Agenda of Extraordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 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

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your name;
contact details;
item on the Agenda you wish to speak to; and
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whether you are speaking in person or online

Are there any rules for speaking at a Council Meeting?

The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:

keep your address to the point, the time allowed for each speaker is limited to three minutes. This time limit applies, no matter how many items are addressed by the speaker;
when addressing the Meeting you must speak to the Chairperson;
the Chairperson may curtail public participation where the information being presented is considered repetitive or irrelevant; and
only 3 speakers for and against an Agenda Item are allowed.

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 5536.

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

13 December 2022

PRECIS

1 Acknowledgement of Country

2 Apologies

3 Notice of Webcasting

4 Disclosures of Interest

5 Moment of Quiet Contemplation

6 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers

7 Condolence Motions

Nil at the time of printing.

8 Mayoral Minutes

Nil at the time of printing.

9 Reports for Council Decision

ITEM Page

C1222(2) Item 1 Access to Council Town Halls and Venues for not-for-profit organisations 6

C1222(2) Item 2 Updated Community Engagement Framework 18

C1222(2) Item 3 Customer Service update 67

C1222(2) Item 4 IWC sporting ground condition report and draft program 70

C1222(2) Item 5 Henson Park – Public Private Partnership 126

C1222(2) Item 6 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 21 November 2022 148

C1222(2) Item 7 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital Projects Committee Schedule 162

10 Reports for Noting

ITEM Page

C1222(2) Item 8 Outcomes of Local Matters Forums and customer service stalls 165

C1222(2) Item 9 Arts Summit - Update and Progress 185

C1222(2) Item 10 Little Villages Signage 188

C1222(2) Item 11 Zoning of Balmain Bowling Club 193

C1222(2) Item 12 Update on activation of Town Halls 194

C1222(2) Item 13 Investment Report at 31 October 2022 197

C1222(2) Item 14 Parking in the Inner West 224

11 Notices of Motion

ITEM Page

C1222(2) Item 15 Notice of Motion: Land and Property Register 230

C1222(2) Item 16 Notice of Motion: Heritage Forum 232

C1222(2) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Gambling Harm Minimisation 233

C1222(2) Item 18 Notice of Motion: Congratulate Boomali Aboriginal Artists Cooperative on 35 Years 236

C1222(2) Item 19 Notice of Motion: Development of Flood Plains 238

C1222(2) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Demerger Submission must reflect vote of the Inner West Community 240

C1222(2) Item 21 Notice of Motion: Screening the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup 242

C1222(2) Item 22 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Tramsheds Car Park 243

C1222(2) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Bring Julian home; drop the charges 245

C1222(2) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Cooks River Community Call for Action 247

C1222(2) Item 25 Notice of Motion: GreenWay Funding Guarantee 280

C1222(2) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Livingstone Road Cycle Way upgrades and safety improvements 282

C1222(2) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Exclusion from the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code 287

C1222(2) Item 28 Notice of Motion: Natural area restoration opportunity 289

C1222(2) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Cooks River federal election funding promise 291

C1222(2) Item 30 Notice of Motion: Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan 2022 - 2025 326

12 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

C1222(2) Item 31 Update on Acquisition of Investment Properties 357

C1222(2) Item 32 Summer Hill Reuse Centre - Update 358

C1222(2) Item 33 Potential Expansion of In- House Resource Recovery Collection Services 370

C1222(2) Item 34 Food and Garden Organics - Earlier Commencement Date 371

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 1

Subject: Access to Council Town Halls and Venues for not-for-profit organisations

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Caroline McLeod - Senior Manager Libraries

Authorised By: Michael Daly - Acting Director Community

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Endorse the proposed changes to the Grants and Fee Scale Policy and place on public exhibition for a period of 28 days; and

2. Consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting the final Grants and Fee Scale Policy.

DISCUSSION

At its Ordinary Council meeting on 25 October 2022 Council resolved:

That a report be tabled for the December Ordinary meeting:

1. Detailing amendments to the fee schedule to allow for an automatic full fee waiver for all local not-for-profit organisations when booking Council facilities for meetings and events that are not primarily for fundraising. If adopted the amended fees are to be placed on public exhibition immediately; and

2. Identifying changes to allow the booking of facilities to be made simpler and easier for the community.

Current Grant and Fee Scale Policy

On 3 March 2020, Council adopted the amended Grant and Fee Scale Policy (C0320(1) Item 4). The policy is underpinned by the need for Council’s community venues to be affordable and accessible for not-for-profit (NFP) groups and the community. The nature of the group applying for venue use and the nature, value, and accessibility of the activity for local residents are key factors in determining appropriate fee categories.

There are currently three subsidy categories:

1. 100% subsidy for Incorporated or Unincorporated NFP organisations that provide a key role in the community ie Alcoholics Anonymous, seniors and social support groups, play groups, local branch meetings of political parties. Included in this group are Parents and Friends groups that are fundraising.

2. 50% subsidy for Incorporated NFP organisations or Unincorporated local NFP groups, sole traders with public liability insurance and religious institutions. This includes groups that are charging for participation ie $2 membership or charging an entry fee. Examples of groups that fall within this category are ballroom dance groups who charge an entry fee or karate classes that charge for participation.

3. 0% subsidy for commercial hirers, regular / organised sporting activities / events, schools, TAFEs, State or Federal government agencies. This includes activities that are designed for the benefit of the business or for-profit sector, activities that involve a private individual or is not open to the public, community activities that are designed to cater for residents of other local government areas and sporting groups / clubs. Examples of this category include birthday celebrations, weddings, market days and conferences.

Council currently provides a full fee waiver for all local and non-local not for profit organisations if the venue is not being used primarily for fundraising. Based on the definition of fundraising being “the act of collecting or producing money for a particular purpose, especially for a charity”. If a not for profit organisation is charging a membership or admission fee (ie fundraising) all groups, local and non-local are provided with a 50% subsidy.

To widen the support Council is providing to local non for profit organisations, the following amendments (as per the tracked changes / highlighted in the Policy) could be considered:

Scaled fee: 100%

· Reaffirm that all incorporated local and non-local organisations are provided with the 100% subsidy, where not primarily for fundraising.

Scaled fee: 50%

· Change the amount from $2 or more for participation to $5 or more

· Remove the clause “or for membership”

Fee and Scale Policy comparison with other Councils

Inner West Council’s tiered fee scale policy is similar with other metropolitan Councils, with Inner West appearing to be one of the only Council’s offering a 100% subsidy to NFPs. The City of Sydney and Georges River Councils offer a discounted rate to community/NFPs with further discounts being available via a Venue Hire Accommodation Grant.

Making the hiring of venues easier and simpler for the community

Officers have identified and recognise there are other opportunities to improve the customer experience in relation to hiring a venue and a plan to improve the customer experience is currently being developed and costed.

To date, many of the improvements have focused on the information relating to each venue including the development of hirer guides that include floor plans and how to guides for the A/V and technology. Other improvements have been identified include reviewing the terms and conditions, improving the process for collecting and returning of keys, improving the process for inspecting a venue, streamlining the bond refund process, implementing an evaluation process and developing procedures to ensure the venues are clean and presentable.

In 2020, Council moved to a new booking system, Optimo, for the hiring of venues. This system is used for the one-off booking of Council’s parks, ovals and waste pick-ups as well as venues. The system is used by other Councils, venues and organisations and is an off the shelf package. Due to the off the shelf nature, there is a limit to the number of changes that can be made to the system for one-off bookings.

While Optimo is unable to currently manage the application process for regular hirers, the ability for customers to self-book a regular booking is a component of the platform that is undergoing further development and refinement. As part of the next phase of development, the incorporation of a CRM function will allow information to be stored, making it easier for applicants who will only have to provide certain information once when first applying.

Up until recently, the regular application process involved an applicant completing a word / pdf form. Recently, for the 2023 applications, the process moved on-line, using the SmartyGrants system (this is used for Council grants and other application processes). While this has streamlined the process, Officers have received constructive suggestions about making this process easier and this will be considered and implemented for the future. Recommended improvements include an application for first time regular hirers and a separate system for repeat hirers, allowing them to continue their booking year on year if there are no changes and keeping details such as registration of NFP status on file so that applicants do not have to provide the same information year on year and allowing applicants to apply for multiple venues simultaneously.

The improvements and update to the booking system and general customer experience have not been fully costed. Councillors will be notified of these improvements and timing via a Councillor Briefing Note.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Changes made in the policy will result in the loss of potential revenue in the order of $25,000 - $30,000 based on previous bookings.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Updated Grants Fee Scale Policy 2022

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 2

Subject: Updated Community Engagement Framework

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager

Authorised By: Michael Daly - Acting Director Community

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopts the amendments to the Community Engagement Strategy 2022-24 section of the Community Engagement Framework as outlined in the report.

DISCUSSION

All NSW Councils must have a Community Engagement Strategy (CES). The CES is part of required under the NSW Local Government Act as part of Integrated Planning and Reporting.

Section 402A of the Act states that:

A council must establish and implement a strategy for engagement with the local community (called its Community Engagement Strategy) when developing its plans, policies and programs, and for the purpose of determining its activities (other than routine administrative matters).

Council’s CES is contained in the adopted Community Engagement Framework. The Community Engagement Framework also contains additional requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, for a Community Participation Plan which outlines how Council will notify and seek community input on land-use planning matters. This report covers amendments to the CES section only.

Relevant Council resolutions

At its meeting on 8 March 2022, Council resolved (C0322(1) Item 18) that Council:

1. Commits to community consultation and will develop consultation plans that include a range of mediums to improve accessibility and to encourage engagement and participation across our broad and diverse community; and

2. Develops a consultation plan for projects of significant community interest, inclusive of public community forums attended by the Executive team, to provide whole of council approach to the project, discuss local issues, encourage open community dialogue and identify preferred solutions.

At its meeting on 10 May 2022, Council resolved (C0522(1) Item 26), in part, that Council:

2. Notes the Inner West community has a strong desire for greater participation in Council’s decision making. Council recognises that local knowledge, ideas and feedback from the community are essential to ensure Council’s decision-making improves community wellbeing and long-term sustainability;

9. Establish an additional Inner West Local Community Panel to operate as a community sounding board. Engagement is fit for purpose and by invitation to a random selection of registered participants to deliberate and provide input through various consultation methods:

a) Invite all residents and local businesses to opt-in to register for the Local Community Panel;

b) Advertise the Local Community Panel through regular Inner West communication channels providing information in community languages; and

c) Consult with New Democracy Foundation on Local Community Panel design and function.

At its meeting on 9 August 2022, Council resolved (C0822(1) Item 22), that Council:

1. Is committed to community engagement giving the community an opportunity to participate in and influence Council’s decision-making;

2. In revising our draft community engagement policy and framework, will incorporate deliberative engagement practices to undertake quality community engagement based on a set of key democratic principles aimed at placing our community closer to our decision-making; and

3. Notes the principles of deliberative democracy can be applied to a range of contexts and formats and can include People’s Panels, Citizens’ Juries, participatory budgeting, deliberative panels and forums and Citizens’ Assemblies.

Review

The Community Engagement Strategy has been reviewed in line with new legislative requirements, and Council resolutions. The proposed update aims to improve content so that it is more community focused with updated data and initiatives.

Section	Page number in original document	Summary of changes
Cover		The whole document will be graphically designed with Council’s branding and new images
Inside cover pages	NEW	Included Acknowledgement of Country, vision, new purpose and values, alternative formats
Introduction	4-5	Revised, simplified content outlining Council’s commitment to engagement and guiding legislation
Integrated Planning and Reporting	NEW	Added diagram explaining how the Community Engagement Strategy fits into the IP&R framework
Principles of Engagement	10	Moved forward in document and simplified the explanation of each principle. Added reference to social justice principles in line with new legislative requirements
Local Democracy	6-7	Revised, simplified content and clarification that community engagement informs both Council decisions and operational activities
Who we engage - Inner West community profile	9	Updated community profile with new census data
Stakeholders	12-13	Removed External and Internal stakeholders content as these sections were aimed at staff rather than community. Moved Advisory committees and working groups section to ‘How we engage’ and updated.
How we engage	11 and 14-17	Removed the Engagement Process diagram and other process information as this was aimed at staff rather than the community, and added new simplified content including stakeholder and method matrix explaining how we engage various stakeholders in line with new legislative requirements
Case studies	NEW	Added five case studies to demonstrate engagement in practice at Inner West · Identifying a Vietnamese precinct · Developing the Cycling Strategy · Engaging with children and adults on a new play space · Leichhardt Park Plan of Management · Council supported citizen to citizen engagement – Uluru Statement From The Heart
Evaluation	16	Expanded evaluation section and included indicators and measures
Priorities 2022-24	NEW	Added five priorities for next two years

Proposed changes are provided in the attached draft word document. Once adopted by Council, the amendments will be graphically designed and the document placed on Council’s website as required by the NSW Local Government Act.

The original Community Engagement Framework adopted in 2019 is also attached.

Review timetable

In line with legislative changes, the next Community Engagement Strategy review will take place within three months of the local government elections in September 2024, as part of the broader review of the Community Strategic Plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Draft Community Engagement Strategy amendments
2.⇩	Original Community Engagement Framework adopted 2019

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 3

Subject: Customer Service update

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Melanie Gurney - Senior Manager Business Excellence and Customer Experience

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Determine whether to increase the provision of customer service stalls to once per fortnight through 2023; and

2. Approve the process outlined for community consultation on the service charter.

BACKGROUND

At the 25 October 2022 Council Meeting, Council was provided a Customer Service Update and it was subsequently resolved:

That Council:

Receive a report back in December on:

a) the process for developing the Customer Service Charter, which includes community consultation on the elements to be included in the draft Charter, and allocation of a budget for that community consultation which should be proactive, robust and meaningful, and occur in addition to the normal public exhibition process;

b) The provision of increased Customer Services Stalls to once per fortnight

This report outlines the considerations associated with increasing the frequency of customer service stalls from one per month to once per fortnight, and the process for incorporating community consultation into the development of the Customer Service Charter.

DISCUSSION

Provision of fortnightly Customer Service Stalls

Reflecting on the five monthly stalls held to date, the community and staff response has been overwhelmingly positive. The value of these stalls has been evident in the number of enquiries dealt with on the day and the consistently high satisfaction ratings (>95%) achieved post-interaction.

In considering the provision of fortnightly stalls two key factors were considered, namely staffing resources and cost for the event.

Staff resourcing

To ensure the stalls continue to provide a positive experience for the community, it is recommended each stall be staffed by a minimum of three Customer Service Officers (CSO) including one Senior Customer Service Officer (Senior CSO). This recommendation is based on the experience of the five monthly stalls held to date to ensure the community continues to receive friendly, timely and effective service, given the wide range of enquiries received at the stalls.

It is considered that a pool of at least 14 fully trained CSOs is required to allow for effective rostering of the stalls, with contingency cover for any unplanned last-minute withdrawals.

With a pool of 14 CSOs and a recommended three CSOs required to be rostered at each stall, it is anticipated each CSO would be rostered to work one Saturday every two months. An Expression of Interest process is being undertaken amongst Customer Service staff to manage this resourcing.

Cost for provision of stalls

Below is a summary of the resourcing costs associated with holding each stall:

· Staff costs per stall of approximately $777 based on three CSO including one Senior CSO (overtime rates as outside of core hours).

· Set up costs per stall of approximately $912 covering for set up and pack down and transport of equipment for each stall location.

· Promotion and marketing costs per stall of approximately $2,409 which includes a local letterbox drop in the surrounding areas for each stall.

This equates to a total cost of approximately $4,098 per stall.

Process for service charter community consultation

A service charter in essence is the service promise and commitment Council staff make to the community it serves. Aligned with an organisation’s values service charters usually include:

· How customers will be treated in every service interaction

· The standards of service customers can expect

· The service channels

· Who is responsible for service delivery

· A focus on continuous improvement

· The process for receiving feedback – Compliments, Complaints and Suggestions for improvement.

Staff input on the development of the service charter is currently underway. On 3 November 2022, feedback was gathered from 224 leaders across Council about how we want our customers to feel and not feel. The background to this approach is to outline, in line with our values, the attitudes and behaviours of staff to deliver a great customer experience.

Workshops are also planned to involve a further 80 staff in a more in-depth process for how we want our customers to feel and what we can do to make it happen.

In terms of also engaging the community in the development of our service charter, the process for community consultation considered to deliver a robust process and best value would be to:

1. Recruit a cross-representative group of community members through an external community consultation agency utilised by Council’s Community Engagement Team. The representatives would be a mix of gender, age and geographic spread across the Local Government Area.

2. Conduct three community workshops, comprising two-hour customer experience culture sessions to ascertain:

· How the community wants to be treated and made to feel?

· What of our service behaviours and actions can be improved?

· What elements the community as a customer want to see in a service charter?

3. Combine and distill the information from the community workshops with the staff workshops to deliver a draft service charter.

4. Review the draft service charter with the Customer Service Review Sub-Committee (CSRSC).

5. Present the draft Customer Service Charter document to Council to consider placing it on public exhibition to allow further community feedback.

6. Review the community feedback and incorporate it into the draft service charter as relevant, again liaising with the CSRSC on the final draft document.

7. Present the updated draft Customer Service Charter document to Council to consider adoption of the charter, and

8. Launch, socialise and promote the service charter to the community and across Council through all communication channels.

Working through the above-stated process, including community consultation in the development of the service charter, it is estimated the charter could be delivered in the fourth quarter of the current financial year.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

To increase the provision of customer service stalls to once per fortnight, the total cost anticipated is approximately $106,548 over 12 months for 26 stalls.

The Four-Year Operational Plan from 2022-23 has an annual budget for community stalls of $50,000. The cost difference is approximately $56,548 per year.

It is anticipated that this increase in budget can be funded from existing operational budgets through the December 2022 Quarterly Review process for the current financial year, and for future financial years updated through the FY 2023-24 budget development process.

With regard to the process outlined for community consultation for the Customer Service Charter, an additional funding allocation is required outside of the existing operational budget, for the estimated cost of $16,904. It is anticipated that this increase in budget can be funded from existing operational budgets through the December 2022 Quarterly Review process.

#	Activity	Cost
1	Recruitment of community representatives	$6,776 incl of GST
2	Participant incentives - $80 voucher	$4,928 incl of GST
3	Community consultation	$3,000 incl of GST
4	Exhibition - media boost	$200
5	Exhibition – document translation	$2,000
	Total	$16,904

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 4

Subject: IWC sporting ground condition report and draft program

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Tim Brown - Coordinator Parks Project Delivery

Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the sporting ground condition report and associated draft sporting ground upgrade program.

DISCUSSION

Inner West Council has a total of 36 natural turf sports fields located across 26 sporting grounds. Two of councils sporting grounds being Leichhardt Oval and Henson Park host elite sporting events.

Council has completed major upgrades to 16 of the 36 natural turf sports fields over the past 14 years. The major upgrade works consisted of laser graded earthworks, new couch grass turf, new sub-surface drainage and upgraded irrigation system, some of these fields also received sportsfield lighting upgrades. This leaves 20 natural turf sports fields remaining that require a major upgrade.

Council resolved at the 2 November 2021 Council Meeting C1121(3) Item 8 that Council;

Receive a report on the officers' reassessment of the prioritisation of resurfacing of major parks that require this work in the coming years.

In January 2022 council engaged specialist turf consulting firm Living Turf Pty Ltd to prepare a Sporting Grounds Condition Report for each of the 36 natural turf sports fields located across council’s 26 sporting grounds.

The sporting grounds condition report (as attached in full and also as a summary report) involves a detailed agronomic assessment of the current condition of each field which included:

1. Surface levels - Does the surface provide an optimum, suitable surface for the intended end user

2. Drainage - Does the surface provide a free draining profile? Allowing the plant adequate moisture and potentially minimising ground closures

3. Irrigation - Does the system operate effectively and efficiently, optimising water usage

4. Turf Condition/ Nutrition - Is the Nutrition or Agronomic input adequate in relation to traffic loads placed on the surface

In addition to informing Council’s sporting ground major upgrade program, the sporting grounds condition report will assist in Council’s risk management strategy by understanding the safety conditions of each sporting ground.

A draft sporting ground upgrade program (as attached) was developed with parks planning, parks operational and park assets staff based on the following criteria:

· Ongoing stakeholder feedback

· Parks Operations and Parks Planning feedback

· Sporting Grounds Condition Report recommendations

The draft sporting ground upgrade program allows for the remaining 20 natural turf sports fields to receive a major upgrade over the next 8 years. Council has already commenced major upgrades to the sports fields identified in year 1 of the program (2022/23) being King George Park, Easton Park and Leichhardt Oval. This leaves 17 natural turf sports fields proposed to receive a major upgrade between 2023 to 2029.

With respect to year 1 of the program 2022/23, the construction industry is currently experiencing high inflation driven by market influences which includes but not limited to supply chain related issues. As such, there is $250,000 budget shortfall apparent within the 2022/23 program to deliver the required scope of works. It is recommended that this shortfall is funded in the second quarter 2022/23 budget review.

With respect to year 2 (2023/24) to 8 (2029/30) of the program, it is proposed that the remaining 17 natural turf sports fields undergo major upgrade which will include laser graded earthworks, new couch grass turf, new sub-surface drainage, upgraded irrigation system. The budget considerations for these works will be considered in the normal budget planning process, outside of this report.

As noted, two of councils sporting grounds being Leichhardt Oval and Henson Park host elite sporting events. Industry best practice suggests sports fields hosting "Elite" level sports be considered for resurface or reconstruction every six to seven years. This has been taken into consideration in the proposed sporting ground upgrade program.

As returfing of the sports field forms part of the major upgrade works, major upgrades to sports fields need to occur during the summer sports season between the months of September to March. This timeline allows for 3 months turf establishment during the turf growing season.

The requirement to complete major upgrades to sports fields during the summer sports season, requires relocation of the respective sporting clubs to alternate sporting grounds during the major upgrades. Due to the limited availability of sporting grounds in the inner west, this limits the number of sporting club relocations to two sporting grounds per year, therefore limiting the number of sporting ground major upgrades that Council can complete to two sporting grounds per year. This issue of limited sporting ground availability gives no capacity to provide an accelerated major upgrade program beyond what is proposed in this report over 8 years.

Council’s intention is to align the parks amenities upgrade program with the prioritised sporting ground upgrade program to reduce the impact on park users with park closures.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Refer to the attached prioritised sporting ground upgrade program which is summaried below per year of the program. It is noted that there is a budget shortfall for the draft program compared to the allocated budget. It is intended to consider these items within the normal budget planning process except for year 1 - 2022/23 in which it will be considered as a second quarter budget review 2022/23.

PROGRAM YEAR	PROGRAM BUDGET	ALLOCATED BUDGET	BUDGET SHORTFALL
One – 22/23	$2,071,000	$1,821,000	$250,000
Two – 23/24	$2,048,000	$50,000	$1,998,000
Three – 24/25	$2,220,000	$1,050,000	$1,170,000
Four – 25/26	$1,560,000	$920,000	$640,000
Five – 26/27	$1,835,000	$840,000	$995,000
Six – 27/28	$910,000	$50,000	$860,000
Seven – 28/29	$1,400,000	$900,000	$500,000
Eight – 29/30	$450,000	Nil	$400,000

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	IWC Sporting Ground Condition Report November 2022
2.⇩	IWC Sporting Ground Condition Summary Report November 2022
3.⇩	Draft Sporting Ground Upgrade Program

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 5

Subject: Henson Park – Public Private Partnership

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Matthew Pearce - General Counsel

Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Confirms that the outcomes and deliverables of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as outlined in the Henson Park PPP Final Assessment are acceptable;

2. Continue to proceed with the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as a Public Private Partnership with the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Limited;

3. Authorise the General Manager to:

a) certify that all documentation, as part of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project, has been prepared in accordance with the Public Private Partnership Guidelines 2022; and

b) submit all documentation to the Office of Local Government for assessment of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as a Public Private Partnership.

4. Delegate to the General Manager the authority to execute a Heads of Agreement with the commercial terms.

DISCUSSION

Background

At its Council meeting on 13 September 2022, Council resolved:

That Council:

1. Confirm that the outcomes and deliverables of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as outlined in the Henson Park PPP Assessment are acceptable.

2. Proceed with the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as a Public Private Partnership with the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Limited.

3. Authorise the General Manager to:

(a) certify that all documentation, as part of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project, has been prepared in accordance with the Public Private Partnership Guidelines 2022; and

(b) submit all documentation to the Office of Local Government for assessment of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as a Public Private Partnership.

4. Delegate to the General Manager the authority to negotiate a Heads of Agreement with the commercial terms to be reported back to Council for approval; and

5. Commit to entering into a Licence with the Newtown Jets in respect to the future sporting use of Henson Park

On 16 September 2022, the Initial Assessment of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) along with the draft Heads of Agreement was forwarded to the Office of Local Government (the OLG) for review. The Initial Assessment of the Project involved Council undertaking the following tasks in accordance with the Guidelines:

Assessment Task 1 - completing a self-assessment questionnaire;

Assessment Task 2 - preparing various strategic documents including:

(i) a statement of the Project relationship with Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting regimen (IPR documents);

(ii) a statement of outcomes and deliverable of the Project; and

(iii) an outline of the proposed management and governance structure for the delivery of the Project.

Assessment Task 3 - preparing various business case documents including:

(i) a justification of public private partnership as a delivery model;

(ii) an estimation of the total project costs and sources of funding;

(iii) a breakdown of the contributions made by the AFL and Council; and

(iv) an assessment of Council’s financial contribution in relation to the annual revenue available for such infrastructure projects.

Assessment Task 4 - preparing a Risk Management Plan for the Project and an Evaluation Plan for Expressions of Interest from other parties.

Assessment Task 5- preparing contract documents - Heads of Agreement.

On 23 September 2022, Council received a letter from the Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Commonwealth Department) (see the Department’s letter attached). The letter confirmed an election commitment for the funding towards the cost of the Project and required Council to undertake a desk top review of the funding required for the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project. The desk top review was returned to the Department confirming funding in the amount of $2.5M. To date, no response has been received from the Commonwealth Department.

On 21 October 2022, the OLG provided a response to the Initial Assessment of the PPP and Heads of Agreement (see OLG letter attached). No clarification was sought by the OLG in terms of their initial assessment. However, the OLG stated in the letter:

“OLG recommends that, as Council determines to proceed with the PPP, it ensures the governing body and the community are kept informed of key decisions, impacts and costs associated with the PPP. Council is also encouraged to ensure that any heads of agreements and leases it enters into provide the risk mitigation assurances the community expects.”

The OLG have confirmed that, in their initial assessment, the PPP is not significant and will not be referred to its Project Review Committee for review.

The Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project

The Project consists of the following construction work at Henson Park:

(a) Grandstand – provide DDA lift access to upper levels and complete upgrades to meet access requirements.

(b) Player amenities in Grandstand – upgrade and reconfigure, providing for change areas, with wheelchair access and facilities suitable for female players, increase storage areas for sporting and park maintenance equipment.

(c) Multipurpose building – construct a new building providing public amenities, including a baby change facilities, accessible toilets, game day canteen, coaches boxes and media broadcast facilities.

(d) Upgrade the areas surrounding the grandstand, including paving and drainage requirements.

(e) Reconfigure back of house areas and service access to improve presentation.

The Project Funding

The AFL is to fund the majority of the Project. The total cost of the Project is estimated to be $12,174,121. The current funding of the Project by the AFL is based on the following funding sources:

(a) NSW State Government funding grant of $2.5M with the AFL contributing $2.5M as part of the terms of the grant funding;

(b) a Federal Government election commitment estimated at $2.5M to fund the redevelopment of Henson Park;

(d) Council contributing $500,000 (capped) to the construction of the Project based on Council’s resolution of 26 October 2021.

At present there is a funding gap. The AFL are committed to fund this shortfall through committing their own monies and further grant funding.

Heads of Agreement (HoA)

A Heads of Agreement (HoA) between Council and AFL is an agreement that outlines the core commercial terms for the Project construction and the terms of the Licence to use Henson Park. It should be noted that the Newtown Jets (Jets) are not a party to the HoA as the Jets are not contributing any funding to the Project. In any event, the Council, at the appropriate time, will enter into discussions with the Jets for the future sporting use of Henson Park.

The AFL Licence

The core commercial terms of the Licence Agreement between Council and the AFL are as follows:

(a) Term - 21 years (this is the maximum period for a Licence of Community Land under the Act);

(b) Licence - A non-exclusive annual seasonal licence to use Henson Park for the following specified number of days/hours during the term of the licence agreement:

(i) Up to 10 days for ticketed match games (limited to 5 hours per day) in the summer season for the Swan’s Women's Competition;

(ii) Up to 10 days for ticketed match games (limited to 5 hours per day) in the winter season for the Swan’s Women’s Competition; and

(iii) Non-ticketed match games and training will be booked in accordance with the with Council's adopted Sporting Grounds Allocation Policy.

(d) Mandatory Use - The licence to use Henson Park will be subject to the following ongoing mandatory use:

(i) use by the Newtown Jets;

(ii) a minimum amount of community use of the facilities;

(iii) the facilitation of junior sports; and

(iv) public access outside the playing surface during non-ticketed community match days that includes but is not limited to local residents and dog walkers.

The HoA has been finalised with the AFL. The HoA is a preliminary agreement between the parties where the agreed core terms are to be imported into Development and Licence Agreements for the Project’s construction and the non-exclusive sporting use of Henson Park. The HoA is ready to be executed by the General Manager (see the attached Heads of Agreement).

The Guidelines and Final Assessment by the OLG

The Guidelines outline the requirements for Local Government PPP proposals. As the Project is deemed to be a PPP due to the AFL’s further financial contribution of $2.5M separate to Council and Government funding, the Council must not enter into such an arrangement to provide public infrastructure unless it has complied with the Guidelines. The OLG have confirmed that it considers the Project to be a PPP and is satisfied with the Initial Assessment. Council therefore must now submit a PPP proposal to the OLG for final assessment before entering into any formal arrangement with the AFL.

The final assessment of the Project has been undertaken by Council. The final assessment

has involved a consideration of the financial viability of the Project, the risks of undertaking the Project and the benefit to the community. The final assessment has been documented and represents the complete package of Council’s PPP arrangement with the AFL to undertake the Project which will be sent to the OLG for final assessment (see the attached Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project Final Assessment).

It should be noted that unless and until the OLG confirms that it supports and approves the Project, the PPP cannot progress.

Council’s Public Private Partnership Documentation

Council has prepared the PPP documentation in accordance with the Guidelines for the final submission to and assessment by the OLG.

The Project, as a PPP between Council and the AFL, aligns with the Council’s IPR documents including the Community Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Plan and Plan of Management and Master Plan for Henson Park. The outcomes and deliverables of the Project, as a business case, are outlined in the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project Initial Assessment.

Governance matters are supported by a Probity Plan appointing an external probity advisor for the Project, a Risk Management Plan to identify and manage threats and opportunities during the Project and an Evaluation Plan for the EOI documentation.

The Council’s PPP Documentation has been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines and is ready for submission to the OLG for its final assessment. The PPP Documentation provides justification that the Project can be delivered as a PPP with clear outcomes and deliverables.

Certification by the General Manager and Council Resolutions required by the Guidelines

The Guidelines mandate the requirement that the General Manager must certify that Council’s PPP Documentation has been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines prior to being submitted to the OLG for assessment. Further, the Guidelines require that such certification can only be authorised by Council resolution. The certification is to read:

“I, Peter Gainsford, General Manager of Inner West Council, hereby certify that the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project Final Assessment put forward by the Inner West Council to the Office of the Local Government for its assessment of the proposed Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment PPP has been prepared in accordance with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Guidelines (January 2022).”

In addition, the Guidelines require a resolution that Council proceed with the Project as a PPP and that Council agrees that the outcomes and deliverables of the Project are acceptable.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Council has resolved on 26 October 2021 to contribute $500,000 towards the construction costs of the Project. There are additional costs associated with the engagement of a Project Manager ($487,000 excl. GST) and a Probity Advisor ($10,000 excl. GST) which will need to be funded in the capital works program as part of the 23/24 budget consideration.

Due to the large size of the attachment, attachment 4 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Letter from the Commonwealth dated 23 September 2022
2.⇩	Letter from the Office of Local Government dated 21 October 2022
3.⇩	Heads of Agreement
4.⇨	Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project Final Assessment – Published separately

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 6

Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 21 November 2022

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager

Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 21 November 2022 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

ITEMS BY WARD

Ward	Item
Baludarri (Balmain)	Palmer Street and Donnelly Street, Balmain - Intersection Improvements
	Unnamed Link Road, Lilyfield (between Mary Street and Maliyawul Street) - Proposed Shared Pedestrian and Bike Path & One-way traffic
	Rozelle North Precinct Resident Parking Scheme Extension
	Rozelle Public School - Road Safety Improvements
	Roundabout at Wigram Road and Booth Street, Annandale
	Road safety at the intersection of Donnelly/Palmer/Booth Streets, Balmain
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Update on improvements to the Frederick Street, Ashfield crossing
	Roundabout at Wigram Road and Booth Street, Annandale
	Traffic in Chandos Street, Haberfield
Midjuburi (Marrickville)	Dulwich Hill Station Precinct Public Domain Improvements Amendment – Amendment to Bus Zone Operational Times
	Park Lane, Sydenham - Proposed installation of 'No Parking' restrictions western side between Henry Street and Rowe Lane
	Update on Dulwich Hill Precinct works
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Smith Street (at Lackey Street and Morris Street), Summer Hill - Proposed Streetscape Improvement Works
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Wardell Road/Riverside Crescent, Dulwich Hill - No Left Turn Restriction
Damun (Stanmore)	New Canterbury Road at Balanaming Lane, Petersham - ‘No Left Turn Vehicles Over 6m Long’ restrictions
All Wards	Nil.

DISCUSSION

The November 2022 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was at Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meeting are shown at Attachment 1.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Specific projects have undergone public consultation as indicated in the respective reports to

the Traffic Committee.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Local Traffic Committee minutes 21 November 2022

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 7

Subject: 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital Projects Committee Schedule

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

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Endorse the following Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule in 2023:

Council recess – January

Tuesday 14 February

Tuesday 14 March

Tuesday 11 April

Tuesday 9 May

Tuesday 13 June

Council recess - July

Tuesday 8 August

Tuesday 12 September (Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election)

Tuesday 10 October

Tuesday 14 November

Tuesday 5 December

2. Approve the publication of the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres; and

3. Endorse the following Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting Schedule in 2023:

Monday, 27 February

Monday, 27 March

Monday, 15 April (one week earlier due to Anzac Day public holiday)

Monday, 22 May

Monday, 26 June

Monday, 24 July

Monday, 28 August

Monday, 25 September

Monday, 23 October

Monday, 27 November

DISCUSSION

2023 Council Meeting Schedule

Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to meet at least 10 times a year, each time in a different month.

In 2022, Council adopted a meeting cycle of one Council meeting per month which also incorporated the July and January recess periods.

Based on the same meeting structure of 2022 the following 2023 meeting schedule is proposed for Council’s consideration.

2023 Council Meeting Schedule

January – Recess

Tuesday 14 February

Tuesday 14 March

Tuesday 11 April

Tuesday 9 May

Tuesday 13 June

July – Recess

Tuesday 8 August

Tuesday 12 September (Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election)

Tuesday 10 October

Tuesday 14 November

Tuesday 5 December

2023 Major Capital Projects Meeting Schedule

At its Ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday 8 March 2022 Council resolved in part the following:

Establish a Major Capital Projects Committee, that will be chaired by the Mayor, meet monthly to review progress on major projects and discuss the Project Assurance report and shall comprise of no more than 5 councillors, being Councillors:

a) Clr Darcy Byrne;

b) Clr Mark Drury;

c) Clr Jess D’Arienzo;

d) Clr Pauline Lockie; and

e) Clr Kobi Shetty

The draft Terms of Reference and proposed meeting schedule were presented to and endorsed by the Council at the Meeting held on 12 April 2022.

As required under the Terms of Reference, the proposed schedule of meetings for 2023 needs to be reported to Council for adoption. As such, the following schedule is proposed:

2023 Major Capital Projects Meeting Schedule

Monday, 27 February

Monday, 27 March

Monday, 15 April(a week before due to Anzac Day PH)

Monday, 22 May

Monday, 26 June

Monday, 24 July

Monday, 28 August

Monday, 25 September

Monday, 23 October

Monday, 27 November

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no additional financial implications outside Council’s existing budget regarding the adoption of the 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting schedule or the Major Capital Projects Committee schedule.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 8

Subject: Outcomes of Local Matters Forums and customer service stalls

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager

Authorised By: Michael Daly - Acting Director Community

RECOMMENDATION

That Council hold another 10 public matters forums in 2023, excluding the July and December recess period.

DISCUSSION

Background

Earlier in 2022, Council determined to increase face-to-face engagement and consultation with the community as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

At its Ordinary Council meeting on 8 February 2022 Council resolved in part the following:

2. That Council convenes a sub-committee comprising Councillors, staff, resident representatives and external advisors to assist with the scope and preparation of a report that will investigate initiatives designed to:

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

Also, at its Ordinary Council meeting on 12 April 2022 Council resolved:

That:

2. Council hold a rotating series of Local Matters public forums (Forum) with the General Manager, relevant Directors and Managers in attendance, in order to listen to the ideas and concerns of local residents about how their communities can be improved, the Forums:

a) Will be held each month alternating fortnightly on Tuesday evenings with Council meetings while Council sits, starting in May;

b) Will invite all ward councillors to attend the forums specific to their ward and offer ward Councillors a role in the forums; and

c) Will be promoted widely, including via letterbox drop to the entire ward that each forum is being held in, as well as through all of Council’s other communications channels’

5. A report be brought back in December 2022 detailing the outcomes of the public forums and stalls and outlining the coming years potential dates; and

This report advises Council of the outcomes of the public forums and stalls and proposes Local Matters Forums in the 2023 calendar year. Frequency of customer service stalls is the subject of a separate Council report to this meeting. A schedule of stalls will be provided once Council determines the frequency.

Outcomes of customer service stalls and Local Matters Forums

Promotion

Promotion included a letterbox distribution to the ward (forums) and neighbourhood (stalls) as well as through all Council’s communication channels including the printed Inner West Council News, e-news, social media, media releases, website announcements, Your Say Inner West and digital boards.

Your Say Inner West customer service stalls

Stalls were held monthly on a Saturday morning. Customer Service and Engagement Officers logged requests, answered questions, and displayed information including what’s on in the Inner West, works in the local area, and Your Say Inner West projects open for comment.

Customer satisfaction was very high.

Location	Customers served	Requests created	Surveys completed	Customer satisfaction (% very satisfied)
Haberfield	80	35	16	95%
Newtown	75	35	25	92%
Marrickville	49	24	14	96%
Summer Hill	103	15	19	94%
Balmain	136	24	4	100%
Total	443	133	78

A stall was also held at the Marrickville Music Festival in November.

Local Matters Forums

Forums were held on the fourth Tuesday of each month commencing in May (except July when Council was in recess). In total six have been held, most recently at St Peters Town Hall on 22 November, which was the second forum in Marrickville/Midjuburi ward.

Community members set the agenda for each meeting by submitting questions about local matters of interest to them.

The General Manager chaired the meetings which included speeches by ward councillors and responses to community questions by Council’s Executive staff. Attendees had the opportunity for informal discussion with councillors and Executive staff following the format proceedings. Engagement officers logged requests, and provided a summary of discussion to all attendees, which was also posted on the website.

* Evaluation in progress for second Marrickville/Midjuburi ward forum held 22 November.

Who attended?

· Attendees were most likely to be aged 55-75+, female, and working (54%) or retired (38%)

· Fifteen per cent identified as being from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, while 5% identified as living with a disability

· None identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Attendee feedback

Indicative comments about what was useful:

· Liked hearing from different residents; interesting and useful to hear about diverse topics; useful to know that other residents shared the same concerns

· Opportunity to express concerns; having Council genuinely listening to concerns

· Helped to understand Council’s work and the constraints of State government; understand who is responsible for what at Council

· Well facilitated to ensure people had the opportunity to talk, facilitation of challenging discussions

· Councillors attentive, informed and well researched

· Council Executive gave useful information; helpful responses; offered good detail in explaining complex processes

· Opportunity to speak directly to Councillors and Council Executive and General Manager

Improvements were made to the format in response to feedback which included:

· Grouped questions by Director, prioritised directorate with highest number of submissions

· Answered more questions prioritising people present on the night with other questions submitted in advance answered in the discussion summary sent out after the Forum

· Ensured microphones were used by presenters and attendees

· Created and displayed poster of the Council Executive and what they were responsible for

· Clarified councillor role

· Clarified language in letter/Your Say Inner West page about the prioritisation of questions submitted in advance, and that there may not be time to answer all questions on the night

· Extended time for people to speak to Councillors and the Council Executive after the plenary closed

A full summary of the evaluation is attached.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR 2023

Local Matters Forums for the 2023 calendar year will generally be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month excluding Council recess periods and public holidays.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funding required to implement the Local Matters Forums and customer service stalls is included in the current budget and will be built into the 2023/24 budget.

Local Matters Forum costs includes print and distribution of invitational letters to entire ward, venue support (set up, refreshments) and audio/visual support. The total cost of delivering five forums was $42,000 with an average cost of $8,400 per forum.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Local Matters Forum and Customer Service Stall evaluation summary - November 2022

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 9

Subject: Arts Summit - Update and Progress

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Vikki Woods - Senior Events Specialist

Authorised By: Michael Daly - Acting Director Community

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report.

DISCUSSION

At its Ordinary Council meeting on 13 September 2022, Council resolved:

That Council:

1. Receive and note the report.

2. As resolved at the March 2022 Ordinary Council meeting, direct officers to commence immediate development of the Inner West Council Arts and Music Recovery Plan. The Plan is to be informed by the priorities of the Summit and developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including Council’s Arts and Cultural Advisory Group, and tabled at the December Ordinary Council meeting;

3. Noting alignment of many of the Summit’s priorities with Council’s current Living Arts program and Cultural Strategy, endorse the following initiatives from the Summit for immediate action:

a) Commence a review of all upcoming EOIs and bookings for Council events to ensure maximum use of local artists and venues, including the Marrickville Festival, Inner West Film Festival, World Pride activations, and the Perfect Match program;

b) Reaffirm commitment to Council’s Outdoor Activation program and Public Art program, noting Council’s commitment to increase Perfect Match funding by 20%;

c) Undertake a creative spaces audit and study to identify appropriate spaces across the LGA for creative and rehearsal use, including activation of all eight town halls within the LGA modelled on the Marrickville Town Hall conversion pilot;

d) Commence scoping to establish a “concierge matching” service to match artists with spaces, using the Perfect Match model as template, to build on the audit of creative spaces;

e) Noting the opportunities to support local artists and music venues under the pilot Special Entertainment Precinct on Enmore Road, commence scoping works to identify other potential locations to pilot SEPs in the LGA including Marrickville Road, Darling St, and Norton St;

f) Noting Council’s submission to the National Cultural Policy, identify opportunities for further advocacy work to shape state and federal arts and culture policy, including writing to relevant state and federal ministers regarding the Inner West Council Arts and Music Recovery Plan.

Staff are currently in consultation with key stakeholders regarding outcomes from the Arts Summit and the subsequent Arts and Music Recovery Plan. This report provides an update on progress on key actions as outlined in the resolutions with the Arts and Music Recovery Plan to be presented to Council in the new year.

The following updates can be provided:

Review EOI's of upcoming events, maximise use of local artists – Completed. Council has recently reviewed EOI processes for events to ensure that local artists and creatives are prioritised. Wording in the recent EOI for Marrickville Music Festival read "priority will be given to artists based in the Inner West LGA, with a particular connection to Marrickville".

Reaffirm commitment to outdoor activation program – Reaffirmed, with current elements including encouragement of footpath dining applications, roadway dining applications as part of the Outdoor Dining & Live Entertainment program, Pop-Up Music Marathon and working with Business Chambers.

Increase Perfect Match funding by 20% - In Progress.

Creative Spaces audit - Council has hired a contractor to undertake a stocktake of Council’s Creative Spaces including the Artists-in-Residence sites, the Chrissie Cotter Gallery, the Art Camp and cultural production spaces commissioned through the EDGE program. This will help quantify the return on Council’s investment since the inception of Inner West Council, and to provide factual data for decisions about future investment in creative spaces. The stocktake will provide an evidence base that documents the experience of the artists and exhibitors supported through the program, and the results and value that Council’s support enabled, and articulation of a results logic for the future provision of Cultural Spaces by Council.

Activation of all town halls, modelled on Marrickville Town Hall pilot – in progress and an EOI application is now available for the community to register their interest.

Scope potential locations to pilot special entertainment precincts - modelled on Enmore Rd - The Special Entertainment precincts are a new legislation, with Enmore Rd being the first in the State to be rolled out. The legislation is designed to not only protect what is already there, but to foster future new enterprise development. There are multiple studies about the economic multiplier of music venues and the special entertainment precinct allows for the protection of existing and new venues. The Enmore Rd model offers tangible positive evidence that these precincts can increase visitation and economic increases to the area and there is qualitative evidence showing that Council's commitment in legislation and strategic planning has led to businesses investing in their infrastructure in order to meet the requirements of the legislation.

Council has committed to further mapping exercises to determine streets and precincts that would be suitable for this legislation and is committed to the cultural protection of our great live entertainment venues and artists.

Identify opportunities for further advocacy work – Council staff are currently meeting with key stakeholders to determine opportunities.

Concierge modelling for spaces - A pilot program is currently being designed for a trial roll out in 2023 - modelled on Perfect Match, the program will call out for venues with empty space and artists looking for space. Working title "Site Match".

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 10

Subject: Little Villages Signage

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Kurt Henkel - Principal Designer Public Domain

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. A further report be provided for Council’s consideration following completion of an analysis of appropriate locations, designs and costs for the large scale “little villages” signs; and

2. Upon provision of a cost estimate being provided to Council, this will form part of the budget consideration for 2023-24 financial year.

BACKGROUND

At its Council meeting on 25 October 2022 Council resolved in part to;

1. Prepare a report for the December Ordinary meeting identifying locations and costs for the installation of large scale signage identifying these precincts to make the locations clearly identifiable to local residents, visitors and commuters.

In 2020 and 2021 the Geographic Names Board confirmed the formal naming of the following streets in the Inner West:

· Little Italy – Norton Street (from Parramatta Road to City West Link), Marion Street (from Hawthorne Canal to Balmain Road);

· Little Portugal – New Canterbury Road (from Hunter Street to Audley Street), Audley Street (from Trafalgar St to New Canterbury Road);

· Little Vietnam – Illawarra Road (from Marrickville Road to Renwick Street); and

· Little Greece – Marrickville Road (from Livingstone Road to Victoria Road).

DISCUSSION

Council Signage Strategy

Council is developing a Signage Strategy for the Inner West that includes the design of a palette of sign types covering Council street names, pedestrian wayfinding, cycle, park and building identity signage.

The wayfinding signage is intended to include labeling of the little villages in their titles whilst also assisting pedestrians to navigate local streets and find local landmarks including shopping centres, parks, public buildings, community centres, libraries and railway stations.

This Signage Strategy does not currently propose large scale little village signs.

Attachment 1 provides details of the range of signs included in the Signage Strategy these will include “little villages” references.

Large scale little village signs

Careful planning and site analysis of large scale signs to identify the little villages to local residents, visitors and commuters will provide a successful outcome that will be loved by the local community.

The sign designs will respond to existing spatial constraints and local site conditions, including where applicable consideration of heritage issues. Design investigation will determine key opportunities, suitable sign locations, and the appropriate scale and form of the signs.

Whilst these signs may be derived from the existing Signage Strategy, confirmation of sign locations and a message content that meets the objective of being legible to commuters in the Leichhardt, Petersham and Marrickville town centres are underway. The siting and design of these signs will also be informed by the current town centre master plan for Marrickville.

Attachment 2 provides examples of other successful large scale and gateway signages from across the globe that demonstrate some of the design strategies that can be successfully employed.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Upon completion of design and location analysis a more certain costing can be provided. Initial project scoping indicates a design and construction budget in the vicinity of $200,000 is required. Once properly costed, this will form a part of the budget consideration for 2023-24 Financial Year.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Signage Strategy Overview
2.⇩	Examples of signs

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 12

Subject: Update on activation of Town Halls

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report.

DISCUSSION

This report provides an update on the activities that are currently being undertaken to activate Council’s town halls.

Background

There have been a number of resolutions made by Council in relation to the use of town halls, as summarised below.

At the 8 September 2020 Council meeting, Council resolved that:

Pending project feasibilities, undertakes a further Expression of Interest Campaigns for the use of the Petersham Town Hall (office space for co-located community groups) and Marrickville Town Hall (Live Music venue);

and

The Marrickville Town Hall and Petersham Town Hall EOI’s be tabled at Council for adoption prior to undertaking the EOI

At the 12 April 2022 Council meeting, it was resolved that Council:

Recommences work to convert Marrickville Town Hall and former Marrickville Library into a hub for multicultural performance and live music

At the 14 June 2022 Council meeting, Council resolved to:

Reaffirm its commitment to establishing an Inner West Pride Centre at Newtown Town Hall;

And

Establish a sub-committee to advise the establishment of the Centre

MARRICKVILLE TOWN HALL

Sydney Fringe HQ

Council was approached by the Sydney Fringe in February 2022 to lease the top floor of the Town Hall (excluding the balcony) as its official headquarters. A three (3) year lease was approved by Council on 12 April 2022.

The Sydney Fringe is a cultural industries (not for profit) organisation and advocacy group for the live arts and music sectors and is responsible for the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales with over 450 events presented in over 70 venues across Greater Sydney each year.

Entering the lease with Fringe has started to establish the Town Hall as a Cultural Hub and provide a commercial revenue stream to Council that will support the ongoing maintenance of the historic building.

Steering Committee

A steering committee (SteerCo) has been established to drive the engagement and planning for further activation. Chaired by Clr Howard and consisting of the Chair (or representative) of the Inner West Council Multicultural Advisory Committee and Inner West Council Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, community representatives, and relevant staff. The SteerCo is meeting monthly to investigate strategies to provide short-term residencies at the Town Hall for local artists, not-for-profit creative organisations, and organisations from local Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Permissible use as a live music and entertainment venue

Council staff have appointed a Town Planner to assess the requirements for Marrickville Town Hall to be used for the purposes of a Live Music and Entertainment Venue. Currently zoned

R2 Low Density Residential a planning pathway will be pursued in which entertainment facilities are permissible with consent.

Preservation of current use

Under any proposal, existing bookings would be preserved, regular hirers from local community groups supported and the ongoing use of the Town Hall for civic purposes ensured.

NEWTOWN TOWN HALL

Inner West Pride Centre

A Council PCG has been established to manage the development of the Inner West Pride Centre, sponsored by Director Community.

As part of its role, the PCG will coordinate capital works required and:

· undertake compliance and building condition renewal and maintenance works to Newtown Town Hall; and,

· prepare designs for building upgrades to support the establishment of a Pride Centre (construction of the upgrades will be subject to additional funding).

Further, a subcommittee has been established to meet monthly and advise on the establishment of the Pride Centre. The subcommittee is chaired by Clr Howard, and consists of Clr Atkins (Alternate Chair), Clr D’Arienzo, three representatives of the LGBTIQ Working Group and relevant staff, to work with the Staff Reference Group for the Inner West Pride Centre to:

a. Review the former Expression of Interest process.

b. Conduct a scoping study to determine a sustainable operating model that advances the vision of the Pride Centre whilst ensuring ongoing community access to Newtown Town Hall.

c. Establish principles, objectives, and activities for the Inner West Pride Centre.

d. Prepare for a renewed Expression of Interest process for the second half of 2022.

The subcommittee’s role is to ensure adequate staffing and resources to enhance Council’s collaboration with Local LGBTQ+ organisations, deliver LGBTQ+ programs and manage the Inner West Pride Centre; and work with the World Pride Sub-Committee to incorporate Newtown Town Hall in World Pride activities.

World Pride 2023

Implementation of the 8 March 2022 council resolutions for a rainbow pathway and the programming for Sydney World Pride 2023 in the Inner West is well underway.

The design for the infrastructure works and upgrade of Pride Square, adjacent to Newtown Town Hall, have been finalised and approved by the committee. This includes seating arrangements so that community can congregate and participate in the arts and culture activations to be delivered for World Pride, as well as a “beacon”, a sculptural installation that will be visible from different angles of entry from King Street. The new design and upgrade of the square is already funded through the existing infrastructure budget.

PETERSHAM TOWN HALL

Relocation of Council staff

Most of the ground floor and part of the first-floor rooms currently accommodate council staff undertaking administrative functions.

A staff co-location program is currently being undertaken across council’s administrative centres and staff will be relocated from the Town Hall to other service centres in early 2023.

Once this has been finalised staff will use the results of the ‘Creative Use Of Council Venues’ pilot program outlined below to activate Petersham, Annandale, St Peters and Leichhardt Town Halls.

VENUES FOR HIRE

All the Town Halls are currently available for hire as part of Councils ‘Venues for Hire’ program through the website at Venues for hire - Inner West Council

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - CREATIVE USE OF COUNCIL VENUES

As part of the program to activate council’s Town Halls Council a pilot program has been established for individuals or organisations wishing to use Council venues for cultural activities.

The community is encouraged to visit Council’s website at the link below and fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) form with details of their proposal.

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/venues-for-hire/creative-use-of-council-venues

It is proposed that the pilot program will be used to develop a long-term strategy that will provide ongoing use of council’s venues that is inclusive, accessible, and equitable.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 13

Subject: Investment Report at 31 October 2022

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - 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 2021;

§ 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.

Certification

The Chief Financial Officer Daryl Jackson as the Responsible Accounting Officer has certified that the investments listed in the attached report have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Section 212 of the Local Government General Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.

DISCUSSION

Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s investment portfolio size is $247.7m. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s portfolio had a return 2.23%, against the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (2.89%) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 0.08% on a marked-to-market basis

Without marked-to-market influences, Council’s investment portfolio yielded 3.00%pa for the month, up from 2.06%pa in September. This is based on the actual interest rates being received on existing investments and excludes market value changes of the securities/deposits.

A further rise in interest rates during the month had a modestly detrimental impact on the valuations of Council’s fixed rate bonds and floating notes. The small decrease in their capital value was offset by the higher rate of interest being accrued on the securities.

As interest rates rise/fall the dollar valuations of existing bonds fall/rise in the market. While a bond’s (or FRN’s) market value may drop below its face value (or par value) during the life a security, providing Council does not sell the security and the issuer is sound (which all of Council’s holdings are) then the bond’s market value will come back to the face value by the time it matures.

The upside to the rising trend in interest rates is that new TDs and bonds that Council invests in will be paying a much higher rate of interest than what has been available over the past couple of years. This is evident in the rising yield on the portfolio noted above.

Change in the value of our portfolio

During October, Council had $45.5m across a range of 2 and 6 month term deposits mature which had an average weighted yield of 2.25%pa. New investments totalling $50m were invested in a 1 and 12 month term deposits paying an average of 2.91%pa.

· Investments

o CBA (Green) $10.0m

· Matured

o Suncorp $3.0m

o Westpac Group (Green TD) $2.5m

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

Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested in non-fossil fuel lending ADIs (47% of portfolio) and socially responsible investments (53% of portfolio).

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 31 October 2022.

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 October 2022 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

The 2020/21 Financial Year End process is in progress. The split between the External and Internal Restrictions are not available at this time.

The performance chart over the page 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. With inflation pressures building, interest rates have increased sharply over the first half of 2022 causing negative marked-to-market returns on existing bonds and FRNs over that period. Market rates are largely stabilising and higher rates being received on new investments and FRN rate resets are flowing through to the rolling 12 month figure which has gone back into positive territory in October.

Domestic issues

§ The September quarter inflation data surprised the market with a higher-than-expected headline increase of 7.30% year-over-year, the biggest annual increase since 1990.

§ The biggest jump in prices over the past 12 months has been housing +10.5% driven higher by increasing construction costs; transportation +9.2% and food 9% led by fruit and vegetables up over 16%.

§ The RBA’s preferred measure of inflation, the trimmed mean which excludes extreme movements on either end, jumped from 4.9% to 6.1%, the highest annual increase since being recorded in 2003.

§ The Government’s budget forecasts indicated prices in some major categories would likely continue to increase sharply over the coming years with electricity prices projected to rise by an average of 20% late this year and a further 30% in 2023-24. Retail gas prices are also projected to rise, helping push inflation up to the high 7% area by the end of 2022/23 FY.

Interest Rates

The RBA hiked the official cash rate another 25 basis points, from 2.35% to 2.60% at its October meeting and gave clear indication that interest rate increases will continue over the coming months.

The market’s cash rate expectations slipped slightly over the past month, with projections falling short of a 4%pa rate over the coming cycle:

In October, term deposit rates were little changed versus their levels at the end of September with average yields ranging from 2.85% for 1 month deposits up to 5.10% for 5 years deposits:

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	IWC Investment Report - October 2022
2.⇩	IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary - October 2022

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 14

Subject: Parking in the Inner West

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Michael Davies - Team Leader Development Compliance, Environmental Health & Building Regulation

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report

BACKGROUND

At its Council meeting on 20 September 2022, Council resolved:

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

1. Requests staff to prepare a report on the extent of illegal and dangerous parking and possible solutions before the end of this calendar year.

In addition, Council also resolved by way of Notice of Motion: Boat and Trailer Parking in the Inner West:

That Council include in the report agreed at the September meeting of Council on illegal and dangerous parking a report detailing the options to limit or reduce the number of boats and trailers parked on council owned or managed roads and land in the Inner West Local Government Area.

DISCUSSION

Recent legislative changes have made it appropriate that both these are responded to in a single report.

Parking statistics
Councils Parking Services are responsible for enforcement of illegal parking within the Local Government Area (LGA). The team conducts proactive patrols across the majority of permissive parking locations within the LGA and responds to customer reports of illegal parking. Customers can lodge illegal parking requests through the inner west customer service requests or via phone to customer service across three (3) categories

· Blocked Driveway

· Overstaying parking

· Dangerous parking (non-specified parking issues i.e. No Stopping, close to intersections etc)

Some of the dangers illegally parked cars cause include:

· Blocking the line of vision for all other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists

· Forcing children and mobility aid users onto the road

· Obstructing the flow of traffic increasing the chance of a crash or injury.

· Reduced parking capacity and turnover

· Obstructed property access

An analysis of the comparative figures from 2021 to 2022 indicates that in 2022, the number of parking requests has increased 10% in this calendar year.

Type	2021	2022
Blocked Driveway or Similar Obstruction	2489	2745
Dangerous Parking	1874	2050
Overstaying Timed / Ticketed Parking	973	1116
Grand Total	5343	5930

Targeted Education Campaign
The Communications team have prepared a draft plan for the education campaign. The goal is to educate the community about the risks of illegal parking to road safety and inform residents of the consequences of illegal parking, ultimately reduce the number of illegal/dangerous parking complaints

The target audience will be

· Drivers in the Inner West community – all ages and demographics

· Visitors to the Inner West community

· Specific geographic areas identified as high problem areas.

Broad timeframe / key dates for the campaign

Timeframe	Activity
Nov 22 – Jan 23	Pre-report launch – drip feed of ‘illegal parking stories’
January 2023	Launch of report findings – focus on key findings in report. Link illegal parking to safety
End January 2023	Back to school road safety/school parking

Options considered for the campaign include

· Infographics for social media use

· Posters in high traffic areas throughout LGA

· Posters for Customer Service Stalls

· Printable flyers for local schools to share with parents and local shops/cafes – QR code with direct to website content

Illegal and dangerous parking and possible solutions
There are approximately 2200 streets and laneways with the LGA. The table above illustrates a 10% increase in the number of requests received, analysis of the data to the granular level of number of complaints per street per month shows

· 23 streets (1%) average more than 1 request for “Dangerous parking”

· 44 Streets (2%) average more than 1 “Blocked Driveway” per month.

Dangerous parking and Blocked Driveway complaints are generally transitory offences, meaning the offences generally are not for prolonged periods and the possibility that the driver will decamp increases with the length of time it takes to respond to the request.

Analysis of the 10 streets which generated the highest number of ‘Dangerous parking’ requests, attending Officers take enforcement action on approx. 45% of those reports.

The most reported issues were -

· Parking within 10m of an intersection;

· Parking in a ‘No Stopping’ zone;

· Parking of Heavy and Long vehicles; and

· Parking in a ‘No Parking’ zone

Reducing response times from time of complaint to the officer attending is the most critical element for increasing enforcement action in response to such complaints. A variety of tools are being explored to enable this, including

· Technology - direct CRM reporting of these situations to the field officer – once this has been resolved

· Creation of a quick response unit

In combination this will result in increased enforcement and is expected to decrease offences over time.

Actions that have been taken in 2022 to address the increased parking complaints include:

· An additional parking Officer devoted to Dangerous and Illegal Parking Requests on weekdays.

· Mobile tablets to improve receipt and response times, including customer notification

· Increased proactive patrols of existing areas of concern

· Improved reporting and analysis of Parking Requests to identify trends earlier.

· Reports provided to Traffic section for consideration of increased line marking or signage at specific locations.

Boat Trailers
Council’s Public Domain Parking Policy notes that the use of kerbside space for the long term storage of trailers and caravans can have a negative impact on neighbourhoods and streetscape and reduce the capacity of on-street parking. At locations where there is a congregation of long term trailer and/or caravan parking and storage, the policy notes that Council may implement parking restrictions to discourage such activity on local streets.

This could be in the form of time limited parking which would require the turnover of boat and trailer parking and decrease the long term storage of trailers and caravans in the street.

In November 2022, the NSW Government introduced the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, which replaced the Impounding Act 1993. One of the stated objectives of the Act is “…to ensure public spaces can continue to be used, shared and enjoyed by the community as a whole…”. In part, the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act provides increased regulatory options for Council to address motor vehicles (vehicle) that are impacting the public domain.

Prior to the introduction of this new Act, requests regarding suspected abandoned vehicles (including Trailers, Caravans and motor vehicles) were collected under the same reporting category. To date, Council has received almost 2000 requests in 2022. The new Act provides greater powers to address motor vehicles (the definition of this includes boat trailers, caravans and trailers) parked unlawfully or for extended periods on public roads within the LGA.

In summary, the Act allows Council to –

· Immediately remove a ‘motor vehicle’ that pose a safety risk or obstruction.

· Direct owners of an unregistered ‘motor vehicle’ to be remove the vehicle if it is unattended and has either remained in the same location or has been interfering with public amenity, continuously for 15 days. The direction must provide a minimum compliance period of 3 days. If the direction is not complied with Council may take possession of the vehicle.

· Direct owners of registered ‘motor vehicles’ to be remove the vehicle if it is unattended and has either remained in the same location or has been interfering with public amenity, continuously for 28 days. The direction must provide a minimum compliance period of 15 days.

Vehicles which are taken into possession, may be disposed of immediately if valued at under $1500, otherwise the owner has 28 days in which to reclaim the vehicle before they may be sold. Attachment 1 is a NSW Government Infographic which provides a simple explanation of the new Act with respect to parking.

The Act also provides opportunity for Council to recover some of the costs associated with enforcing the legislation. Penalty Notices (fines) may be issued for some offences under the Act. The NSW Government has recommended a 6-month grace period before penalties apply. A local media campaign highlighting the new Act and powers is in development. The Office of Local Government (OLG) has rolled out a series of online workshops for local government practitioners commencing late November / early December.

The Council Rangers have commenced a pro-active audit. This audit will provide a baseline for measuring reduction of the long term storage of boat trailers in areas of high complaints.

The OLG workshops will inform the next steps in the commencement of activities under the new Act. The community education campaign will include;

· Website information on the new Act including updating of unregistered and registered vehicles and implications and rollout of strategy

· A local media campaign highlighting the new Act and powers (in development).

· Pilot project with analysis of registered and unregistered boat trailers and warning stickers and letters to registered owners.

· Enforcement blitz only after 6 month grace period and evaluation education program (as per recommendation by OLG)

· Continued enforcement of parking restrictions to discourage such activity on local streets.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The new Act includes sufficient cost recovery mechanisms to enable its implementation without financial burden to Council.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Infographic on new rules for vehicles

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 17

Subject: Notice of Motion: Gambling Harm Minimisation

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

From: Councillors Councillor Liz Atkins and Councillor Pauline Lockie

Motion:

That Council:

1. Writes to the Premier of NSW and the Leader of the NSW Opposition supporting calls for:

a) NSW to introduce universal mandatory cashless and harm reduction payment systems for poker machine gambling;

b) All poker machines in pubs and clubs to be turned off between midnight and 10am;

c) The establishment of a single, state-wide self-exclusion register funded by gambling taxation revenue, managed independently from the gambling industry, and overseen by an appropriate independent statutory body;

d) Councils to have a statutory right to be able to make submissions on every poker machine application in their community, regardless of Local Impact Assessment status, and appeal any decision made by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority; and

e) NSW poker machine data to be transparently published by venue at least every six months.

2. Commits again to applying to the Office of Responsible Gambling for at least one grant a year for a harm minimisation project designed in consultation with the Inner West community;

3. Recommences its annual Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable, open to the public, one focus of which is to develop a community education and awareness campaign in regard to gambling harm minimisation; and

4. Commends all pubs and clubs in the Inner West that are proudly pokies free, including the Petersham Bowling Club, Carlisle Castle Hotel and The Henson.

Background

NSW was the first state to legalise poker machines in 1956. It now has 20% of the world’s pokies. Latest data shows there were 86,640 machines in the state as of June 30 this year – more than any other state.

Approximately $95 billion in cash flows through poker machines in pubs and clubs in NSW each year including, according to the NSW Crime Commission’s Project Islington Inquiry into Money Laundering via Electronic Gaming Machines in Hotels and Clubs, billions of dollars of proceeds of crime.

Australians lost more than $11.4 billion to poker machines in pubs and clubs across 5 states in 2021. In NSW in the first six months of 2022 almost $4 billion was lost on poker machines.

The sheer scale of these losses, along with the high social costs of gambling addiction and money laundering, make it critical for governments to take meaningful action to minimise harm.

An Inner West problem

In the Inner West, there is approximately 1 gaming machine per 100 people. Our local government area ranks 52nd out of 99 in terms of clubs and 48th out of 93 for hotels in terms of revenue of gaming machines. During the period December 2021 to May 2022, net profits for gaming machines in the Inner West were $78 million. Our local government area ranks among the top 20 for gaming machine losses.

Giving local councils more say over the number and location of pokies in their local government areas would allow communities to strike a better balance between harm reduction, entertainment and social benefit appropriate to their neighbourhoods - rather than having excessive numbers of pokies simply imposed upon communities by state licensing authorities and government.

Saving lives and livelihoods

Gambling contributes to poverty, poor mental health, and suicide. The connection between gambling and domestic and family violence is well documented; gambling leads to an increase in both the frequency and severity of intimate partner violence against women as well as a higher prevalence of financial abuse.

A study by the Australian Gambling Research Centre published in September 2020 investigated the relationship between gambling and violence by men against their female intimate partners. While gambling was found not to directly cause intimate partner violence, it does reinforce the gendered drivers of violence to intensify the frequency and severity of intimate partner violence against women. The study also highlights the prevalence of economic abuse among women experiencing gambling-related intimate partner violence.

Bringing back live music

The introduction of poker machines in NSW pubs is also believed to have contributed to the decline of live music in these venues, including in the Inner West, as stages, bars and dining areas were removed to make room for pokies and venues became more reliant on gambling revenue.

Put Pokies in their Place campaign

In response to the harm gambling causes, Wesley Mission and a broad-based coalition of concerned supporters have commenced a campaign on five key reform measures, which are reflected in the motion and set out in more detail here: https://www.wesleymission.org.au/get-involved/put-pokies-in-their-place/.

The measures reflect what experts seeking to reduce gambling harm are calling for, as well as the recommendations made by the NSW Crime Commission, #1 of which was that the “Government introduce a mandatory cashless gaming system to minimise EGM [electronic gaming machine] related money laundering within pubs and clubs.”

Solidarity with Unions

A joint statement released by the UWU, NSW Council of Social Services and Wesley Mission noted that staff working in gambling venues are an under-recognised cohort of people who experience harm from gambling. They noted that staff are at greater risk of developing gambling problems than the general public, and called for reforms to reduce gambling harm. They also noted that those workers suffer harm due to the impact of dealing with people suffering from pokie addiction – the abuse, threats and dealing with vulnerable people who have lost everything.

While one of the key objections from some in the pubs and clubs industry to has been the claim that introducing cashless gaming would lead to job losses, the United Workers Union that represents gaming room employees has disputed this, noting that the hospitality industry generally faces a labour shortage.

Restating Council’s commitments

Council had resolved on 5 February 2019 to host an annual Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable, open to the public, to help minimise gambling harm Council also resolved to commit to applying to the Office of Responsible Gambling for at least one grant per year for a harm minimisation project designed in consultation with the Inner West community, which we have done successfully in the past. Recommitting to both of these actions post-Covid will allow Council to continue to take action at a local level to minimise the harm gambling causes our community.

Officer’s Comments:

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 19

Subject: Notice of Motion: Development of Flood Plains

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz

Motion:

That Council:

1. Acknowledges the serious risk that flooding presents to communities in an era of changing climate;

2. Fully supports the measures already incorporated into IWC plans and strategies to protect communities in the Inner West from flooding risks, especially through the diligent application of those measures in planning decisions; and

3. Consider planning proposals that are in accordance with the relevant planning legislation regarding resilience and hazards, and that are commensurate with flood behaviour and include consideration of the potential flood impacts both on and off the subject land.

Background

Council has long recognised that flooding represents a significant risk to Inner West residents and communities. Prior to the merger, the former constituent Councils were among the more advanced councils in their flood planning.

The risks posed by floods have increased significantly as a consequence of our changing climate. Council has responded to the threat by making planning for hazards and climate change its No.1 planning priority in our Local Strategic Planning Statement.(1)

A recent, peer reviewed article published in the international journal, Science, looked at 20 year records for Sydney rainfall. It found that dangerous flash flooding was increasing much faster than previously expected. The abstract states:

Short-duration, extreme rainfall can cause dangerous flash flooding, threatening life, infrastructure and the landscape. Studies of this type of event have focused mainly on daily rain totals, not considering how precipitation might vary on shorter time scales. Ayat et al. analyzed sub-hourly rainfall extremes near Sydney, Australia, over 20 years and found that they are increasing much faster than those over longer periods. Better understanding of such extremes is vital for effective climate adaptation and to reduce the vulnerability of populated regions.(2)

The Sydney Morning Herald reported the findings saying:

Extreme and potentially dangerous bursts of rain have intensified by an “alarming” 40 per cent in Sydney over the past two decades, with climate researchers flagging major implications for how cities deal with flash-flooding and drainage.(3)

The need to take flood risks seriously is reflected at every level of planning.

The Eastern City District Plan states:

Planning for population growth and change needs to consider exposure at a local level as well as cumulative impacts at district and regional levels…..In planning for growth, consideration of natural hazards and cumulative impacts include avoiding locating growth and development in areas exposed to natural hazards and limiting growth in existing communities that are exposed and vulnerable to natural hazards. In exceptional circumstances, there may be a need to reduce the number of people and amount of property that are vulnerable to natural hazards, through managed retreat of development”(4)

The Ministerial Direction under s.9.1(2) of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 dealing with resilience and hazards, being Direction 4.1 Flooding, provides that:

(3) A planning proposal must not contain provisions that apply to a flood planning area which:

(a) permit development in floodway areas;

(b) permit development that will result in significant flood impacts to other properties;

(c) permit development for the purpose of residential accommodation in high hazard areas;

(d) permit a significant increase in the development and/or dwelling density of that land…

Council’s own Housing Strategy notes:

Flooding was also considered a constraint. Figure 27 [which shows Council’s flood planning areas] illustrates the locations that are subject to flooding. While this does not prohibit development in many cases, areas that are subject to flooding may not be suitable for substantial uplift as a result of evacuation requirements. Similarly, flood impacts may require built form modifications to address risk, which may not optimise urban design outcomes.(5)

Similar restrictions and warnings are found in the Inner West LEP at clause 5.21, in the State Government’s Floodplain Development Manual, in Planning Circular PS 21-006, and in the Report of the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, as well as a great many other documents.

However, despite all the well-meaning statements, strategies, plans and polices around the importance of flood planning, it seems that some sections of government (and this Council) are still reluctant to treat the matter with the seriousness and consideration that our plans demand. Hence this motion to re-emphaise what should be plain to all – that the impacts of climate change are real and that we must treat them seriously, especially in how we plan our area.

Endnotes

(1) Inner West Local Strategic Planning Statement March 2020 p.32 Item 1.1.

(2) “Intensification of Subhourly Heavy Rainfall” Hooman Ayat, Jason Evans, Steven Sherwood & Joshua Soderholm, Science Vol 378 No.6620 November 2022.

(3) SMH Extreme rain deluges Intensifying over Sydney, study finds. Michael Koziol 11 November 2022

(4) Eastern City District Plan March 2018 Greater Sydney Commission p.118-119

(5 )Our Inner West Housing Strategy March 2020 p.111

Officer’s Comments:

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 30

Subject: Notice of Motion: Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan 2022 - 2025

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

From: Councillor Justine Langford

Motion:

That Council:

1. Give in-principal support to the Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 (final draft); and

2. Begin to seek to identify funds and resources to support the Strategic Plan to meet the key objectives. (NB: Not all objectives in the plan have funding and resources assigned).

Background

The final draft of the Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan 2022-2025 was approved at the Cooks River Management Committee meeting on October 27. NB: The document is still in draft as there are some front-end items that need finalisation.

The community vision for the Cooks River is ‘A loved and healthy River Valley, enriching the heart of Sydney.’ The strategic plan is intended to translate this vision into actions and outcomes.

The 2021 Cooks River Catchment Coastal Management Program Community Survey gives further clarity to this vision:

· A biodiverse river valley supporting a clean river

· Every community accessing and enjoying the river

· Aboriginal ways of thinking are valued from Yana Badu to Kamay

· Holistic and cooperative approaches are guiding river restoration.

The Plan is built around four ‘focus areas’, in accordance with the ‘Place and People’ philosophy, giving an operational framework to its intent:

· Focus Area 1 – River Health

· Focus Area 2 – River Community

· Focus Area 3 – River Advocacy

· Focus Area 4 – River History

Each focus area identifies key objectives to be achieved in whole or in part over the term of this Plan. The intent of the Strategic Plan to improve how we manage the river. Each focus area and their objectives are drawn from several sources, the most important of which were:

· The findings of the 2021 Cooks River Community Survey

· Outcomes of the 2021 Cooks River Alliance Congress

· The previous Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan, titled ‘The Cooks River People’s Plan’

· Results of detailed agency and community stakeholder engagement

Officer’s Comments:

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 (final draft)

Extraordinary Council Meeting

13 December 2022

Item No: C1222(2) Item 32

Subject: Summer Hill Reuse Centre - Update

Council Meeting at its meeting on 06 December 2022 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 13 December 2022.

Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager and Helen Bradley - Manager Resource Recovery Planning

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Notes that The Bower are seeking to reduce their area of occupation to buildings 2 and 3 (conditional on a further reduction in rent);

2. Approves further discussions with other interested parties who did not provide a submission to the EOI, and have subsequently contacted Council, to occupy any remaining space for the purpose of reuse and recycling; and

3. Investigates opportunities to locate a Reverse Vending Machine on the site.

DISCUSSION

At its Council meeting on 8 September 2020 Council resolved:

Progress with the development of a Reuse and Recycling Hub as a medium-term use at Summer Hill Depot and continue discussions with suitable not-for-profit organisations.

The site is also intended to accommodate Council’s Green Living Centre, programs from Urban Ecology and continue as a council depot for civil works storage.

This report provides an update on the progress for the Summer Hill Depot reuse and recycling hub (the Hub).

The project is a collaboration between Council’s Resource Recovery Policy, Resource Recovery Operations, Property and Capital Works Teams (with assistance from other staff as required).

The Development Application

As part of the development application process Council engaged an independent planning consultant on behalf of the proposed tenants to obtain development consent for the operation of a reuse, recycling, and education centre at Summer Hill Depot.

Development approval was granted on 23 November 2021 and included building upgrades to ensure compliance with WHS and accessibility and removal of contaminated building material such as asbestos to ensure the site is safe and BCA compliant.

The Bower or other proposed tenants are required to obtain their own services to prepare the plans necessary for the Development Application for any proposed fit out works.

A contract was subsequently awarded and building works commenced in August 2022 with completion expected by mid-December 2022, allowing the Green Living Centre and The Bower (if no further fit out works are intended) to commence occupation at the site.

Modified Development Application

A modified Development Application is being considered to allow Council’s Service vehicles to access Liverpool Road (via Nottle Street). This would remove the need for larger vehicles to turn within the site, assisting with traffic flow and reducing traffic congestion at the top of the site.

THE BOWER

The Bower are a not-for-profit environmental charity committed to reducing landfill and champion of reuse and repair within our community.

It has a shop front and collects and repairs household items from the community for sale and distribution through its house to home program (furnishings for disadvantaged community members setting up a home).

Their range of services and programs are all based on the ethos of reuse and repair, and they have agreements with over 21 Sydney metropolitan councils to collect unwanted household goods and rehome them.

Following the withdrawal of Reverse Garbage from the project, Council staff continued discussions with The Bower and have signed a Heads of Agreement for a new 5-year lease (with a 5-year option), with execution of the lease pending finalisation of the area to be leased and rent.

On 16 August 2022, The Bower advised Council that COVID19 had significantly impacted their Business Plan. They have confirmed that:

· Building 1 is no longer required for the ‘shopfront’ or any other use.

· Building 2 will be used for reuse and repair workshops, a similar arrangement as that in place at Redfern and Parramatta, including some office space and higher end sales and includes:

§ Repair cafes - to repair and upcycling items that may otherwise end up in landfill

§ Workshops include Bicycle repairs, Woodworking (make a crate, a beehive box, a stool), DIY repairs, Furniture repairs, Furniture restoration, Clothing repairs, Upholstery, and Bespoke workshops, team building and corporate workshops.

§ House to Home Program - Upcycled and refurbished goods to fit out social housing or accommodation through charities for people who have been homeless, refugees, and or escaped domestic violence. They work with 13 agencies in Sydney including Mission Australia, Uniting, Bonnie’s support services, Mary's House, and Newtown Asylum Centre

§ Building 3 will be used by The Bower for their tiny house workshops (Running approximately 3 sessions per year, each over a period of 2-3 weeks)

§ They have requested a 75% accommodation grant across the 5-year lease.

Public Benefit – The Bower

A table has been prepared that summarises The Bowers proposal (Attachment 2) and includes a 12-month calendar of activities with proposed community benefits realised through its operation.

THE VILLAGE PROJECT

One (1) submission was received from The Village Project in response to the Expression of Interest (EOI 12-21) seeking additional interested organisations to co-locate with The Bower at the Hub.

The criteria for the EOI were aligned to the Inner West Zero Waste Strategy, a circular economy approach which includes targets for waste avoidance, reuse, recycling, and repair.

The Village Project is a local cooperative and a not-for-profit which brings together people and recyclers in one space to maximise reuse and recycling of resources such as textiles and plastics. They connect unwanted materials with users of those materials in a circular economy.

They submitted a compliant bid that involves collaborating with reuse organisations and recyclers targeting materials including textiles, plastic, polystyrene, cups, bicycles, scooters, and e-waste. They identified waste and materials that are usually presented within residential bins or clean-up including textiles, glass, and plastics, as well as common contaminants in the residential waste and recycling stream such as batteries and e-waste.

They propose to use the site as a hub to collect materials recycled by their reuse partners. Their team at Summer Hill Reuse Centre would sort the items, store them temporarily and arrange collection by their partners. Textile, glass, ceramics, and plastic is proposed to be the primary focus with permanent collection points for residential drop off during Centre opening hours.

They also proposed monthly collection drives for specific materials or items on a given day (e.g., a drop off day for bikes or e-waste). Their recycling and reuse partners then collect the targeted materials and remove them from the site for remanufacture into new products (e.g. tiles, furniture, sunglasses etc.) Remanufactured products would then be returned and displayed and sold at the Summer Hill Reuse Centre as well as online.

The drop off service would be free for local residents to access, and The Village Project may consider also offering paid collections for commercial businesses at a later date. They have 30 volunteers already engaged and collaborating with reuse partners who have the capacity to recycle, or reuse identified materials. It is understood that The Village Project intend to have a staff member present 2 days per week initially with a view to increase hours and active days on the site as they become established.

The Village Project have made an application for a 100% accommodation grant, and if approved would be required to pay only outgoings for their portion of the site (utilities). In accordance with the Land and Property Policy and as part of the terms and conditions of the lease, they would be required to enter into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to provide detailed reporting on materials collected, reused, and recycled, including the number of residents engaged, drop offs and tonnages/kg of materials collected from IWC residents.

Public Benefit – The Village Project

A table has been prepared that summarises the various organisations that form the collective proposal (Attachment 1) and includes narrative on the proposed community benefits realised through its operation.

Operating Times for the Summer Hill ReUse Centre

DA approval was granted for operating hours of 8am to 8pm, seven (7) days a week.

The Summer Hill ReUse Centre is planned to operate and be open to the public as per the table below:

Entity	Description	Days	Hours
The Bower	An environmental charity focused on reuse and repair within our community. It has a shop front and collects and repairs household items from our community for sale and distribution through its house to home program (furnishings for disadvantaged community members setting up a home).	Monday to Friday with weekends as per Attachment 2 Calendar	8.30am to 5pm
The Village Project	A local cooperative which brings together people and recyclers in one space to maximise reuse and recycling of resources such as textiles and plastics. They connect unwanted materials with users of those materials in a circular economy.	2 days initially, increasing to 5 once established	TBC as required within site DA approval (8am to 8pm)
The Green Living Centre	An Inner West Council initiative that provides community workshops on waste, re-use, circular economy, climate, and other sustainability topics.	TBC 2+ days a week	TBC as required within site DA approval (8am to 8pm)
Urban Ecology	An Inner West Council service selling plants sourced from locally collected seeds, and re-use related initiatives such as free mulch for residents Rainwater tank community education e.g. rainwater tank workshops.	TBC	TBC as required within site DA approval (8am to 8pm)
Civil Works Depot	Maintain operation as a civil works depot and provide storage for use within the Ashfield precinct	7 days	6am - 6pm (as required)

Environmental Upgrades

Solar Power

Summer Hill ReUse Centre is currently equipped with a 15.6 kW solar PV system on the roof which will be expanded, and a battery will be installed to store excess solar power for evening use following the current capital works. The existing system will be expanded by 20kW, based on concept design and the battery will be sized during the detailed design, but is expected to be residential scale. This work will be completed and funded through a separate budget managed by Council’s Environment and Sustainability Unit.

EV Charging Stations

Additional electrical wiring, including subsurface conduits were incorporated into the existing works project so that the site would be EV ready. It is planned to subsequently install four charging bays, each equipped with a Level 2 charger (AC fast chargers), pending final review of the overall electricity load requirements of all site tenants.

It is intended that these will provide a substantial EV top-up whilst the community visits the ReUse centre. This work will be completed and funded through a separate budget managed by Council’s Environment and Sustainability Unit.

Other Site Opportunities

As the site requirements for each of the user groups is finalised, staff are reviewing the remaining available building and land space at the depot, to see if there are any further opportunities that would align with the proposed use, so as to fully activate the site.

This may include community groups who require operational spaces, and also other opportunities such as Reverse Vending Machines through the Return and Earn container deposit scheme initiated by the State Government.

It is recommended that staff also progress further discussions with other interested parties who did not provide a submission to the EOI, and have subsequently contacted Council, to occupy any remaining space for the purpose of reuse and recycling.

Leichhardt Men’s Shed

This is a community group with a need to relocate from their current facilities in Blackmore Oval, and whose space and power requirements align with that of the depot site. The Men’s Shed have recently viewed the available space and are considering this opportunity.

Return and Earn

It is further recommended that staff investigate opportunities of locating a Reverse Vending Machine on the site. These container deposit schemes work by adding a small deposit on top of the price of everyday beverages This deposit is then refunded to the consumer when they return their empty drink container for recycling.

These schemes have been shown to reduce container litter and increase recycling rates, through:

1. Litter reduction: Traditionally waste has no value to the individual, and while there are many places to dispose of waste, it still relies on an individual to do the right thing. Many do, but many don’t so by adding a small reward, it incentivises and motivates people to dispose of their waste responsibly.

2. More effective recycling: By capturing and sorting purely eligible drink containers, this generates a much cleaner material stream that can then be recycled again and again in a clean loop system, rather than much of it going to landfill due to material contamination

Garden space between Buildings 3 and 4

An RFQ for design and construction of an outdoor demonstration space between Buildings 3 and 4 is currently being finalised. The design includes reuse material within the construction and space for 20 participants to undertake recycling-themed workshops, and makes provision for high accessibility and can be used by all tenants of the site.

Summer Hill Reuse Centre – (pending finalisation)

1. Building 1 – TBA

2. Buildings 2 & 3 – The Bower

3. Building 4 – The Green Living Centre (GLC): is an Inner West Council initiative that provides community workshops on waste, re-use, circular economy, climate, and other sustainability topics. It will also be made available for reuse Centre tenants to book and use for workshops and community waste and sustainability education.

4. Building 5 – GLC Offices and one (1) for The Village Project

5. Building 6 – Urban Ecology is an Inner West Council service and will utilise the space for plants sourced from locally collected seeds, and re-use related initiatives such as free mulch for residents (from parks tree pruning within the Inner West)

6. Building 7 (Bays) – EV Car Charging: Available to site visitors shop or attend workshops.

7. Building 8 – The Village Project

8. Building 9 – Civil Works Depot storage of materials / equipment.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Project Budget for capital works

Council previously resolved to fund the costs of obtaining necessary approvals (including engagement of consultants) to change the use of the site to a recycling hub. Tenants are required to provide any further capital expenditure required for any fitout works.

The approved budget for the project is $1.4M, consisting of $1.3M sourced from the Domestic waste reserve with an additional $100k from Infrastructure, Capital Works.

The contract value for the current works is $1,200,500 (ex GST).

Consultant costs to prepare the Development Application to date are $186,500 (ex GST)

The total planned cost for the works to date is $1,387,000 (ex GST) and excludes solar panels and EV charging stations.

Requests for Accommodation Grants

Refer to Attachment 3 - Confidential Summer Hill ReUse Centre Financial Implications and Council Contribution.

Council may move into closed session to deal with the Summer Hill Reuse Centre - Update, for information which is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

The Village Project - Proposed Use and Benefits

2.⇩

The Bower - Proposed Use and Benefits

Confidential Summer Hill ReUse Centre Financial Implications and Council Contribution - 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.

1.⇩	Letter from Prime Minister pledging $200 million dollars for Urban Rivers and Catchments Program
2.⇩	Pledge of $10 million dollars for Cooks River from Tony Burke's office
3.⇩	Labor’s Urban River Pledge
4.⇩	Final draft of Cooks River Alliance Strategy 2022 - 2025

1.⇩	Cooks River – A Community Call for Real Action - An Open Letter and Invitation to Cooks River Stakeholders
2.⇩	Final draft of Cooks River Alliance Strategy 2022 - 2022