WSROC / Strategic Tourism and Recreation Planning Study for the Blue Mountains Local Government Area - 2010-NCW 10

Strategic Tourism and Recreation Planning Study for the Blue Mountains Local Government Area. 

Strategic Tourism and Recreation Planning Study for the Blue Mountains Local Government Area. 

The Blue Mountains has traditionally provided a scenic escape for the residents of Sydney and, as a result, tourism has long been the cornerstone of the local economy. Tourism continues to be a strong economic force within the Blue Mountains, with an estimated 3 million visitors to the region each year contributing around $400 million to the regional economy. Tourism directly provides 13 per cent of all local employment that when combined with indirect and local economic multiplier effects demonstrate the significance of this to the LGA as a whole. Further, the Blue Mountains LGA is the key interface between tourists and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Recent changes in the nature and location of tourist activities in the Blue Mountains LGA show increases in eco tourism and rural tourism and this has resulted in some conflict with the intent and aims of various LEP 1991 and LEP 2005 zones. For instance, a LEP amendment was required to permit a mid size (30 person) eco tourism development in a LEP 2005 residential zone. The response from the Department of Planning to this LEP amendment was that a broader strategic assessment of the LEP for tourism uses should be undertaken, of which this study will be the key part.

Further, significant changes have occurred in the type of rural uses in key tourism destination areas such as the Megalong Valley, which has impacted on the type and scale of tourism development proposals submitted to Council. As an example, the rise of rural based tourism (wine producers, etc) in the Megalong Valley means ancillary uses such as wine tasting facilities, cellar door sales and accommodation need to be expressly considered in planning provisions.

In addition, the nature of recreation has changed within the LGA such that conflict between competing user groups as well as with residents, is increasing. There are also issues concerning the increasing environmental impact of certain recreational uses which are growing in popularity such as rock climbing and mountain bike riding.  As with tourism activities, the nature, scale and location of activities being carried out or proposed within the LGA are increasingly outside the existing planning provisions. As an example, a proposed motor bike event in the Megalong Valley area raised concerns over definitions of such uses within LEP 1991.

It should be clearly noted that the provision of recreation facilities, particularly those associated with organised sporting clubs, such as sports grounds, club houses and toilet facilities are not the focus of this study. Further, the Study will not address the issue of particular tourism or recreation uses at individual sites.

With the preparation of a consolidated LEP there exists an opportunity to address issues around tourism and recreation changes in such a way to ensure the best possible planning outcomes. It should be clearly noted that the focus of the Study is the strategic and land use planning framework for tourism and recreation and not the development of a Tourism or Recreation Strategy.

Quote documents must be accessed and lodged on line at http://360prop3.apetsoftware.com.au/Public/BMCCPro3/PublicJobs.aspx (Electronic Tender Box)

http://360prop3.apetsoftware.com.au/Public/BMCCPro3/PublicJobs.aspx

The Conditions for Participation are mandatory requirements, which describe minimum standards that suppliers must meet for their submissions to be considered. If Quoters do not meet the Conditions of Participation, they will be excluded from the quote evaluation process.

            The Conditions for Participation are:

The Quoter must be an acceptable legal entity. It is Council’s policy not to trade with any organisation that does not hold a registered ABN;

The Quoter and subcontractors must not be bankrupt or insolvent;

The Quoter shall declare and provide details of any occurrence, within 5 years prior to submitting a Quote, where the Quoter has been found guilty of breaching any Act or Regulation.

The Quoter must have the minimum level of insurance cover specified in this RFQ; and

            All Quoters must comply with the New South Wales Government Code of Procurement.