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AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2019
6.30pm
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Live Streaming of Council Meeting
In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. By speaking at a Council meeting, members of the public agree to being recorded and must ensure their speech to the Council is respectful and use appropriate language. A person who uses defamatory, discriminatory or offensive language may be exposed to liability for which Council takes no responsibility. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded
Pre-Registration to Speak at Council Meetings
Members of the public must register by 2pm of the day of the Meeting to speak at Council Meetings. If you wish to register to speak please fill in a Register to Speak Form, available from the Inner West Council website, including:
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The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:
What happens after I submit the form?
Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Chairperson on the night of the meeting.
Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.
Accessibility
Inner West Council is committed to ensuring people with a disability have equal opportunity to take part in Council and Committee Meetings. At the Ashfield Council Chambers there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5657.
Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.
Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.
“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.
An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
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PRECIS |
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies
3 Notice of Webcasting
4 Disclosures
of Interest (Section 451 of the Local Government Act
and Council’s Code of Conduct)
5 Moment of Quiet Contemplation
6 Confirmation of Minutes Page
Minutes of 22 October 2019 Council Meeting 5
Minutes of 29 October 2019 Extraordinary Council Meeting 18
7 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
8 Condolence Motions
ITEM Page
C1119(1) Item 1 Notice of Motion: Condolence Motion: Paul Whelan 21
9 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Reports with Strategic Implications
ITEM Page
C1119(1) Item 2 Park Plans of Management 22
11 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C1119(1) Item 3 Amendment No.8 Ashfield Local Environmental Plan 2013 25
C1119(1) Item 4 2020 Council Meeting Schedule 59
C1119(1) Item 5 Australia Day Citizenship 60
12 Reports for Noting
Nil at the time of printing.
13 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C1119(1) Item 6 Notice of Motion: Petersham Oval Grandstand re-naming 62
C1119(1) Item 7 Notice of Motion: Councillors Permitted to Hire Meeting Rooms in All Ward Areas 65
C1119(1) Item 8 Notice of Motion: Councillor Access to Media 67
C1119(1) Item 9 Notice of Motion: Balmain Square: Possibility for Expansion 68
C1119(1) Item 10 Notice of Motion: A sensible separated cycleway on Railway Parade at Sydenham Station 69
C1119(1) Item 11 Notice of Motion: Inner West Council calls on NSW Government to get serious about a City West Cycle Link 70
C1119(1) Item 12 Notice of Motion: Westconnex: Tree Canopy and Noise, Vibration and Air Quality Reporting 71
C1119(1) Item 13 Notice of Motion: User Policy for Shared Sporting Facilities 73
C1119(1) Item 14 Notice of Motion: APIA Lease 76
C1119(1) Item 15 Notice of Motion: Brokering Solar Installation for Local Residents 78
C1119(1) Item 16 Notice of Motion: Climate Emergency - Council Contracts 81
C1119(1) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Urgent Safety Motion 83
C1119(1) Item 18 Notice of Motion: Emergency Situation 85
C1119(1) Item 19 Notice of Motion: Code of Conduct 89
C1119(1) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Legal Expenses 90
C1119(1) Item 21 Notice of Motion: Supporting the Newtown Breakaways AFL Club 91
C1119(1) Item 22 Notice of Motion: Supporting Street Parties in the Inner West 92
14 Questions From Councillors
ITEM Page
C1119(1) Item 23 Questions on Notice 94
15 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper are confidential in their entirety.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM
C1119(1) Item 24 Compulsory Acquisition Ashfield, Part 321 Parramatta Road Ashfield Depot
C1119(1) Item 25 Commonwealth Funding of Client Services
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 October 2019 at Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.30pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Sam Iskandar Tom Kiat Pauline Lockie Victor Macri Julie Passas Rochelle Porteous John Stamolis Louise Steer Elizabeth Richardson |
Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation |
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Cathy Edwards-Davis |
Director Infrastructure |
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Daryl Jackson |
Chief Financial Officer |
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Katherine Paixao Darcie Huisman |
Governance Coordinator Governance Officer |
APOLOGIES:
Motion: (Kiat/Macri)
THAT apologies from Councillors Hesse, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York be accepted.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer
Against Motion: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:
Councillor Stamolis declared a non-pecuniary, non-significant interest in Item 22 - Mayoral Minute: Marine Area Command removal of Jubilee Place Parking as he lives in the area and uses parking.
Councillor Kiat declared a non-pecuniary, significant interest in Item 5 - 74 Carlton Crescent, Summer Hill - Supplementary Report to Sydney Eastern Planning Panel as his employer has a long standing and ongoing campaign in relation to Ambulance stations in Sydney and he will leave the Chamber during discussion and voting.
Motion: (Macri/Drury)
THAT Council note the disclosures of interest.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer
Against Motion: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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Motion: (Macri/Steer)
That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 8 October 2019 be confirmed.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
PUBLIC FORUM
The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.
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C1019(2) Item 22 Mayoral Minute: Marine Area Command removal of Jubilee Place Parking |
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Motion: (Byrne)
THAT Council:
1. Oppose the removal of parking spaces on Jubilee Place Balmain by the NSW Police Marine Area Command (MAC); 2. Negotiate with MAC to dedicate Jubilee Place to Council as public road, as per the original conditions of consent; 3. Investigate alternate options which would prevent any net loss of parking as well as regulating long term parking on Jubilee Place; and 4. Investigate options for shared zone parking on Jubilee Place to allow cars to park partly on the curb, as exists in many Balmain Streets, to allow greater passageway for MAC vehicles.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
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C1019(2) Item 23 Mayoral Minute: Continuation of Leichhardt Espresso Chorus fee waiver |
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Motion: (Byrne)
THAT Council:
1. Waive the additional $5,435 in fees being levied upon the Leichhardt Espresso Chorus to hold their annual Carols in Pioneers Memorial Park in 2019; 2. Consider triennial grant funding process as part of the events review, to allow events such as the Carols on Norton to plan with greater certainty; and 3. Express thanks to Leichhardt Espresso Chorus for the wonderful community service they have provided over many years to the local community.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
Suspension of Standing Orders
Motion: (Porteous/Steer)
THAT Council Suspend Standing Orders to deal with Items 5 and 9.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer
Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Macri and Passas
Councillor Kiat left the Meeting at 7:21 pm as he declared a non-pecuniary, significant interest for Item 5 - 74 Carlton Crescent, Summer Hill - Supplementary Report to Sydney Eastern Planning Panel and he left the Chamber during discussion and voting.
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C1019(2) Item 5 74 Carlton Crescent, Summer Hill - Supplementary Report to Sydney Eastern Planning Panel |
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Motion: (Macri/Passas)
THAT Council note the submission of amended plans and additional information for the proposed development and the further recommendations of assessment staff.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Cr Porteous Absent: Cr Kiat |
Councillor Kiat returned to the Meeting at 7:24 pm.
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C1019(2) Item 9 Notice of Motion: Fitzroy Avenue Balmain |
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Motion: (Byrne/Stamolis)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil
Resumption of Standing Orders
Motion: (Byrne/Macri)
THAT Standing Orders be Resumed.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil
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C1019(2) Item 2 Post Exhibition Report - Draft Amendments to the (Precinct 47) Victoria Road Precinct Component of the Marrickville Development Control Plan 2011 and the Draft (Precinct 47) Victoria Road Precinct Sub-plan Amendment to the Marrickville Contributions Plan 2014 |
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Motion: (Macri/Passas)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
ADJOURNMENT
8.03pm - The Mayor, Clr Byrne adjourned the meeting for a short recess.
8.06pm– The Mayor, Clr Byrne resumed the meeting.
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C1019(2) Item 3 Proposal for the re-establishment of Alcohol Free Zones in Marrickville, Sydenham and Newtown |
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Motion: (Kiat/Steer)
THAT Council defer adoption of the Alcohol Free Zones pending a report back to Council in November 2019 following engagement through the social and cultural planning team with local community groups, neighbourhood centres, community legal centres and other interested groups for the development of alternative strategies to address any anti-social use of alcohol in these spaces, so that the criminalisation of residents drinking in public spaces can be avoided if possible.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Macri and Passas
Amendment (Macri/Passas)
THAT the alcohol free zones within the Marrickville Ward be approved.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Macri and Passas Against Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer
Foreshadowed Motion: (Byrne/Macri)
THAT:
1. Pursuant to Section 644B of the Local Government Act, 1993, an Alcohol-Free Zone be re-established at the following locations in accordance with the advertised proposal:
Location 1 - Marrickville a) Marrickville Road (between Malakoff Street and Gladstone Street); b) Alex Trevallion Plaza; c) Malakoff Street (between Marrickville Road and Broadleys Lane); d) Despointes Street (between Marrickville Road and Broadleys Lane); e) Illawarra Road (between Marrickville Road and Tuohy Lane); f) The Calvert Street car park; g) Tuohy Lane (east-west section);
Location 2 - Sydenham: a) The streets, laneways and footpaths within Sydenham Green Park; b) The footpaths areas outside the General Gordon Hotel and Sydenham Railway Station (on the eastern side of Gleeson Avenue, between Railway Parade and Unwins Bridge Road and on the southern side of Burrows Avenue, between Gleeson Avenue and Swain Street, Sydenham).
Location 3 - Newtown: a) Newtown Square on King Street, Newtown; b) Northern side of King Street (Newtown Square to Mary Street), Newtown;
Location 4 - Newtown: a) Bailey Street (between Enmore Road and Holt Street), Newtown; b) Holt Street (between King Street and the road closure), Newtown; and c) Goddard Street (between Bailey Street and King Street), Newtown.
2. The duration of the Alcohol-Free Zones be for four years, 24 hours per day unless otherwise suspended or cancelled by the Council;
3. The Alcohol-Free Zone in Marrickville be suspended during the holding of the annual Marrickville Festival; and
4. In addition to the Alcohol-Free Zones in the above streets, the prohibition of the consumption of alcohol in the laneways and footpaths of Sydenham Green which are zoned Public Recreation RE1 be approved, between sunset and 11.00am, in accordance with the provision of Section 632 of the Local Government Act, 1993 through the installation of suitable signs within the park.
This Foreshadowed Motion lapsed. |
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C1019(2) Item 4 Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 8 October 2019 |
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Motion: (Stamolis/Lockie)
THAT the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 8 October 2019 be received and the recommendations be adopted.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
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C1019(2) Item 6 Update on Ashfield Pool |
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Motion: (Drury/Lockie)
THAT Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Cr Passas |
Councillor Passas left the Meeting at 8:21pm.
Councillor Passas returned to the Meeting at 8:30pm.
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C1019(2) Item 7 Budget Savings Tracking Summary |
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Motion: (Drury/Lockie)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil
Amendment (Kiat/Steer) THAT Council receive a full written report on the proposed savings at the next Ordinary Council meeting.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Macri and Passas
As the Amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary Motion. |
Councillor Macri left the Meeting at 8:40pm.
Councillor Macri returned to the Meeting at 8:43pm.
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C1019(2) Item 8 Investment Report as at 30 September 2019 |
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Motion: (Drury/Stamolis)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil
Amendment (Stamolis/Porteous)
THAT Council introduce a new table in the main body of the report detailing the allocation of the investment reserves of Council.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Kiat, Lockie, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar and Macri
As the Amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary Motion. |
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C1019(2) Item 10 Notice of Motion: Petersham Oval Grandstand re-naming |
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Motion: (Macri/Byrne)
THAT Council defer this item until the next Ordinary Council meeting.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil
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C1019(2) Item 11 Notice of Motion: Marrickville Library |
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Motion: (Macri/Passas)
THAT Council investigate a solution for shade in the children’s play area in the new Marrickville Library as in the middle of the day it has too much exposure to direct sun and also, the western Summer sun is having an impact to the cafe.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
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C1019(2) Item 12 Notice of Motion: 370 Bus Service |
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Motion: (Da Cruz/Steer)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
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C1019(2) Item 13 Notice of Motion: DA Transparency |
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Motion: (Macri/Passas)
THAT Council publish online reports, referrals and determinations of DA’s on the DA online tracking system.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Iskandar left the Meeting at 9:04 pm.
Councillor Iskandar returned to the Meeting at 9:09 pm.
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C1019(2) Item 14 Notice of Motion: Ferry Services for Balmain and Annandale |
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Motion: (Byrne/Porteous)
THAT Council write to the Minister for Transport and the Member for Balmain in support of a return of ferries to Elliot Street Wharf, and new public ferry services for Annandale and include in this communication that Council express its support for the trial of an additional 'on-demand' ferry service for Balmain, noting that as of Sunday 20 October there had been 600 trips, and reiterate its position that all public transport, including 'on-demand' public transport, should be publicly operated and Opal compatible.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
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C1019(2) Item 15 Notice of Motion: Learn to Swim |
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Motion: (Byrne/Porteous)
THAT a review of the chronic problems with the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Learn to Swim enrolment system be conducted and recommendations on how they can be resolved be reported to the 10 December Ordinary Council meeting.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil
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C1019(2) Item 16 Notice of Motion: Councillors to be Kept Informed |
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Motion: (Passas/Stamolis)
THAT
ADJOURNMENT
9.28pm - The Mayor, Clr Byrne adjourned the meeting for a short recess. 9.35pm– The Mayor, Clr Byrne resumed the meeting.
Councillor Passas left the Meeting at 9:28pm.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Passas
Amendment (Byrne/Da Cruz)
THAT a summary of council resolutions be published, the regular fortnightly councillor email update be re-established and an outline of the project update and reporting system be provided to councillors.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Passas
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary Motion. |
Councillor Passas re-entered the Meeting at 9:37pm.
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C1019(2) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Edge Costs |
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Motion: (Passas/Stamolis)
THAT:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
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C1019(2) Item 18 Notice of Motion: Stray Cats |
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Motion: (Passas/Macri)
THAT Council introduce a policy where when requested, Council remove the stray cats as we currently do with stray dogs, in line with Council’s obligations under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Cr Kiat |
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C1019(2) Item 19 Notice of Motion: "Jesus" is the reason for the Season |
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Motion: (Passas/Macri)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous and Steer Against Motion: Cr Stamolis
Amendment (Steer/Lockie)
THAT Council recognises the importance of all religious and cultural events reflecting the diversity of Inner West LGA and reports to Councillors on how such diversity can be recognised in Council events.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous and Steer Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Iskandar, Macri, Passas and Stamolis
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary Motion. |
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C1019(2) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Debt to Council |
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Motion: (Passas/Macri)
THAT Council receive a report on outstanding debt to Council ie. rate fees etc. and what action taken to recover funds.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Drury requested that the meeting consider an Urgency Motion with regards to Yeo Park Fencing.
Motion: (Drury/Byrne)
THAT the Motion be considered as a matter of urgency.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer
Against Motion: Cr Passas
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, declared this matter was urgent.
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Urgency Motion: Yeo Park Fencing
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Motion: (Drury/Byrne)
THAT Council:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Cr Passas |
Councillor Passas requested that the meeting consider an Urgency Motion with regards to Netball Courts on Hawthorne Parade Haberfield.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, declared the matter was not urgent as the Chief Executive Officer confirmed that planning was proceeding to build the fence prior to Christmas 2019.
Meeting closed at 10.15pm.
Public Speakers:
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Item #
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Speaker |
Suburb |
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Item 5: |
Kate Bartlett |
Sydney |
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Item 9: |
Judy Woods Megan Donnelly Denise Wee |
Balmain Balmain Balmain |
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Item 22: |
Richard Gould Peter Hanron Smith Hugh Nguyen |
Balmain Balmain East Balmain |
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Urgency Motion: Yeo Park fencing |
Luke Buckle Lindsay Cohen |
Ashbury Summer Hill |
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Urgency Motion: Netball Courts |
Liliana Sanacore |
Haberfield |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Minutes of Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 29 October 2019 at Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.30pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Vittoria Raciti Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Lucille McKenna OAM Colin Hesse Sam Iskandar Tom Kiat Pauline Lockie Victor Macri Julie Passas Rochelle Porteous John Stamolis Louise Steer Anna York |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (6.31pm) Councillor Councillor Councillor Chief Executive Officer |
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Cathy Edwards-Davis Daryl Jackson Caroline Karakatsanis Michael Kharzoo |
Director Infrastructure Chief Financial Officer Audit Office of New South Wales Audit Office of New South Wales |
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Ian Naylor |
Manager Civic Governance |
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Katherine Paixao |
Governance Coordinator |
APOLOGIES: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS: Nil
Councillor Porteous entered the Meeting at 6:31 pm.
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C1019(3) Item 1 Financial Statements 2018/19 |
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Motion: (McKenna OAM/Steer)
THAT Council:
1. Receives and notes the report; and
2. Endorses the Financial Statements and the statements be published.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Crs Passas and Porteous |
Confidential Session
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, asked the Chief Executive Officer if any representations had been received from the public on any of the items Council will be discussing in Closed Session as per the Agenda.
The Chief Executive Officer replied that no representations had been received to talk to the items in Closed Session.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, asked if there were any members of the public gallery who would like to speak on the reasons Council proposes to consider the items in Closed Session.
There were none.
Members of the Public were asked to leave the Chamber.
Motion: (Kiat/Stamolis)
THAT Council enter into Confidential session.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be
considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:
C1019(3) Item 2 RFT 28-19 Park and Verge Mowing (Section 10A(2)(d) (i) and (ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the Meeting at 7:08 pm.
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Raciti assumed the chair.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the Meeting at 7:09 pm and assumed the Chair.
Reports with Confidential Information
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C1019(3) Item 2 RFT 28-19 Park and Verge Mowing |
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Motion: (Drury/McKenna OAM)
THAT the tender submitted by Landscape Maintenance Solutions Pty Ltd be accepted for park and verge mowing for the former Ashfield LGA.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Raciti, Stamolis and York Against Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Porteous and Steer |
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Foreshadowed Motion (Kiat/Porteous) THAT the matter be deferred so that Council can consider options for providing the proposed mowing services for the Ashfield LGA area using Council staff as is currently the case in the areas of the Leichhardt and Marrickville LGAs, rather than outsourcing to a private company.
This Foreshadowed Motion lased. |
Meeting closed at 7.24pm.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Condolence Motion: Paul Whelan
From: Councillor Lucille McKenna OAM
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Motion:
THAT the Mayor write a letter of condolence to Colleen Whelan and her family acknowledging Paul Whelan’s extensive contribution to the Inner West Council area and expressing sadness at his passing. |
Background
On Wednesday 30 October 2019, Paul Whelan died aged 75.
Paul was admitted as a solicitor in 1968 and as a barrister in 1988.
Paul raised in Ashbury, was elected to Ashfield Council in 1970 and became Mayor of Ashfield in 1971. He held the position for five years from 1971 to 1976. He was the youngest ever to hold the position.
Paul was elected to the NSW parliament as the member for Ashfield in 1976, and later Strathfield from 1976 to 2003, a parliamentary career that spans over 26 years.
In this time Paul was a Minister in the Wran and Carr governments across a number of portfolios including Consumer Affairs, Roads, Water Resources, Forests, Aboriginal Affairs and Police.
Paul was NSW longest serving Police Minister from 1995 to 2001. As Minister for Police, he revolutionised the performance of New South Wales police.
As part of the Carr Government, Paul had responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission on New South Wales police corruption. Paul was instrumental to the establishment of the Police Integrity Commission, improved handling of complaints and building back trust.
Paul married Colleen in 1968, the year that Paul was admitted as a solicitor. Paul and Colleen had four children, John, Cathy, Stephen, and Bridget. After living with cancer for the last two years, Paul passed with his family by his side.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Park Plans of Management
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Engagement Manager
Authorised By: Elizabeth Richardson - Chief Operating Officer, Director Development & Recreation
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RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Note the process to prepare park Plans of Management and the strategic importance of these planning instruments; and
2. Note the key concerns associated with external delays at Government level which may have significant impacts on the capital delivery programme for recreation and sporting improvements at Tempe Reserve and Leichhardt Park.
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DISCUSSION
This report highlights the legislative process that Council must follow with regards to the preparation and adoption of Park Plans of Management (POM) for Crown Land. Importantly, this report highlights the impacts that delays in approvals from NSW Government may incur on the delivery of key park infrastructure projects due to slow assessment and approval times by the NSW Government.
Plans of Management-Crown Land.
In its administration and management of parks and open spaces, Council is responsible for the management of Crown reserves.
Crown reserves are owned by the State of New South Wales. There are approximately 31 Crown reserves in Council’s local government area. Council manages Crown reserves as a land manager under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (Act) and are managed for the benefit of the general public. Crown reserves managed by Council have been set aside for a particular public purpose. In the majority of cases for public recreation.
The Act requires Council to manage Crown reserves as if it was community land under the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA) and to do so requires an adopted plan of management (POM).
A POM provides strategic planning and governance for the management and use of community land. POMs set out objectives and performance targets for community land and promote active land management and use, including leases and licences.
The LGA requires a POM to include information about the use of the land and any existing buildings as at the date of the POM and:
1. The purpose for which the land and any existing buildings or improvements will be permitted
2. The purpose for which any further development of the land will be permitted
3. The scale and intensity of any such permitted use or development.
When preparing a POM, community engagement activities are undertaken including publicly exhibiting the plan and providing opportunities for the community to comment. This allows the community to be involved and represented in the contents of a plan.
Any POM developed for Crown reserves must have written advice from the Native Title manager to ensure that any authorisation or restriction on the use of a Crown reserve is consistent with the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993.
POM process in conjunction with the Crown Land Management Act 2016
On the commencement of the Act on 1 July 2018 the then Department of Industry provided Council with a classification of the Crown reserves as community land and an initial categorisation that aligned closely with the original crown purpose. In the case of all Crown reserves they were classified community land and categorised as Park. Council was required to submit its initial categorisations to the Department of Industry. At its Ordinary Council meeting in November 2018, Council resolved to adopt classification and categorisations for all of its parks and submit these adopted initial categorisations to the Department of Planning and Industry. This work was completed in May 2019. Council is still waiting to receive notification from the Minister for Water, Property and Housing of the initial categorisation of the Crown reserves.
Subject to the initial categorisation being approved by the Minister, Council’s process for the adoption of a POM is set out in Attachment 1. It is difficult to provide a timeframe for the adoption of the Plan of Management as critically part of the process for adoption rests with an external Government Department.
Proposed Tempe Parklands and Leichhardt Park Plans of Management
Council has prepared two proposed Plans of Management and associated master plans in recent months, both of which have been subject to extensive community engagement. These plans being, the Leichhardt Park Plan of Management and the Tempe Parklands Plan of Management. Both proposed plans are currently on public exhibition for further community feedback.
Council officers have significant concerns that the initial categorisation and POM approval process may significantly impact on the delivery timeframes of key delivery projects within these Parks. The key projects include:
· Approvals, development and delivery of a synthetic sports surface and partnership agreements (in relation to shared use and development opportunities) at Tempe Recreation Reserve Lands. This work has been programmed to be delivered by April/May 2021.
· Leichhardt Park Plan of Management and the development of a skate plaza for young people. This work has been programmed to be delivered in 2020.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Delays in delivering Council’s Capital Works Program are likely to give rise to increased costs.
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1.⇩ |
Process to Prepare Park Plans of Management (Crown land) |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Amendment No.8 Ashfield Local Environmental Plan 2013
Prepared By: Con Colot - Senior Strategic Planner & Projects
Authorised By: David Birds - Group Manager Strategic Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
THAT:
1. Council support Amendment No.8 to Ashfield Local Environmental Plan, for the reasons outlined in the report and the attachments;
2. Council liaise with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Parliamentary Counsel’s Office to draft and finalise the Local Environmental Plan Amendment;
3. Following the completion of (2) above request Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to notify the Plan;
4 Council delegate the making of the Local Environmental Plan amendments as indicated in this report to the Group Manager Strategic Planning or the equivalent position.
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DISCUSSION
Council considered a report on 5 February 2019 on a Planning Proposal (Attachment 1) to make amendments to the Ashfield Local Environmental Plan 2013 (ALEP) for the following:
- Delete from Schedule 2-Exempt Development the clause that allows minor external work to buildings and sites which are in Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) or Heritage Items (HIs) without Council approval.
- Add to clause 4.1A(2) that Heritage Items cannot have small lot subdivision.
The deletion of the exempt development clause will correct a drafting error that occurred prior to the gazettal of the ALEP and avoid misinterpretation and misapplication of that clause. An existing process for the fast-track approval of exemptions for minor external works in HCAs or on HIs will continue to apply.
Gateway determination was received on 18 April 2019 making Council the Planning Proposal Authority. Public consultation was carried out between 15 June and 17 July 2019.
Eighteen community member submissions were received with eight supporting, nine objecting and one undecided. All submissions have been considered and responded to in detail in Attachment 2 in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. A State Heritage Agency submission was made supporting the amendment. Some objector submissions sought to keep the current Exempt Development clause but this is not considered acceptable due to the potential for inappropriate external building work to be permitted as explained in Attachment 1.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
CONCLUSION
Council should proceed to make the proposed LEP amendment and delegate completion of the planning proposal process within the terms of the Attachment 2 report to the Group Manager Strategic Planning or the equivalent position.
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1.⇩ |
Pre Gateway Report to Council |
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2.⇩ |
Report on Planning Proposal and Community Consultation |
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3.⇩ |
Gateway Determination |
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4.⇩ |
Planning Proposal |
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5.⇩ |
Heritage Department Premier and Cabinet submission |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: 2020 Council Meeting Schedule
Prepared By: Ian Naylor - Manager Civic Governance
Authorised By: Melodie Whiting - Director Corporate
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THAT Council:
1. Adopt the 2020 Council Meeting Schedule as detailed in this report; and
2. Publish the Schedule on Council’s website, at Service Centres and in the Inner West Courier. |
DISCUSSION
Council has previously adopted a Meeting schedule of 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from February through to November and on 2nd Tuesday of December. Council has also resolved to have a two week meeting and briefing recess in July each year. Local Government elections will be held on 12 September 2020 and Council is in caretaker mode for the 6 weeks preceding the election, so the last meeting for the current Council term is proposed to be 11 August 2020. The first meeting of the new Council is proposed to be 29 September 2020 subject to the announcement of the election results. Taking these factors into account, the below schedule of meeting dates for 2020 is presented for Council’s endorsement.
2020 Council Meeting Schedule
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Tuesday 11 February |
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Tuesday 25 February |
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Tuesday 10 March |
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Tuesday 24 March |
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Tuesday 14 April |
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Tuesday 28 April |
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Tuesday 12 May |
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Tuesday 26 May |
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Tuesday 9 June |
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Tuesday 23 June |
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Tuesday 28 July |
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Tuesday 11 August |
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Tuesday 29 September (Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election) |
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Tuesday 13 October |
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Tuesday 27 October |
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Tuesday 10 November |
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Tuesday 24 November |
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Tuesday 8 December |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Australia Day Citizenship
Prepared By: Michael Daly - Events Manager
Authorised By: Erla Ronan - Director City Living
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RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Approve the conducting of the mandated Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony in the Marrickville Library on 26 January 2020; and
2. Approve a new community fireworks program scheduled on 25 January in Enmore Park. |
DISCUSSION
Council resolved to consider reframing the Marrickville community festival currently held on 26 January (2018) as part of an events review, together with consulting the Aboriginal and wider community on the nature of Council’s 26 January event and recognising the history of Indigenous Australia.
Council officers are finalising the events review, which will be reported to Council presenting an annual program for Council’s Major Events and Festivals. Given the timing of the Marrickville community festival on 26 January, it is proposed that this report be considered by Council prior to finalising the events review. A key consideration of the events review is harmonizing existing services and ensuring that major events are spread evenly across the Inner West local government area.
BACKGROUND
The Commonwealth Government has mandated that civic authorities conducting citizenship ceremonies must conduct a ceremony on Australia Day, 26 January. The Commonwealth Government has withdrawn the rights to conduct citizenship ceremonies from Yarra Council and Darebin Councils (Victoria) for not meeting this requirement.
In former Ashfield Council, a Citizenship ceremony was conducted on Australia Day. In former Leichhardt Council, a Citizenship Ceremony was conducted. In former Marrickville Council, the Citizenship Ceremony was embedded within a wider festival, taking place on 26 January, which also included;
· Citizen of the Year Awards,
· Entertainment, food stalls and evening fireworks.
Council has resolved to review its Australia Day observance program.
· The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group noted the central importance of Yabun in Victoria Park on 26 January and preferred not to comment on any Australia Day event in the Inner West. Individual members were invited to respond to the online survey.
· 37 people responded online, 19% of respondents identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The majority of responses opposed Council holding an Australia Day celebratory event.
· While most people opposed a celebratory event for Australia Day, the people who had attended the event in Enmore Park in the past, did so for summer enjoyment including;
o Fireworks program
o Children’s activities
o Picnic
o Live entertainment
PROPOSAL
It is proposed that Inner West Council meet its mandated requirements to conduct a Citizenship ceremony on 26 January, and that a single ceremony be conducted in the foyer of the Marrickville Library and include the Citizen of the Year Awards.
Recognising the community appreciation of Council-sponsored summertime celebrations, it is proposed to offer residents throughout the Inner West the opportunity to enjoy a Lunar New Year Fireworks display in Enmore Park on evening of Saturday 25 January.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
· Nil additional to the existing budget of $74,237
· Revenue forgone as food stalls will not be located in Enmore park for the night-time fireworks display
· Costs relating to this report are as follows:
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Item |
Cost |
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Fireworks display at Enmore Park including the display costs, security, lighting towers, toilets, first aid.
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$10,000 |
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Promotions budget
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$5,000 |
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TOTAL expected expenditure - |
$15,000 |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Petersham Oval Grandstand re-naming
Council at its meeting on 22 October 2019 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 12 November 2019.
From: Councillor Victor Macri
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Motion:
THAT Council re-name the Petersham Oval Grandstand to “The Hughes family-Dudley Seddon Memorial Grandstand”. |
Background
Petersham Oval. A place of honour for its great cricketers
Two of the greatest and most influential cricketers ever to grace Petersham Oval were Tommy Andrews and Dudley Seddon. It is therefore no surprise that their names are etched on the prime facilities at Petersham Oval—the scoreboard and grandstand.
The Tommy Andrews Memorial Scoreboard
Tommy Andrews played with the old Petersham Club between 1909 and 1936 scoring just on 11,500 runs in 1st Grade while taking 500 wickets. He went on to play 151 first-class games for NSW and Australia including 16 Test Matches. He also captained NSW four times. Andrews was awarded life membership of the Petersham club in 1924 and 13 years later received the same recognition from the NSW Cricket Association.
The Petersham Oval scoreboard was constructed in 1936 and named in Tommy Andrews’ honour shortly after. It is understood that following his passing in 1970, the name was changed to the T J Andrews Memorial Scoreboard. That name sits atop the scoreboard to the present day.
The D. Seddon Memorial Grandstand
Dudley Seddon played for Petersham from 1915 until 1943. He scored almost 8,000 runs in 1st Grade, captaining the team for seven successive seasons. He also played for NSW six times. While cricket was Dudley’s first love, he was also a capable rugby league centre three-quarter for Newtown who went on to represent NSW when aged just 20.
As an administrator Dudley was first elected to the Petersham committee in 1930 before becoming the club’s delegate to the NSW Cricket Association in 1942, a position he held for the following 26 years. He was made a NSW Cricket Association Life Member in 1951 having previously been conferred with such honour by the Petersham club in July 1940. He became Petersham-Marrickville President in 1959 serving in that role until 1968, the year he retired.
It was Dudley’s role as a State and Australian selector between 1947 and 1967 however, where he exerted his greatest influence on the game. As a national selector for the final 12 years of that period with Sir Donald Bradman and Jack Ryder, he was an integral part of one of the most formidable selection panels in the game’s history. It was this group which established a selection approach and culture which ushered in a golden era of Australian cricket, the benefits of which remain evident in today’s modern game.
Dudley Seddon died at Dulwich Hill on 18 April 1978 just prior to his 76th birthday. In recognition of his contribution to the Petersham club the grandstand at Petersham Oval was named in his honour. For reasons unknown, his name has since been painted over and is no longer visible on the grandstand awning. The attached photo of the 1979-80 Randwick team at Petersham Oval however, clearly shows the name “D. Seddon Memorial Stand”.
The Hughes family
While the names Tommy Andrews and Dudley Seddon are synonymous with Petersham/Petersham-Marrickville cricket, there can be no doubt that the name “Hughes” conjures similar recognition. Two generations of Hughes players, administrators and volunteers covering a period of activity totalling 64 years between 1944 and 2008 gives ample testimony to that claim.
Born in Newtown and a product of Lewisham Christian Brothers, Noel Hughes joined the old Marrickville club as a 15 year old in 1943-44. He joined Petersham the following summer and in 1947-48 made his 1st Grade debut. Over the following 32 seasons, he went on to score over 9,000 runs including 6,817 in 1st Grade.
In 1946, Noel brought along his then girlfriend and later wife Patricia to help out with afternoon teas at Petersham Oval. That was the beginning of a period of voluntary assistance which continued until her “retirement” in 2008—62 years later. Together with two other ladies—Helen Milford who joined her in 1951 and Robin Gardner in 1966—Pat and her “team” became legendary in Sydney Grade Cricket for their Petersham Oval hospitality. Indeed, there would hardly be a 1st or 2nd Sydney Grade cricketer in all that time who wasn’t served “a cuppa” by each of these ladies. In fact, Pat Hughes was as well known in Sydney cricket circles as any leading player.
Noel and Pat Hughes were married in 1951 and in October 1952 their first son Garry was born. Mark followed a couple of years later with Graeme arriving in 1955. Each of the three boys played 1st Grade cricket for Petersham-Marrickville with Graeme fulfilling his father’s dream and playing Sheffield Shield cricket for NSW. Graeme became a dual State representative playing rugby league for NSW. Between father Noel’s debut season of 1947 and the final season of Graeme’s career in 1995, there had hardly been an occasion when Petersham or Petersham-Marrickville 1st Grade team took the field without the Hughes name in the starting line-up.
Noel Hughes was a cricket icon in the Petersham area throughout his career. After filling in for a few matches in 1975-76 Noel Hughes hung up his boots. He continued to serve the club as a committee member however, and when he eventually stood down in 1998, he had chalked up a mammoth 42 successive years as an administrator. Deservedly, he was awarded Life Membership of Petersham Marrickville in 1971 while in 2000 he, along with wife Patricia who had served an estimated 50,000 cups of tea at Petersham Oval, was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by the Governor-General. In 2010 they were again both honoured with Cricket Australia’s 50 Years’ Service Medal.
While Garry and Mark Hughes played 1st Grade with Petersham-Marrickville CC, it was third brother Graeme who had more success on the cricket field. He made his 1st Grade debut at age 17 and went on to play for the following 21 seasons scoring over 6,500 runs with 11 centuries. He was the top-scorer in the Grand Final when Petersham-Marrickville won the 1st Grade premiership in 1974-75. Hughes went on to play 22 matches for NSW making his Sheffield Shield debut against Victoria in 1975 aged 20.
Just prior to his first-class cricket debut, Hughes played his first game of rugby league for NSW against Queensland aged 19 becoming a “Dual Blue”. He followed Dudley Seddon who also achieved that feat.
Hughes was an integral member of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs sides of the late 1970s-early 80’s along with his brothers Garry and Mark. All three played in the NSWRFL Grand Final of 1980 won by Canterbury-Bankstown 18-4 over Easts with Graeme playing a starring role.
Recommendation
With the renovation of the Petersham Oval grandstand nearing completion, it is felt that consideration should be given to the re-naming of the facility. As indicated above, the name of Dudley Seddon is entirely appropriate to be retained. However, with the passage of time and the contribution and achievements of the Hughes family since the original naming, this club is of the strong view that their name should also be recognised at a venue which was like a “second home” to each and every one of them over a long period of time.
In this regard it is suggested the Petersham Oval Grandstand be re-named “The Hughes family-Dudley Seddon Memorial Grandstand”.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Parks and Recreation Planning Manager:
A number of memorials and monuments are scattered throughout Petersham Park. The gates and stone gate-post in Brighton Street form an Anzac Memorial (opened 1921). Other memorials include the D Seddon Grandstand and the T J Andrews Scoreboard which commemorate cricketers in the locality. Cricket is however not the only organised sport played at Petersham Park, baseball has been a feature of the park for over thirty years and the grandstand and its facilities are a shared facility.
The park is a listed heritage item and it needs to be respected as such. In early 2020 Council will be commencing the development of a Plan of Management for Petersham Oval. This is the correct vehicle for Council to consider any proposed name change or naming addition to the grandstand facility. The Plan of Management process will include significant community engagement with both park users and the general community. A change in name to any key assets within the park should be consulted appropriately with the community and the results of community engagement reported back to Council for consideration, prior to any name change being determined by Council.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: COUNCILLORS PERMITTED TO HIRE MEETING ROOMS IN ALL WARD AREAS
From: Councillor Rochelle Porteous
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That Council affirms that it is the intention of Council, in allowing Councillors to “book meeting rooms for official business in a specific Council building” (as outlined in the IWC Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy; Part C; Clause 9.2), that Councillors be able to book the meeting room which best meets the needs of the local residents in terms of convenience, accessibility and numbers likely to attend wherever it is located across the LGA of the Inner West Council. |
Background
In the Local Government Act Section 232 (1) The role of a councillor is as follows: ... (e) to facilitate communication between the local community and the governing body. In fact a key responsibility of Councillors, as also outlined in the Office of Local Government Councillors Handbook, (Office of Local Government 2017) is to ‘engage and consult with your community” (p.3). Councillors need to consult regularly with residents, community groups and key stakeholders both to keep them informed of council decisions and to receive feedback from them.
In order to undertake this responsibility Councillors are permitted under the Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy to:
“Part C: Facilities: 9.2. Councillors may book meeting rooms for official business in a specified Council building at no cost. Rooms may be booked through a specified officer in the Mayor’s office or other specified staff member. “
This clause has allowed Councillors to book council meeting rooms – for example the Balmain Town Hall Meeting Room, the Annandale Neighbourhood Centre Meeting Room, Annandale Back Hall, the Hannaford Centre in Rozelle and others, however council staff have recently communicated to individual Councillors seeking to book meeting rooms under the Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy that Councillors will now only be permitted to book the small Councillors’ Rooms in Ashfield and Leichhardt and the meeting rooms in the Petersham Admin Centre (Marrickville Chambers), Ashfield and Leichhardt Admin Centres. None of these rooms are suitable to meet with a number of residents or a larger community groups, some have poor accessibility in the evening and at the weekend and all are not convenient for residents living in other parts of IWC.
Councillors need to be able meet residents in their local area and in rooms that are large enough to allow for a community meeting and easily accessible when residents are able to attend meetings which is often outside of business hours.
Note: Source of funding if required: this motion clarifies the interpretation of the hiring of meeting rooms as part of the Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy. This is the interpretation that has previously been implemented by council staff and has only recently had a change of interpretation. Any funds required would have been previously sourced from the Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities and this would continue with the clarification as outlined in the motion below.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Civic Governance Manager:
This policy has been in place since 2017 and Councillors may book meeting rooms free of charge in specified Council buildings. Seven meeting rooms in the three Service Centres and two Councillor Rooms in Ashfield and Leichhardt Service Centres are provided for this purpose. As these rooms are within Council’s Service Centres there are no fees associated with these facilities. If Council wishes to amend the policy to include other meeting rooms then the policy would need to be amended, placed on public exhibition and a source of funding be determined. Council has adopted fees for booking town halls eg. Balmain Town Hall Meeting Room is approximately $70/hour.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Councillor Access to Media
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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Motion:
THAT Councillors Expenses and Facilites Policy be amended to provide access to the Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph and the Inner West Courier either by hardcopy or media website; as per the choice of the Councillor. |
Background
Councillors require quick and easy access to NSW media for their information and research. This includes the news of the day as well as the ability to find past articles relevant to their research needs.
Current data produced in regard to the Councillors Facilities and Expenses Policy shows that this budget item will have a significant underspend. Moreso, while these funds are available to all Councillors, most Councillors will receive little benefit from their allocation while other Councillors will use a significant part of their allocation (as they are entitled to do so).
It would be useful if the Facilities and Expenses Policy could be more flexible to include fair and reasonable access to relevant and necessary media.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Civic and Governance Manager:
Councillors are provided with daily media clippings by email where Council is mentioned in a media story. If this motion is supported the policy would need to be amended and exhibited and a funding source determined. The policy and Councillors budget has no current provision for newspaper subscriptions.
Council previously considered this matter in 2018 and resolved not to amend the policy.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Balmain Square: Possibility for Expansion
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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Motion:
THAT Council to enter into discussions with Telstra about whether there is any opportunity to expand the Balmain Square (i.e. demolish more of the Telstra building). |
Background
Demolition works on the Telstra building - to create the new Balmain Square - are well under way. There still remains opportunity for Council to open up the possibility of expanding the size of the square should Telstra not require the entire remainder of the building.
Looking at the scale of the remaining structure it might be possible that Telstra does not need the portion of the building which is of smaller height. Now would be a good time to open up discussions about this.
It would be a very inefficient result all round if Telstra kept this part of the building ‘just in case’ it needs it with the intent of handing it over to Council in 5 years time. It would be far more efficient, now, to demolish all the structure that is not need (rather than have two demolitions) and to build the square ‘once’ (rather than twice).
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation:
In a report to Council meeting of the 27 March 2018, officers presented Council with an option for an expanded square that could have been delivered post-2022 when part of the existing Telstra building becomes surplus to their requirements as a result of the NBN roll-out. Officers advised that the future expansion of the area could be considered once the NBN rollout has been completed. Expanding the yet-to-be-built square post-2022 will require in the order of an additional $2 million in unbudgeted capital expenditure.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: A sensible separated cycleway on Railway Parade at Sydenham Station
From: Councillor Mark Drury
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Motion:
THAT Council seeks the Minister for Transport for NSW immediately step in and require parts of his portfolio to co-operate to get a sensible separated cycleway on Railway Parade at Sydenham Station. |
Background
The NSW Government is currently converting the heavy rail line at Sydenham to Metro services.
The Metro approval requires an access plan to be prepared for Sydenham Station with walking and cycling as the highest priority modes. A separated cycleway needs to be provided connecting Sydenham Station with cycleways outlined in the Marrickville Road East Streetscape Improvement Master Plan and the Marrickville Bicycle Strategy
Sydney Metro has said the Roads Authority will not allow reallocation of any road space so facilities can be provided for people to walk or cycle to the station safely
Safe cycling facilities are needed around the station to support the NSW Government’s aim to increase short trips by cycling
Sydenham Station provides an important transport interchange between three suburban train lines and the NSW Government needs to uphold the intentions in its transport strategy to encourage walking and cycling and public transport use.
I’m not aware of the history of this but the council staff seem to think this is a good idea too
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Group Manager Strategic Planning:
This Notice of Motion is consistent with Council staff’s discussions with Sydney Metro staff. It is important that the separated cycleway is provided to accord with Council’s plans to support local active transport, including providing good access to the station.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Inner West Council calls on NSW Government to get serious about a City West Cycle Link
From: Councillor Mark Drury
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Motion:
THAT Council recommits to the City West Cycle link proposal and calls on the NSW Minister for Transport to conduct a feasibility study. |
Background
Many Inner West residents have been seeking a safer and more rideable way of cycling into the Sydney CBD. The City West Cycle link (CWCL) would help achieve this. Now is a unique opportunity to secure a corridor to make the CWCL a reality.
The Leichhardt and then Inner West Council, in conjunction with the City of Sydney and bicycle user groups, has been seeking the CWCL this since 2010;
The Construction of WestConnex Stage 3b, provides a linear park on the former Rozelle Railyards thus providing a unique window of opportunity to:
o Construct a path in the park
o Connect to both Lilyfield Road and the light rail corridor
The Inner West Council notes resident concern over the proposed Lilyfield Road Cycleway could be significantly reduced if the CWCL were to be constructed. If the CWCL were to be constructed immediately it may overcome the need to build a separated cycleway in Lilyfield Road.
For the CWCL to work there will need to be a preservation of corridors, for Transdev to permit access beside and crossing of the light rail lines (only crossing lines to the maintenance facility)
Therefore a feasibility study should be conducted which works with all the authorities to get a better outcome for our community
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Group Manager Strategic Planning:
It is important to seek to ensure that the opportunity arising to secure the City West Cycle Link whilst various other NSW Government works proceed is not lost. The proposal accords with the approach staff are taking to this issue.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Westconnex: Tree Canopy and Noise, Vibration and Air Quality Reporting
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
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Motion:
THAT Council call on the Minister for Planning, Environment and Industry to urgently:
a) replace the Inner West tree canopy removed for the construction of Westconnex; and
b) provide noise, vibration
and air quality data and monitoring reports to the Inner West Council for
publication on our website.
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Background
There has been
extensive land clearing for the construction of Westconnex stages 1, 2 and 3
including the remnant of critically endangered at Kingsgrove, Trees in Sydney
Park and Haberfield and most recently in Rozelle and Annandale.
Many of these trees around City West Link in particular have been Casuarinas
which were planted by RMS along busy roads because of their effectiveness in
filtering air pollution. "Casuarina plants removed air pollutants more
efficiently than Eucalyptus plants." - Casuarina and Eucalyptus response
to single and multiple gaseous air pollutants Elkiey, T. & Ormrod, D.P.
Water Air Soil Pollut (1987) 36: 365. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00229678
"It [vegetation]helps filter air and water borne pollutants, provides
shade and comfort from the sun and converts carbon dioxide to oxygen. It is a
structural component of our road infrastructure and provides long-term
self-repairing stability to cuttings and embankments." - Landscape design
guideline, Design guideline to improve the quality, safety and cost
effectiveness of green infrastructure in road corridors, Roads and Maritime
Services, December 2018, https://web.archive.org/web/20190330071657/https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/projects/planning-principles/urban-design/landscape-guideline.pdf
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Group Manager Strategic Planning:
WestConnex has had a significant immediate negative impact through removal of trees. However, all three stages of the project include provisions within conditions of approval requiring retention and replacement of trees, in particular that as many trees are retained as possible and that all trees lost are replaced within reasonable proximity to the project so that there is a net increase in the total number of trees. Noting the present position with tree clearance, it is appropriate to raise with the NSW Government the significance of trees lost to date and the need for the tree replacement provisions to be implemented in full. The planting of substantial trees has also been constrained by WestConnex-related infrastructure and/or inappropriate roadway design guidelines.
Whilst most noise, vibration and air quality data and monitoring reports are available for public view on the WestConnex website, these can be difficult to locate and it is not known whether all such reports are publicly available. Council can request the NSW Government makes all reports publicly available, and seek assistance from the NSW Government to include a brief description of key reports (with weblinks) on its website so as to improve public access to this important information.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: User Policy for Shared Sporting Facilities
From: Councillor Victor Macri
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Motion:
THAT Council develop a user policy for the many shared sporting facilities that it has created. The prime example is the basketball/tennis facilities. There are a number of them around the LGA. If these policies are already in place then the motion will be for them to be signposted at all these facilities. |
Background
I have had a number of residents complain to me regarding the tennis courts that have been repurposed into multi use courts and confrontations that are occurring with no visible policy in place to guide how are to be utilised, this leads to an undesirable outcome for the community.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Parks and Recreation Planning Manager:
Council officers are proactively managing shared sporting facilities including basketball/tennis courts. Users are advised that the facilities are a shared community asset and to be respectful of other court users by limiting games to 1 hour. Users are also requested to be respectful of nearby residents and keep noise to a minimum. Examples of signage can be found in Attachment 1.
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1.⇩ |
Examples of Signage |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: APIA Lease
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
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Motion:
THAT Council: 1. Continue to negotiate with APIA Tigers Leichhardt Football Club with the intention to enter into a new lease that will enable APIA to continue using Lambert Park as their home ground into the future; 2. Work with APIA to actively pursue grant opportunities to help fund restoration work at Lambert Park; and 3. Officers report to Councillors at an ordinary Council meeting regarding the current state of lease negotiations with APIA. |
Background
Negotiations have been ongoing over the lease of Lambert Park with the APIA Leichhardt Tigers Football Club (APIA) who earlier this year exercised their option to renew for a further 5 years. The Club’s preference is for a new, long term lease to be agreed to.
Council Officers are having regular meetings with APIA representatives to progress the issue, and I am advised that they are working to overcome a number of obstacles.
Recently, Council Officers, in collaboration with APIA, submitted a $1,000,000 grant application to the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund to allow replacement of the grandstand roof; upgrades to seats; lighting and drainage; and other works. This followed on from APIA in 2013 having successful lobbied for government funding that was used to install a state-of-the-art synthetic pitch, new dressing rooms and a new club pavilion.
Lambert Park is APIA’s traditional home ground and has been since 1954. Since opening in 1954 it has been used for most of APIA’s home games. It is now home to the largest and most prestigious football program in the Inner West. APIA’s Mens’ and Womens’ First Grade teams both play at the highest level of football in New South Wales (which includes boys and girls from the age of nine to first grade football).
They are an Inner West institution, and Council needs to work productively with APIA to ensure that a lease is put in place and continues for future generations.
The current lease involves APIA paying all recurrent maintenance costs and having exclusive use of the ground (while the Club provides usage of the facility to a variety of groups).
One possible solution could be for Council to assist with some of these maintenance costs, in return for increased access to the ground for the broader community.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation:
APIA have an existing lease over Lambert Park. This lease has a 5-year extension option that APIA have sought to exercise. The terms of the lease are such that an extension option cannot be exercised while the lease is in breach.
Over the last five (5) years, APIA has breached conditions of the lease including but not limited to:
a) late payments of sinking fund payments;
b) routinely exceeding its hours of operation causing complaints from neighbours;
c) not carrying out agreed Site Maintenance and Capital Works which has led to serious concerns including in relation to fire safety, structural failure of the grandstand, and unsafe and unlawful electrical cabling; and
d) not ensuring it meets its legislative requirements for Work Health and Safety.
On 16 April 2019, after APIA had failed to meet repeated requests for a Structural Engineers report on the safety of the Grounds, Council engaged a Structural Engineer to report and were advised of a number of serious risks that required immediate closure of the Sportsfield and Council taking actions to ensure public safety, costs totalling over $53,000. This sum has not yet been reimbursed to Council.
In light of above, it is not the intention of officers to recommend renewal of the lease. It open for Council to seek public Expressions of Interest in Lambert Park. Nevertheless, in recognition of APIA’s long-term interest in the site, officers are progressing a new five (5) year lease conditional, in part, upon APIA’s agreement to remedy the above concerns, and will include provisions where failure to comply with the terms of the lease will see its termination.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Brokering Solar Installation for Local Residents
From: Councillors The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne and Councillor Anna York
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THAT Council:
1. Support,
in principle, the solar installation partnership between Inner West
Community Energy, Camperdown Commons and Acre restaurant and provide active
advice and assistance regarding the development assessment process for the
project; 2. Note that this pilot project provides a
model through which the community, Council, not for profit entities and
business can collaborate to deliver new solar installations and create new
renewable energy capacity in our local community; 3. Note the request for assistance from
Leichhardt Bowling Club to have solar pv installed to assist with the
financial viability and environmental sustainability of that Club and convene
a meeting with the Club, Inner West Community Energy and other relevant
parties to assist with initiating the project; 4. Congratulate Leichhardt Market Town on the
recent launch of a large scale solar installation on the roof of the shopping
centre and note the potential for this project to be replicated at shopping
centres across the Inner West.; 5. Receive an update report, to be tabled at
an Ordinary Council meeting, on the progress of efforts to establish a formal
role for Council as a broker of renewable energy projects on public and
private properties including, residential, industrial, commercial properties;
and 6. Receive a plain English language report, to be tabled at an ordinary Council meeting, on how the development assessment process for installation of solar on individual homes can be made simpler and cheaper. This should include any identification of necessary amendments to state legislation as well Council's planning controls. |
Background
Inner West Council has made a commitment to become a leader in renewable energy and to punch above its weight in the environmental debate in Australia. Now that Council’s program of renewable energy initiatives is well-established, it is time Council took practical steps to help residents, property owners, businesses and organisations access the benefits of solar power.
Council Officers have begun investigations into a process whereby Council can help connect residents and larger providers who can broker access to solar technology on their property.
It is important that this program progresses quickly to allow property owners an easy, cost neutral way to reduce their environmental footprint, access the great benefits of solar power and get real savings for their household budgets. This initiative would compliment the range of Council renewable programs already in place, including the following:
100 per cent divestment from fossil fuels
In June Council became the first NSW council to be 100 per cent divested from fossil fuels, well ahead of schedule. TCorp has now joined with Council to pilot a green investment product, which means that Council is pioneering a new, more environmentally sound way for councils to do business.
Moree Solar Farm Contract
On 1 July Council marked a new milestone in its target of using 100% renewable energy, with the commencement of the contract to purchase power from the Moree Solar Farm. With the agreement operational, approximately 25% of all Council’s energy usage is now solar powered.
Solar My School
Council is now licensed to offer Solar my School to schools in the Inner West LGA. The program provides free independent and expert support and guidance to selected primary and secondary schools looking to power their buildings with solar energy. The program offers the schools the opportunity to :
· Generate their own clean renewable energy
· Reduce your school’s energy bills and carbon footprint
· Showcase community leadership
· Receive educational resources for students
Over 100 Sydney schools, including nine in the Inner West, are already part of this program.
The program was jointly founded and developed by Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils in 2016. Inner West schools include:
· Ashfield Public School;
· Wilkins Public School;
· Orange Grove Public School;
· Sydney Secondary College (Leichhardt);
· Dulwich Hill Public School;
· Kegworth Public School;
· Marrickville High School;
· Dobroyd Point Public School (recently registered);
· Rozelle Public School (recently registered); and
· Marrickville Public School (recently registered).
Retrofitting Solar Power on Council Facilities
Earlier this year Council installed new solar panels on the Petersham Town Hall and retrofitted the facility with an LED lighting upgrade, which will save around 15 tons of carbon every year and reduce energy costs. Solar and energy efficiency capital works completed thus far include:
· Petersham Town Hall Solar and LED lighting - 15kW solar array on Petersham Town Hall, combined with an LED upgrade at the site.
· Solar on Yirran Gumal early learning centre
· Solar on Leichhardt Park Children’s Centre.
Further solar projects being delivered in 2019-20 include:
· Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre,
· Ashfield Aquatic Centre,
· Herb Greedy Hall and
· Haberfield Library.
Energy efficient LED lighting upgrades are in progress at five early learning centres.
Street Light Replacement Program
Council has worked with Ausgrid to fast track a program to rollout new energy efficient LED streetlights as a standard for all existing streetlights within residential streets. In 2018, Inner West Council, along with 16 other Councils, agreed to accept Ausgrid’s offer to accelerate the replacement of all existing streetlights (on minor residential roads) with the new lights. Ausgrid is replacing approximately 4600 street lights within the Inner West Council area under this program. As of May 2019, Ausgrid advised that approximately 65% of planned LED replacement had been completed throughout the Inner West Council area.
SunSPoT
Council worked with Australian PV Institute (AVPI) to map the Inner West area so that residents can use an online tool to look at their own rooftop and calculate how much electricity and money a solar PV system could save their home or business.
Our Energy Future
Inner West Council was a founding member of the Our Energy Future program, a collaboration of 12 Sydney councils. It provides a service that helps with energy and solar advice, quotes for solar panels, hot water systems, LED lighting and insulation from independently vetted suppliers. Council residents contribute over one-quarter of total installed solar through Our Energy Future.
Office of Renewable Energy Innovation
Council’s new Office is addressing the barriers and leveraging opportunities to increase the take-up of renewable energy across the Inner West. The Renewable Energy Innovation Officer is working with community energy groups, organisations and the private sector to pilot, develop and implement innovative renewable energy solutions.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from the Chief Executive Officer:
With regards to recommendation one (1) a merit-based assessment will need to be undertaken of any development application received for a solar installation project. With regards to recommendation three (3) Council staff have advised that the Leichhardt Bowling Club project has positively moved past this point. With regards to recommendation five (5), Council pays an annual fee of $12,000 to Australian Energy Foundation for Our Energy Future to provide a brokering service. The Australian Energy Foundation is commissioned to deliver the program until June 30 2020. It is not recommended to duplicate an offering in this space.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Climate Emergency - Council Contracts
From: Councillor Tom Kiat
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THAT:
1. Council receives a report from Council officers before the end of 2019 detailing:
a) companies that are both on The Adani List and currently have contracts with the Council; b) or have had contracts with Council during 2019; and c) the implications for Council of withdrawing from any contractual agreements with GHD and any other contractor identified as being on The Adani List until it withdraws from Adani’s project.
2. With regard to the awarding of future Council contracts, resolves to, where other factors are equal, give preference to contractors that are not on The Adani List. Tenderers for Council contracts should be notified of this and tender reports to Council should note whether any proposed contractor is on The Adani List; and
3. Council writes to the Board of GHD and any other
companies found to be both contractors to the Council during 2019 and on The
Adani List to: a) request that they cease any involvement with Adani’s Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project; and
b) advise them that in awarding future contracts Council will give preference to contractors whose policies and practices align with Council’s commitment to facing the climate emergency - and specifically, to contractors that are not on The Adani List. |
Background
Council notes:
1. That the Council has declared a Climate
Emergency which means that tackling global heating is a key strategic priority
of Council. Burning coal is the biggest driver of global heating so stopping
new coal mines is vital.
2. That the Council has resolved to oppose the
building of the Adani mine. Now is the time to act on that decision.
3. That the Council has passed a motion to divest
ratepayer’s money from fossil fuels which recognises residents are
concerned about global heating.
4. That a growing number of
councils are aligning procurement with their values. It is timely for the
Council to clearly state how its values will impact upon the Council’s
engagement of contractors.
5. That a list of companies working on the Adani
Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project is available on The Adani List
<https://www.marketforces.org.au/info/key-issues/theadanilist/>, which is managed by independent research
organisation Market Forces. It is notable that many companies on The
Adani List work with councils.
6. That the Council currently employs the GHD Group,
a company working with Adani to open the Carmichael mine and also open the
Galilee basin.
7. Council is in a strong position to contribute to pressure on current and potential contractors to Adani and help to prevent the building of the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Legal Counsel and Purchasing Services Manager:
The Draft Sustainable Procurement Policy includes consideration of social and environmentally sustainable principles in purchasing decisions and will be tabled at 26 November Council Meeting.
A legal review of all contracts involving GHD Group and other companies on The Adani List will have significant resource implications for Council’s Legal Services team and a report will not be able to be provided on financial implications of contractual arrangements until February 2020.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Urgent Safety Motion
From: Councillor Julie Passas
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Motion:
THAT the pocket park in Elizabeth Street Ashfield be closed immediately and the upgrade commence as a matter of urgency and Council be reminded of its duty of care.
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Background
Council resolved to upgrade the pocket park in Elizabeth Street Ashfield over one year ago, since then I have raised a safety issue with the gate not having a closing or locking device.
The park is situated on one of the busiest streets in Ashfield after reporting the issue again, I went down to ascertain whether any interim closing device was installed. I found my requests have been ignored and half the gate missing. This is unacceptable especially when Council is spending thousands of ratepayers money on events and festivals. The nearby well maintained off leash dog park has two double secured gates. Are dogs more important to this Council than our children?
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Parks and Recreation Planning Manager:
Community engagement on the upgrade of Elizabeth Street Playground closed on 14th July 2019. Work is currently being finalised on a design upgrade for the new playground facility. This includes new fencing and gate facilities. Works on a new playground facility are planned to commence in early 2020.
The playground entrance gate is located 20m from Elizabeth Street with access to the park gained from a side laneway, not the main street. The main street section of the park on Elizabeth Street is fully fenced and enclosed.
Currently part of the main gate (half of the gate) to the playground is missing. A replacement panel is being sourced and will be installed in the next few weeks. There are no significant or inherent risks to children using the play area. Parents and caregivers have a duty of care to supervise children using the playground. The photo in Attachment 1 highlights the section of gate which is missing from the laneway entrance to the park.
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1.⇩ |
Photo of Elizabeth Street Playground |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Emergency Situation
From: Councillor Julie Passas
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Motion:
THAT Councillors be advised of action required in such circumstances and contact details for afterhours reporting.
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Background
From time to time an urgent situation arises in our LGA when this occurs outside business hours Councillors do not have the details of who to contact. I recently reported an issue involving a large broken branch which had the potential to cause injury and damage to passing cars, this was reported on a weekday. I was informed that “it was not a danger”. On the weekend the branch fell further and I was forced to call the SES, the result was the branch was removed by tree contractors in the dark. This motion calls for a report on the incident including cost for afterhours attendance by contractors.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Chief Executive Officer:
Councillor Passas has now kindly provided further information. It is clear from her advice that the original tree identified was not the one requiring urgent treatment.
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Photos of Tree |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Code of Conduct
From: Councillor Julie Passas
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Motion:
THAT Council receive a full report on the recent outcome of the Supreme Court decision involving a local Councillor and the ramifications to the Council’s Code of Conduct, ie the need for an Internal Ombudsman and Code of Conduct reviewers etc.
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Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Civic Governance Manager:
The Office of Local Government issued a circular on this matter which was circulated to Councillors on 8 October and have further advised that legislation is being drafted to clarify the sanctions available under the Model Code of Conduct.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Legal Expenses
From: Councillor Julie Passas
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Motion:
THAT the General Manager provide a full report to Council each meeting of all legal action pending, current and completed, outcomes and all costs of such determinations. |
Background
Council fortunately or unfortunately is involved in legal actions related to the administration of Council’s responsibility to the community, which involves a significant amount each year.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Chief Executive Officer:
A report on legal matters and associated expenses are updated monthly on Council’s website and can be viewed at:
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/reports-and-registers/legal-matters
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Supporting the Newtown Breakaways AFL Club
From: Councillor Anna York
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THAT Council:
1. Notes that IWC’s 2018 Recreation Needs Study identified the need to prioritise actions that will meet the demand in the community for a significant increase in the participation of women and girls in sport;
2. Notes the unique commitment of the Newtown Breakaways to diversity, community and supporting women in sport - as a foundation independent women’s club with strong community connections and support, and a focus on encouraging women of all experience and abilities to play AFL;
3. Notes with disappointment the decision by NSW/ACT AFL to decline the Breakaways application to retain their status as a Premier Women’s Division Club in 2020 and beyond;
4. Continues to work with the club and NSW/ACT AFL to support the Breakaways to return to the Premier Division as soon as possible, noting the NSW/ACT AFL’s commitment to support the Breakaways’ Preseason Carnival, club development, recruitment of club coach/es, and infrastructure improvements in 2020;
5. Receives a report back to Council on options for funding urgent improvements to facilities at Mahoney Oval; and
6. As a gesture of support for the club and in recognition of their significant community contribution to the Inner West, and Inner West women's AFL in particular, commits in principle to hosting the Newtown Breakaways at Henson Park in 2020 and urgently investigates options to support this, regardless of the club's Division status. |
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Parks and Recreation Planning Manager:
In relation to Point 5, Council officers are currently reviewing the Capital works programme for amenity facility upgrades. Options for bringing forward planned upgrades at Mahoney Reserve are currently being explored. In relation to Point 6, The Newtown Breakways have been advised that they can apply for access to Henson Park for games in 2020, noting however that allocations may displace current users including the Newtown Jets and NSW AFL. Ideally, allocation for access should be negotiated with NSW AFL.
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Supporting Street Parties in the Inner West
From: Councillor Anna York
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THAT Council:
1. Notes the benefits of making it easier for neighbours to come together in their streets, front yards or laneways for street parties, which include:
a) building communities, fostering cooperation, understanding and respect between neighbours;
b) revitalising streets and laneways by fostering pride in the area, which may reduce instances of graffiti and dumping; and
c) making streets and laneways safer places for all residents.
2. Further notes the work of residents in the community who have been hosting annual get-togethers in their street for many years, and acknowledges the significant contribution these residents make to the Inner West;
3. Notes that following the Notice of Motion unanimously supported by Councillors at the 25 June 2019 meeting directing Council to draft a new street parties guideline and supporting timeplates, Council has updated its policy and templates on the IWC website which now include:
a) An updated, consistent Street Parties guideline covering the entire LGA;
b) A nominated point of contact within Council to advise on road closures;
c) A nominated point of contact at Summer Hill depot to organise access signs and barricades to implement road closures (where available); and
d) Advice regarding access for street party organisers to Council’s public liability insurance.
4. Directs that a simple checklist template also be included on the Council webpage to further support residents’ planning small-scale neighbourhood street party events. The simple checklist is to include a brief one-line description of the key tasks required by street party organisers, along with a suggested timeline to guide ease of planning, for example:
a) Approach neighbours and discuss street party idea xx weeks ahead of event
b) Lodge Street Party Application with Council xx weeks ahead of event
c) Discuss street party plans with Council officers, xx weeks ahead of event including any planned street closure, insurance, etc
5. Shares this information in regular communication channels including Mayor’s update in local papers to support ease of planning for summer 2019/20 street parties in the Inner West. |
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Council Meeting 12 November 2019 |
Subject: Questions on Notice
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
Question
What process has been established by Council to review the performance, efficiency and membership of the Inner West Planning Panel?
Answer
The Inner West Local Planning Panel is established by the State Government to undertake planning functions independently. The panel consists of chairs, independent experts and community representatives. The chairs presiding over the planning panel are appointed by the Minister, the independent experts are selected by Council from a specialised pool endorsed by the Minister and the community representatives are appointed by Council. The maximum term for a single appointment to the panel is up to 3 years. The current panel members have been appointed to February 2021. Council is liaising with the Department of Planning to ascertain the procedures as to review the panel appointment prior to the end of the appointed tenure.
Question
Council has previously resolved to require the Inner West Planning Panel to provide a briefing or report to Council at regular intervals. Why has this not occurred?
Answer
The Chair of the Inner West Planning Panel has previously briefed Councillors. Please see below performance statistics for the 12 months period between July 2018 to June 2019 for the Development Assessment Section of Council:
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July – Dec 2018 |
Jan – June 2019 |
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Development Applications Lodged |
1219 |
978 |
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Applications determined |
796 |
720 |
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Applications Approved |
729 |
663 |
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Applications Refused |
67 |
57 |
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Total Construction Value |
$539,289,215 |
$532,465,517 |
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Average DA Processing Time |
100 |
110 |
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Number of applications outstanding at end of period (all application types) |
611 |
520 |
Average DA processing times increased in January-June 2019 (predominantly due to the determination of large scale Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel applications and staff shortages).
Applications reduced in the 2018/19 financial year by 91 applications (14.8%). This is due to the IWLPP delegating some of its powers back to Council staff. This reduced the backlog of small scale applications to be determined by the panel to ensure a quicker turnaround time.
As at the end of October 2019, Council has approximately 390 DAs outstanding. This improvement is due to recent changes in the Development Assessment Section which are aimed at improving application outcomes and determination timeframes. The changes include:
· Streamlined procedures for efficient internal feedback resulting in a reduction in the backlog of outstanding referrals from specialists such as engineers.
· A single officer for Pre-Development Application and Development Application assessment, so applicants are dealing with the one person until completion; and
· Establishing common customer service standards and workflow timeframes.
Question
Following the introduction of the Leichhardt Council Planning Panel there was a marked reduction in Council’s legal expenses. What has been the yearly expenditure on legal expenses related to building development matters, for the Inner West Council for the years 2016/17 - 2018/19 and 2019/20 (year to date)?
Answer
Council’s yearly expenditure on appeals to the Land & Environment Court from refusals or deemed refusals of development applications is:
2016/17 $1,614,000
2017/18 $ 841,000
2018/19 $ 567,000
2019/20 to date $ 84,000
Question
What surveying has been conducted of proponents and objectors about their experience of the Inner West Planning Panel process? Why have the results of this consultation not been reported to Councillors?
Answer
The Inner West Planning Panel and associated processes have been mandated by the State Government. The State Government recently undertook a survey however the results are not publicly available. Also as part of the performance monitoring of the panel, Council is required to provide any records of complaints to the State Government on the panel’s conduct. In the last quarter Council received one formal complaint which was forwarded on to the Department of Planning.
Question
What surveying has been conducted of the experience of applicants and objectors regarding the development assessment process at Council generally? Will the results of this be reported to Councillors or the public?
Answer
Council commenced a customer satisfaction survey in mid-June. Approximately 603 surveys were sent out accompanying the final determination packages for applications. Despite a large number of surveys being sent out, Council has only received a very small amount of responses (13 responses) which does not provide a good statistical basis to identify customer satisfaction. Council is continuously sending out surveys and reminders to customers to complete the survey.
Question
Which Council resources, policies and documents are currently available in languages other than English? What specific plans are in place (in keeping with resolutions passed by Council) to expand this?
Answer
Council is progressively expanding materials available in languages other than English. Examples include:
· Tree Management DCP flyer translated to five community languages – view at: https://yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/tree-management-dcp2
· Shade sail program 2019 engagement collateral translated to community languages: view at: https://yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/shade-sails-program2019
· Winter safety campaign translated into six community languages: view at https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/2019-media-releases/stay-safe-this-winter
Councillors will shortly receive a briefing note of research officers have been conducting, into need for translation by geographic areas and age groups across the Inner West.
Question
When will the adopted resolution to review staff and public parking arrangements in the car park at Leichhardt Administration Centre be carried out and the matter reported to Council?
Answer
A report will be tabled at the Council Meeting on 26 November.
