Landscaping will include returfing the area, weeding (cleaning/removing weed, which may include some trees as well) and removing the existing fencing to make the site accessible. Additional plans for upgrading the space will be developed as part of the community consultation process to develop the Concord Parklands Corridor Plan of Management and Masterplan. You can read more about this important project here: https://www.collaborate.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/concordparklands

Council has developed a Remediation Action Plan (RAP), a written description of remediation actions planned to reduce or mitigate the human health and ecological risk posed by the contamination detected at a site.

Council will employ a suite of public health measures during the works, including:

• Site signage and community awareness of the works
• Worksite isolation and access control
• Dust and air quality management – including sprinklers to minimize spreading of dust
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers
• Safe soil containment and transportation off site
• Post-remediation clean up and inspections
• Compliance with relevant environmental regulations and safety standards

The Beaconsfield Lane, Concord site (former depot) has two separate land classifications. This means that Council must treat them differently, and different planning controls are in place for how they are developed. You can find the definitions below.

Council would need to reclassify the former report land into community land for it to be returned to community use as open space. This will need to be done in a separate process.

The process for a council to reclassify land in New South Wales (NSW) involves several steps, governed by the Local Government Act 1993 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Below is a general outline of the process:

• Initiation and Feasibility Study: The process typically begins with Council identifying the need or opportunity to reclassify a particular parcel of land. Before proceeding, a feasibility study may be conducted to assess the implications of the reclassification and its potential benefits.
• Community Consultation: Once Council decides to pursue the reclassification, we must undertake community consultation. This involves notifying the public and inviting submissions from stakeholders, residents, and other interested parties.
• Preparation of Planning Proposal: Based on the feedback received during the consultation, Council will prepare a formal Planning Proposal. This proposal outlines the reasons for the reclassification, the intended new land classification, and any relevant planning controls or restrictions that will apply.
• Gateway Determination: The Planning Proposal is then submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for assessment. The department will issue a "Gateway Determination," which sets out the requirements and conditions for further processing the Planning Proposal.
• Public Exhibition: Council is required to publicly exhibit the Planning Proposal, along with any associated maps and documents, for a specified period (usually 28 days). During this time, members of the public can make submissions in support of or against the proposal.
• Assessment and Review: Council reviews all submissions received during the public exhibition period and considers any relevant issues raised. We may also consult with state agencies and other authorities as needed.
• Council Decision: After reviewing all feedback and making any necessary adjustments to the Planning Proposal, Council will make a decision on whether to proceed with the reclassification or not. If approved, the council will adopt the Planning Proposal.
• Submission to the Department: The adopted Planning Proposal is then submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment for final review and approval.
• Legal Instrument and Registration: Once the department approves the Planning Proposal, a legal instrument is prepared, which officially changes the land classification. The instrument is then registered with the relevant land titles office, and the land classification is updated accordingly.

See below for the zoning breakdown of the land classifications.

Low Density Residential (R2) is a zone for land comprised mainly of low density housing where the planning objective is to protect the locality's single dwelling character and landscape setting.

Public Recreation (RE1) is a zone which applies to public open space areas and land used for recreational activities. The intention of the zone is to provide a range of recreational settings and compatible land uses while protecting and enhancing the natural environment for recreational purposes.

In NSW, Community Land and Operational Land are two distinct classifications used to categorise land owned or managed by local councils. These classifications carry different legal implications and restrictions. Here's the difference between the two:

Community Land:

• Community Land is a category of land that is owned or managed by a local council and is designated for the use and enjoyment of the community.
• The primary purpose of Community Land is to provide facilities, services, and amenities for public use and benefit, such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields, community centers, libraries, and cultural facilities.
• The use of Community Land is generally restricted to activities that benefit the community at large, and there may be specific regulations and rules governing how the land can be utilized.
• Community Land often requires a higher level of public consultation and community involvement in decision-making processes, especially when changes to the land's use or significant developments are proposed.

Operational Land:

• Operational Land, on the other hand, is land owned or managed by a local council that is primarily used for operational purposes related to the council's functions and services.
• This category includes land used for administrative purposes, depots, council offices, maintenance facilities, and other areas essential for the functioning of the local council.
• Operational Land is not generally open for public use or enjoyment, as its primary purpose is to support the council's day-to-day activities and services.
• The council has more discretion and flexibility in managing Operational Land and can use it for various operational needs without requiring the same level of public consultation as Community Land.