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AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 26 MAY 2020
6.30pm
In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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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 12 May 2020 Council Meeting 4
7 Condolence Motions
Nil at the time of printing.
8 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
9 Reports with Strategic Implications
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C0520(2) Item 1 2019/20 Third Quarter Budget Review. 14
C0520(2) Item 2 Planning Proposal - 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale 29
C0520(2) Item 3 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - May 2020 50
13 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C0520(2) Item 4 State Government Response to Covid-19: Changes to Planning Systems and Policies 61
C0520(2) Item 5 Staff Redeployment during COVID-19 63
C0520(2) Item 6 Audit Office of NSW - Report on Financial Statements 64
C0520(2) Item 7 Investment Report as at 30 April 2020 65
C0520(2) Item 8 Streets and Shared Spaces Program 88
14 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0520(2) Item 9 Notice of Motion: Finance Directorate 89
C0520(2) Item 10 Notice of Motion: Council notification 90
C0520(2) Item 11 Notice of Motion: Process for Development and Public Exhibition of Draft Council Policies and Plans of Management 93
C0520(2) Item 12 Notice of Motion: Letter sign-off accountability 95
C0520(2) Item 13 Notice of Motion: Open Letter to Councillors regarding TfNSW proposed changes to road network in Leichhardt, Haberfield and Ashfield 97
15 Questions From Councillors
ITEM Page
C0520(2) Item 14 Question on Notice: The use of Glyphosate by Inner West Council 104
16 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper are confidential in their entirety or contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C0520(2) Item 15 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale – Voluntary Planning Agreement 108
C0520(2) Item 16 Verbal report on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Performance
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website on 12 May 2020.
Meeting commenced at 6.32pm
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Present: |
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Vittoria Raciti Victor Macri Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Lucille McKenna OAM Colin Hesse Sam Iskandar Tom Kiat Pauline Lockie Julie Passas Rochelle Porteous John Stamolis Louise Steer Anna York |
Deputy Mayor Councillor (Acting Chairperson) Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (6.39pm) Councillor Councillor Councillor Chief Executive Officer |
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Cathy Edwards-Davis |
Director Infrastructure |
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Ian Naylor |
Manager Governance |
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Katherine Paixao |
Governance Coordinator |
APOLOGIES:
Motion: (Hesse/Macri)
THAT apologies from Councillor Byrne be accepted.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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Motion: (Kiat/Steer) THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 28 April 2020 be confirmed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:
a) Item 1 Delegation of Operational Traffic Matters – Councillor Passas voted against the motion.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Raciti requested that Councillor Macri chair the remainder of the meeting.
Motion: (Raciti/Passas)
THAT Councillor Macri take over as chairperson of the meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Raciti, Stamolis and York
Against Motion: Cr Steer
Councillor Porteous entered the Meeting at 6:39 pm.
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C0520(1) Item 8 Mayoral Minute: Establishing the Inner West Recovery Taskforce |
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Motion: (Drury/McKenna OAM)
THAT Council establishes an Inner West Recovery Taskforce (IWRT), to be chaired by the Mayor, to plan and coordinate the economic recovery of the Inner West as well as maximise the local effect and delivery of State and Federal relief and stimulus measures, within the next 10 business days.
a) An Expression of Interest for people who are interested in participating as members on the IWRT be opened and promoted through all of Council’s communication channels;
b) That Taskforce contains a maximum of seven members and includes a representative of the Inner West Business Chamber, local business leaders from a variety of sectors;
c) The membership of the IWRT should include a mix of economic sectors, gender balance as well as diversity in geographical locations in the LGA;
d) The membership of the IWRT should have experiences and skill sets that extend beyond their own business interests, industries and suburbs, so that a whole of LGA approach can be taken to the economic recovery of the Inner West;
e) The results of the EOI be reported to the June 9 Ordinary Council;
f) The draft IWRT terms of reference (prepared by the CEO) in Attachment 1 be noted and considered for adoption at the June 9 Ordinary Council meeting;
g) Councillors are invited to attend and participate in the Taskforce;
h) There can be a larger number than 7 members if the council so determines; and
i) Recommendations of the taskforce must come to the council for consideration and adoption.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
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Amendment (Porteous/Da Cruz)
THAT the following points be added in the primary motion as additional points:
a) At least 5 of the 7 members need to be acknowledged representatives of each of the 5 ward areas;
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Motion Tied For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York
The Chairperson used his Casting Vote against the MOTION and the MOTION was lost.
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b) Councillors are invited to attend and participate in the Taskforce;
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Drury, Iskandar, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary motion.
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c) There can be a larger number than 7 members if the council so determines; and
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Drury, Iskandar, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary motion.
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d) Recommendations of the taskforce must come to the Council for consideration and adoption.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary motion. |
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Urgency Motion: Condolence Motion – Jack Mundey
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Councillor Hesse requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding a condolence motion for Jack Mundey.
Motion: (Hesse/Raciti)
THAT the matter be considered urgently.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.
Urgency Motion (Hesse/Lockie)
THAT Council recognises the passing of Croydon Park resident Jack Mundey and the contribution Jack Mundey made to the natural and built environment of Sydney, to democracy, unions and to local government and express our condolences.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
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C0520(1) Item 1 Ashfield Aquatic Centre - Progress Update |
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Motion: (Drury/Macri)
THAT:
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
Amendment (Passas/Macri)
THAT Councillors receive a briefing on the Ashfield pool.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM and York
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary motion. |
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C0520(1) Item 2 Notice of Motion: Safer Walking and Cycling in the Inner West |
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Motion: (Da Cruz/Steer)
THAT Council:
1. Bring back a report on the active transport plan incorporating a review of all outstanding items in the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plans (PAMP) of the former councils (including along Holden and Queen Streets Ashfield and upgrading existing raised pedestrian crossings on Styles and Catherine Streets Leichhardt and elsewhere to incorporate gutter guards) with a view to including in future budgets and writing to Transport for NSW seeking funding for any shortfall; and
2. Write to Transport NSW requesting:
a) They run a safety campaign including temporary COVID-19 exercise safety measures, signage at entry points to the LGA and an educational campaign aimed at drivers, cyclists and pedestrians including children on footpaths, shared paths, and the increasing number of 10kmph shared zones on roads. an active transport (pedestrian/cycling) safety infrastructure and campaign;
b) The upgrade of the pedestrian refuge on Darley Road at Allen Street Leichhardt;
c) The provision of a pedestrian/cyclist refuge safe crossing point on Johnston Street at Albion St Annandale (designated cycle route);
d) Signage and Traffic Calming on Darley Road at the Charles Street Roundabout which is the intersection of two on road cycle routes; and
e) Safe Crossing point on Old Canterbury Road at Henry Street, Lewisham
3. Staff to report back to the next Council meeting on any opportunities for grant funding to be sought under the new $15 million Streets and Shared Spaces program announced by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces last week.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
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C0520(1) Item 3 Notice of Motion: Improve Pedestrian Safety on Stanmore Road |
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Motion: (Steer/Lockie)
THAT Council write to RMS and/or Transport for NSW:
1. Noting the importance of the current pedestrian refuge on Stanmore Road at Maundrell Park to ensure the safety of local pedestrians and cyclists;
2. Requesting an upgrade of the pedestrian refuge on Stanmore Road at Maundrell Park, Stanmore; and
3. Requesting provision of an additional pedestrian/cycle refuge on Stanmore Road in a location between Holt Street and Marshall Street to allow access to the shopping strip between Middleton Street and Marshall Street and facilitate easier access to the shopping strip between Marshall Street and John Street.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
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C0520(1) Item 4 Notice of Motion: Delegated Authority |
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Motion: (Passas/Macri)
THAT a report be brought back in June 2020 regarding funds available to the Mayor for donation without Councils endorsement.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Crs Drury, Iskandar and McKenna OAM |
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C0520(1) Item 5 Notice of Motion: Questions on Notice |
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Motion: (Passas/Stamolis)
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Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Macri, Passas, Raciti and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York
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Foreshadowed Motion (Porteous/Steer)
THAT:
1. Council notes the Inner West Council Code of Meeting Practice which states that:
a) 9.17 A councillor or Council employee to whom a question is put is entitled to be given reasonable notice of the question and, in particular, sufficient notice to enable reference to be made to other persons or to documents. Where a councillor or Council employee to whom a question is put is unable to respond to the question at the meeting at which it is put, they may take it on notice and report the response to the next meeting of the Council.
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Council further notes with concern that Questions from Councillors
which have been submitted as Questions on Notice are not being answered at
the next meeting of council nor within any reasonable timeframe. Council
therefore directs the General Manager of IWC to respond to Questions on
Notice submitted by Councillors by the next council meeting; and 3. In regard to questions staff are unable to answer during a Council meeting and therefore ask to take the question on notice. A record of these questions should be kept by the General Manager and the responses reported in a briefing paper before the next council meeting, with the briefing paper to be published on the council website alongside all other Councillor briefing papers.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Drury, Iskandar, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York |
Suspension of Standing Orders
Motion: (Drury/Macri)
THAT Council Suspend Standing Orders to deal with the three urgency motions at this time.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
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Urgency Motion: Sydney Airport Broken Curfew
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Councillor Hesse requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding Sydney Airport Broken Curfew.
Motion: (Hesse/Macri)
THAT the matter be considered urgently.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.
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Urgency Motion: (Hesse/Macri)
THAT Council writes to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon. Michael McCormack, informing him that:
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Cr Passas |
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Urgency Motion – Graham Green – Dulwich Hill
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Councillors Drury and Iskandar requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding Graham Green, Dulwich Hill.
Motion: (Drury/Iskandar)
THAT the matter be considered urgently.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.
Urgency Motion: (Drury/Iskandar)
THAT:
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
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Foreshadowed Motion (Stamolis)
1. This Foreshadowed Motion lapsed. |
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Urgent Motion Refugees
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Councillor Da Cruz requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding Refugees.
Motion: (Da Cruz/Macri)
THAT the matter be considered urgently.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.
Urgency Motion: (Da Cruz/Steer)
THAT Council:
1. Co-sign:
a) The Refugee Council’s Open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison – Nobody Left Behind; and
b) The letter of support being co-ordinated by the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum.
2. Add a link to Council’s website for the Asylum Seeker’s Centre’s media release of support for the open letter and Plea for the Government to provide a safety net for everyone – including people seeking asylum.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
Reports with Confidential Information
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C0520(1) Item 7 Tender for Haberfield Centre and Library Upgrade |
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Motion: (Drury/Macri)
THAT a contract be awarded to Patterson Building Group Pty Ltd for the lump sum price of $3,252,348 plus GST for the upgrade of the Haberfield Centre and Library including a contingency allowance of $340,000 plus GST.
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Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
Meeting closed at 9.32 pm.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: 2019/20 Third Quarter Budget Review.
Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Melodie Whiting - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
THAT 3rd Quarter Budget Review for 2019/20 be adopted. |
DISCUSSION
This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2020. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2020. Council has updated its projected budget result to $4.2 million, this is a reduction of $14.6 million from the 2019/20 2nd Quarter Budget Review. Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $9.0 million has been projected against the 2019/20 Adopted Budget Deficit of $4.3 million. The change is predominantly due to a thorough review of the operating model and budgeted revenue and expenditure and includes lost income from Covid-19 with an estimated impact of $18.0 million.
The following are key movements with a brief explanation and impact on Council’s budget:
- Decreased Capital Expenditure of $25.1m due to deferral of projects to future years -
· Ashfield Aquatic Centre works $9.2m - cashflow reforecast to align to the updated handover date and delivery delays for items order from overseas manufacturers refer to Item 1 in Attachment 1.
· Synthetic Turf $1.9m - detail site investigations and design were completed in 2019/20. This balance of the budget will be utilised by the construction in 2020/21. Project complexity requires two-year delivery process including completion of Tempe Reserve Plan of Management refer to Item 1 in Attachment 1.
- Forecast decrease in revenue relating to Capital & Operational Grants & Contributions
· Reduced S94 Contributions forecast by $4.5m due to COVID-19.
· Capital Grants deferred to 2020/21 for the Greenway and the Mahoney Reserve $0.4m
- Forecast decrease in revenue relating to Other Income –
· Reduced parking fines, certificates and health program fees $4.8m (impact from COVID-19).
- Forecast decrease in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees -
· Children Family Services - $3.9m (due to the impact of COVID-19).
· Sports & Recreation - $3.7m (closure of the aquatics centres in mid-March as a result of COVID-19).
- Forecast decrease in Employee Costs –
· Sports & Recreation - $1.2m (alignment of employee costs to the new council structure and the closure of the aquatics centres due to COVID-19).
- Forecast decrease in Materials & Contracts –
· The impact of COVID-19 on Capital Works and Environment and Sustainability’s activities.
The responsible accounting officer is of the opinion that the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the quarter ended 31 March 2020 indicates that Council’s projected financial position at 30 June 2020 continues to remain under pressure.
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1.⇩ |
March 2020 QBRS Financial Statements & Movements |
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Planning Proposal - 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale
Prepared By: Gunika Singh - Strategic Planner
Authorised By: Harjeet Atwal - Senior Manager Planning
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THAT Council:
1. Support the Planning Proposal for 1-5 Chester Street Annandale and the associated site-specific Leichhardt Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013 amendment for the reasons recommended in the Council officers’ assessment report (Attachment 1);
2. Forward the Planning Proposal to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a Gateway Determination in accordance with Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979;
3. Request the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to delegate the plan-making functions for the Planning Proposal to Council;
4. Should Planning Proposal receive a favourable Gateway Determination, place the Planning Proposal (Attachment 2) and draft DCP amendment (Attachment 3) on public exhibition to meet the requirements of the Gateway Determination and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; and
5. Receive a post exhibition report for its consideration. |
DISCUSSION
On 18 December 2019, Council received an amended Planning Proposal from Britely Property for 1- 5 Chester Street, Annandale. The proposal seeks to
· Amend the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan 2013 by rezoning most of the site from IN2 Light Industrial to B7 Business Park;
· Include a local provision for student housing and 980sqm of employment floorspace;
· Increase the FSR from 1:1 up to 2:1 with maximum height of 17 metres and no more than 5 storeys;
· Rezone part of the site as RE1 Public Recreation, constructed as part of the Johnstons Creek pedestrian and cycling path and dedicated to Council;
· Amend the Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013; and
· Be supported by a Planning Agreement.
The Proposal has a long history with Council. It was initially refused in September 2018. The proponent’s amendments since 2018 have now addressed most of Council officers and Inner West Local Planning Panel’s (IWLPP) original concerns. The December 2019 Planning Proposal was revised by Council officers to further reduce potential amenity impacts. At its meeting on 30 March 2020, the IWLPP advised Council to support the revised Planning Proposal (Attachment 2). The proposed redevelopment of the site with its mix of employment and student accommodation, will help implement several Council, State Government and Greater Sydney Commission strategic planning polices including the Local Strategic Planning Statement, the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS) and the Camperdown-Ultimo Collaboration Area Place Strategy.
Subject to the requirements of a favorable Gateway Determination, the Planning Proposal, draft DCP and Planning Agreement should be exhibited concurrently for formal community consultation. A separate report will be presented for Council’s consideration addressing the Planning Agreement.
Attachments 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 have been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
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1.⇩ |
Council Officers' Assessment Report |
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2.⇨ |
Council Planning Proposal including PRCUTS out of sequence checklist and response to public submissions – Published seperatly |
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Council’s site-specific DCP - Published seperatly |
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4.⇩ |
Minutes of Local Planning Panel – 30 March 2020 |
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Proponent’s Urban design scheme/ Architectus independent peer review/ Council’s amendments - Published seperatly |
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6.⇨ |
Proponent’s updated Stakeholder Engagement report - Published seperatly |
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7.⇨ |
Amended Traffic and Transport Assessment by Varga Traffic Planning - Published seperatly |
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - May 2020
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure
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THAT the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held in May 2020 be received and the recommendations be adopted. |
ITEMS BY WARD
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Ward |
Item |
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Baludarri (Balmain) |
Update on angle parking proposal in Hubert Street, Lilyfield |
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Gulgadya (Leichhardt) |
Request to install right turn arrow at Croydon Road intersection |
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Illuminated sign outside Haberfield Rowers Club |
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Local road network improvements in Haberfield, Ashfield and Leichhardt |
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Midjuburi (Marrickville) |
Warren Road, Marrickville - Implementation of one-way traffic |
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Horton Street, Marrickville between Amy Street and Illawarra Road - Temporary Full Road Closure for Street Party - Saturday 31 October 2020 between 2.00 and 7.00pm |
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Smidmore Street, Marrickville – Marrickville Metro Expansion Works - Proposed Shared Zone and One-Way Traffic Restrictions |
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Edinburgh Road, Marrickville – Marrickville Metro Expansion Works - Traffic Changes |
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Request to reduce Bus Stop on Marrickville Road, Marrickville |
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Djarrawunang (Ashfield) |
Local road network improvements in Haberfield, Ashfield and Leichhardt |
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Damun (Stanmore) |
Francis Street, Enmore - Implementation of One-Way Traffic |
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Stormwater drain maintenance on Railway Terrace, Lewisham |
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All Wards
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Request to restore bus stop in Circular Quay for Inner West bus routes |
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Request to extend automatic pedestrian signal crossings to key intersections |
DISCUSSION
The May 2020 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held remotely. The Agenda was sent to Committee members with a week to provide comments. A Skype meeting was held on 4 May 2020. The minutes of the meeting are shown at ATTACHMENT 1.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Specific projects have undergone public consultation as indicated in the respective reports to
the Traffic Committee.
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1.⇩ |
Minute of Local Traffic Committee Meeting - May 2020 |
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: State Government Response to Covid-19: Changes to Planning Systems and Policies
Prepared By: Luke Murtas - Manager Development Assessments
Authorised By: Harjeet Atwal - Senior Manager Planning
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THAT Council receives and notes this report. |
DISCUSSION
On 25 March 2020, the State Government brought into effect the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020. The Bill amended 20 pieces of legislation, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Local Government Act 1993 and the Public Health Act 2010.
1. Planning System Acceleration Program
The Minister has announced economic stimulus reforms to the planning system which are targeted toward “fast-track” assessments of “significant” developments. The policy is described as the Planning System Acceleration Program and is detailed in the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s website at: planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/COVID19-response/Planning-System-Acceleration-Program .
Coupled with the announcement of this program is a “Tranche 1” list of 24 priority projects which have been called-in by the Minister for “fast tracking” and Ministerial determination. The program includes an undertaking from the Minister that decisions on projects within a tranche will be made within 4 weeks of their announcement. Examples of projects in in tranche 1 include:
· Snowy 2.0 ($4.6B, Snowy/ Monaro LGA);
· Bunnings Leppington ($22M, Liverpool LGA);
· Visy Recycling facility ($23M, City of Sydney); and
· Planning Proposal for Canterbury Bankstown CBD.
There are no Inner West DAs or Planning Proposal sites identified in Tranche 1. However, the Minister and Department are actively calling for more projects to be added to the program and it is understood that further tranches will be forthcoming. If added to the accelerated scheme, it is apparent that Council and residents would have little input into the appropriateness of these proposals or the conditions and controls which should be applied to them in the event that they are approved.
An additional aspect of the acceleration program includes the appointment of several new Acting Commissioners to the Land and Environment Court to deal with the significant backlog of planning appeals across the state. This is likely to have a beneficial effect in the Inner West in terms of reducing the backlog of applications under appeal.
2. Other aspects of the response: Ministerial Orders and Statutory Amendments
The amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 made on 25 March 2020 allow the Minister to make an Order to permit development which would ordinarily require an approval (such as a DA) to proceed without needing to secure that approval.
To date, the Minister has made Orders which allow (staff comments follow in italic):
· Existing retail premises and home businesses to “operate at any time” if “steps to reduce noise” are taken (25 March 2020) ;
· Demolition and building work (but not high-impact rock-breaking, drilling etc) to be undertaken on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays so long as “reasonable steps to reduce noise” have been taken (31 March 2020);
· The use of community facilities, (some) educational establishments, function centres and food and drink premises to be used for the sale of take-away food and drink and the use of mobile food and drink outlets on any land with owners consent (31 March 2020);
· Change of use of any building to a health services facility; and
· Temporary worker’s accommodation at power stations.
These measures are temporary only and will cease when the COVID-19 restriction period is declared over (or eased) by the government.
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 has been amended so that any requirement for a document to be “physically available” is satisfied if that document is available on the planning portal or Council’s website.
A new Regulation was gazetted on 01 May 2020 which amends public meeting requirements for State and Local planning panels, making provision for online meetings.
Additional information about the State Government COVID-19 response can be found at: planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/COVID19-response
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Staff Redeployment during COVID-19
Prepared By: Melodie Whiting - Director Corporate
Authorised By: Michael Deegan - Chief Executive Officer
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RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive and note the report. |
DISCUSSION
Council has a comprehensive Flexible Working Arrangements protocol which was in place prior to COVID 19. This includes ‘Working from Home’ guidelines, which were enacted for most staff, except front-line essential workers, early during the pandemic crisis.
All staff with the administration centres are working from home where possible. The limited number of staff that are coming into work are on a roster basis to minimise the number of people in buildings and maintain social distancing requirements.
All staff are fully occupied.
Numbers of staff redeployed are minimal as staff involved in programs that are not currently permissible due to the COVID restrictions are working on other projects within their Business Units.
Small numbers of staff have been redeployed to assist in other service areas e.g.
· The Events team is assisting the Meals on Wheels service.
· Some Aquatics staff have been redeployed to administrative work in Strategic Planning, and Stores, and to ICT assisting with digitisation of records.
· Library staff with IT skills have been redeployed to ICT.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Audit Office of NSW - Report on Financial Statements
Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Melodie Whiting - Director Corporate
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THAT this report be received and noted. |
DISCUSSION
The Audit Office of New South Wales published their Report on Local Government 2019 (New South Wales Auditor-General’s Report) on 5 March 2020. The report noted that unqualified audit opinions were issued on the 2018/19 Financial Statements of 134 Councils (of which Inner West Council was one) and 11 joint organisations. Of these, 79% were submitted on time (of which Inner West Council was one). The opinion for one council was disclaimed (not signed off by the auditors) and three audits are yet to be completed.
The report also highlights improvements seen in financial reporting and governance arrangements across councils. Fewer errors were identified. More councils have audit, risk and improvement committees and internal audit functions. Risk management practices, including fraud control systems, have also improved.
The report included comments on Inner West Council in the section covering Financial Statements –
“The financial statements were delayed due to data migration to the new asset system, issues with the asset reconciliations and council staff resourcing. Numerous errors and disclosure deficiencies were identified and corrected”.
Council agreed with this audit finding. All initial errors and disclosure deficiencies were resolved before the final financial statements were signed off by the Audit Office of NSW and approved by Council.
Council staff has put in place processes to address this, including implementing a two-step audit process by the Audit Office of New South Wales which they have agreed to. Step one is a soft close of the 2019/20 financial statements and balance sheet – an interim audit of Council’s accounts as at 30 April 2020, performed in June 2020. This is already being prepared by Council staff.
Step two will be a hard close of the financial statements and balances for the last two months and as at 30 June 2020.
A robust review process has been built into Council’s financial year-end timetable. This will provide time for the review and amendment of the notes to the financial statements as at 30 June 2020 before the arrival of the auditors.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Investment Report as at 30 April 2020
Prepared By: Brendhan Barry - Manager Financial Services
Authorised By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
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THAT the report be received and noted. |
DISCUSSION
Council’s holding in various investment categories are listed in the table below. Council’s portfolio size sits at $223m, of which 89% are A rated or above. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s annualised return continues to exceed the bank bill index benchmark. Council’s portfolio had a One-Month Portfolio Investment Return of 3.62%, above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.58%).
The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 April 2020.
The Current Market value is required to be accounted for. The Current Market Value is a likely outcome if Council were to consider recalling the investment prior to its due date.
All investments made for the month of April 2020 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
EXTERNAL / INTERNAL RESTRICTIONS
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1.⇩ |
IWC Apr20 |
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2.⇩ |
IWC Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary Apr20 |
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Streets and Shared Spaces Program
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure
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THAT this report be received and noted. |
DISCUSSION
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has launched the Streets as Shared Spaces program which provides one-off grant funding to support local councils to test and pilot ideas for streets as safe, shared public spaces. There are two categories of projects available for consideration:
· Category 1: Quick demonstration projects (up to $100,000 per project) which must be delivered and evaluated within three months of funding approval.
· Category 2: Medium-term pilot projects ($1 million per project) which must be delivered within one year of funding approval.
Projects must meet a number of objectives to successfully receive funding including improving attractiveness of centres and public spaces; increasing access and space for safe walking and cycling etc. Funding is not available for feasibility studies, staffing, advertising etc. Further information regarding the Streets as Shared Spaces program is available via the following link: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/streets/grants-for-councils
Projects will be evaluated based on project merit, project deliverability and value for money.
Grant applications are due on Wednesday, 10 June 2020 and projects are currently being shortlisted. The following project list have been identified for consideration and is subject to further assessment and consolidation as per requirements set out by DPIE in its documentation and future information sessions:
· Norton Street and Arthur Street, Ashfield – contra-flow bike lanes;
· King St / Enmore Road intersection, temporary extension of footpath (subject to Transport for NSW acceptance);
· King Street near Newtown Square temporary extension of footpath (subject to Transport for NSW acceptance);
· Dulwich Hill Station Village high pedestrian activity precinct including raised intersections and crossings;
· Ramsey Street / Dalhousie Street 40km/h High Pedestrian Activity Area;
· Hudson Street, Lewisham (adjacent to Lewisham West Light rail stop) - improve pedestrian access using temporary materials and street art;
· Various Streets as part of the Greenway travel to school project;
· Newtown Local Area Traffic Management – implementation of Shared Zone; and
· Laneway activation projects.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Notice of Motion: Finance Directorate
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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Motion:
THAT Councillors to receive a briefing on the Inner West Council organisational structure and to assess creating a Finance Directorate in the organisational structure; before end June 2020. |
Background
Up to 2018-19, one of the three Divisions in Councils’ organisational structure was ‘Finance’, headed by a Deputy General Manager. In 2019, this position ceased and a less senior position now heads up the finance function.
At the time, there was concern amongst some Councillors who asked that this decision be reviewed at a later stage.
Given the range of finance and related issues which have been brought to Councils’ attention over the past year, as well as the immense budget challenges facing Council for some years ahead, it is vital that Inner West Council have a priority focus on budget and finance with specialist skills and leadership in this area.
Both Council and Councillors need finance to be a central focus in the current circumstances and for the years ahead. We need access to specialist skills in regard to finance and budgeting. This should not be a function which is split amongst many other functions of Council and at a lower role.
Councils financial reporting, disclosures and other obligations receive high level scrutiny by State Government agencies, the NSW Auditor-General, independent auditor and our entire community.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Corporate:
The current leadership structure with a smaller Executive model is working well, particularly in relation to management of Councils’ budget.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Notice of Motion: Council notification
From: Councillor Julie Passas
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Motion:
THAT Council to take steps to set up notification in newspapers.
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Background
Since the disruption to local papers, many Councils quickly moved to inform their communities via the SMH and the Telegraph. Inner West is still yet to do this.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Communications and Engagement Manager:
Advertising in the SMH or Daily Telegraph newspapers is not supported as it would require the community to subscribe/purchase editions. Instead Council is:
· Posting statutory notifications on a new page on the internet as per changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act;
· Preparing a rates newsletter to be distributed with the July annual rates notices;
· Distributing a letter to all residences to inform community about Council support during the pandemic; and
· Investigating additional ways to reach community in the future including digital display screens in key locations.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Notice of Motion: Process for Development and Public Exhibition of Draft Council Policies and Plans of Management
From: Councillor Rochelle Porteous
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Motion:
THAT;
1. Proposals for the development of new or amended Council policies / plans of management are brought to Council at the beginning of the process; and
2. Draft policies/plans of management are brought to Council before going on public exhibition.
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Background
The current process for development, exhibition and adoption of policies and plans of management for IWC council is for staff to announce (sometimes with and sometimes without a resolution from council) that they are running community consultation to develop a new policy or plan. After community consultation staff develop a policy or plan which goes on public exhibition and then comes to council for adoption. With this current process the first time a policy actually comes to council is at the end of the process. Councillors have no opportunity to input as the council body into the policy or plan before it is finalised. Councillors also may have no say in whether a policy or plan should be developed by council in the first place.
A recent example of where this can have unintended consequences is with parking policies in the Balmain Ward. In February 2020 council conducted two surveys: Lilyfield- making parking fairer and East Balmain - making parking fairer. These surveys included proposed changes to the issuing of parking permits. Parking permits are currently provided free of charge in these areas to residents and local businesses however in the survey residents and local businesses were asked to complete, they were presented only with options of purchased parking permits to choose from there was no option of a free of charge permit which is what the current status quo is. This has created a lot of concern amongst residents which is currently being amplified with council staff apparently telling residents that there are plans to start charging them for their visitor parking permits. The survey closed in early March. The next stage now is for draft parking policies for these areas to be developed following the results of these surveys and to be put out on public exhibition. The fact that the first time these policies will come to council is at the end of the process, rather than at the beginning of the process and that policies go out on exhibition without coming to council first means there is no Councillor input in the development of the policy/plan of management and if major changes are made to the final policy/plan of management then the process may need to start again including the likely re-exhibition of the policy/plan of management.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Infrastructure:
There are no proposed changes in the Balmain East and Lilyfield surveys at this point in time. The survey was canvassing opinions about parking in the area. The purpose of gathering this information was to: understand the current parking situation; learn about the needs and desires of the community to manage parking; and to inform a tailored parking strategy for the area.
A draft parking proposal will go to the Local Traffic Committee, followed by Council, prior to the public exhibition of the proposal.
Comment from Manager Governance:
Councillors are provided briefing notes on any policy or plan of management prior to this being placed on public exhibition. Councillors are given 2 weeks to provide any comments or feedback to staff prior to the exhibition process. With plans of management there are two rounds of consultation so councillors have three opportunities to provide feedback into the plan. If this recommendation was adopted, it would see an additional 50 reports a year being reported to Council and impact Council dealing with necessary and essential business.
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Notice of Motion: Letter sign-off accountability
From: Councillor Julie Passas
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Motion:
THAT Council to review its sign-off for its official correspondence with residents to ensure that full accountability and professionalism of Inner West Council is maintained.
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Background
Attached are two of many examples of how Council is currently signing-off correspondence with its community. In both cases, residents have communicated their concern about bureaucratic dealing with residents.
The letters do not detail any staff contact details, nor direct phone number to contact the relevant Council staff member or person who is handling the matter.
The sign-off name on one letter below shows: ‘Trees’. This is simply unacceptable in offical correspondence with our community. So too is the fact that the other letter has no sign-off at all.
Who does the community contact to discuss these issues further?
All correspondence with our community should be considered as official. It must be respectful and appropriate protocols should be put in place.
The Inner West Council is a local Council and we should behave like a local Council with our community, not like a big anonymous bureaucracy.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Communications and Engagement Manager:
Council uses a range of generic email accounts in line with standard Government practice.
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1.⇩ |
Example of Current Sign Off |
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Notice of Motion: Open Letter to Councillors regarding TfNSW proposed changes to road network in Leichhardt, Haberfield and Ashfield
From: Councillor Rochelle Porteous
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Motion:
THAT Council:
1. Receive and note this Open Letter from residents; and
2. Take the actions as requested by residents and as outlined in this Open Letter.
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Background
The letter in Attachment 1 has been received by Councillors from local residents opposing the proposed changes to the road network by TfNSW in Leichhardt, Ashfield and Haberfield.
Officer’s Comments:
Staff have no comment.
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1.⇩ |
Open letter to Inner West Councillors |
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: Question on Notice: The use of Glyphosate by Inner West Council
From: Councillor Rochelle Porteous
Comment by the Chief Executive Officer:
Answers to all questions will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in August 2020.
Question
1. In what form are records kept on the use of glyphosate to control weeks on IWC lands?
Question
2. Who is responsible for checking these records and how often are they checked?
Question
3. What oversight occurs to ensure the accuracy of these records?
Question
4. What is the procedure where a breach of relevant policies occurs?
Question
5. From the records kept by IWC, how often has glyphosate been used on IWC lands in the last 6 months?
Question
6. Please provide details of each use of glyphosate for December and January by IWC.
Question
7. The IWC Pesticide Notification Plan only requires one of the following notification methods to be used to notify the use of glyphosate:
· Signs
· Notice within a local community newspaper
· Letters
· Phone contact and/or Fax/email
· Letterbox drops and/or door knocking
· Inner West Council's web page
As part of the record keeping procedures, are records kept on the notification methods used for each use of glyphosate?
Question
8. According to the IWC Pesticide Notification Plan council staff are not required to inform the public that they are spraying glyphosate locally if the application is
Spraying of glyphosate using a hand spray bottle, wand, or spray lance
As part of the record keeping procedures, are records kept where glyphosate has been used and the public has not been informed?
Question
9. Feb 26 2019 Council adopted as part of the adoption of the Weed Management Policy to go out on exhibition the following:
Council engage a consultant to review existing herbicide use and make recommendations on improved risk mitigation as outlined in the report
a) Has Council engaged a consultant to do this work? If not why not?
Question
b) Assuming council has engaged this consultant, what recommendations has the consultant brought to council to improve risk mitigation?
Question
10. May 28 2019 Council as part of the adoption of the Weed Management Policy, the following was adopted:
Only use glyphosate as a matter of last resort where other methods cannot be applied and spot control of persistent weeds that resist other treatments occur.
a) What decision-making process do council staff undertake to ensure Glyphosate is only used as a last resort?
Question
b) Where is it clearly outlined in the current policies that glyphosate must only be used as a last resort?
Question
11. May 28 2019 also adopted was the following:
Any use of glyphosate must be done in a way that avoids it running off into stormwater drains and our waterways.
a) What steps are council staff taking to ensure that when glyphosate is used, it is not running off into stormwater, drains and our waterways?
Question
b) Where is this wording for this found in the current policies?
Question
c) Have there been any breaches regarding this directive from council in the last 6 months?
Question
12. In Leichhardt Council most weed control was undertaken by non-chemical means with use of steam weeding, snipping the weeds and hand weeding. Glyphosate was only used for spot control of weeds where all other methods were not effective. It was reported at the February 2019 council meeting that the Leichhardt Council weed management contract would end in September 2019.
Question
a) Has the Leichhardt Council contract with most of the weed control being undertaken by non-chemical means been renewed with the same frequency of non-chemical weed removal and assurances regarding glyphosate only being used as a last resort?
Question
b) Has the use of glyphosate increased in the Leichhardt Council area since September 2019? If it has please provide details.
Question
c) Has the use of glyphosate increased in the Inner West Council area over the last 12 months? If it has please provide details.
Question
13. The General Secretary of the United Services Union, the industrial body representing Council’s staff, wrote to Councillors in May last year to notify Council that the USU has recently engaged with Safework NSW to further discuss the potential risks of Glyphosate to their workers. What work has the CEO done to follow up with the USU on this matter and to implement any worker safety recommendations?
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Council Meeting 26 May 2020
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Subject: 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale – Voluntary Planning Agreement
Prepared By: Bojan Sodic - Strategic Investments Manager
Authorised By: Elizabeth Richardson - Chief Operating Officer, Director Development & Recreation
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THAT the proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale be:
1. Endorsed in principle, subject to Corvas Pty Ltd (the proponent):
a) Stratum dedication of through site link b) Works in kind and embellishment for though site link c) Monetary contribution of $95,000
2. Placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days; and
3. Reported back to Council after public exhibition. |
DISCUSSION
The subject site is located at the end of Chester Street and is situated approximately 250 metres from Pyrmont Bridge Road. The immediate surrounding development comprises industrial buildings of varying style and conditions. The site has the following characteristics:
· Irregular trapezoid shaped allotment being,1307sqm;
· The site is accessible from Chester Street frontage ;
· The site is zoned IN2 Light Industrial in LLEP 2013 and has a maximum permissible FSR of 1:1 with no height control; and
· The site is used by a car repair business in a partly one-two storey industrial building to the east of the Johnston’s Creek canal.
The Planning proposal seeks to amend the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan (LLEP) 2013 for the site to:
· Rezone most of the site from IN2 Light Industrial to B7 Business park zoning. The rest of the site will be a pedestrian and cycling path along Johnston’s Creek to be dedicated to Council and rezoned to RE1 Public recreation;
· Increase the FSR of the site up to 2:1 with a minimum non-residential floorspace of FSR 0.75:1 to provide business, light industrial and office premises for the technology, bio-medical, arts, production and design sectors;
· Allow boarding-house use for student accommodation;
· Introduce a 17m height limit for a development of no more than five-storeys; and
· Provide an environmentally sustainable 4-Star Green Star rated building.
This proposal is broadly consistent with principles for revision of the proponent's May 2019 proposal endorsed by the Inner West Local Planning Panel (IWLPP) at its meeting on 23 July 2019 and was subsequently supported by the IWLPP at its 30 March 2020 meeting. The Planning Proposal is currently with Council for consideration. The VPA will be placed on Public Exhibition for 28 days and reported back to Council for endorsement.
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VPA Offer - 1 - 5 Chester Street - Confidential |
