|
AGENDA R |
Extraordinary Council Meeting
TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2022
6.30PM
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 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
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 to confirm your registration. If you indicated that you will speak online, you will be 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.
Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.
Accessibility
Inner West Council is committed to ensuring people with a disability have equal opportunity to take part in Council and Committee Meetings. At the Ashfield Council Chambers there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5657.
Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.
Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.
“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.
An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.
Statement of Ethical Obligations
The Mayor and Councillors are bound by the Oath/ Affirmation of Office made at the start of the Council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Inner West Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.
It is also a requirement that the Mayor and Councillors disclose conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
|
PRECIS |
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies
3 Notice of Webcasting
4 Disclosures of Interest
5 Moment of Quiet Contemplation
7 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
8 Condolence Motions
Nil at the time of printing.
9 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Reports for Council Decision
Nil at the time of printing.
11 Reports for Noting
Nil at the time of printing.
11 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0922(2) Item 1 Notice of Motion: Visit of Toyanath Ghimire to the Footprints Festival 5
C0922(2) Item 2 Notice of Motion: Cooks River Corridor Masterplan 7
C0922(2) Item 3 Notice of Motion: Cootamundra-Gundagai Council Demerger Success 34
C0922(2) Item 4 Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility 36
C0922(2) Item 5 Notice of Motion: Support for Wolli Creek Regional Park 38
C0922(2) Item 6 Notice of Motion: Parking 41
C0922(2) Item 7 Notice of Motion: Balmain Town Hall and Civic Precinct Planning 42
C0922(2) Item 8 Notice of Motion: Balmain Sailing Club Pontoon Upgrade 43
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Visit of Toyanath Ghimire to the Footprints Festival
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
|
Motion:
That:
1. Note the attendance of Toyanath Ghimire Chair and Citizen Scientist of the Saptakoshi Environment Centre in Nepal at the Footprints Eco Festival in White’s Creek Valley on 3 September; and
2. Receive a report on establishing sister municipality relationship with Barahkshetra Municipality 03.
|
Background
Toyanath Ghimire previously visited the Rozelle Bay Community Native Nursery and adjacent White’s Creek Wetlands in 2019.
Saptakoshi Environment Center(Sec ) are planning a large frog park, conservation and research center.in the Barahkshetra Municipality 03, Ikrai village, Sunsari District Eastern Nepal
The Amha Wetland locate in Barahkshetra Municipality 03 is the habitat Wild
Water buffalo.
Mr Ghimire was particularly impressed with the Inner West Tool Library’s Operation and is thinking something simiar would be as useful in his community.
Mr Ghimire also hopes to meet further with council Officer to learn about our Waste Services and other sustainability services.
The Amha Wetland (अम्हा शिम्सर ) is natural pond (small lake) situated in Barahakshetra 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barahakshetra_Municipality
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Cooks River Corridor Masterplan
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: Councillor Justine Langford
|
Motion:
That Council: 1. Notes the recent public exhibition of the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan (draft) prepared by Canterbury-Bankstown Council (CBC); 2. Note that the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan (draft) includes areas within the Inner West Council LGA, bordering along the Cooks River; 3. Investigates developing a Cooks River Corridor Masterplan for the Inner West LGA, with complementary actions to the CBC Plan, prepared in collaboration with key stakeholders, such as Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Sydney Water, Transport for NSW, Cooks River Alliance, residents and other stakeholders; and 4. Investigates entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canterbury-Bankstown Council to identify and implement the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan across the Inner West LGA.
|
Background
The development of the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan by CBC presents a great opportunity for Inner West Council to work with Canterbury Bankstown Council to protect and enhance the Sydney Green Grid. The Cooks River corridor falls inside the Sydney Green Grid, which connects town centres, public transport hubs and residential areas. The Cooks River Corridor is located within the South District in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Region and has been identified as Priority Green Grid Corridors as part of the Sydney Green Grid.
Open space is one of the Inner West’s greatest assets. As Council and the community review the Local Area Environment Plans it is important to look wholistically at green and open space within the LGA.
This area is one of the most culturally, socially and economically diverse communities in Sydney. It is also bound and intersected by ecological corridors and natural areas that are critical components of Greater Sydney’s ecological and hydrological corridors as well as key contributors to the City’s liveability and amenity. The corridors intersect many local government areas and central to this project.
As population density increases, the challenge to shape the built environment while promoting sustainable development and also maximising quality of life and well-being becomes more important. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the importance of open space in supporting the health and well-being of communities. In recognition of these challenges, the Government Architect New South Wales (GANSW) has identified a network of high-quality green spaces that connect town centres, public transport hubs and major residential areas. Known as the Sydney Green Grid, it is an integral part of the Greater Sydney Region and District Plans. The Greater Sydney Green Grid will keep the region cool, encourage healthy lifestyles, support walking and cycling, provide better access to open space, enhance bushland and support ecological resilience.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
1.⇩ |
Metropolitan Greenspace – Cooks River Corridor Plan, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, ARUP, March 2022 |
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Cootamundra-Gundagai Council Demerger Success
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: Councillor Justine Langford
|
Motion:
That Council:
1. Notes that on the 24th of August 2022, NSW Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman, announced her decision to demerge Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council;
2. Notes that the demerger was considered under section 218CC of the NSW Local Government Act;
3. Notes that Section 218CC (6) in part states “The Minister is required to abide by the following clause 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’;
4. Writes to the Mayor or Cootamundra- Gundagai Regional Council congratulating Mayor Sheahan for the success of the demerger case and the reinstatement of the local government areas of Cootamundra and Gundagai in line with community wishes; and
5. Writes to the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman, congratulating her on her decision to support the demerger of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, and reminding her that 62.5% of the voters in the poll at the local government election held in the Inner West LGA in December 2021 supported the demerger of Inner West Council.
|
Background
Cootamundra and Gundagai Councils were two of the many local government areas, including Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville, that were forcibly amalgamated by the NSW Coalition Government in 2016.
The NSW Government’s arguments for forced amalgamation insisted that there would be financial benefits for residents of larger councils, and improved services. Independent research carried out by academics at UNE and UTS has found that at best amalgamation into larger local government areas was financially neutral, but more often that not the result was financially negative.
In the case of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council there were increased costs with the larger council, and this has been the experience of many newly amalgamated local government areas.
There is no serious argument that larger local government areas have diluted community democracy, and that the process of forced amalgamation was inherently undemocratic. It follows that the process of forced amalgamation undermines the legitimacy of local government in the communities they are supposed to serve.
The poll conducted at the most recent local government elections in December 2021 attests to the unpopularity of Inner West Council as an entity, and if repeated in all forcibly amalgamated area the result against forced amalgamation would likely be repeated.
Attachment: Media Statement of the NSW Minister for Local Government
https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/cootamundra-gundagai-council-to-demerge/
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: Councillor Justine Langford
|
Motion:
That Council:
1. Note that the stairs leading from the Tempe Railway Station car park, located on Richardson's Crescent, to the concourse, have been closed for at least 18 months;
2. Note the temporary access to Tempe Railway Station from the car park via platform one is not well lit, has more trip hazards, is located in the middle of the car park, and anecdotally is not favoured by local residents;
3. Understands that the issue is the need to repair and resurface a small area of the concourse at the top of the stairs;
4. Expresses the view that it is not acceptable for the regular access to be closed for such a long period of time; and
5. Writes to the Premier of NSW, The Hon. Dominic Perrottet, The Minister for Transport, The Hon. David Elliott, The Member for Summer Hill and Shadow Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, and The Greens Spokesperson for Transport Ms Abigail Boyd, expressing Inner West Councils request that immediate action be taken by the NSW Government to complete the maintenance work on the concourse at Tempe Railway Station, and the usual entrance be reopened as soon as possible.
|
Background
For the last several years Transport for NSW has undertaken renovation of the stairs leading to the concourse and platforms at Tempe Railway Station. During this time the usual access from both sides of Tempe Railway Station has been closed while the stairs have been replaced, and alternative means of access via platforms one and four have been arranged.
Following the intervention of Inner West Council at street level access was retained on platform four, thus making Tempe Railway Station partially accessible. Works have been completed on the stairs on the eastern (Princes Highway) side of the railway station, and for a brief time the stairs on the Marrickville side were also reopened following their replacement.
At some time there was obviously an issue with the concourse on the Marrickville side of the concourse, and the stairs on that side were once again closed. That was more than 18 months ago.
The temporary access to the Railway Station from the car park on the Marrickville side of the station offers poor amenity to passengers, and presents some safety concerns, particularly after dark. The current temporary access is also less convenient for passengers.
There appears to have been no advice from Transport for NSW about the problem, or when it will be fixed. The lack of communication to users of Tempe Railway Station, and the time the usual access to the railway station has been closed is not acceptable. This raises serious concerns about the NSW Government's management of the public transport system.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Support for Wolli Creek Regional Park
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: Councillor Justine Langford
|
Motion:
That: 1. Recognises the Wolli Creek Regional Park (WCRP) as a regional resource warranting major support from all Councils in the region; and 2. Calls on the State Government to take the steps necessary to:
a) expedite the acquisition of the remaining lands necessary to complete WCRP after decades of slow progress, and; b) ensure that WCRP is supported by increased funding and staffing to provide for its continued protection and enhancement.
|
Background
The Wolli Creek Preservation Society is seeking support from Councils across the inner South-West region of Sydney for its campaign to finally, after 25 years, achieve the completion of the Wolli Creek Regional Park.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
1.⇩ |
Background to WCPS 2022 campaign to complete Wolli Creek Regional Park |
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Parking
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
|
Motion:
That Council: 1. Notes an increase in reports of illegal and/or dangerous parking on residential streets across the Inner West;
2. As soon as possible, undertakes a comprehensive and targeted education campaign to tackle illegal parking on streets across the Inner West - with information on a prominent page in the Inner West News, local media, social media and on the council website; and
3. Requests staff to prepare a report on the extent of illegal and dangerous parking and possible solutions before the end of this calendar year.
|
Background
There are increasing numbers of reports of illegal and dangerous parking across the Inner West via email to councillors and on social media. Residents are becoming increasingly frustrated and there is the potential for people to take action themselves which is not necessarily appropriate. While residents acknowledge that council will send rangers to investigate, often the offending vehicle has left by the time rangers arrive, whether that is on the same day as the complaint or later.
Illegal and dangerous parking particularly impacts people with prams or wheelchairs, small children, walking sticks, and sight impaired and older people, making our streets less accessible.
Examples include:
· residents unable to exit their garages because of cars parked across the garage entry
· Cars parked in narrow lanes preventing residents from exiting garages and driveways
· Cars parked too close to corners affecting visibility for turning vehicles and pedestrians
· Trailers, jet skis, boats and caravans taking up spaces permanently
· Double parking
· Removal or defacing of “no parking” signs resulting in vehicles parked in “no parking” zones
· Cars parked partially or fully on footpaths
· Cars parked in driveways across the footpath.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Balmain Town Hall and Civic Precinct Planning
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
|
Motion:
That Council:
1. Endorse the formation of a Balmain Town Hall and Civic Precinct Community working group; and
2. Officers to develop draft Terms of Reference and an Expression of Interest process for interested residents who may wish to be members
|
Background
On 13th July a community meeting was held at Balmain Town Hall and a community visioning exercise for the Civic Precinct on Darling Street Balmain began. This Civic Precinct extends from Balmain PCYC to the new Balmain Square and notably includes the Town Hall and Library, Court House, Post Office and Police Station, as well as a variety of other smaller buildings and uses within the precinct.
The community meeting was well attended, and ideas were generously shared both on the night and in the days that followed.
The Civic Precinct is the gateway to Balmain, and it represents the most famous and historic blocks within Balmain, one of the most famous suburbs in Australia. The precinct is of great heritage value and while the buildings themselves remain in reasonable condition, apart from a few of the buildings, as a whole the precinct no longer forms the hub of the community. Restoring and repurposing these buildings in a manner the community can use and value represents an important opportunity and is at the heart of our shared vision as expressed at the first visioning meeting in July.
To progress this shared vision attendees at the meeting called for a community working party to be formed.
The community working party would consider the interests of both local business and residents and put forward consensus views for consideration of key stakeholders consisting of the relevant property owners including the NSW Department of Justice, owner of the Balmain Court House, NSW Police, and Inner West Council.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
|
Extraordinary Council Meeting 20 September 2022 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Balmain Sailing Club Pontoon Upgrade
Council Meeting at its meeting on 13 September 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 September 2022.
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
|
Motion:
That Council:
1. Allocate $50,000 funding on a 50:50 basis for the upgrade of the Balmain Sailing Club pontoon, to provide safer publicly accessible facilities for small craft and junior sailing; and
2. Enter into an appropriate funding agreement with Balmain Sailing Club to assist administration of the funding.
|
Background
Balmain Sailing Club is a vibrant part of the Inner West Community, with membership at near record levels; they hold nearly 150 sailing races every year and in 2022 they will hold the first fully public Balmain Regatta since the beginnings of the COVID. The Regatta was first held in 1849 this year's event on Sunday, October 30 will include a convoy of tugs and historic working launches for the first time.
Balmain Sailing Club is in the process of constructing a new small craft launching pontoon the Balmain Sailing Club and it has been requested that Council provide up to $50,000 on a 50/50 funding basis to allow completion of this project.
The pontoon will be a new, accessible and public facility that for the first time will create a safe, flat launching and retrieval area for small craft like sailing dinghies, Kayaks, paddle boards and rowing boats at the Water Street Reserve. The new pontoon will be wheelchair accessible, connecting with the ramps leading up to the public elevator in the neighbouring Hopetoun Quays development and on to the further ramps up to Water Street. The new pontoon means that for the first time, the Balmain Sailing Club, which is the only sailing club in the Inner West Council area, will be able to encourage junior sailing which until now has been impossible because of the steep and inherently unsafe nature of previous facilities.
Balmain Sailing Club will share this new facility with the public and it will be accessible by the public at all times. It meets the objective of making the harbour more available to more people.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Acting Director Infrastructure:
This project will provide an accessibility upgrade to a publicly available wharf and can be funded in the September Quarterly Budget Review process.
The Balmain Sailing Club operates under leases from Transport for NSW and Council. The works are in line with the lease agreements. Approval of details of the works is required for additions and improvements under the lease provisions. The sailing club has advised approvals are well progressed.
In line with similar Council funded foreshore facilities, a legal funding agreement would be developed outlining requirements, with funding provided upon completion of the proposed works.
