Agenda of Council Meeting - Tuesday, 11 April 2023

Council Meeting

11 April 2023

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 14 March 2023 at Ashfield Service Centre

Meeting commenced at 6.32pm

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Philippa Scott

Liz Atkins

Marghanita Da Cruz

Jessica D’Arienzo

Mark Drury

Dylan Griffiths

Mathew Howard

Justine Langford

Pauline Lockie

Kobi Shetty

Chloe Smith

John Stamolis

Timothy Stephens

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor (attended via audio-visual link)

Councillor

General Manager

Director Planning

Ryann Midei

Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Kelly Loveridge

Beau-Jane De Costa

Matthew Pearce

Lisa Murphy

Heidi Webb

Daniel East

Scott Mullen

Daryl Jackson

Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Urban Forest Manager

Tree Contract Supervisor

Acting Senior Manager Strategic Planning

Strategic Investments and Property Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

APOLOGIES:

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council accept Councillor Drury’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to family commitments.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:

Councillor Scott declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 4 Draft Development Control Plan - 122-130 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 206 Parramatta Road Annandale, as she is a Council delegate to the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP) which will be asked to provide a final determination on the planning matter. She will leave the meeting during discussion and voting for this item.

Councillor Byrne declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 4 Draft Development Control Plan - 122-130 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 206 Parramatta Road Annandale, as he is a Council delegate of the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP). He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting for this item.

Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting – February 2023 as he works in the Office of the State Member who has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.

Motion: (Stephens/Smith)

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Griffiths/Shetty)

That the Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 29 November 2022 and the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

PUBLIC FORUM

The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.

Procedural Motion: (Griffiths/Scott)

That Council allow Gisele Mesnage to speak for 1 additional minute in Item 19.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 1 Condolence Motion: Passing of Australian Poet Antigone Kefala

Motion: (Da Cruz/Atkins)

1. That Council note the passing of Antigone Kefala.

2. That Council plant a tree in her memory in Annandale.

3. That Council ensure we have all her books in our library collection.

4. That Council support an exhibition at Leichhardt Library curated by her friend Beth Hatton.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time:

Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - February 2023
Item 12 Pedestrianisation of Main Streets
Item 13 Complying development in Inner West Council under the Low-
Rise Housing Diversity Code
Item 22           Notice of Motion: Motion for the 2023 National General Assembly
                       of Local Government: Preventing greenwashing and promoting
                       ethical and climate positive investments in Local Government
                       Super Fund

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report be adopted.

Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - February 2023
Item 12 Pedestrianisation of Main Streets
Item 13 Complying development in Inner West Council under the Low-
Rise Housing Diversity Code
Item 22           Notice of Motion: Motion for the 2023 National General Assembly
                       of Local Government: Preventing greenwashing and promoting
                       ethical and climate positive investments in Local Government
                       Super Fund

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - February 2023

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

1. That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 20 February 2023 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

2. That the Minutes of the Extraordinary Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 28 February 2023 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 12 Pedestrianisation of Main Streets

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 13 Complying development in Inner West Council under the Low-
Rise Housing Diversity Code

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 22       Notice of Motion: Motion for the 2023 National General
         Assembly of Local Government: Preventing greenwashing and
         promoting ethical and climate positive investments in Local
         Government Super Funds

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council endorses the following motion to be submitted to the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government:

This National General Assembly of Local Government calls on the Australian Government to:

1. Actively encourage local government super funds to divest from companies engaging in the extraction of fossil fuels, native forest logging, gambling, weapons manufacturers, and tobacco;

2. Take immediate action to ensure the integrity and accountability of carbon offset programs, while supporting and funding councils to directly reduce operational and community emissions through the roll out of local renewable energy infrastructure and other greenhouse gas reducing initiatives;

3. Ban the practice of ‘greenwashing’ in local government super funds, ensuring that local government super funds that invest in companies engaging in the extraction of fossil fuels, native forest logging, gambling, weapons manufacturers, and tobacco are not able to promote their funds as being environmentally friendly or ethical investors.

National Objective

This motion addresses the following key questions in the 2023 discussion paper:

1. Climate Change and Renewable Energy: Noting the Government’s commitment to reducing emissions, are there programs and initiatives that the Commonwealth Government could develop to assist councils in their work to address climate change and reduce emissions?

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

That Council allow Councillor Smith to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 2.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 2 Tree Management DCP 2023

Motion: (Smith/Atkins)

1. That Council adopt the Development Control Plan (Tree Management DCP 2023) to commence on 1 April 2023.

2. That Council exhibit a new tree application fee structure based on the cost of works ($154 for works proposed less than $5000 and $243.20 for works proposed greater than $5000), as a part of the 2023/2024 Fees and Charges.

3. That Council note that staff are developing a plan to strengthen compliance activities, including activities to ensure planting of replacement trees, and seek a report back to the June 2023 meeting of Council.

4. That Council ask staff to provide the 2022 tree canopy data to the June 2023 meeting of Council.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment: (Stamolis)

That Council prepare a half-yearly report detailing the statistical performance of the Tree Policy.

The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder.

C0323(1) Item 3 Memorandum of Understanding Greater Sydney Parklands and
Inner West Council

Motion: (Shetty/Byrne)

1. That Council endorses the negotiation and future signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Council, the Greater Sydney Parklands and NSW Health (the parties) in recognition of the regional importance of Callan Park and delegate authority to the General Manager to execute the MOU and any associated documentation.

2. That Council request the Terms of Reference of the Callan Park Site Manager’s Working Group be changed so that the proceedings of meetings are not confidential and members of the meetings are not bound by confidentiality, and request that the minutes of all Callan Park Site Manager’s Working Group meetings be made available to the public and are published on both the Greater Sydney Parklands and Inner West Council websites.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Scott left the meeting at 7:29pm as she is a Council delegate to the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP) which will be asked to provide a final determination on the planning matter.

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the meeting at 7:30pm and vacated the chair as he is a Council delegate to the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP) which will be asked to provide a final determination on the planning matter.

Election of Chairperson

The General Manager asked for nominations for a chairperson for Item 4 Draft Development Control Plan - 122-130 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 206 Parramatta Road Annandale.

Nominations were received for Councillor Griffiths.

The General Manager declared that Councillor Griffiths to be elected Chairperson for Item 4.

Councillor Griffiths assumed the chair.

C0323(1) Item 4 Draft Development Control Plan - 122-130 Pyrmont Bridge
Road and 206 Parramatta Road Annandale

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

That Council place the draft site-specific Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013 amendment for 122-130 Pyrmont Bridge Road and 206 Parramatta Road, Annandale on public exhibition in accordance with requirements of Council’s Community Engagement Framework, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Assessment Regulation 2021.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Crs Byrne and Scott

Amendment: (Da Cruz/Stamolis)

1. That a 300m radius letter notification of this significant exhibitions.

2. That a face-to-face forum at Annandale Neighbourhood Centre about the proposal be scheduled and be included in the notification.

3. That clarity about how to make a submission be included in a notification letter and on Council’s Your Say website.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Lockie, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Absent: Crs Byrne and Scott

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the Meeting at 7:41pm. Councillor Griffiths vacated the chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the chair.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Scott returned to the Meeting at 7:41pm.

Procedural Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

That Council allow Councillor Smith to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 5.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 5 Planning Proposal - Enmore Road Special Entertainment
Precinct

Motion: (Smith/Byrne)

1. That Council supports the Planning Proposal to designate Enmore Road as Special Entertainment Precinct on a permanent basis and submit it to the Minister for Planning seeking a Gateway Determination under section 3.33 and 3.34 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

2. That Council place the Planning Proposal and draft DCP amendments on community consultation in accordance with Council's Community Engagement Framework to meet the requirements of the Gateway Determination, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, should the Planning Proposal receive a favourable Gateway Determination.

3. That Council request delegation from the Minister for Planning to manage the plan making functions of the Planning Proposal.

4. That Council authorise the General Manager to make minor/technical modifications to the Planning proposal, Development Control Plan, and Special Entertainment Precinct Management Plan, prior to exhibition.

5. That Council commit to bringing forward a parking review for the precinct area from 2026 to 2023, which will consider impacts of the SEP to kerbside and residential parking and mitigation actions Council can take, including encouraging greater use of public and active transport.

6. That Council increase ranger patrols of the precinct area and surrounding streets in peak times (evenings and weekends) to ensure greater compliance with parking restrictions.

7. That Council engage with businesses within the precinct area to implement a ‘good neighbour’ management strategy, including:

a) crowd management for major events where queues may impact onto residential streets;

b) a public awareness campaign encouraging visitors to be considerate of noise when arriving at or leaving venues at night;

c) wayfinding signs and other measures to guide visitors from venues to public transport stops; and

d) an investigation of streetscape accessibility to ensure the precinct area is accessible to all visitors.

8. That Council reviews the zone in and around Enmore Road for any additional street cleaning required, and informs Councillors on the outcome of this review.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 6 Little Villages Signage

Motion: (Howard/Da Cruz)

That Council defer consideration of the Report until the May 2023 Meeting and hold a briefing session in the meantime, with the inclusion of additional information including:

Updated designs of Wayfinding and Gateway signage incorporating community language and recognition of First Nations traditional ownership of land;
Options for and advice around the inclusion of accessibility measures in Wayfinding and Gateway signage, including braille;
Options and budget implications for the development of giant lettering signs in each of the little villages (Little Greece, Little Vietnam, Little Italy and Little Portugal);
An update on the feasibility of installing a large scale artwork on the Petersham Water Tower following more detailed conversations with Sydney Water; and
Any additional options for large scale signage for Little Villages.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 8 1 - 13 Parramatta Road, Annandale - VPA Approval to notify

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That the amended Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for 1-13 Parramatta Road, Annandale be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and reported back to Council after public exhibition.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment: (Da Cruz/Stamolis)

That a 300m radius letter notification of this significant exhibitions.
That a face-to-face forum at Annandale Neighbourhood Centre about the proposal be scheduled and be included in the notification.
That clarity about how to make a submission be included in a notification letter and on Council’s Your Say website.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

C0323(1) Item 9 Internal Ombudsman Renewal of Contract

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

That Council endorse the renewal of the Internal Ombudsman Shared Service arrangement.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

C0323(1) Item 10 Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

1. That Council place the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy, as attached to the report, be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, subject to the following amendment being made to Clause 5.7:

a) The General Manager or the staff member authorised to manage a councillor request will provide a response within a maximum of ten business days, or sooner where possible or necessary, or proactively advise if the request will exceed the ten business days. Where a response cannot be provided within that timeframe, the councillor will be advised, and the information will be provided as soon as practicable.

2. That Council consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting the final Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment: (Griffiths/Shetty)

That Clause 5.15 be deleted and re-numbered accordingly.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

C0323(1) Item 11 Rescheduling of June 2023 Council Meeting

Motion: (Scott/Stephens)

1. That Council reschedule the Ordinary Council meeting on 13 June 2023 to 20 June 2023 and publish these changes to the Meeting Schedule on Council’s website.

2. That Council reschedule the Ordinary Council meeting on 14 November 2023 to 21 November 2023 and publish these changes to the Meeting Schedule on Council’s website.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 14 Update Report on The Implementation of Public Spaces
(Unattended Property) Act 2021

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Byrne)

1. That Council receive and note the report and receive a report on the plan for compliance action on the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 by the June 2023 meeting.

2. That Council prepares an FAQ for the public about the new Policy, to be viewed by councillors first at a councillor workshop.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 15 Investment Report at 28 February 2023

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

That the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

The meeting was adjourned at 8.36pm

The meeting recommenced at 8.46pm

C0323(1) Item 16 Notice of Motion: Returning Planning Powers to Local Councils

Motion: (Da Cruz/Atkins)

1. That Council requests the Mayor to write to the Premier, Dominic Perrottet, the Leader of the Opposition, Chris Minns, and the leaders of the Greens NSW, the National Party, the Shooters and Fishers Party as well as all candidates contesting the seats of Balmain, Summer Hill, Heffron, Strathfield and Newtown in the 2023 NSW election, seeking their commitment to:

a) the principle of returning local planning powers to metropolitan local governments; and

b) commits in the next term of NSW Parliament to work towards developing criteria by which the Minister for Planning may exempt metropolitan local governments from the requirements for local planning panels and in turn return DA determination powers to elected councillors.

2. That Council requests the General Manager to publish responses received on Council's website prior to the 2023 NSW State election.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

C0323(1) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Haberfield District Celebrates 93rd Anniversary

Motion: (Da Cruz/Stephens)

That Council write to Haberfield Girl Guides congratulating them on their 90th Anniversary and inviting them to curate an exhibition about their history preferably at the Haberfield Library.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 18 Notice of Motion: South Australia: First Nations Voice to
Parliament

Motion: (Stamolis/Lockie)

1. That Council note that South Australia will be the first place in Australia to introduce an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament.

2. That Council utilise any work done in South Australia which can assist Council in providing public information about a Voice to Parliament.

3. That Council write to the Premier and Opposition leader, after the NSW election, to seek information about a Voice to Parliament for NSW.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 19 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety at Cardinal Freeman Village

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

1. That Council urgently investigate installing pedestrian crossings on Victoria Street and Queen Street, Ashfield, adjacent to Cardinal Freeman to improve pedestrian safety and better facilitate the use of adjoining bus stops.

2. That Council report to the Local Traffic Committee on these investigations as a matter of priority.

3. That Council consult Cardinal Freeman residents to identify further pedestrian safety improvements in the streets surrounding the village. The results of this consultation will be reported to Council.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment: (Da Cruz/Stamolis)

That the visual impairment requirements be looked at and specified in the Motion.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

C0323(1) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Town Hall Open Days and Activations

Motion: (Howard/Langford)

1. That Council acknowledge the expertise and hard work of staff working to facilitate open days as part of the plan to activate our town halls for use by artists and creative industries.

2. That Council note the success of the recent open day at Marrickville Town Hall and implement feedback from the Marrickville Town Hall Reference Group in future open days, including:

a) Hiring performers or buskers to perform in the forecourt;

b) Printing and posting corflutes at the front of town halls, advertising the creative use of venues EOI process and linking to information about the project to activate town halls;

c) Providing printed materials and fliers advertising the creative use of venues EOI process and providing information about the project to activate the use of town halls; and

d) Creating a visual presence at the front of town halls during open days, including banners.

3. That Council note work to establish three residency spaces at Marrickville Town Hall, including the provision of small risers, a lighting tree, sound mixing desk and other minor works and that funding.

4. That Council note the proposal by the Pride Centre Steering Committee to establish temporary exhibition space in the front windows of the Newtown Town Hall while construction work is underway.

5. That Council note that all Town Hall open days are to be completed by June 2023.

6. That Council investigate permanent activations at the street entrance of Marrickville Town Hall on Marrickville Road to make the entry more inviting and accessible. Activations could include Council signage on the bus shelter and bin and flags and street art. The signage could include a QR code that links to Council’s website where residents can submit an Expression of Interest for an artist residency at the Town Hall.

7. That the funding required, approximately $20,000, to implement the above recommendations be sourced from the Economic Development budget and also underspend in the Community Directorate.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 21 Notice of Motion: Pride Inner West and Mardi Gras

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Atkins)

1. That Council notes the successful Pride Inner West festival held from 11 February to 5 March 2023, which celebrated our local LGBTQ+ community as part of Sydney WorldPride.

2. That Council commends the work of staff, members of Council’s World Pride Committee and LGBTQ Working Group, in developing and implementing the festival, which included more than 70 inclusive and accessible events across the Inner West.

3. That Council notes Council's longstanding 'Feel the Love' Mardi Gras reception and the success of the inaugural Pride Inner West Festival and prepares a report to detail an annual program of events, including a Mardi Gras Parade screening, in celebration of our LGBTQ+ community.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Shetty/Griffiths)

That Council allow Councillor Langford to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 23.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Urgent Maintenance and Improvement of
Pedestrian Safety on Bayview Avenue Bridge, Tempe

Motion: (Langford/Da Cruz)

1. That Council notes that the pedestrian pathway on the bridge crossing the Cooks River at Bayview Avenue, Tempe is too narrow, and unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists, prams, wheelchairs and dog walkers.

2. That Council notes that recently a local resident cut her hand on some wire that is protruding from the handrail on the bridge.

3. That Council writes to the NSW Minister for Transport to request a new bridge to cater for active transport and to request urgent maintenance to address the immediate safety issues of rotten boards and sharp wire.

4. That Council writes to the NSW Shadow Minister for Transport, asking them to commit to upgrading the bridge if they are elected.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Foreshadowed Motion: (Byrne/D’Arienzo)

That safety issues on the Bayview Avenue bridge be referred to the Local Traffic Committee for investigation.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Cr Da Cruz

C0323(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Improving Pedestrian Safety on Wardell Road
Bridge, Marrickville

Motion: (Langford/Atkins)

1. That Council notes that the pedestrian pathway on either side of the Wardell Road bridge, crossing the Cooks River in Marrickville, is narrow, unfenced and unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists, prams, dog walkers and wheelchairs.

2. That Council notes that there is no zebra crossing on Wardell Road, Marrickville before the start of the bridge. This is a popular place for pedestrians and golfers from Marrickville Golf Club to cross. Crossing can be dangerous, especially during peak hour when traffic is heavy.

3. That Council urgently repairs the damaged pedestrian refuge on Wardell Road, Marrickville to improve pedestrian safety.

4. That Council investigates installing traffic calming measures within the area to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists and encourage active transport. Measures to be investigated could include:

a) A zebra crossing on Wardell Road, Marrickville at the start of the bridge;

b) Reducing speed limits;

c) Safety fencing on either side of the bridge;

d) Dedicating one of the paths to pedestrians and the other path to cyclists; and

e) The results of the investigation be referred to the Traffic Committee.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Procedural Motion: (Langford/Shetty)

That a motion of dissent be moved in the chairperson’s ruling on the point of order raised by Councillor Shetty that the mayor’s comments were not relevant to the motion.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

The Mayor’s ruling was upheld.

Foreshadowed Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

That safety issues on Wardell Road bridge be referred to the Local Traffic Committee for investigation.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Motion for the 2023 National General Assembly
of Local Government - Banks to offer more investment products

Motion: (Drury/Smith)

That Council endorses the following motion to be submitted to the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government:

This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to work with ALGA and the Australian Banker's Association to convince all banks to offer investment products to Local Government that will not contribute to further climate change. Reasons for this include:

1. Local governments across Australia often hold significant funds that have been allocated for future use, but may struggle to identify sustainable and ethical investment options that align with community values and meet permitted forms of investment set by state and territory governments.

2. Many councils are particularly interested in identifying investment opportunities that will not contribute to climate change.

3. In NSW, LGNSW has raised this matter with the NSW Minister for Local Government, who encouraged councils to prioritise sustainable investments that are in accordance with the NSW Ministerial Investment Order.

4. LGNSW has also written to the Australian Banking Association (ABA) seeking to encourage banks to offer more investment products to councils to meet this objective.

5. The ABA has now sought a meeting with LGNSW which is expected to take place shortly.

6. Given this is a common issue for councils in all states and territories and that banks operate nationally, ALGA may consider adding their voice to this advocacy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (D’Arienzo/Howard)

That Council enter into Confidential session.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Confidential Session

That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:

C0323(1) Item 33 Update on the Acquisition of Investment Properties (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

C0323(1) Item 34 Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP) (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993) as it contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

C0323(1) Item 35 FOGO Processing Contract Update (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

Procedural Motion: (Howard/Scott)

That Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

resolutions passed during closed session

C0323(1) Item 33 Update on the Acquisition of Investment Properties

Motion: (Drury/Stamolis)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment: (Da Cruz)

That Council provide the community with the context and progress for these Investments, i.e., $80 million received from Transport for NSW, Investment amount and estimated return and that we are looking for properties to invest in with an estimated return of that which was lost when the Tempe Lands which returned $4 million were compulsorily acquired by Transport for NSW, on our website and in our newsletter.

The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder.

C0323(1) Item 34 Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City Planning
Panel (SECPP)

Motion: (Scott/Byrne)

That Council defer this matter to the April 2023 Ordinary Council meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0323(1) Item 35 FOGO Processing Contract Update

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council request that officers provide a further report to the next council meeting detailing the communications strategy for the FOGO roll-out, with specific reference to the progress of Part 2 of Motion C1022(1) Item 33 from the meeting held on October 25 2022, which stated:

2. As part of this program, contract trusted local organisations, businesses or notable individuals to develop and deliver targeted programs to engage residents, schools, organisations and clubs to better understand the benefits and processes around FOGO and how households will participate in the FOGO program.

3. That as part of this report, Council provide information regarding the Budget for this component of work and the proposed timeline for an expression of interest or tender process, as appropriate.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Meeting closed at 10.04pm.

Public Speakers:

Item #	Speaker	Suburb
Item 1:	Pip Griffin Beth Hatton	Leichhardt Annandale
Item 2:	Rene Holmes Robert Mayer	Ashfield Stanmore
Item 5:	Nick Rippon	Newtown
Item 17:	Kerrin Alamango Eliza Dawson Isabella Ramirra	Leichhardt Ashfield Haberfield
Item 19:	Gisele Mesnage Lynn Booth Crisetta MacLeod	Ashfield Ashfield Ashfield
Item 23:	Anne Cooper	Earlwood
Item 24:	Kylie Cochrane	Dulwich Hill

Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 14 March 2023.

Council Meeting

11 April 2023

Item No: C0423(1) Item 1

Subject: Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24, and Long Term Financial Plan 2023-33 – Drafts for Public Exhibition

Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager and Chris Sleiman - Financial Partnering & Analytics Manager

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council endorse for public exhibition for a period of 28 days the:

a) Draft Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-2024 (including fees and charges 2023-2024); and

b) Draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033

2. That Council endorse the proposed amendment to the adopted Residential and Business - General Rates Harmonisation transition timeline, for 100% transition from 1 July 2023, instead of ending July 2029; and

3. That Council receive a report of the public exhibition outcomes at the June Council meeting.

DISCUSSION

Integrated Planning and Reporting

Under the Local Government Act, councils are required to develop a suite of plans as part of the ‘Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework’ (IP&R). IP&R is a rigorous and consistent system of community planning across all NSW local councils which also takes into consideration state and regional priorities.

IP&R assists councils in delivering their community’s vision through long, medium and short-term plans.

In June 2022, Council adopted its:

· Delivery Program 2022-2026 - outlines Council’s commitment to achieving the outcomes and strategies of the Community Strategic Plan during its term of office. Inner West’s Delivery Program is combined with the annual Operational Plan. The one-year Operational Plan contains detailed actions for the year, and the Statement of Revenue Policy (including budget).

· Long Term Financial Plan 2023-33- sets out the ten year budget forecast, underlying assumptions, sensitivity analysis, financial modelling for possible scenarios and methods of monitoring financial performance.

The Delivery Program/Operational Plan and Long Term Financial Plan are reviewed and updated annually and the drafts must be publicly exhibited for a minimum of 28 days prior to adoption by Council.

Draft 2023/24 plans

The draft Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 2) / Operational Plan and Budget 2023/24 (including draft Fees and Charges 2023/24) and Long Term Financial Plan 2023/33 are attached for Council’s consideration.

Draft Delivery Program 2022-26 (Year 2) / Operational Plan and Budget 2023/24

As this is the second year of the Delivery Program, the document continues the Delivery Program structure and services as adopted in June 2022.

The draft Operational Plan 2023/24 has:

· 174 actions including 110 rolling over from 2022/23 and 64 new actions arising from Council resolutions, new projects or to progress adopted strategy or policy

· 138 measures

Section three of the plan provides details about the draft budget and rating for 2023/24 to 2026/27. The draft Fees & Charges for 2023/24 is an appendix to the plan. In 2023/24, Council is budgeting total income before capital grants and contributions of $269.4m and expenses of $269.2m resulting in a surplus of $0.2m. Below is a summary of how Council has budgeted to spend rates and other income in 2023/24.

The key drivers of the budget include:

· IPART setting the 2023/24 Rate PEG at 3.7% in line with the Local Government offering.

· Continued draw down of the Domestic Waste Management reserve.

· Fees and Charges for 2023/24 being indexed at 7% unless stated overwise. Over the 10 year LTFP this is forecast to reduce to 2.5%.

· Increase of salaries and wages by 4.0% in anticipation of the new award commencing 1 July 2023. Over the 10 year LTFP salaries and wages are forecast to return to 2.5% from 2028/29 financial year.

· Provision of adequate budget for the maintenance of Council facilities under its control.

· In future years, Council is budgeting an increasing surplus after expenses and revenue are stabilised. Future years surplus are as follows:

o 2024/25 $0.7m surplus

o 2025/26 $2.4m surplus

o 2026/27 $3.2m surplus

In 2023/24, Council is budgeting to spend $105.2m on capital expenditure. Whilst continuing to maintain a high renewal of infrastructure of Council assets, other main projects include:

· Greenway Program

· Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Major Project

· Main Street Revitalisation

· Inclusive Playgrounds

· Camdenville Park Remediation and Staged Upgrade

· Tempe Reserve Amenities Building

· HJ Mahoney Reserve Sporting Ground Upgrade

Future years capital expenditure is:

· 2024/25 $100.6m

· 2025/26 $77.6m

· 2026/27 $73.6m

The draft Fees & Charges for 2023/24 are attached and provide for a general increase of 7.0%. Select fees have varied from the standard increase after considering other factors such as community benefits and costs of providing services. Other fees may not have changed, for example statutory fees are as determined. Council’s Fees & Charges have been classified under directorates and service units. Attachment 2 includes a list of Fees & Charges Change Log that are new, deleted, change of wording or have increased/decreased by more than 7.0%.

Long Term Financial Plan 2023/33

In accordance with the IP&R guidelines, the LTFP is required to include:

· projected income and expenditure, balance sheet and cash flow statement

· planning assumptions

· sensitivity analysis, highlighting factors and assumptions most likely to impact the LTFP

· financial modelling for different scenarios

· methods of monitoring financial performance

· major capital and operational expenditure implications.

The draft Long Term Financial Plan for 2023-2033 sets out two scenarios in which each, at the very least, maintain current service levels and establish a balanced budget. These are:

· Scenario 1 – Business as Usual, maintain existing service levels: In this scenario, Council continues to operate at the existing service levels to the community and maintaining the capital works program to ensure infrastructure is renewed or upgraded over the 10 years. This scenario also ensures that Council is financial sustainable by ensuring there are funds available to deliver infrastructure and services to the community.

· Scenario 2 – Addresses the Infrastructure Asset Renewal Backlog: In this scenario, Council continues to provide its services to the community as per scenario 1 with the addition of a process to reduce the current infrastructure backlog of $20.7m from the 2021/22 financial statements over the course of the LTFP. The majority of the planned infrastructure spend is spread over the 10-year LTFP and results in this scenario show that Council would be in a general funds deficit by 2026/27 financial year, so would require a loan of approximately $10.8M to cover the deficit.

Key highlights in the LTFP include Council achieving a surplus for the 10 years, and key performance indicators including the Unrestricted Current Ratio, Debt Service Ratio and Infrastructure Backlog Ratio all exceeding their performance benchmarks for the full ten years.

Rates Harmonisation

During the council amalgamation process, section 218CB was inserted into the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). This essentially was a transitional provision, requiring all amalgamated Councils to continue their existing pre-amalgamated rating structures for a period of four years from 1 July 2016 through until 30 June 2020. The NSW Government then amended the Act again, further extending this deadline until 30 June 2021.

When section 218CB expired on 30 June 2021 and lifted the freeze on rates, Council was required to adopt a harmonised rating structure commencing 1 July 2021.

On 13 May 2021, the NSW Parliament passed the Local Government Amendment Act 2021 (Amendment Act). This Amendment Act allowed councils to adopt a transition plan over a maximum of eight years which would enable transition to the final preferred rating structure acting to ‘smooth out’ both positive and negative impacts to ratepayers.

The Amendment Act provided greater flexibility for the councils that were formed in 2016 as they prepared to harmonise rates from 1 July 2021. Specifically, that councils could choose, in consultation with their communities, to harmonise their rating structures gradually over up to eight years. Councils that chose to take up this option must apply no more than 50% of the total increase in rates for each rating category over the period, in any one year.

Council commenced harmonising its rating structure on 1 July 2021, with an eight-year transition plan. The community consultation had been based on council staff recommendation of full (100%) transition to the new rating structure on 1 July 2021. This change caused a number of ratepayers in higher land value areas of the Inner West to contact Council questioning and validating their rates notices received. In most cases, these ratepayers were expecting a reduction in rates charged but received an increase due to the adopted eight-year transition plan.

Home and business owners currently pay different rates depending on where they live in the Inner West LGA. We share the parks, the pools, the libraries and the roads, so it is considered only fair that everyone contributes equally to the cost of the facilities.

It is proposed to reduce the transition plan from the current eight-year transition ending in July 2029, to 100% transition from 1 July 2023. The aim of reducing the transition plan is to address the current rates imbalance and bring about fairness and equity for all ratepayers. The rates harmonisation process does not increase the total rates received by Council, rather it is just a redistribution of the existing rates income.

Current and Proposed Harmonised Rate Example Using $1m Land Value

Note that new land values were recently issued by the Valuer Generals Office which have been used to calculate the rates income. These new land valuations come into effect from 1 July 2023. Property owners whose land values have increased will see a proportionate increase in their rates.

Residential rates comparison: 1 Year (proposed) vs Year 3 of 8 (current transition)

Business rates comparison: 1 Year (proposed) vs Year 3 of 8 (current transition)

Public exhibition

The documents are proposed to be publicly exhibited from 17 April-19 May 2023.

The draft documents will be available for the community to view at:

· Council’s Service Centres – Ashfield, Leichhardt and Petersham

· Council’s Libraries – Balmain, Haberfield, Marrickville and St Peters

· Online at Council’s online engagement website (yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au)

The community can provide submissions by mail, email, phone, or online, which will be reported to Council when the draft documents are brought back for adoption.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Council’s commitments in the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan are resourced as outlined in the annual budget and Long Term Financial Plan.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	2023 - 2033 Inner West Council Draft Long Term Financial Plan
2.⇩	2023/24 Fees and Charges Changes Log
3.⇩	2023/24 Fees and Charges
4.⇩	2023/24 Draft DPOP for Public Exhibition

Council Meeting

11 April 2023

Item No: C0423(1) Item 5

Subject: Revised Public Toilet Strategy

Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the revised Inner West Public Toilet Strategy (Attachment 1) and note the priority work program for public toilet upgrades.

DISCUSSION

Council adopted the Inner West Council Public Toilet strategy on 11 October 2021. The Public Toilet Strategy has the overarching aim of providing the community with the strategic framework for the management and provision of public toilets within the Inner West over the next ten years. Specifically, the plan provides Council with a strategic framework to improve our existing standard of facilities especially in the key areas of accessibility and safety as well as benchmarking tools for future new public toilet facilities. The strategy aims to deliver best practice in public toilet design, hygiene, safety and maintenance. Objectives of the Inner West Council Public Toilet Strategy include:

• Ensuring facilities are safe;

• Ensuring facilities are accessible;

• Ensuring the needs of the public are met;

• Ensuring facilities are environmentally sustainable;

• Addressing community needs (current and future);

• Providing a clear framework to guide decision making to ensure public toilets are well located and equally distributed; and

• Ensuring facilities are inclusive and welcoming.

Page 172 of the revised Public Toilet Strategy (Attachment 1) highlights the following public toilet facilities as key priorities for refurbishment and/or replacement over the next five to ten years (refer to Table 1.0). As part of best practice in public domain planning, forward planning will be undertaken to combine public toilet upgrades with capital works programs which also involve park and open space upgrades, including playgrounds upgrades and sporting ground refurbishment programs.

The future capital works program includes consideration of inclusive facilities and adult change facilities at proposed inclusive playground sites at King George Park and Richard Murden Reserve. Programming of further facilities for proposed inclusive playgrounds will form part of the inclusive playground program development.

Priority	Refurbishments of Existing Public Toilets	Refurbishment/Replacement	Proposed Financial Year	Council Officer Comments
1.	Pioneers Memorial Park	New facility	2023/24	Currently subject to procurement and tender process.
2.	HJ Mahoney Park	Refurbishment	2023/24	Works are being finalised following key stakeholder engagement.
3	King George Park	Addition	2024/25	Investigate facility with proposed inclusive playground concurrent with amenities building design
4.	Richard Murden Reserve	Refurbishment	2024/25	Refurbishment of existing facility to support the Inclusive children’s playground development.
5.	Easton Park	Refurbishment	2022/23	Refurbishment of existing facility following sporting ground upgrade
6.	Camdenville Park	Camdenville Park	2024/25	Refurbishment of facilities concurrently with the implementation of the master plan for the park.
7.	Henson Park (toilets on the hill)	Refurbishment	2025/26	Poor accessibility- prioritise with stage two upgrades following grandstand facility improvements.
8.	Tempe Reserve-Alexandra Canal	Replacement*	2023/24	Amenities to support facilities for the sporting grounds. Engagement required with key stakeholders. Tempe Blue facilities to be refurbished concurrently.
9.	Leichhardt Number 2	Demolish and Replacement	2024/25	Stakeholder engagement required
10.	Gladstone Park	Replacement*	2024/25	*At grade location within the park to be determined-community engagement will be required.
11.	Birchgrove Park Amenities Block	Refurbishment	2024/25	Sporting Ground Facility Upgrade to support sporting use.
12.	Pratten Park	Refurbishment	2025/26	Coordinated with other park building upgrades
13.	Mackey Park	Refurbishment	2024/25	Coordinate with sporting ground upgrade
14.	Arlington Reserve	Refurbishment	2024/25	Sporting Facility
15.	Victoria Road	Replacement	2025/26	RMS Facility owned but maintained by IWC.
16.	Stanmore Village	New Facility	2025/26	Consider development of new facility adjacent to Stanmore Library to service/support the Stanmore village and shopping precinct.
17.	Mort Bay Park	Refurbishment	2025/26
18.	Elkington Park	Refurbishment or replacement.	2025/26	Replacement option is subject to outcomes of the Plan of Management process for Elkington Park which is currently underway.
19.	McNeilly Park	Refurbishment	2025/26
20.	Simpson Park	Replacement*	2025/26	Demolish and rebuild
21.	Tillman Park	Refurbishment	2026/27
22.	Johnson Park	Refurbishment	2023/24	Works to be undertaken concurrently with Greenway Improvements.
23.	Mallam Reserve	Refurbishment*	2026/27	Engineering assessment required on asset life span of facility
24.	Kendrick Park	Refurbishment	2026/27

Table 1.0 Priority Work Program

The updated public toilet strategy is attached as Attachment 1.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Short-medium term upgrades on existing public toilets will continue to be a feature of Council’s ongoing financial and asset management strategy for facility maintenance. The development of new public toilets in parks and at strategic locations will be subject to the adopted public toilet strategy with recommended new facilities also subject to future consideration by Council as part of the forward Operational Plan.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Revised Public Toilet Strategy

Council Meeting

11 April 2023

Item No: C0423(1) Item 28

Subject: Question on Notice: Inner West Bushcare Sites

From: Councillor John Stamolis

This Question on Notice seeks to provide Councillors with a list of bushcare sites located in the Inner West as well as who looks after these and the frequency or works.

Question

Please supply the data a detailed in the table:

a) Bushcare site - the name of the bushcare site

b) Suburb

c) Contractor? - Is the bushcare activity conducted by Council staff, External contactor, Community group, other volunteers or a mix (Council staff/Volunteers)

d) Contract commenced - details when an external contractor commenced work

e) Frequency - details the frequency of bushcare activity (1 day per week, 3 days per month etc)

Answer

*Bushcare site	Suburb	Supervision	Contract commenced	Frequency
Gadigal Reserve	Summer Hill	Council staff		Once a month
Richard Murden Reserve	Haberfield	Council staff		Once a month
Hoskins Park	Dulwich Hill	Council staff + external contractor	2020 - present	Once a month
Johnson Park	Dulwich Hill	Council staff + external contractor	2020 - present	Once a month
Waratah Mills	Dulwich Hill	Council staff + external contractor	2020 - 2023 (decommissioned site due to Greenway)	Once a month
Camperdown Cemetry	Newtown	Council staff + external contractor	Feb. 2023	Once a month
Clubhouse Landcare	Marrickville	Council staff		Once a month
Wave Rock	Marrickville	Council staff		Once a month
Mort Bay	Birchgrove	Council staff + external contractor	Feb. 2023	Once a fortnight
Grafton Street	Balmain	Council staff	Once a week – local resident attendance Council on site every 3 months
*Natural Area	Suburb	Contract managed	Contract commenced	Frequency
Group 1	Annandale	Yes	2019	- Piper Street Once a month - Spindlers Reserve 1 day/3-4 weeks - Whites Creek Valley Once a fortnight - Hudson Lane Once a month
Group 2	Annandale	Yes	2019	- Whites Creek Wetland Once a week - Surrounds x 3 sites Once a week
Group 3	Balmain Birchgrove	Yes - area includes x 1 bushcare site	2019	- Camerons Cove 1 day/2-3 weeks - Elkington Park Once a month - Birrung Park Once a month - Vinardi Reserve Once a month - Waterdale Park Once a month - Birchgrove Oval 1 day/3-4 weeks - Mort Bay Park 1 day/2-3 weeks
Group 4	Summer Hill Lilyfield Haberfield Leichhardt	Yes - area includes x 2 bushcare sites	2019	- Gadigal Reserve 1 day/4-6 weeks - Peace Park 1 day/4-6 weeks - Richard Murden Res. 1 day/4-6 weeks - Lords Road 1 day/4-6 weeks
Group 5	Lilyfield Rozelle	Yes	2019	- Leichhardt Park North Once a fortnight - Leichhardt Park East Once a month - Leichhardt Park Embankment 1 day/3-4 weeks - Glover Oval 1 day/2-3 weeks - King George Park Once a month
Group 6	Tempe Marrickville	Yes - area includes x 1 bushcare site	2019	- Cooks River Bridge bi-monthly - Dibble Waterhole Once a month - Cooks River Corridor Once a week - Warren Park Once a fortnight - River Cycleway Once a week - Steel Park WSUD Once a fortnight - Mahoney Reserve Once a fortnight - Wave Rock Once a month - Beauchamp Street Once a month - Princes Street Once a month
Group 7	Tempe		2019	- Tempe Lands 1 day/3-4 weeks - Tempe Reserve 1 day/2-3 weeks - Kendrick Park Once a month
TfNSW Biodiversity Offset sites x 6	Protected and managed as Biodiversity Offset sites. This is a legally binding condition of planning approval for the *TfNSW light Rail project.	Yes - Council managed areas on behalf of TfNSW.	2015	Each site once every 5-8 weeks

*Bushcare is a volunteer-based, environmental conservation program coordinated and supported by the council
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/environment-and-sustainability/in-your-neighbourhood/bushland-parks-and-verges/bushcare-programs

*Natural Area – possesses a significant geological feature, geomorphological feature, landform, representative system, cultural significance or other natural feature. Managed under recovery plan for biodiversity conservation, critical habitat restoration and regeneration of ecosystem function. To provide for community use of the land in a manner as will minimise and mitigate any disturbance caused by human intrusion.

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/environment-and-sustainability/in-your-neighbourhood/bushland-parks-and-verges/natural-areas

* The TfNSW light rail project cleared significant areas of vegetation that provided habitat for the Long-nosed Bandicoot and other native wildlife. Before this the light rail corridor was used by wildlife to move safely through urban areas.

Question

What has been the total expenditure on these bushcare sites, by Council, for each of the past 5 financial years?

Answer

Natural Area	2018-19 – 2019 Tender - Group 1-7	2019-20 Actual	2020-21 Actual	2021-22 Actual	2022-23 Budget
Group 1		27,100	46,744	38,846	40,552
Group 2		40,768	42,330	39,719	39,696
Group 3		113,257	115,541	130,367	132,769
Group 4		12,425	51,765	50,148	56,699
Group 5		81,805	52,173	56,314	58,792
Group 6		73,920	94,875	169,994	170,478
Group 7		101,150	117,625	128,655	128,021
Other Natural areas Ecological Restoration		53,043	22,659	4,583	0
TfNSW Biodivsersity Offset Sites		53,043	0	52,155	52,317
Bushcare Site	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23 Budget
Johnson Park		1,620	2,970	2,970	2,970
Piggot St		1,350	2,970	2,970	2,970
Waratah Mills		1,980	3,960	3,600	3,600
Camperdown Cemetry					1,800
Mort Bay					3,600

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Master Plan Reference	Description/Rational of Proposed Improvement Works	Responsibility	Planning Notes
Master Plan Action 23	Construction of a Veranda for the Clubrooms to enhance the clubrooms and appreciation of the golf course surrounds	Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club. Council to assist with grant funding application support where possible.	Due to planning controls a Development Application is likely to be required for these works.
Master Plan Action 18	Storage Sheds (x2) Current facilities are dilapidated and inefficient Rebuild to accommodate local environment groups and provide public amenities for all-abilities toilets.	Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club. Council to assist with grant funding application support where possible.	Due to planning controls a Development Application is likely to be required for these works.
Not referenced in the Master Plan but noted as an essential utility service.	Sewerage Provision – Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club. The sports club is currently operating with two septic tanks which are proving inadequate for the growing numbers of visitors to the Club and restaurant facility.	Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club, Council to assist with facilitating discussions with Sydney Water.	Approvals will be required from Sydney Water for this work.
Master Plan Action 5	Perimeter Fencing - the current fencing is old, unsightly and in disrepair.	Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club
Master Plan Actions 1,6&8	Wayfinding and Signage - Public Access and Safety. The Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club and Council have agreed that ongoing community access to the golf course at all times needs to be maintained. The safety of the community can be enhanced by the provision of signage reminding the community of the importance of sharing the space with golfers and by directing pedestrians into the safest pathways that traverse the environment.	Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club	Council to consider funding in recognition that the parklands have shared community access.
Master Plan Actions 15,21&22	Water Security -The Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club has carried out extensive research into harvesting storm water runoff for use on the course. The plan would be to position storage ponds and tanks strategically through the course to maximise the use of storm water.	Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club. Council can assist with the preparation of grant applications where available.	Due to Planning controls a Development Application is likely to be required for this work.
Master Plan Actions 4,7,11,15&17	Environmental Projects -Future Native Tree Planting	Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club	Council to fund as part of its ongoing commitment to urban forest renewal and ecological enhancement.
Master Plan Action Items 2&6	Car Park and Driveway Lighting Provision. Lighting to improve access safety.	Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club	Council has allocated $50,000 allocated in the draft 2023/24 budget.
Master Plan Action 4	Public Safety and Community Access Improvements Short term construction of a boardwalk connecting the 1st tee box to the Cooks River Bridge Crossing. Longer term raised riverside pathway walkway to address all abilities access along the margins of the Cooks River and provide a safe and accessible recreational trail for the community.	Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club	Council to consider future funding in recognition that the parklands have shared community access.

Ward	Item
Baludarri (Balmain)	Balmain LATM Study
	Maney Street, Rozelle - drop off and pick up zone
	Traffic speeding on Grove Street, Lilyfield
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Alfred Street, Annandale - Angled Parking Conversion
	Leichhardt West Precinct – Stage 1 (Allen Street) Resident Parking Scheme
	Myrtle Street, Leichhardt - 10km/h Shared Zone and Line-Marked Parking Bays
	Update on improvements to the Frederick Street, Ashfield crossing
	Signage on the M4
Midjuburi (Marrickville)	Stevens Lane, Marrickville - Proposed installation of 'No Parking' restrictions along both sides of the laneway
	Edgeware Road, Enmore (at the Intersection of Alice Street and Llewellyn Street) - Proposed Traffic Signal Upgrade (Plan No. 10227) – Project 303097
	Dudley Street, Dulwich Hill; Burrows Avenue, Railway Road, Gleeson Avenue and (Lower) Railway Parade, Sydenham - Temporary parking changes during major rail shutdown of T3 Line for Sydney Metro Upgrade Works – Bus replacements for 4 days between Thursday 20 April to Sunday 23 April 2023
	Henry Street, St Peters – Sydenham Precinct (Area M4) Resident Parking Scheme Extension
	Safety around Marrickville West Public School
	Signage on the M4
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Nil.
Damun (Stanmore)	Nil.
All Wards	Excepting cyclists when two-way streets are converted to one-way

Contact	Organisation/Network
Janelle Scott & Uncle Allan Barnes	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
Osmond Chiu	Multicultural Advisory Committee
Rosanna Barbaro	Inner West Multicultural Network
Vi Pham	Vietnamese Seniors Association
Allan Murray	Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
Jane Lu	Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS);
Thomas Camporeale	Italian Association of Assistance (Co.As.It)

Chair	Carl Scully
Alternate expert representatives	Jan Murrell Roberta Ryan

Council appointed representatives	Mayor Darcy Byrne Deputy Mayor Phillipa Scott
	Brian McDonald
	Deborah Laidlaw

1.⇩	Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 31 October 2022
2.⇩	Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 28 November 2022
3.⇩	Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 27 February 2023
4.⇩	Major Capital Projects Committee Project Summary Report as at March 2023

1.⇩	Updated Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy 2023
2.⇩	Annual Grants Program Guidelines

1.⇩	IWC Investment Report - March 2023
2.⇩	IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary - March 2023