is, prior to the application of mitigating measures to reduce identified impacts). A model to guide the determination of ‘significance’ of social impacts is as follows:

Table 9: Significance of social impacts Assessment criteria

Neutral (neither positive nor negative)

Minor Impact

(positive or negative)

Moderate Impact


Significant Impact


Degree of change likely to arise from development relative to existing circumstances

Insignificant / No change

Some change, low significance

Some change, moderate significance

High level of positive change

The number and nature of people affected

None Immediate neighbours only (small number)

Suburb level impact (100+ people)

LGA wide impact, substantial impact on a large number of people / groups

Direct or indirect impact

No impact Indirect impact Some direct impact

Direct impact

Duration of impact N/A During construction phase only

1-12 months 12 months or more

Community perception that a development will cause significant negative social impacts

None Negative: Low level of reaction from the people affected - relocation

Moderate level of reaction from the people affected and/or wider community

Positive: High level reaction from the people affected and/or wider community

Potential cumulative impacts

Insignificant / None

Low likelihood of increase in overall impacts in the locality

Moderate likelihood of increase in overall impacts in the locality

Positive: High likelihood of increase in overall impacts in the locality

The assessment of impact have been assessed in the DA to have a minor impact for properties surrounding the subject site.

The assessment of impact significance would have a significant positive impact at LGA and community wide level.



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10. Consideration of Impacts The Social Impact Assessment report addresses all the social impacts types in details as well as addressing the following types of impacts:

• Direct and indirect impacts; • Temporary (e.g. during construction) and permanent (e.g. post-construction) impacts; • The potential for cumulative impacts; and • The significance of potential impacts.

Social impact types Table 10: Common social impact types – Comprehensive Social Impact Assessment

Development

type

Specific development proposal

Social aspect Potential impacts Response

Commercial development

Applications for development of, or major changes to:

• Drug rehabilitation services – including methadone clinics and safe injecting rooms

• Hospitals, medical centres and community health services

Health and wellbeing

• Access to services and facilities

• Improved community participation opportunities

Improved health and wellbeing of community with access to services and facilities.

Accessibility • Accessibility of building for disabled persons or people with mobility issues

• Access to transport options

• Parking

Building would be BCA compliant.

Local bus stops are available if needed.

Accessible carparking space and bicycle racks would be provided.

Crime and safety

• Graffiti

• Vandalism and property damage

• Offensive language and behaviour

• Public violence

• Safety of young people

• Substance consumption or abuse

• Theft – on street, from cars, business or homes

The medical centre would be occupied by staff during the day and have security cameras and an alarm system to maintain security outside business hours.

A CPTED Assessment Report has been prepared in support of the proposed development.



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Social impact assessment The SIA study addresses the following types of impacts:

10.2.1. Direct and indirect impacts Socio-economic impacts which may have a health effect:

• Employment opportunities created; • Improved social conditions leading to better health consequences (e.g. feelings of safety or

security); • Mental and emotional well-being of a community (e.g. stress, anxiety, nuisance, discomfort); and • Increased social and community interactions.

10.2.2. Temporary (e.g. during construction) and permanent (e.g. post-construction) impacts

A Construction Management Plan has been prepared to ensure construction is undertaken in a proper and orderly manner.

Post construction impacts would be minimal as medical centres are usually quiet places with no/limited noise or where negative social impacts would arise.

10.2.3. The potential for cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts from the medical centre would ensure the local community would have quick and easy access to medical care.

The on-going health of the community would be improved as residents and workers would live healthier lives.

The proposed development would not have a significant impact on health of the community which would require monitoring. Environmental impacts would be resolved at the DA stage and through conditions of consent.

10.2.4. The significance of potential impacts The significance of potential impacts is that the impacts would only be positive from the proposed medical centre.

Social Impact Assessment for 49A Robyn Street, Blacktown

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11. Impact Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures proposed meet the following criteria:

a) Tangible – real, substantial, definite and capable of being assigned a value in monetary terms

b) Deliverable – something that can be done or realistically expected

c) Likely to be durably effective – longer-term lasting impact

Adequate mitigations:

a) Severe impacts – Where the likely social impacts are severely adverse, the adequate mitigation is refusal of the development or discontinuation of the plan or event.

b) Moderate to serious social impacts – Where there are likely serious social impacts, if adequate mitigations are available, they are likely to require substantial up-front commitment of funds and/or proportion of a site, plus a means of providing financial support to the mitigating action.

c) Moderate social impacts – Where there are likely moderate impacts, for example a pizza takeaway and delivery store proposes to make deliveries using two stroke motorcycles and trade until 1.00am Thursdays – Sundays.

Impact Mitigation Measures Impacts would be minimal and any mitigation measures proposed in consultants DA reports would be implemented. The amenity impacts identified in the DA for the medical centre have been assessed as minimal. To this effect several studies have been prepared in support of the DA:

• Architectural plans • Landscaping and Arboricultural impacts • Stormwater • Traffic and parking • Acoustics • Contamination • Construction management • Waste management • Operational Plan of Management • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Where appropriate, these studies have made recommendations for appropriate mitigation measures which are deliverable and would be incorporated into the operation of the medical centre to ensure there would be minimal impacts to the neighbours and local community.



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12. Conclusion This CSIA has been prepared by Metris Urban Planning and it is believed that the proposed medical centre at 49A Robyn Street would have a significant social benefit to the local community of Blacktown and the wider Blacktown LGA.

The assessment of environmental impacts in the supporting studies of the Development Application have concluded that there would be minor impacts for properties surrounding the subject site. Whilst impacts would be minimal, any mitigation measures proposed in the sub-consultants DA reports would be implemented at the subject site.

It is strongly believed that there would be only direct benefits to the community by improving local health and well-being from the proposed medical centre. The cumulative impacts from the medical centre would ensure the local community would have quick and easy access to medical care.

It is recommended that the DA for a medical centre by approved by Blacktown City Council.

Documents

COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT