AGENDA R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Meeting

                            

TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2022

 

6.30pm


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

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

 

Speaking at a Council Meeting is conducted through an online software application called Zoom. 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:

 

Are there any rules for speaking at a Council Meeting?

 

The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:

 

What happens after I submit the form?

 

You will be contacted by Governance Staff and provided with a link to the online meeting. Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Chairperson on the night of the meeting. Public speakers will be allowed into the Meeting when it is their time to speak.

 

Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.

 

 

   


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

 

 

PRECIS

 

 

1          Acknowledgement of Country

 

2          Apologies

 

4          Disclosures of Interest  

 

5          Moment of Quiet Contemplation

 

5          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                          Page

Minutes of 23 November 2021 Council Meeting                                                           5

Minutes of 29 December 2021 Council Meeting                                                         15

 

6          Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers

7          Condolence Motions

 

Nil at the time of printing.

8          Mayoral Minutes

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                      Page

 

C0222(1) Item 1       Mayoral Minute:ULURU Statement                                                        18

C0222(1) Item 2       Mayoral Minute:Demerger Survey                                                         20

C0222(1) Item 3       Mayoral Minute: Council's response to COVID-19 and the Omicron wave     22

 

9          Reports with Strategic Implications

 

Nil at the time of printing.

10        Reports for Council Decision

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                     Page

 

C0222(1) Item 4       Extension of Flood Controls under NSW Flood Prone Land Package  23

C0222(1) Item 5       Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West                                               24

C0222(1) Item 6       Councillor Representation on Committees                                            27

C0222(1) Item 7       Local Government NSW Special Conference 2022                              33

C0222(1) Item 8       National General Assembly of Local Government 2022                       40

C0222(1) Item 9       Proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission 2022 53

C0222(1) Item 10     Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November and December 2021     58

 

11        Reports for Noting

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                          Page

 

C0222(1) Item 11     Investment Report at 30 November 2021                                              74

C0222(1) Item 12     Investment Report at 31 December 2021                                              99

 

12        Notices of Motion

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                          Page

 

C0222(1) Item 13     Notice of Motion: Demerger of Inner West Council                             123

C0222(1) Item 14     Notice of Motion: Inner West Labor Policy Platform                            126

C0222(1) Item 15     Notice of Motion: Enhancing Democratic Participation                       134

C0222(1) Item 16     Notice of Motion: Customer Service Review                                       136

C0222(1) Item 17     Notice of Motion: Expediting the Greenway Project                            137

C0222(1) Item 18     Notice of Motion: City West Link and Waratah Street                         138

C0222(1) Item 19     Notice of Motion: FOGO Food Recycling                                            139

C0222(1) Item 20     Notice of Motion: Community Festivals                                               140

C0222(1) Item 21     Notice of Motion: Tree Development Control Plan                              141

C0222(1) Item 22     Notice of Motion: Local Environmental Plan                                        142

 

13        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

 

C0222(1) Item 23     RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction Tender    143

C0222(1) Item 24     Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt                                                                                  145


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website on 23 November 2021

 

Meeting commenced at 6.33pm

 

 

 

 

Present:

Rochelle Porteous Pauline Lockie

Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury

Colin Hesse

Tom Kiat

Victor Macri

Lucille McKenna OAM

Vittoria Raciti

John Stamolis

Louise Steer

Anna York
Peter Gainsford

Graeme Palmer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Acting Director Planning

Cathy Edwards-Davis

Director Infrastructure

Caroline McLeod

Peter Livanes

Beau-Jane De Costa

Daryl Jackson

Matthew Pearce

Acting Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

Chief Financial Officer

General Counsel

Katherine Paixao

Governance Coordinator

 

APOLOGIES:    

 

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

 

THAT apologies from Councillors Byrne and Passas be accepted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Councillor Iskandar was not present at this meeting.

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:                Nil

 

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion: (Drury/Hesse)

THAT the Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 2 November 2021 and Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 9 November 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

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.

 

C1121(2) Item 14       Mayoral Minute: Inner West Light Rail - Council Actions

Motion: (Porteous)

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council writes to Transport for NSW (TFNSW) requesting that temporary bus stops have waterproof enclosures, accessible paths, directional signage, printed leaflets in all community languages and maps, and that staff be allocated to each light rail station to assist residents with finding their way to temporary services;

 

2.    Council notes that an officer level working group comprised of staff from Inner West Council and staff from TFNSW / Minister for Transport’s office has been established;

 

3.    Council sets up an Inner West Light Rail information page on its website that residents can use to obtain up to date information;

 

4.    The Inner West Light Rail website information page also allows residents to ask questions and lodge requests to Council which will be fed, where needed, to the Council / TFNSW working group for further action; and

 

5.    Council writes to the Minister, thanking him for making all replacement buses now half price but noting the very considerable disruption this has caused residents, therefore re-iterating Council’s request that all replacement buses be provided free of charge.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1121(2) Item 15       Mayoral Minute: Ensuring Accessible Footpaths In The Inner  
         West

Motion: (Porteous)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Note the completion of the draft Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan which has identified $8M  worth of capital works that the new Council consider fast tracking through the  development of the 22/23 budget;

 

2.   Note that an audit is underway of all footpaths and that funding will be allocated to renew all Condition 4 and 5 (poor) footpaths in 2022/23;

 

3.   Commit to working towards making all Inner West footpaths well-maintained, level and accessible so that everyone can safely travel around their local communities;

 

4.   Review the draft Urban Public Domain Guidelines, the Tree Master Plan, Local Approvals Policy and advise on changes needed to retain or improve existing footpath accessibility levels;

 

5.   Ensure findings from the above steps inform the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2025 and Council’s new Community Strategic Plan;

 

6.    Council considers fully funding and fully resourcing the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2025; and

 

7.    Report on the number of non-compliant crossings in terms of signage and gutter guards at pedestrian crossings and signage poles on footpaths

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1121(2) Item 17       Mayoral Minute: St Peters Triangle

Motion: (Porteous)

 

THAT:

1.   Council urgently write to Transport for NSW requesting that the proposed traffic plan advised by Transport for NSW for May Street St Peters and the St Peters Triangle, including Hutchinson Street, Lackey Street and Applebee Street St Peters, be immediately amended;

 

2.   Transport for NSW consult directly with residents of May, Hutchinson, Lackey and Applebee Streets regarding precise proposals regarding traffic access, pedestrian crossings and parking;

 

3.   This consultation be on site, in person, and on the weekend so as to allow maximum community involvement;

 

4.   Council note that a considerable number of residents have expressed serious concerns regarding access to and from Hutchinson, Lackey and Applebee Streets if the right hand turn from the Princes Highway into May Street is removed, and the right hand turn from May Street onto the Princes Highway is removed;

 

5.   Council note that should access be restricted into the St Peters triangle that emergency services access would be impeded, and that this could threaten the lives of residents in an emergency;

 

6.   Council note that should an accident block the Princes Highway south of May Street that should access to May Street be closed from the Princes Highway that access to suburbs south toward Sydenham, Tempe and St Peters could be seriously compromised;

 

7.   Council note that the planned restriction of traffic entering and leaving May Street would likely cause an increase in traffic on Lord and Alice Streets Newtown, Railway Road Sydenham and Campbell Street St Peters;

 

8.   Council note that earlier Notice of Motions have expressed serious concerns about the impact of increased traffic on Campbell Street, particularly the safety of children walking to and from St Peters Public School;

 

 

9.   Council requests Transport for NSW to restrict May Street to vehicles of less than 2 tonnes, light trucks, but no trailers;

 

10. The proposed pedestrian crossing on May Street be located south of Applebee Street;

 

11. The above matters be referred to the Traffic Committee of Inner West Council for further advice; and

 

12.  Council supports active transport and bike paths in this area and calls on Transport for NSW to do so to.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1121(2) Item 16       Mayoral Minute: Thank You

Motion: (Porteous)

 

THAT Council thank all Councillors, staff and community members for their commitment and dedication to our community and their service on the Inner West Council.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1121(2) Item 1        Parking Meter Operations Following Lockdown

Motion: (Porteous/Stamolis)

 

THAT Council maintains its current commitment to continuing the parking meters being turned off on Norton Street, Leichhardt; Darling Street, Rozelle/Balmain, King Street and Enmore Road, Newtown/Enmore until 31 December 2021.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1121(2) Item 2        Annual report 2020-21 (including audited financial statements)

Motion: (Drury/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT Council receive and note the Annual Report 2020-21 (including audited financial statements), publish the report on Council’s website and notify Office of Local Government.

 

 

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1121(2) Item 3        Inner West Council News - additional editions

Motion: (Drury/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT this matter be deferred to the next Council term.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Lockie, Porteous and Steer

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Da Cruz/Steer)

 

THAT endorse an 11-month a year publication cycle of Inner West Council News, the official Council newsletter until the end of the financial year and a report to come back to Council in March 2022.

 

This foreshadowed motion lapsed.

Councillor Macri retired from the at 8:18 pm.

C1121(2) Item 4       December 2021 - June 2022 Events

Motion: (McKenna OAM/Hesse)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Proceed with New Year’s Eve Balmain Operations as previously delivered in 2019 (pre-Covid) including no fencing or ticketing of Balmain foreshore parks;

 

2.   Cancel Summer Fest and reallocate this funding of $74,237 to free small-scale cultural activities ($30,000) and the Outdoor Dining program ($42,237) to ensure continuing activations within the Inner West during the summer period working within Public Health Orders;

 

3.   Change the Carnival of Cultures date to September/October 2022 utilising the 22/23 budget allocation for this event; and

 

4.   In place of the 2022 Bairro Portugues which would be greatly impacted by Public Health Order density limits in March 2022, implement an events program of smaller scale activities with local Petersham businesses and Portuguese community groups as part of Inner West Fest; allocating the $93,914 event budget as follows, $40,000 for a Petersham activation program and the remaining $53,914 for the Outdoor Dining program.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Macri

 

C1121(2) Item 5       Major Partnerships Program:  Carols on Norton and Yabun Festival

Motion: (Porteous/Drury)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Provide an additional $20,000 funding to the Leichhardt Expresso Choir to deliver the 2021 Carols on Norton event with these funds reallocated from the next Quarterly review; and

 

2.   Delegate authorisation to the General Manager to allocate funding up to $30,000 for Yabun Festival once program details are confirmed.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Macri

 

C1121(2) Item 6       2021/22 First Quarter Budget Review

Motion: (Drury/Stamolis)

 

THAT the First Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 be adopted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Macri

Councillor Raciti retired from the Meeting at 8:35 pm.

C1121(2) Item 7       Rates Review

Motion: (McKenna OAM/Hesse)

 

THAT Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

C1121(2) Item 8      Investment Report at 31 October 2021

Motion: (Stamolis/Lockie)

 

THAT Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

C1121(2) Item 9       Sydney Metro West - Bays to CBD Environmental Impact Statement   
     Exhibition

Motion: (Porteous/Stamolis)

 

THAT Council in its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submission to the Sydney MetroWest - Bays to CBD EIS:

1.    Reconfirms its support for the MetroWest as a major public transport project which will bring significant improvements to Sydney's public transport network;

2.    Incorporates into its submission points as outlined in this report;

3.    In addition includes relevant points to this EIS as are contained in the Concept and Stage 1 EIS (June 2020) Inner West Council submission;

4.    Pays particular attention to the build environment around the Bays Precinct station in terms of ensuring height. density and housing diversity align Council's stated positions on this issue, including the requirement for 30% affordable housing; and

5.    Include in the submission impact on trees and heritage buildings especially towers

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Hesse

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

C1121(2) Item 10       Public Toilet Strategy construction schedule progress report

Motion: (Steer/Lockie)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Receive and note the report; and

 

2.    Receive a report on progress of construction of Camperdown Memorial Rest Park Toilet and implementation of the Public Toilet Strategy on March 2022.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

 

 

C1121(2) Item 11       Resident Precinct Committees

Motion: (Porteous/Hesse)

 

THAT Council investigates the interest in the community on the establishment of Resident Precincts by an initial survey early in 2022 which is then reported back to the Council with recommendations. 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Drury, McKenna OAM and York

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Drury/McKenna OAM)

THAT Council recommend that the new Council considers whether to establish Resident Precinct Committees as part of its review of the Community Engagement Strategy in early 2022

 

This foreshadowed motion lapsed.

 

C1121(2) Item 12       Notice of Motion: Verge Maintenance

Motion: (Lockie/Hesse)

 

THAT a report be brought back to the March 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting on service standards for grass verge mowing including considerations on how the sustainable streets program will contribute to this.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

C1121(2) Item 13       HJ Mahoney Oval Amenities Update

Motion: (Drury/Porteous)

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council receive and note the report;

 

2.    The design consultants, consult with the Newtown Breakaways as part of the process to:

a)    provide an accessible unisex public toilet in line with the Inner West Public Toilet Strategy;

b)    make Accessibility improvements including improved entries to change rooms and compliant amenities signage;

c)    do building condition works including roof, gutter and brick work repairs;

d)    provide Club storage within the change rooms; and

e)     provide additional power in the canteen.

3.    Furthermore we allocate addition funding for architectural services to work with the Breakaways so that designs will be completed for amenities improvements for women in sport, referee room refurbishment and other works;

4.    Once these designs are costed we request a report be brought back to council on funding options including grant opportunities; and

5.    Staff meet with members of the sporting clubs as soon as possible to identify what work can be done before the 2022 season.  

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Macri and Raciti

 

Urgency motion - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November 2021 (urgent items)

 

Councillor Porteous requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding  Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November 2021 (urgent items).

 

Motion: (Porteous/Stamolis)

 

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

The Chairperson ruled this matter urgent.

 

Motion: (Porteous/Drury)

 

THAT the recommendations for items 2-6 of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 15 November 2021 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Raciti

 

 

 

Meeting closed at 9.48pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Speakers:

 

 

Item #

 

Speaker                     

Suburb

Item 3:

Sarah Maguire

Drummoyne

Item 5:

Michelle Leonard OAM

Petersham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 23 November 2021.

 

 

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 29 December 2021 at Ashfield Service Centre

 

Meeting commenced at 6.33PM

 

 

 

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Jessica D’Arienzo

Liz Atkins

Marghanita Da Cruz

Mark Drury

Dylan Griffiths

Mathew Howard

Justine Langford

Pauline Lockie

Philippa Scott

Kobi Shetty

Chloe Smith

John Stamolis

Timothy Stephens

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Peter Livanes

Cathy Edwards-Davies

Ruth Callaghan

Graeme Palmer

Mathew Pearce

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Director Corporate

Director Infrastructure

Director Community

Acting Director Planning

General Counsel

Beau-Jane De Costa

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

Katherine Paixao

Governance Coordinator

 

WELCOME TO COUNTRY:

 

Uncle Allan Murray performed a Welcome to Country.

 

APOLOGIES:    Nil

 

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:                Nil

 

 

C1221(1) Item 1  Oath Or Affirmation of Office for Councillors

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

 

THAT Council note the taking of the Oath or making of the Affirmation of office undertaken by each Councillor, prior to tonight’s Ordinary Council meeting.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1221(1) Item 2  Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The General Manager advised that the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulations 2021.

 

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Determined the method of voting for the election of the Mayor be conducted by open voting;

 

2.    Conduct the election of the Mayor for a period serving from 29 December 2021 until September 2023,  in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, and the result be declared by the Returning Officer (General Manager);

 

3.    Determined to elect a Deputy Mayor, for a period serving from 29 December 2021 until September 2022 and determined the method of voting for the election of the Deputy Mayor be conducted by open voting; and

 

4.    Conduct the election of the Deputy Mayor for a period from 29 December 2021, until as determined, in accordance with Clause 3a above.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Position of Mayor

 

The General Manager advised that he has received nominations for the position of Mayor for Councillor Shetty and Councillor Byrne.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Shetty being the first nomination received, for the position of Mayor to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Shetty received a total of 7 votes from Councillors Shetty, Langford, Atkins, Griffiths, Stamolis, Lockie and Da Cruz. 

 

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Byrne being the second nomination received for the position of Mayor, to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Byrne received a total of 8 votes from Councillors Byrne, D’Arienzo, Howard, Scott, Smith, Drury, Tsardoulias and Stephens.

 

The General Manager declared that Councillor Byrne is elected as Mayor until September 2023

 

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the Chair.

 

Position of Deputy Mayor

 

The General Manager advised that he has received nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor for Councillor D’Arienzo and Councillor Lockie.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor D’Arienzo being the first nomination received, for the position of Deputy Mayor to raise their hands.

 

Councillor D’Arienzo received a total of  8 votes from Councillors Byrne, D’Arienzo, Howard, Scott, Smith, Drury, Tsardoulias and Stephens.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Lockie being the second nomination received, for the position of Deputy Mayor to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Lockie received a total of 7 votes from Councillors Shetty, Langford, Atkins, Griffiths, Stamolis, Lockie and Da Cruz. 

 

The General Manager declared that Councillor D’Arienzo to be elected Deputy Mayor until September 2022.

 

C1221(1) Item 3  Countback

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Pursuant to section 291A(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), declare that casual vacancies occurring in the office of a councillor within 18 months after the last ordinary election of councillors for the Council on 4 December 2021, are to be filled by a countback of votes cast at that election for the office in accordance with section 291A of the Act; and

 

2.   Directs the General Manager to notify the New South Wales Electoral Commissions election manager of the Council’s decision within 7 days of the decision.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Meeting closed at 6.48pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 29 December 2021.

 

 

 


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 1

Subject:         Mayoral Minute:ULURU Statement           

From:             Councillor Darcy Byrne   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Reaffirm its support for the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart and Council’s commitment to enacting its principles;

2.   Consult with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee as to how to best incorporate the Uluru Statement from the Heart into Council's Community Strategic Plan; and

3.   Seek a briefing on the current status of the Inner West Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

 

 

Background

 

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a powerful call for national action on Indigenous constitutional reform following the First Nations National Constitutional Convention in May 2017.

 

The Statement is addressed directly to the Australian people and charts a pathway to Voice and Makarrata. The Statement reads:

 

We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart:

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were the first sovereign Nations of the Australian continent and its adjacent islands, and possessed it under our own laws and customs. This our ancestors did, according to the reckoning of our culture, from the Creation, according to the common law from ‘time immemorial’, and according to science more than 60,000 years ago.

 

This sovereignty is a spiritual notion: the ancestral tie between the land, or ‘mother nature’, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were born therefrom, remain attached thereto, and must one day return thither to be united with our ancestors. This link is the basis of the ownership of the soil, or better, of sovereignty. It has never been ceded or extinguished, and co-exists with the sovereignty of the Crown.

 

How could it be otherwise? That peoples possessed a land for sixty millennia and this sacred link disappears from world history in merely the last two hundred years?

With substantive constitutional change and structural reform, we believe this ancient sovereignty can shine through as a fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood.

Proportionally, we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are aliened from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future.

 

These dimensions of our crisis tell plainly the structural nature of our problem. This is the torment of our powerlessness.

 

We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.

 

We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.

Makarrata is the culmination of our agenda: the coming together after a struggle. It captures our aspirations for a fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia and a better future for our children based on justice and self-determination.

 

We seek a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history.

In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

 

A motion in support of the Uluru Statement of the Heart was adopted by council in June 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 2

Subject:         Mayoral Minute:Demerger Survey           

From:             Councillor Darcy Byrne   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Commences the preparation of a business case for demerger and notifies the NSW Government of the commencement of the development of a business case for demerger; and

 

2.   Notes the concerns expressed by Council officers through the resolution of the Joint Consultative Committee about the impact of demerger on morale and productivity within the organisation and commits to engaging with Council staff and their representatives throughout the development of the business case.

 

Background

 

At the Election on 4 December a non-binding poll was held regarding the potential demerger of the Inner West Council. Citizens were asked the following: 

 

“In May 2016, Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils were amalgamated into one local government area by the State Government. Do you support the Inner West local government area being de-amalgamated, so as to restore the former local government areas of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville?” 

 

The results of the poll were 62.49% in favour of a demerger.

 

Following the Mayor election, Mayor Byrne wrote to the Local Government Minister notifying her of the results of the poll and informing her that Council will prepare a business case for demerger and submit it to the Government. A copy of the letter is attached. 

 

The poll was non-binding on the NSW Government and Council will need to follow the process for demerger that is set out in the Local Government Act and detailed below.   

 

Section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993 provides a guideline as to how to de-amalgamate in a statutory sense.

 

The section relevantly says:

1.   A new Council (one that has been the subject of an amalgamation within 10 years) can submit a written business case to de-amalgamate to the Minister of Local Government (the proposal);

2.   The proposal must set out whether the de-amalgamation is to reconstitute the former Council areas or different areas;

3.   The proposal must have reasons (generally business reasons) in support of the proposal;

4.   The Minister must within 28 days after the business case has been submitted concerning the proposal refer it to the Boundaries Commission with a direction that it conduct an inquiry and report on the proposal;

5.   The Boundaries Commission is currently made up of 4 members – a nomination from the Minister, Grant Glesson of the OLG and two Councillors appointed from a panel;

6.   The Boundaries Commission may in its report back to the Minister recommend one of three things – the de-amalgamation proposal is either supported, rejected or a different de-amalgamation proposal should be supported;

7.   The Minister upon receipt of the Boundaries Commission Report must publicly release that report (within 48 hours);

8.   The Minister must within 28 days after the report is provided, make a written response to the new Council setting out whether or not the Minister supports the proposal or a different amalgamation proposal recommended by the Boundaries Commission with written reasons for the decision and if the Minister supports the de-amalgamation the anticipated timeframe on giving effect to the proposal; and

9.   If it gets that far, the Minister must ensure that the cost of any de-amalgamation of the new Council resulting from the business case is fully funded by the Government.

 

At an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 24 May 2021, Council resolved to prepare a cost-benefit report regarding demerger. 

 

As a result of this resolution, Council Officers engaged a qualified, experienced, and independent firm, Morrison Low, to identify the benefits and costs of a potential demerger of the Inner West Council into its former councils of Ashfield Council, Leichhardt Council and Marrickville Council. 

 

Morrison Low have performed numerous engagements concerning amalgamations, transition planning and deamalgamation in Australia and New Zealand, including having prepared the business case for the former Leichhardt, Ashfield and Marrickville Councils to stand alone and not be forcibly merged in 2016. 

 

Following the Council's decision to hold a poll on demerger the following resolution was passed by the Joint Consultative Committee

 

The Inner West Council Consultative Committee notes with concern the motion discussed at the extraordinary meeting on Monday 24/5/2021 for Council to investigate the de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council.

The Inner West Consultative Committee has worked hard through the last 5 years since amalgamation to constructively deal with huge changes brought about by the amalgamation of the former council areas, systems and staff .

Staff are suffering from change fatigue associated with the many changes over the last 5 years associated with the amalgamation including changes to the leadership team and introduction of new systems and processes and have worked closely to create the significant cultural change and cohesiveness required to ensure that the community is serviced. Any proposed changes or consultation in relation to any de-amalgamation or consultation should also include the views of staff through either formal or informal consultation or through the staff survey.

The Consultative Committee forms a sub-committee to deal with the issues arising from the resolution for the report and the plebiscite to be undertaken on the election day .

      That the consultative committee write to the unions to express the concerns of the consultative committee and staff. Support be offered to all staff and clear communication to staff.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.    Letter to Wendy Tuckerman dated 5 January 2021

 


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 3

Subject:         Mayoral Minute: Council's response to COVID-19 and the Omicron wave           

From:             Councillor Darcy Byrne   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council receive a report to the March Ordinary meeting outlining the range of actions Council is taking to support local residents, organisations and businesses through the pandemic and proposing any additional actions Council can take now to assist in the crisis and recovery phases.

 

 

Background

 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Council has provided a range of assistance to local residents, businesses and organisations. Council officers have worked diligently and in cooperation with local emergency services and NSW Health to protect the safety of our citizens and support the economic recovery and wellbeing of the community.

 

The omicron wave has created new challenges and risks for our community that Council must respond to.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 4

Subject:         Extension of Flood Controls under NSW Flood Prone Land Package           

Prepared By:      James Ogg - Stormwater and Development Engineer 

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse the adoption of the proposed Special Flood Considerations clause in Section 5.22 of the NSW Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) into the Inner West Local Environmental Plans

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

In July 2021 the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) enacted a new Flood‑Prone Land Package affecting all Councils in NSW. The package included

Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Amendment (Flood Planning) Order 2021

State Environmental Planning Policy Amendment (Flood Planning) 2021

 

The amendments replace Council’s existing local provisions for Flood Management within the current Local Environmental Plans (LEP) with new provisions:

 

·    Clause 5.21– a compulsory clause that maintains the flood management requirements for all properties affected by the 1:100 ARI flood event that Inner West Council previously managed within its Local Provisions clauses

·    Clause 5.22 – an optional clause that extends further protections to sensitive developments (such as boarding houses, early education and care facilities, emergency services, hospitals, and seniors housing) to enable the safe occupation and evacuation of these developments in all flood events up to and including the probable maximum flood.

 

The proposed LEP Clause 5.22 compliments existing controls in the current Leichhardt DCP 2013 and Marrickville DCP 2011 that require greater protections to be provided for sensitive land uses in flood prone areas. Adopting this clause will extend the same protection to sensitive uses covered by the Ashfield DCP. The future Inner West DCP will seek to maintain these controls.

 

DPIE will exhibit the optional clause in March and April 2022 and requests a resolution from all Councils seeking to take up this optional clause, prior to this exhibition. Consequently, Council

staff recommend the inclusion of Clause 5.22 within the current and the future Inner West LEPs.

 

Link to NSW Flood-Prone Land Package - https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Resilience-and-natural-hazard-risk/Flooding

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 5

Subject:         Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West           

Prepared By:      Gabrielle Rennard - Community Wellbeing Manager and Chris Killeen - Facilities Management Manager  

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council:

 

1.   Supports the ending of period poverty and would like to initiate a 12-month trial of free period care product services using an End to End Servicing provider at the following locations across the Local Government Area:

 

a)   Addison Road Community Centre

b)   Ashfield library/Ashfield Service Centre

c)   Marrickville Youth Resource Centre

d)   Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre

 

2.   That $100,000 funding for this trial form part of the budget consideration for the 2022/23 financial year.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council at its meeting 5 October 2021 adopted the following motion:

 

C1121(3) Item 7       Notice of Motion: Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West

Motion: (McKenna OAM/Steer)

 

 THAT Council: 

 

1.   Receive a report from Council Officers on a pilot program of supplying free period products in Council-run libraries, pools, community centres, sporting ground change rooms, and highly utilised public toilets. The report includes an assessment of the need for the service and the costs; and

 

2.   Consult with relevant community organisations, health services, schools and sports clubs about the pilot in developing the report. 

 

Period poverty is the term used to describe the inability to purchase or gain access to menstrual care products. Research about period poverty is limited, however some evidence shows that poor menstrual management can affect people's emotional and physical health and influence their behaviour such as school and work attendance, participation in sports and socialising in public places. 

Council staff have undertaken research including with Melbourne City Council, which started a 12 month pilot program in September 2021 to provide a free period care product service at six public facilities including community centres, libraries and swimming centres. Staff have also consulted with the following locally based community organisations Addison Road Community Centre, Exodus Foundation, Inner West Neighbour Aid, Leichhardt Women’s Health Centre, Marrickville Youth Resource Centre, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, Sanctuary Housing and Youth off the Streets in relation to the potential pilot.

Community organisations were overwhelming supportive of a pilot and Addi Road, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and Marrickville Youth Resource Centre all offered to be trial sites.  Feedback included the need for the physical locations of vending machines / dispensers to be physically accessible, safe to access at different times of day, and discreet. It was suggested that appropriate sites would include where women, including young women, congregate or access services (train stations, parks, community and recreation facilities).

 

Staff from Community and Infrastructure have undertaken an initial scoping of potential community facilities for location of vending machines for the trial. This has included costing different options in relation to the specifications and requirements for installing Share The Dignity vending machines (eg mounting area, access to power/ lighting, ensuring no physical obstructions for restocking machines)

 

Should Council decide to proceed with implementing a trial, the appropriate procurement processes will be undertaken, as there a number of providers in the market. The cost will vary from site to site depending upon the specific site requirements such as installation of power or lighting. Final costings, will depend on product usage, maintenance and agreement with preferred supplier following a standard procurement process.

 

In considering a sample cross section of vendors, and in a consultation with Melbourne City Council, the most cost effective, efficient and economical way for Council to deliver a pilot initiative is using an End to End Servicing provider. In this model, the provider:

 

·    Undertakes site scoping and review of location appropriateness

·    Carries out all dispenser installations at each site  

·    Manages a regular replenishment cycle and the dispensing unit is monitored remotely 

·    Directly services dispenser maintenance requests

·    Provides regular reports to Council to detail usage data, trends and insights.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Approximate costs:  $100,000 (approx. $25,000 per site)

 

·    Machine hire, transportation, installation and maintenance costs plus initial annual sanitary product stock ($10,000 per machine, first year). 

·    Annual stock refilling, maintenance and reporting ($5,000 per machine, per year every year following first year).   

·    It is estimated that preparing each site for installation of the machines will cost between $2,000 - $8,000 per site. (eg installation of power, additional lighting) 

 

There is no allocated funding for this project, and it will need to form part of the budget consideration for the 2022/23 financial year

 

 

SUMMARY

 

There was overwhelming positive support from the community sector for the trial of free period care product dispensary services to be installed at various locations across the LGA.

 

It is suggested that Council consider a 12-month trial of free period care product services at four suitable locations across the LGA using an End to End Servicing provider. An evaluation process should be embedded into the pilot initiative to determine the social impact, overall cost and success measures. The findings and outcomes from this pilot would then provide qualitative and quantitative data to inform any further consideration for any ongoing program as well as ongoing policy representations by Council to state and/or federal agencies to address the issue of period poverty more broadly.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 6

Subject:         Councillor Representation on Committees           

Prepared By:      Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council determine Councillor representation on Council and External Committees until September 2022, as detailed in this report.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council may establish Committees to provide advice or exercise decision making functions in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. Councillors can attend these committees as observers or be appointed by Council as members of these committees and exercise voting rights. Councillors may also be appointed to represent Council on external committees. The responsibilities and operation of the external committees are set by the host organisation.

 

Councillor representation on internal and external Committees will be provided to Councillors annually in September each year for review.

 

Council Committees

The charters of the following committees or the resolution establishing these committees requires formal appointment of Councillors as voting members of these committees.

 

Name of Committee

Purpose

Meeting Time and Frequency

Reporting Framework

Councillor Representation

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

The purpose of the Committee is to provide independent assurance and assistance to Inner West Council in the effective discharge of its responsibilities for financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, governance, improvement and internal and external audit.

The committee meets 4 times a year with an additional meeting for considering the Annual Financial Statements, with the location being Ashfield Service Centre or online if necessary.

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for noting.

Two Councillors.

 

(Previously Councillors McKenna OAM and Steer)

 

 

Flood Management Advisory Committee

The Flood Management Advisory Committee assists Council in the preparation of floodplain management studies and plans for the Inner West local government area. The Committee acts as both a focus and forum for the discussion of technical, social, economic and environmental matters, and for the distillation of possibly differing viewpoints on these matters into a management plan.

The committee meets 2-4 times a year at the Ashfield Service Centre.

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.

 

Up to Three Councillors.

 

(Previously Councillors Hesse, McKenna OAM and Steer.)

 

 

Local Traffic Committee

 

The Local Traffic Committee is primarily a technical review and advisory committee which considers the technical merits of proposals and ensures that current technical guidelines are considered. It provides recommendations to Council on traffic and parking control matters and on the provision of traffic control facilities and prescribed traffic control devices for which Council has delegated authority. The Committee also advises on traffic matters arising from development applications.

The Committee meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 10am at the Ashfield Service Centre.

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.

 

One Councillor with an alternate Councillor.

 

*The nominated Councillor chairs the Meeting and has voting rights. In the absence of Councillors, Council’s Traffic and Transport Planning Manager or nominee chairs the meeting and has voting rights.

 

(Previously Councillor Macri with Councillor Da Cruz as the alternate.)

General Manager’s Performance Assessment Panel

To review the performance of the General Manager in liaison with the appointed facilitator.

 

 

Five councillors.

 

(Previously Councillors Byrne Hesse, Raciti, Stamolis and York.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External Committees

Council is a member of a number of external organisations who have committees to discuss business relevant to their organisation. These organisations have requested representation on these committees by Councillors. Shown below is a summary of each committee and the Councillor representation sought.

 

Name of Committee

Purpose

Meeting Time and Frequency

Councillor Representation

ClubGrants

The objective of the Committee is to identify priority projects and services within the Inner West area for local registered clubs to consider funding.

Guidelines are silent on Councillor representation.

2-3 meetings/year (meetings held on Tuesdays at 10am)

Guidelines require “Representative/s of the local council” (Clubgrant Guidelines 6.2).

 

(Previously Councillors Byrne and McKenna OAM.)

Cooks River

Alliance Board

The Cooks River Alliance is a partnership between councils in the Cooks River Catchment – Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown, Inner West, and Strathfield. The Alliance uses the combined resources, experience, knowledge and skills within the councils and the community to address the complex environmental problems of the Cooks River and its catchment.

Meetings are held quarterly and hosted by rotating member council facilities.

One Councillor and an alternate Councillor.

 

(Previously Councillor Byrne (Chair of the Board) with Councillor Hesse as the alternate.)

 


NSW Public

Libraries Association

The NSW Public Libraries Association is the peak body for public libraries in NSW and advocates on behalf of the library sector to strengthen the public library network.

As required.

One Councillor and an alternate Councillor.

 

(Previously Councillor Lockie with Councillor Hesse as the alternate.)

Parramatta River

Catchment Group

The Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) is a regional organisation of local councils, state agencies and community representatives whose aim is to work together to improve the health of the Parramatta River and its catchment. 

Meetings are held quarterly on the 1st Thursday of  March, June, September and December, commencing at 5.30pm with the locations rotating between different member agencies.

One Councillor and an alternate Councillor.

 

(Previously Councillor Drury with Councillor Da Cruz as the alternate.)

 

Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC)

 

SSROC is an association of 10 Sydney councils serving large and diverse communities

that face all the challenges of metropolitan living. SSROC provides a forum for the councils to

undertake resource sharing activities and deal with common issues, particularly those that

cross boundaries.

Meetings are held quarterly, generally 1st or 3rd Thursday, 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm start.

Two Councillors being the Mayor and Deputy Mayor (per

SSROC requirements), as well as two alternate Councillors.

 

(Previous alternatives Councillors McKenna OAM and Stamolis)

Sydney Airport

Community

Forum

SACF is the main body for consultation on the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan. The

Forum includes representatives from the community, councils, industry, and State and Federal

Parliaments.

Meetings are held quarterly on a Friday between 9am and 12pm.

 

The Mayor (SACF requirement) and an alternate Councillor.

Sydney Coastal

Council Group

The Sydney Coastals Group Inc. (SCCG) was established in 1989 to promote co-ordination between Member Councils on environmental issues relating to the sustainable management of the urban coastal and estuarine environment. The Group consists of 9 Councils adjacent to Sydney marine and estuarine environments and associated waterways.

Meetings are held quarterly on a Saturday and hosted by rotating member council facilities.

1 Councillor

 

(Previously Councillors Hesse and Porteous)

 

 

*The following external Committee being the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP) requires two Council appointed representatives. However, the SCEPP is currently structured to have a pool of representatives that reflect Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt (former Council areas) and depending on the decision being made by the SECPP the relevant representatives are called upon to take part in the SECPP.

 

The SECPP has a larger pool of community members instead of Councillors as representatives because it is quite common that Councillor appointees can become subject to conflicts of interest on major planning matters, because of their roles as a Councillors, and subsequently may not be able to vote at the Panel meeting. This means that Council can be left without representation for major planning matters.

 

With the current structure there is a need to replace former Councillors Macri and Iskandar as Marrickville area representatives on the SECPP to ensure Council maintains a voice regarding major development issues on the Panel, or Council could identify one Councillor representative and Rosanna Tyler, who was appointed as the alternative could become the other Marrickville member.

 

It is recommended at this time that new representatives are only appointed to replace the previous Councillors and all other members are retained, until September 2022, to allow for a formal recruitment process to be undertaken, this has not been undertaken yet due to the holiday period limiting potential applicants and the staffing shortages over this period, however a formal recruitment process will commence in early 2022 to determine representatives onto the Panel for the future, this will be presented to Council for determination.

 

When determining the representation, Council should be mindful of the following Ministerial rule when appointing nominees: “Two council members [per Panel meeting] are appointed by each council. At least one council member must have expertise in one or more of the following areas: planning, architecture, heritage, the environment, urban design, land economics, traffic and transport, law, engineering or tourism.”

 

Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel has responsibility for:

·    determining ‘regionally significant’ development applications (DAs) and certain other Major DAs and modification applications

·    acting as the Planning Proposal authority when directed

·    reviewing Planning Proposals

providing advice on other planning and development matters when requested

As required.

2 Council appointed representatives

 

Ashfield : Monica Wangmann,  

Edward Cassidy

 

Leichhardt: Brian McDonald,

Deborah Laidlaw and

Jacinta Reid (Alternate)

 

(Previous Marrickville: Sam Iskandar, Victor Macri with

Rosana Tyler (Alternate)

 

To ensure fair and equitable participation, in accordance with the Gender Equal Representation Policy, adopted on 3 August 2021, Council will encourage nominations to achieve holistic gender representation and gender-divers/non-binary people, with a 50% male-female gender balance if transgender and gender-diverse/non-binary persons are not represented.

 

Where there is an odd number of positions, diversity and equality may not be achieved. For example, if an existing committee of 5 members, already had 3 men, and there are two vacancies, women/ transgender/ gender diverse/ non-binary councillors should be actively prioritised.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 7

Subject:         Local Government NSW Special Conference 2022           

Prepared By:      Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council nominate nine councillors as voting delegates to attend the 2022 Local Government NSW Special Conference from Monday 28 February to Wednesday 2 March 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is a member-based industry body for the local government sector. The LGNSW Special Conference provides Councils with the opportunity to share ideas and help determine the sector’s policy direction for the coming year.

 

From 28 February to 2 March 2022, councillors from across NSW will come together at the Hyatt Regency Sydney to debate and discuss the key issues for the sector to help set LGNSW advocacy priorities for the year ahead. Additional tradeshows, workshops and training sessions will also be available to support delegates to effectively represent their communities.

The Special Conference follows the online 2021 Annual Conference and will focus on how councils can drive a “Locally Led” employment and economic recovery, as we continue to grapple with the complex challenges posed by the global pandemic.

Inner West Council has been assigned nine voting delegates for the LGNSW special conference. This report seeks Council’s determination for who the nine voting delegates will be to attend the conference.

 

To ensure fair and equitable participation, in accordance with the Gender Equal Representation Policy, adopted on 3 August 2021, Council will encourage nominations to achieve holistic gender representation and gender-divers/non-binary people, with a 50% male-female gender balance if transgender and gender-diverse/non-binary persons are not represented.

 

Where there is an odd number of positions, diversity and equality may not be achieved. For example, if an existing committee of 5 members, already had 3 men, and there are two vacancies, women/ transgender/ gender diverse/ non-binary councillors should be actively prioritised.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funds are allocated form the 2021/22 budget for councillor attendance at conferences in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Local Government NSW Special Conference Program 2022

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 







Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 8

Subject:         National General Assembly of Local Government 2022       

 

Prepared By:      Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council:

 

1.       Give consideration to Councillors attending the National General Assembly of Local Government 2022; and

 

2.       Put forward any proposed motions, that meet the National General Assembly’s criteria, for Council consideration, by 7 March 2022.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Convened annually by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government is the peak annual event for Local Government, attracting in excess of 800 Mayors and Councillors each year.

 

This event provides a unique opportunity for Local Government to engage directly with the Federal Government, to develop national policy and to influence the future direction of councils and communities. The NGA will be held in Canberra from 19-22 June 2022, but Councillors also have the opportunity to attend virtually if they choose.

 

The purpose of the NGA is to bring together councils from around Australia to discuss, debate and adopt motions of national significance with a focus on how partnerships, particularly between the Australian Government and Local Governments, can tackle immediate challenges facing communities.

 

In previous years (2021 and 2019) Council has determined that 5 Councillors would attend the NGA.

 

The theme for the 2022 NGA is ‘Partners in Progress’.

 

Submitting Motions

The National General Assembly calls for Councils to consider submitting motions for debate, this is an important opportunity for councils to influence the national policy agenda and promote new ways of strengthening the local government sector and communities we serve.

 

When submitting motions Council should focus on how partnerships can address national issues at the local level, and new ways the Australian Government could partner to strengthen the local government sector to advance community well-being, local economic development, create jobs, address environmental challenges, climate change and complex social issues such as housing affordability.

 

If Council chooses to submit a motion/s there is an expectation that a council representative will be present at the NGA to move and speak to that motion, if required.

 

Motions will need to be adopted by the Ordinary Council Meeting on 22 March 2022, at the latest, to ensure we are able to submit the motion/s for consideration at the Conference by the deadline of 25 March 2022.

 

Criteria for motions

To be eligible for inclusion in the Business Papers, and subsequent debate on the floor, motions must meet the following criteria:

 

1.   be relevant to the work of local government nationally

2.   not be focused on a specific location or region – unless the project has national implications. Council will be asked to justify why a motion has strategic importance and should be discussed at a national conference

3.   be consistent with the themes of the NGA

4.   complement or build on the policy objectives of your state and territory local government association;

5.   be submitted by a council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association

6.   propose a clear action and outcome i.e. call on the Australian Government to do something; and

7.   not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government.

 

Motions should generally be in a form that seeks the NGA’s support for a particular action or policy change at the Federal level which will assist local governments to meet local community needs.

 

To further assist Council with the development of potential motions the ALGA has provided a discussion paper to assist Council in developing motions that address the 2022 theme, ‘Partners in Progress’ refer Attachment 1. Additionally, Attachment 2 provides the previous 3 years of Inner West motions and Attachment 3 provides the format and information required for each motion.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The cost for registration, travel and accommodation for the General Assembly will be approximately $2000 per Councillor attending in person and $689 for virtual attendance. Funds will be sourced from the Councillors Conference and Training Budget, in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

National General Assembly Discussion Paper 2022

2.

Previous Inner West National General Assembly Motions

3.

National General Assembly Proposed Motions - Template

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 










Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 9

Subject:         Proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission 2022           

Prepared By:      Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse and submit the proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission in Attachment 2, by Friday 11 February 2022.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

The NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, pursuant to section 241 of the Local Government Act 1993,  is required to make an annual determination, by no later than 1 May each year, on the fees payable to Councillors and Mayors, which will take effect from 1 July each year.

 

In 2020, Council was successful in being re-categorised to a Metropolitan Large Council which resulted in an increase in Mayor and Councillor Fees for 2020/21 and 2021/22.

 

In April 2021, the Remuneration Tribunal handed down its determination for Councillor Fees for the 2021/20 Financial Year. The Tribunal determined a 2 per cent increase in the minimum and maximum fees applicable to each category.

 

The 2022 proposed submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal can be found in Attachment 2 which calls for the tribunal to further consider increasing Councillor fees.

 

If Council resolves to proceed with the submission, Council officers will send the submission to the Tribunal by Friday 11 February 2022.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Local Government Remuneration Tribunal - Annual Review for 2022

2.

Submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2022

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 



Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 



Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 10

Subject:         Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November and December 2021           

Prepared By:      Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 15 November 2021 and 6 December 2021 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

 

 

 

ITEMS BY WARD – 15 November 2021

 

Ward

Item

Baludarri

(Balmain)

Nil. See All Wards.

Gulgadya

(Leichhardt)

Bland Street, Ashfield – Proposed new raised pedestrian crossing - Design Plan 10174

Bland Street, Haberfield - Proposed raised pedestrian crossing

Waratah Street, Haberfield - Proposed raised pedestrian crossing 

Pedestrian refuge on City West Link, Haberfield

Request for resident parking around Croydon Station and Ashfield Aquatic Centre

Midjuburi

(Marrickville)

Victoria Road, Marrickville at the rail overbridge between Charlotte Avenue and Meeks Street – Temporary full road closure - 2-week period - Christmas shutdown for the Southwest Metro Upgrade Project - Sydney Metro City & Southwest

Albermarle Street at the rail overbridge south of Challis Avenue, Marrickville – Temporary full road closure - 2 week period - Christmas shutdown for the Southwest Metro Upgrade Project - Sydney Metro City & Southwest

Cycleway in Livingstone Road, Marrickville

Djarrawunang

(Ashfield)

Cycling routes in Ashfield

Damun (Stanmore)

Gladstone Lane, Newtown - Proposed signage and linemarking associated with public domain works

All Wards

Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan Study

Request to review resident parking permit eligibility

 

ITEMS BY WARD – 6 December 2021

 

Ward

Item

Baludarri

(Balmain)

Rozelle North Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Study

Darling Street between Mort Street and Curtis Road, Balmain - Road Occupancy - Anzac Day Dawn Service

Pedestrian access to Callan Park from Perry Street, Lilyfield

Gulgadya

(Leichhardt)

Nil. See All Wards.

Midjuburi

(Marrickville)

Nil. See All Wards

Djarrawunang

(Ashfield)

Safety concerns with Regional Route 7 (RR7)

Damun (Stanmore)

Nil. See All Wards

All Wards

Traffic Committee Schedule 2022     

Request to improve pedestrian safety and access around schools

 

DISCUSSION

The November and December 2021 meetings of the Local Traffic Committee were held remotely. The minutes of the November meeting are shown at ATTACHMENT 1. The minutes of the December meeting are shown at ATTACHMENT 2.

 

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.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Traffic Committee Minutes - November 2021

2.

Traffic Committee Minutes - December 2021

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 










Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 






Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 11

Subject:         Investment Report at 30 November 2021           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value.

 

The monthly investment report includes details of the current proportion of investments that are non-fossil fuel investments and include details of progress in meeting the prevailing performance benchmark in respect of non-fossil fuel investments.

 

The investing of Council’s funds at the most favourable return available to it at the time whilst having due consideration of risk and security for that investment type and ensuring that its liquidity requirements are being met while exercising the power to invest, consideration is to be given to the preservation of capital, liquidity, and the return on investment.

 

Preservation of capital is the principal objective of the investment portfolio. Investments are placed in a manner that seeks to ensure security and safeguarding the investment portfolio. This includes managing credit and interest rate risk within identified thresholds and parameters.

 

Council determined to proactively invest in a non-fossil fuel investment portfolio.

 

Legislative Requirements

 

All investments are to comply with the following:

 

§ Local Government Act 1993;

§ Local Government (General) Regulation 2005;

§ Ministerial Investment Order dated 17 February 2011;

§ Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting;

§ Australian Accounting Standards; and

§ Division of Local Government Investment Policy Guidelines May 2010

 

Council’s Socially Responsible Investments consist of Green Term Deposits from otherwise fossil fuel lending banks, such as CBA and Westpac and also long dated bond issues from a range of institutions and government agencies. These investments provide targeted funding to a wide range of green and socially responsible projects and initiatives. Council also utilises these investments to remain within the credit rating policy guidelines imposed by the NSW TCorp loan covenant requirements.

Council’s portfolio is in full compliance with the NSW TCorp requirements while continuing to adhere to Council’s socially responsible investment goals.

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s investment portfolio size is $248.9m.  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 return of 0.24%, which is above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.02%).

 

Changes in the value of our portfolio was $5.0m due to interest received and investment opportunities offered on the secondary market with CBA (Green), Westpac Group (Green TD) and amortised face value of Emerald Reserve Mortgage Backed Securities inherited from the legacy Marrickville Council –

 

·    Investment

Members Equity Bank $1.4k (interest)

CBA (Green) $1.0m

Westpac Group (Green TD) $5.0m

 

·    Amortised Face Value in November

Emerald Reserve Mortgage ($15.5k)

 

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 November 2021.

 

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 November 2021 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The performance chart below shows Council’s rolling 12 monthly return versus benchmark over the past 5 years. Each data point is the 12 month return for the stated month end:

 

 

Council’s investment performance has reflected the downward trend in interest rate markets over recent years accelerated by pandemic related interest rate cuts, but the portfolio has maintained returns in excess of the industry benchmark. With inflation pressures beginning to build, interest rates appear to have levelled off and are beginning to show signs of increasing again.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

IWC Investment Report - November 2021

2.

IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary 2021

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 



















Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 




Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 12

Subject:         Investment Report at 31 December 2021           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value.

 

The monthly investment report includes details of the current proportion of investments that are non-fossil fuel investments and include details of progress in meeting the prevailing performance benchmark in respect of non-fossil fuel investments.

 

The investing of Council’s funds at the most favourable return available to it at the time whilst having due consideration of risk and security for that investment type and ensuring that its liquidity requirements are being met while exercising the power to invest, consideration is to be given to the preservation of capital, liquidity, and the return on investment.

 

Preservation of capital is the principal objective of the investment portfolio. Investments are placed in a manner that seeks to ensure security and safeguarding the investment portfolio. This includes managing credit and interest rate risk within identified thresholds and parameters.

 

Council determined to proactively invest in a non-fossil fuel investment portfolio.

 

Legislative Requirements

 

All investments are to comply with the following:

 

§ Local Government Act 1993;

§ Local Government (General) Regulation 2005;

§ Ministerial Investment Order dated 17 February 2011;

§ Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting;

§ Australian Accounting Standards; and

§ Division of Local Government Investment Policy Guidelines May 2010

 

Council’s Socially Responsible Investments consist of Green Term Deposits from otherwise fossil fuel lending banks, such as CBA and Westpac and also long dated bond issues from a range of institutions and government agencies. These investments provide targeted funding to a wide range of green and socially responsible projects and initiatives. Council also utilises these investments to remain within the credit rating policy guidelines imposed by the NSW TCorp loan covenant requirements.

Council’s portfolio is in full compliance with the NSW TCorp requirements while continuing to adhere to Council’s socially responsible investment goals.

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s investment portfolio size is $248.9m.  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 return of 0.23%, which is above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.20%).

 

Changes in the value of our portfolio was $1.5k due to interest received –

 

·    Investment

Members Equity Bank $1.5k (interest)

 

 

The investment market had limited non-fossil fuel products available in the month.  Those available were offered with low interest rate. 

 

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 31 December 2021.

 

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 December 2021 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

 

 

The performance chart below shows Council’s rolling 12 monthly return versus benchmark over the past 5 years. Each data point is the 12 month return for the stated month end:

 

 

 

Council’s investment performance has reflected the downward trend in interest rate markets over recent years accelerated by pandemic related interest rate cuts, but the portfolio has maintained returns in excess of the industry benchmark. With inflation pressures beginning to build, interest rates appear to have levelled off and are beginning to show signs of increasing again.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

IWC Investment Report - December 2021

2.

IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary December 2021

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 



















Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 




Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 13

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Demerger of Inner West Council           

From:             Councillor Justine Langford   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

 

1.    Acknowledge that the poll conducted by NSW Electoral Commission on 4 December 2021 showed that a significant majority of Inner West Council residents voted YES to de-amalgamate and return to the councils of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville;

 

2.    Respect the results of the poll and commit to working with the community, Council staff and the State Government to ensure the decision to demerge is upheld and implemented by Council and the State Government;

 

3.    Write to the Minister for Local Government, The Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP and the Premier, Dominic Perrottet asking them to respect and uphold the decision of inner west voters to de-amalgamate the Council and return to the three councils of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield;

 

4.    Seeks the assurance from the Minister for Local Government and the Premier that they will honour the government’s commitment as set out in the NSW Local Government Act and will pay the full costs of the demerger;

 

5.    Notes the procedure for the demerger of a Council is as outlined in Section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993 as below:

 

Schedule 1 Amendment of Local Government Act 1993 No 30

 

1.1 Amendments concerning local government rating system

 

[1] Section 218CC

 

 

218CC Proposals for de-amalgamations

 

(1) The new council may, within 10 years of the constitution of the new area, submit a written business case to the Minister setting out—

(a) a proposal for the de-amalgamation of the new area, whether by reconstituting the former areas or constituting different areas, and

(b) the reasons in support of the proposal.

 

(2) The Minister must, within 28 days after the business case is submitted, refer the de-amalgamation proposal to the Boundaries Commission with a direction that it conduct an inquiry and report on the proposal.

 

(3) Without limiting subsection (2) or section 263, the Boundaries Commission may in its report recommend that—

(a) the de-amalgamation proposal be supported, or

(b) the de-amalgamation proposal be rejected, or

(c) a different de-amalgamation proposal be supported.

 

(4) The Minister must ensure that the report of the Boundaries Commission is publicly released within 48 hours after it is provided to the Minister.

 

(5) The Minister must, within 28 days after the report is provided to the Minister, provide a written response to the new council setting out—

(a) whether or not the Minister supports the de-amalgamation proposal or a different de-amalgamation proposal recommended by the Boundaries Commission, and

(b) the reasons for the Minister’s decision, and

(c) if the Minister supports the de-amalgamation proposal or the different de-amalgamation proposal—the anticipated time frame for giving effect to the proposal.

 

(6) The Minister is, by making grants under section 620 or using money otherwise appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, to ensure that the cost of any de-amalgamation of the new area resulting from a business case submitted under this section is fully funded.

 

(7) This section extends to new areas constituted before the commencement of this section.

 

(8) In this section—

new area means the area constituted by the amalgamation of areas (former areas) by the relevant proclamation.

new council means the council of a new area constituted by section 219.

relevant proclamation means the proclamation made pursuant to Chapter 9, Part 1 that amalgamates former areas into the new area and constitutes the new council.

 

6.    Immediately commence preparation of a business case pursuant to Section 218CC of the Local Government Act for approval by Council and then submission to the Minister for Local Government setting out:

a)    the proposal for the de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council, and reconstituting the former areas of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield Council areas, and

 

b)    the reasons in support of the proposal.

7.    Works with the community, staff and the State Government to ensure a strong business case FOR de-amalgamation is developed by Council.

 

a)    The cost of the development of this business case to be funded from the 2022/23 Budget with reimbursement sought afterwards.

8.    Prepare a report outlining the proposal for governance, process, timeline and community consultation with regards to the development of the YES business case for de-amalgamation for the first Council meeting in March;

9.    Works with the community, staff and state government to ensure the business case for a demerger is developed and fully funded and delivered to the Minister for Local Government by 30 November 2022;

10.  Work to ensure the business case is approved and implemented by the state government with a goal to have all three councils re-established by the start of the next term of council, being September 2024;

11.  Keep the community informed about the project through Inner West Council News, social media and a webpage dedicated to the demerger project on the Council website;

12.  In line with its commitment to provide protection for Council staff jobs, immediately commence proactive negotiations with the unions and the Joint Consultative Committee to enter into an Memorandum of Understanding which will confirm existing employment protections for non-senior staff as provided for in the Local Government (NSW) Act 1993 and seek to extend these employment protections by a further two years following the de-amalgamation;

 

13.  Commits to no-forced redundancies of staff employed by Council during the demerger process and supports the right of staff to return to employment with their original Council, or express a preference to move to another local government area following the demerger.

 

 

Background

 

The recent poll conducted alongside the election of the new Inner West Council on whether or not to return to the previous constituent councils saw residents give overwhelming support to demerge Inner West Council and return to the constituent councils. 63% of residents voted for a return to smaller councils, better services and better representation.

 

 

In casting their votes residents have clearly expressed their desire to return to the former  Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville Councils which were abolished in the 2016 forced amalgamation which formed the Inner West Council.

 

The Inner West Council is the first of the forcibly amalgamated council to hold such a poll. Residents and Ratepayers in other amalgamated councils across NSW want the chance to do the same and are hoping that the IWC will lead a reversal of this failed NSW Government policy.

 

In 2021 the NSW Local Government Act was amended to require the NSW Government to pay the full costs of forcibly merged councils should they choose to demerge, recognising that the mergers were not the choice of local residents and that the costs associated with the forced mergers should be met by the NSW Government.

Residents have expressed serious concerns that with the larger Council, decision making is at a greater distance from residents, Council is not as responsive to residents as the previous local councils and costs have increased. There is a widespread view that services have declined.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 14

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Inner West Labor Policy Platform           

From:             Councillor Darcy Byrne   

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the policy objectives put forward by the Labor Councillors as detailed in Attachment 1;

 

2.   Notes that these objectives enhance and support the Community Strategy Plan; and

 

3.   Takes into consideration these policy objectives when drafting Council's four-year Delivery Plan and annual Operational Plan and Budget.

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Inner West Labor Policy Platform

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 








Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 15

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Enhancing Democratic Participation            

From:             Councillor Philippa Scott   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Amend the meeting schedule for 2022 to resume the practice of one Ordinary Council meeting per month to be held on the 2nd Tuesday, with a recess in January and July each year;

 

2.   Notes that these meetings will alternate with Councillor briefings;

 

3.   Notes the terms of the current Local Democracy Groups conclude in June 2022 and commences planning to improve the current Committee system and strengthen the involvement of local citizens in policy development and decision making;

 

4.   Prepares a report on this to be tabled at the April 2022 Ordinary meeting; and 

 

5.   Notes that the Council must adopt a Code of Meeting Practice, and requests that staff report back on amendments to the current Code of Meeting Practice Policy that would enhance the efficient management of Council meetings and more effectively respond to residents’ concerns.

 

 

Background

 

Local democracy groups

 

The Inner West community has an amazing array of human capital with citizens who are experts in many different fields which are relevant to Council’s responsibilities. Our committee system should provide a direct avenue for citizens to contribute their skills and local knowledge to the policy development and decision-making processes of Council. 

 

Following the amalgamation, the previous committee systems were abolished (by the unelected Council) and not replaced for an extended period. 

 

Since the formation of the new democracy groups many citizens have generously contributed their time and effort, however, the system must be significantly improved. In particular, the connection between committee members and the policy development and strategic decision making of Councillors should be deepened.

 

It is crucial that participation in Council’s policy committee system be made more meaningful,

and not limited to minimalist consultation, in order to create a more democratic and innovative

policy development system.

 

Meeting schedule

 

In accordance with section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 Council is required to meet at least 10 times a year, each time in a different month. The previous Council adopted a meeting schedule of 2 meetings per month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, equating to 19 Council meetings a year. 

 

The following larger sized councils hold monthly Council meetings: City of Sydney, Northern Beaches, Bayside, Georges River, Canterbury-Bankstown, Penrith, Campbelltown,

Liverpool and Sutherland Shire.

 

Council officers have previously advised and reported that a meeting cycle requiring 2 meetings per month leaves little time to action items from one meeting before reports are due for the next meeting. It also leaves little time to properly brief Councillors through workshops on matters of strategic importance, those with financial and other complexities and those with high levels of community interest. Unlike Council meetings, workshops enable Councillors to ask questions, seek further information and provide feedback to staff.

 

It is proposed to meet once a month in 2022 on the 2nd Tuesday (except for January July due to the Council recess). 

 

Councillor workshops can take place on the 1st or 3rd Tuesday from February through to November. Furthermore, a monthly Council meeting would allow for additional briefings throughout the month, when required, to help inform the new Council of important issues and upcoming decisions. 

 

A proposed meeting schedule is listed below:

 

2022 Ordinary Council Meeting Dates  

Meeting Date

 Location

Council Meetings (meetings commence at 6:30pm unless otherwise advised)

Tuesday 8 February 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 8 March 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 12 April 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 10 May 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 14 June 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 9 August 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 13 September 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 11 October 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 8 November 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

Tuesday 6 December 2022

Ashfield Service Centre

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 16

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Customer Service Review           

From:             Councillor Philippa Scott  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Initiates a Customer Service Review and reports to Council on what actions could be implemented to make the Council more responsive to the ratepayers;

 

2.   Convenes a sub-committee comprising Councillors, staff and external advice, to assist with the scope and preparation of a review report that, taking into account the existing internal priorities of the Corporate Services team, includes at a minimum the following:

 

a)   A timeline and implementation plan for developing a Customer Experience Plan including a Citizen Service Charter;

 

b)   A timeline and implementation plan for reducing the time to assess development applications to 60 days;

 

c)   Review Council’s complaints function including expansion of the functions of the Ombudsman to be more focused on customer service;

 

d)   The review and adoption of new technologies to improve transparency around maintenance schedules so residents can know when and where maintenance is due to occur in their Neighbourhood;

 

e)   The development of “Your Say” stalls directly in neighborhoods on key issues impacting the community; and

 

f)    The establishment of a citizen service point in every library and a mobile citizen service van to bring Council administration directly to ratepayers.

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 17

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Expediting the Greenway Project           

From:             Councillor Timothy Stephens   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the vital importance of the GreenWay Project as an integrated active transport and environmental corridor for communities in the Inner West;

 

2.   Notes that the suspension of services on the Inner West Light Rail may provide opportunities for expediting the construction of the Greenway Project; and

 

3.   Reviews the timeline for the completion of the project and brings forward where possible the delivery of planned works within the Light Rail Corridor.

 

 

Background

 

The GreenWay is a 5.8km environmental and active travel corridor linking the Cooks River at Earlwood with the Parramatta River at Iron Cove. Council is strongly committed to delivering the GreenWay project as a key priority. Subject to the continuation of interrupted services on the Inner West Light Rail, there may be opportunities for expediting the delivery of in-progress and planned works on the project within the Light Rail corridor.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 18

Subject:         Notice of Motion: City West Link and Waratah Street           

From:             Councillor Timothy Stephens  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Acknowledges that the intersection of City West Link and Waratah Street is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists;

2.   Notes the intersection now requires a two-stage crossing, with inadequate storage in the middle of the busy road leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk;

3.   Notes there have been a number of accidents at the location and while Transport for NSW have proposed a future pedestrian and cyclist overpass, urgent action must be taken now; and

4.   Requests staff write to Transport for NSW to request that the crossing be changed to a single phase crossing as a matter of urgency while further safety plans are developed.

 

 

Background

 

This intersection provides access across the City West Link and is used by residents to gain access to Timbrell Park and the Bay Run. Many families and children move through the intersection.

 

Before the WestConnex works this was a single stage crossing which allowed relatively safe and predictable pedestrian and cycle movement across the City West Link. It is now two stage, with separate traffic signals and a storage area in the middle of the busy City West Link.

 

The central storage area is unsafe and the separate traffic signals lead to confusion for pedestrians and cyclists. There have been several incidents in which vehicles have collided with the pedestrian guard fencing and one in which a child was struck by a vehicle.

 

Pending a permanent solution at this intersection such as a pedestrian and cycle bridge the crossing should be immediately revised as single stage.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 19

Subject:         Notice of Motion: FOGO Food Recycling           

From:             Councillor Mathew Howard   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Commits to provide food organics and organics waste recycling (FOGO) to every home in the Inner West in the current term of Council;

 

2.   Requests Council staff report on progress to achieve this objective and on how FOGO expansion will be included in the 2022-2023 Council Budget; and

 

3.   Requests Council officers provide a briefing on the status of work being conducted with Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) to establish a food recycling transfer station in the Inner West Local Government Area (LGA).

 

 

Background

 

Food waste is estimated to make up approximately 40% of all household waste, releasing toxic leachate and contributing to climate change when sent to landfill.

 

Thanks to the significant efforts of Inner West Council to roll out food organics recycling to apartment buildings, that figure is likely to stand at 38% here in the Inner West LGA, and to be reducing.

 

However, while we all want to reduce food waste, not everyone has the room for a compost bin and those not living in apartments still do not have access to food organics and garden organics (FOGO) recycling. To accelerate the reduction of food waste in landfill from Inner West households, and to empower households to reduce waste, Council must introduce FOGO to every home in the Inner West within this term of Council.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 20

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Community Festivals           

From:             Councillor Chloe Smith   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes that many residents are seeking entertainment in outdoor venues as per public health advice that outdoor gatherings reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission;

 

2.   Notes the detrimental impact that ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks have on the arts and culture sector in the form of lost revenue and employment;

 

3.   Notes the imperative for Council to provide immediate and ongoing support to the arts and culture sector and prioritise local community engagement, including holding community events which can be enjoyed safely;

 

4.   Notes the success of the St.Anmore music festival in supporting live music events in outdoor public spaces;

 

5.   Notes the intention of festival organisers to run St.Anmore in November 2022, and the support of organisers for expansion of the festival;

 

6.   Commences immediate planning work with festival organisers to support St.Anmore to proceed in November 2022, in a COVID-safe manner as per public health advice, and be included in the 2022-23 budget;

 

7.   Commences immediate planning work with festival organisers to facilitate expansion of St.Anmore across all five wards of the Local Government Area (LGA) during this term of Council;

 

8.   Commences immediate planning work to support and budget for a series of outdoor film screenings, to be held when feasible as per public health advice, in local parks across the LGA on a rotating basis; and

 

9.   Commences immediate planning work to support and budget for an Inner West Film Festival to be established in partnership with local cinemas, theatres, and filmmakers, to take place in summer 2022-23.

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 21

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Tree Development Control Plan           

From:             Councillor Chloe Smith  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the many benefits tree plantings provide to our suburbs, including street cooling, beautification, carbon dioxide absorption, and wildlife habitation;

 

2.   Notes Council’s support for a record $3m budget commitment for new tree planting in the 2021-22 financial year, and the more than 4,000 trees planted across the Inner West between 2020-2022;

 

3.   Notes Council’s support for an amendment to the four year operating plan to include a minimum $2m investment in tree planting each year;

 

4.   Notes that the Tree Management Development Control Plan (DCP) is scheduled for review in this term of Council;

 

5.   Notes that plantings of ‘micro forests’ are being trialed in cities across the world and in Australia, with research showing they have the potential to exponentially increase biodiversity and carbon reduction in dense urban environments;

 

6.   Supports a commitment to allocate funding of no less than $2m for new tree planting in the next Council budget for the 2022-23 financial year; and

 

7.   Supports in principle Council staff’s amendments to the Tree Management DCP. Commences immediate planning work to support a trial of ‘micro forests’ planted across the Local Government Area.

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 22

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Local Environmental Plan           

From:             Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Upon completion publishes the place based and heritage studies that will be informing the Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan; 

 

2.   Develops a community consultation plan demonstrating broad community and stakeholder engagement; and

 

3.   Provides a briefing on the timeline and strategies of the consultation plan.

 

 

Background

 

The draft consolidated Inner West Council Local Environmental Plan (LEP) was adopted by Council in March 2020 and awaits gazettal from the Department of Planning & Environment.  Following this work commenced to develop a comprehensive Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.

 

These more comprehensive environmental planning instruments must rest heavily upon the work within “Our Place Inner West”, the Local Strategic Planning Statement as this sets out planning priorities, objectives and actions to enable opportunities for social, economic and environmental benefits to be taken into account while maintaining the character, culture and values so important to the identity of Inner West communities.

 

Preparation of the comprehensive LEP and its accompanying DCP must put people first and support planning that is fair, transparent and driven by community need.  The process of consultation must recognise the vital importance of community and stakeholder engagement and commit to community empowerment at each step in the development of these foundational planning instruments.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 23

Subject:         RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction Tender           

Prepared By:      Ryan Hawken - Project Manager Greenway Delivery  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the recommendation contained in the Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

The Cooks to Cove Greenway Master Plan was adopted by Council in August 2018 and sets out approximately $57m works.

 

The In-corridor works package considers the design and construction of a shared path, lighting and landscaping within the Inner West Light Rail Corridor and adjacent land. The in-corridor package consists of two discrete areas known as the central links and the southern links. The central links extends from north of Parramatta Road to south of Old Canterbury Road while the southern links extends from Weston Street to Hercules Street.

 

Note that art is excluded from the tender and is subject to a separate procurement process, while the design and construction for the upgrade of Johnson Park, which was outside the original Greenway Master Plan, is included in the tender.

 

An Expressions of Interest, EOI 03-20, was previously run for the project from September to October 2020. The EOI resulted in a shortlist of four contractors from the eight that expressed interest.

 

On the 7 July 2021, Council invited select tenders from the four shortlisted contractors through Vendor Panel for the design and construction of the Greenway In-Corridor Works. Tenders closed on 3 November 2021.

 

Tenders were evaluated in accordance with Council’s Purchasing Policy and Procedures and the Local Government Act 1993 and General Regulations 2005.

 

A summary of the Tender Evaluation Committee’s report and discussion is attached as Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The works are intended to be funded from existing Greenway Capital works budgets inclusive of various existing NSW state government grants.

 

The additional funding required to complete the works are intended to be committed from Council’s parks reserves budgets and supplemented through a grant application for the TfNSW 2022 Walking and Cycling Program.

 

The parks reserves budget grows sufficiently by 2023/24 to cover the additional Council funding recommended in the Confidential Attachment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Tender Evaluation Summary for T15-21 - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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.

  


Council Meeting

8 February 2022

 

Item No:         C0222(1) Item 24

Subject:         Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt           

Prepared By:      Stephen Joannidis - Urban Amenity Improvement - Delivery Manager  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

As part of the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program – Dot Lane Project an easement for the cycle / pedestrian route is be acquired at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt.  Council officer’s have undertaken negotiations with  the owner of the property for the acquisition by agreement of the easement and the compensation amount payable.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial implications are outlined in the confidential attachment.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Confidential report - Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

2.

Valuatioin Report prepared by Geoff McGuirk  of McGuirk Valuations Pty Ltd dated 27 February 2020 - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

3.

Valuation report prepared by Vincent Romeo of Romeo Property Valuations Pty Ltd - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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.

4.

Valuation of compensatin for proposed compensation for proposed right of way easement. - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

5.

Without prejudice offer - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

6.

Instrument Setting Out Terms Of Easements Or Profits À Prendre Intended To Be Created Or Released And Of Restrictions On The Use Of Land Or Positive Covenants Intended To Be Created Pursuant To Section 88b Conveyancing Act, 1919 - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

7.

Deposited Plan Administration Sheet - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

8.

Draft DP Plan - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) 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 commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.