Agenda of Council Meeting - Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 11 April 2023 at Ashfield Service Centre

Meeting commenced at 6.33pm

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Philippa Scott

Liz Atkins

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

Luke Murtas

Mayor

Deputy Mayor (attended via audio-visual link)

Councillor

General Manager

Acting Director Planning

Manod Wickramasinghe

Acting Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Kelly Loveridge

Beau-Jane De Costa

Matthew Pearce

Daryl Jackson

Chris Sleiman

Aaron Callaghan

Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Chief Financial Officer

Financial Partnering and Analytics Manager

Parks and Recreation Planning Manager

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

APOLOGIES:

Motion: (Howard/Stephens)

That Council accept a leave of absence for Councillor Da Cruz from 3 April 2023 to 29 April 2023 due to being overseas and accept Councillor Scott’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to personal reasons.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:

Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting – 20 March 2023 as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport, who in her capacity as the Member for Summer Hill 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/Atkins)

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Drury/Tsardoulias)

That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 14 March 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, 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.

C0423(1) Item 39 Mayoral Minute: War Memorials in the Inner West

Motion: (Byrne)

1. That Council work with the Returned & Services League of Australia to compile a complete list of soldiers who died in the First World War from local communities in the Inner West.

2. That Council receive a report on how the full list of fallen soldiers can be properly commemorated at war memorial sites.

3. That Council liaise with the RSL to see if inclusions for other wars should be included in the scope of the study.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 40 Mayoral Minute: Civic Education Program on the Uluru Statement
from the Heart

Motion: (Byrne)

1. That Council write to the Walking Together trainers and the Sydney Alliance to thank them for their collaboration in training 1100 citizens to be advocates for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

2. That Council write to all the participants who registered for and completed to the training to thank them for their involvement and encourage them to support further.

3. That Council convene a follow up workshop for all participants who have completed the train the trainer (second workshop) to plan for how they will use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to build awareness of the Uluru Statement and the upcoming referendum in civic society organisations.

4. That Council write to all councils across Australia updating them about the success of the Walking Together training and encouraging them to undertake similar civic education training themselves in the lead up to the Referendum.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, 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 6 Land Classification - 203 Northumberland St, Liverpool
Item 8 Major Capital Projects Committee Meetings and Project Summary
Report
Item 11 Conflict of Interest Policy (Including Management of
Council- related Development Applications)
Item 14 Delegations Framework amendment
Item 20 Tree Management in Pioneer Memorial Park Leichhardt
Item 34 Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City
Planning Panel (SECPP)
Item 35 Appointment of Expert Representatives for the Inner
West Local Planning Panel
Item 37 Update on the acquisition of investment properties

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, 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 6 Land Classification - 203 Northumberland St, Liverpool
Item 8 Major Capital Projects Committee Meetings and Project Summary
Report
Item 11 Conflict of Interest Policy (Including Management of
Council-related Development Applications)
Item 14 Delegations Framework amendment
Item 20 Tree Management in Pioneer Memorial Park Leichhardt
Item 34 Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City
Planning Panel (SECPP)
Item 35 Appointment of Expert Representatives for the Inner
West Local Planning Panel
Item 37 Update on the acquisition of investment properties

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 6 Land Classification - 203 Northumberland St, Liverpool

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council resolves to classify the land being Lot 2 in Deposited Plan 1277704, also known as 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool NSW 2170, as Operational Land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 8 Major Capital Projects Committee Meetings and Project Summary Report

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That the Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee held in October 2022, November 2022 and February 2023 be received and the project summary report is noted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 11 Conflict of Interest Policy (Including Management of Council-related
Development Applications)

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council adopt the draft Conflict of Interest Policy, as attached to the report.

That Council place the adopted Conflict of Interest Policy, on public exhibition, for a period of 28 days, and provide a report back to Council if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 14 Delegations Framework amendment

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That the change to Council’s current Delegations framework wording, as outlined in the report, be adopted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 20 Tree Management in Pioneer Memorial Park Leichhardt

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 34 Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel
(SECPP)

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council appoint the recommended applicants, as outlined in the Confidential report, selected through the Expression of Interest Process, as additional Council representatives on the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP).

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 35 Appointment of Expert Representatives for the Inner West Local
Planning Panel

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 37 Update on the acquisition of investment properties

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Howard/Smith)

That Council allow Councillor Drury to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 1.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 1 Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24, and Long Term Financial Plan 2023-33 – Drafts for Public Exhibition

Motion: (Drury/Stephens)

That Council place on 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);

b) draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033; and

c) Amendment to the adopted Residential and Business - General Rates Harmonisation transition timeline, for 100% transition from 1 July 2023, instead of ending July 2029.

That Council receive a report of the public exhibition outcomes at the June 2023 Council meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 2 Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course-Priority Plan of Management Works

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

That Council defer consideration of the report until such a time as the General Manager has met with the leadership of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Recreation Club and gains further information about the Club’s prioritisation of initiatives listed in the report and further information about renovations to the Clubhouse.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 3 Preparation of a Park Plan of Management-MacKey Park

Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

1. That Council as land manager of MacKey Park endorse the draft Plan of Management (Lot 70, Lot 71 DP 1066013 and Lot 7307 DP 1145332) and refer this to the Minister for Crown Land and Waters for owners’ consent.

2. That Council, upon receipt of owners’ consent, place the draft Plan of Management on exhibition for 28 days and report back to Council for adoption.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 4 Preparation of a Park Plan of Management-Darrell Jackson Gardens

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Griffiths)

1. That Council as land manager of Darrell Jackson Gardens endorse the draft Plan of Management and publicly exhibit this for a period of 42 days for further community engagement.

2. That on the completion of the public exhibition period, the Plan of Management is brought back to Council for further consideration and adoption.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 5 Revised Public Toilet Strategy

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

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

2. That, should the 12-month trial of period product dispensing machines in Council facilities be successful and the program continued, Council update the Inner West Public Toilet Strategy to include period product dispensing machines in the Design Guidelines, and the Best Practice Checklist used to assess each block.

3. That as part of the reporting at the end of the 12-month trial of period product dispensing machines in Council facilities, Council staff prepare a report on the cost and operational feasibility of installing period product dispensing machines in public toilet blocks as they are scheduled for refurbishment through the priority work program.

4. That Council staff consider when preparing Council’s “Gateway and Wayfinding Signage strategy – All villages” the requirement for wayfinding signage in main streets and parks which includes public toilet provision.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 20 March 2023

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 9 Post Exhibition - Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy

Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

1. That Council adopt the draft Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy as outlined in Attachment 1, pending the amendment of the wording to appendix 1: guidelines for determining fee scale to changing: ‘Political parties, or activities that are overtly political in nature’ to ‘Registered political parties or activities that are related to electoral campaigning’, and ‘Political rallies or overtly political events’ to ‘Political party rallies or overt party political activities such as campaign launches or policy announcements’.

2. That the eligibility for the 100% fee waiver be amended to include all local not-for-profit organisations and community groups where the event to be held is not primarily a fundraising event. Please note that events that collect small or gold coin donations to cover the ancillary costs of the event do not constitute a “fundraising event”.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 10 Post Exhibition - Draft Event Invitation, Speaking and Public Meeting
Policy

Motion: (Scott/Smith)

That Council adopt the draft Event Invitation, Speaking and Public Meeting Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment: (Atkins/Lockie)

That Council adopt the draft Event Invitation, Speaking and Public Meeting Policy, subject to adding the following sentence at the end of both the first paragraph in Part 5 and the fourth paragraph in Part 7:

“Matters to be taken into account in deciding who to nominate include the ward where the event is taking place; any relevant resolution of Council and who moved it; and availability of relevant councillors.”

Motion Lost

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

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

C0423(1) Item 12 Draft Risk Management Policy

Motion: (Atkins/Scott)

1. That Council adopt the draft Risk Management Policy, with any agreed changes outlined by the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, at the meeting of 5 April 2023.

2. That Council place the adopted Risk Management Policy, on public exhibition, for a period of 28 days, and provide a report back to Council if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Risk Management Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 13 Draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy

Motion: (Atkins/Scott)

1. That Council adopt the draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy, with any agreed changes outlined by the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, at the meeting of 5 April 2025.

2. That Council place the adopted Fraud and Corruption Control Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and provide a report back to Council, if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Fraud and Corruption Control Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 15 Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy Reference Group

Motion: (Howard/Lockie)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 16 Reconciliation Action Plan Implementation Update

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

That Council receive and note the report.

That Council write to the Hon. Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians and Member for Barton and the Hon. David Harris MP, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, seeking meetings to discuss opportunities for collaboration on the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub and funding.
That Council write to representatives of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to discuss opportunities for collaboration on the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Councillor Drury left the Meeting at 7:49pm.

C0423(1) Item 17 Inner West Council Arts and Music Recovery Plan Final

Motion: (Smith/Howard)

That Council receive and note the report.

That Council circulate the final report to key stakeholders, including all Arts Summit attendees and relevant local sector organisations, for final consideration.

That following this process, that the report returns to the May 2023 Ordinary Council meeting for endorsement.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Drury

Councillor Drury returned to the Meeting at 7:53pm.

C0423(1) Item 18 Local Democracy Groups - progress report

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Atkins)

That Council receive and note the report and invite representative/s from the 9 advisory committees to present a progress report to an in-person Councillor briefing workshop by the end of May 2023.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

That Council allow Councillor Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 19.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 19 Update on Town Halls

Motion: (Smith/Howard)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That a report on EOIs received for Creative Use of Council Venues be tabled at the May 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, to include:

a) any received EOIs that have been matched with a venue;

b) all venues that have been identified for potential matching to an EOI; and

c) a timeline for all EOIs received to have been allocated a venue.

3. That Council staff hold a councillor workshop on the progress of the Inner West Pride Centre following the Pride Centre Open Day on 29 April 2023.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 21 Investment Report at 31 March 2023

Motion: (Drury/Stephens)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 22 Notice of Motion Pedestrian safety at Balmain Road, Lilyfield

Motion: (Shetty/Byrne)

That Council write to Transport for New South Wales and the Member for Balmain to request:

a) The installation of an additional safe place to cross on Balmain Road, Lilyfield between the refuge island at Grove Street and the traffic lights at Cecily Street;

b) Investigation of potential upgrades to existing refuge islands at Grove Street and The Boulevard to pedestrian crossings; and

c) Investigation of potential additional safety measures along Balmain Road between Perry Street and Cecily Street, such as signage and traffic calming measures.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Demerging Inner West Council: Notifying NSW
Parliament

Motion: (Stamolis/Atkins)

1. That Council to write to the NSW Premier Chris Minns MP to advise him of the highly successful poll of the Inner West community to demerge Inner West Council.

2. That Council to also write to the Opposition Leader (when announced).

3. That Council to also write to the State members of Parliament who represent the Inner West:

a) Ms Kobi Shetty MP for Balmain;

b) Ms Jo Haylen MP for Summer Hill;

c) Ms Jenny Leong MP for Newtown; and

d) Mr Ron Hoenig MP for Heffron.

4. That Council note the policy on demerging amalgamated councils which the NSW Labor Government took to the election, i.e. NSW Labor will not support the forced merger of local councils, nor will it support any forced demerger. NSW Labor does not oppose the merger or demerger of councils, but insists that this must be done voluntarily with the clear support of local residents as confirmed through a local plebiscite. NSW Labor will legislate to put in place independent mechanisms to enable this to occur.

Motion Lost

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

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

C0423(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Woolworths Balmain

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

1. That Council convene a meeting between Woolworths and the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce so that local businesses and the community can be briefed about any proposed changes at the Woolworths Balmain store.

2. That Council write to Woolworths articulating the concerns of Council and the community about the detrimental impact on the local economy that would be engendered through any reduction in product range at Woolworths Balmain store. This should include provision of all Council’s investigations and studies into spending patterns in Balmain.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Marrickville Mosaics

Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

That Council prepare a report on the cost of restoring and repairing all of the footpath mosaic artworks in Marrickville to allow for funding to be allocated to the works when the Budget is adopted in June.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Media Advertising

Motion: (Drury/D’Arienzo)

That Council authorises the General Manager to approve the occasional use of newspaper and magazine advertising, where appropriate, in accordance with Council’s Procurement Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Howard/Stephens)

That Council allow Councillor Atkins to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 27.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Transphobic and Homophobic Behaviour

Motion: (Atkins/Howard)

1. That Council condemn recent transphobic and homophobic behaviour and physical violence against LGBTIQA+ people in the Inner West and beyond.

2. That Council call on the new NSW Government to reinstate the Safe Schools program in all NSW schools.

3. That Council call on the NSW Government to reinstate accredited educator training delivered by unions and not-for-profit groups.

4. That Council supports the right of all trans people, including trans women, trans men and non-binary people aged 16 and above, to update the gender marker on their birth certificate through a simple administrative process to be legally recognised as female, male, non-binary or a gender marker descriptor of their choice, including that gender markers be optional.

5. That Council distribute the ePetition entitled allow transgender people to self-ID their legal gender via council communication channels including the Inner West News, social media and the council website.

6. That Council inform the Inner West LGBTQ Working Group, Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride partners of our support for self-ID and Safe Schools.

7. That Council write to the Premier, the Attorney-General, the Leader of the Opposition, and local Legislative Assembly members to inform them of this resolution and seek their support for amendments to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 to enable legal gender recognition without the requirement of surgical intervention.

8. That Council agree that the Community Safety Action Plan to be developed in 2023/24 specifically address the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (D’Arienzo/Smith)

That Council enter into Confidential session.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, 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:

C0423(1) Item 36 FOGO Communication Strategy on Rollout (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.

C0423(1) Item 38 Approval for Lease at 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool NSW (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.

Procedural Motion: (Byrne/Shetty)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 36 FOGO Communication Strategy on Rollout

Motion: (Howard/Smith)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0423(1) Item 38 Approval for Lease at 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool NSW

Motion: (Drury/Stephens)

1. That Council resolves to grant a 5+1+1+1+1+1-year lease of Suite 1, Ground Floor, 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool to Neami Limited (Tenant) for use as Offices and medical consulting.

2. That Council authorises the General Manager or delegate to negotiate, finalise terms and execute the Lease documentation.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Meeting closed at 8.25pm.

Public Speakers:

Item #

Speaker

Suburb

Item 25:

Rodney Aanensen

Marrickville

Item 27

Deb Saywell

Monica Harrison

Summer Hill

Earlwood

Unconfirmed Minutes of the 11 April 2023 Ordinary Council meeting.

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 1

Subject: March Quarterly Budget Reporting Statement, and Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022-23 - Quarter Three Report

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

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the Third Quarter Budget Review for 2022-23.

DISCUSSION

This report contains the Quarterly Budget Review Statement and third quarter report against the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022/23.

Quarterly Budget Review Statement

The Quarterly Budget Review Statement is a regular progress report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (s404(5)) and Local Government Regulation 2004 (Cl203(2)), namely that the Responsible Accounting Officer report quarterly on a budget review statement to adequately disclose the Council’s overall financial position.

This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2023. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2023. Council has updated its projected budget result to $26.4 million, this is an increase of $3.6 million from the 2022/23 December Budget. Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $2.2 million has been projected against the 2022/23 December Budget Deficit of $1.6 million.

During the quarter, a detailed review of both operating and capital budgets has been undertaken, reconfirming the budget projections for the current financial year.

The change in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions is predominantly due to:

· Rates & General Revenue increase of $0.7m because of supplementary rates notices issued during the financial year.

· User Charges and Fees increase of $2.1m predominately from restorations income to be received, offset by increase in Materials and Services budget to complete restoration works.

· Interest Income increase of $1.9m due to RBA increasing interest rates resulting in higher returns on investments.

· Other Income decrease of $1.0m to reflect year to date actuals for parking infringements and reduction in forecast rental income from timing of purchase of investment properties.

· Operating Grants and Contributions increased by $1.2m mainly to reflect year to date grants received for Faster Local Assessment Grant (FLAG), Flood Studies Grants, Local Priority Grant Parramatta Road Technical Studies Grant and FOGO.

· Capital Grants and Contributions increase of $4.2m mainly due to Regional and Local Repair Program Grant received, offset by various reduction in other grants.

· Employee Costs net decrease following realignment of budget to agency costs in Materials and Services for backfilling permanent roles.

· Material & Services net increase due to:

o Legal costs increase to match year to date spend on legal matters.

o Increase in agency costs for domestic waste management.

o Including matching expenditure for grants receive during the current financial year and prior financial year.

Summary of Budget Movements

Operational Budget

The graph in Figure 1 summarises the key operating budget movements, with a brief explanation and the impact on Council’s budget provided below.

Figure 1. Changes in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions

· Forecast net increase in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees:

o Development Assessment - $1.1m decrease due to lower value Development Applications lodged to date.

o Civil Maintenance – $2.5m increase to reflect restorations income expected for 2022/23 financial year offset by increase in expenditure to deliver restorations works.

o Parks Planning and Recreation - $0.3m increase to reflect higher than expected summer season revenue.

o Engineering Services - $0.4m increase to reflect year to date Road Opening Permits.

· Forecast increase in Rates & General Revenue $0.7m – reflect supplementary rates notices issued during the financial year.

· Forecast decrease in Other Income:

o Parking & Ranger Services - $1.6m decrease to reflect year to dates results for parking infringements.

o Properties & Strategic Investments - $0.3m decrease to reflect a reduction of expected rental income from the timing of purchase of investment properties.

o Environmental Health & Building Regulation - $0.2m increase to reflect current active premises for annual fire safety statements.

o Legal Services - $0.3m increase to reflect recovery costs for some legal matters.

· Forecast increase in Interest Income $1.9m – reflects RBA increasing interest rates resulting in higher returns on investments.

· Forecast decrease in Employment Costs:

o Result of realigning budget to agency costs in Materials and Services for backfilling permanent roles.

· Forecast increase in Materials and Services costs:

o Legal costs increase to match year to date spend on legal matters.

o Increase in agency costs for domestic waste management.

o Including matching expenditure for grants receive during the current financial year and prior financial year.

Capital Budget

The graph in Figure 2 over the page reflects changes in the timing of projects, with a brief explanation provided below. Details can be found within the March 2023 QBRS Movement (attached).

· Decreased Capital Expenditure of $10.7m is primarily due to realigning several projects to next financial year including:

o Newtown Town Hall Renewal Works

o Pioneers Memorial Park Renewal Works

o Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP)

o Leichhardt Town Hall Renewal Works

Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget. March 2023 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $89.2m.

The Capital Budget will continue to be reviewed to financial year end, on an ongoing basis with the capital works managers.

Figure 2. Changes in the Full Year Capital Budget including Capital Grants and Contributions

Responsible Accounting Officer Budget Review Statement

Section 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 requires a report by Council’s responsible accounting officer regarding the Council’s financial position at the end of each quarter. The following statement is made in accordance with this clause.

“It is in my opinion that the Budget Review Statement for Inner West Council for the period ending 31 March 2023 indicates that Council’s projected financial position at 30 June will be satisfactory, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgeted income and expenditure.”

Daryl Jackson, Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer)

- Inner West Council

Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022/23 - Quarter three report

In June 2022, Inner West Council adopted its new Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022/23. The plan outlines how Council will deliver services and infrastructure for the benefit of the Inner West community, as guided by the Community Strategic Plan – Our Inner West 2036.

The attached report shows progress against the plan during the third quarter from 1 January – 31 March 2023.

Highlights

There are 174 actions in total in the Operational Plan 2022/23, of which 12 were completed in in Quarter one, and a further nine in Quarter two.

Of the remaining 153 actions:

· 91% of actions were ‘Completed’ or are ‘On Track’

· 9% of actions are ‘Behind Schedule’, ‘On Hold’ or ‘Rescheduled’

All actions status

The graph shows the status of the Operational Plan 2022-23 actions for the third quarter.

Actions by strategic direction status

The following graph shows the status of the Operational Plan 2022-23 actions by the strategic directions of the Community Strategic Plan - Our Inner West 2036 for the third quarter.

The attached report contains commentary about progress on each of the actions and key measures against performance targets.

The report also contains detailed progress of measures against performance targets.

Highlights from the quarter include:

· The program of workshops has been developed and scheduled, ready for opening of the Inner West Sustainability Hub at Summer Hill Depot

· Over 23,000 people have accessed sustainability programs this year

· A Renewable Energy Forum was held on 11 March at Balmain Town Hall

· The Tree Management Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023 was adopted by Council

· The 'Love your home ground' local pilot project has been completed with 'Don't be a Tosser’ Signage' installed at hotspot locations, and three community litter collections were organised for Cooks and Parramatta Rivers

· The total solar capacity on Council buildings is now 800kW which is more than triple the target for the year

· The NSW Environmental Protection Authority awarded Council a $953,000 grant for the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) project

· The median determination timeframe for Development Applications was reduced from 115 days in Quarter 1 to 92 days this quarter

· The development of four major masterplans for town centres (Kings Street, Enmore Road, Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill) is progressing

· Local area traffic management plans are underway in Balmain, Petersham North, Morton Park and Newtown South

· The parking meter upgrade was completed

· The Inner West Homelessness Street Count was conducted by Council and Newtown Neighbourhood staff with the lowest number of people sleeping rough observed since 2016

· Five events/activations were delivered or supported including Ashfield Lunar New Year celebrations, Yabun Festival, Mardi Gras Parade Screening, Summer Fest, Bairro Portuguese

· There were 337 community and business organisations were engaged and 320 creative participants in the Events Program with local stakeholder participation averaged over 80%.

· The Creative Places policy and guidelines was completed

· The Bin Art program profiled works by local artists in Summer Hill, Petersham, Stanmore, Illawarra Road and Marrickville Road

· A stocktake of Council's cultural spaces for artists’ residencies was completed, including large scale engagement with artists and creatives

· Four new Perfect Match artworks were installed this quarter

· Two economic summits were held

· Council launched Pride Square with the Newtown pride beacon and seating cubes installation and held a successful launch of Pride Inner West and commenced Sydney World Pride on 11 February 2023

· Council supported over 60 initiatives with over 20,000 people attending activations across the local government area as part of the Pride Inner West program

· Over 900 Seniors attended the Seniors Festival program in February 2023

· Council is progressing inclusive playgrounds across the Inner West with the completion of a technical assessment report by Touched by Olivia

· Fortnightly customer service stalls were programmed across the Inner West.

· Development of the Customer Experience Strategy is in progress with consultation continuing

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	March 2023 QBRS Financial Statements
2.⇩	Operational Plan 2022-23 Progress Report Quarter 3

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 3

Subject: Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course-Priority Plan of Management Works

Council Meeting at its meeting on 11 April 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 09 May 2023.

Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

1. That projects identified as capital development improvements with high community benefit and identified as Council’s responsibility be considered for funding over a seven-year period, and Government grant funding support be sought where applicable.

2. That Council congratulates the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club on its commitment and action in developing an inclusive and welcoming community sporting club and importantly its hosting of a wide range of sporting and cultural events in 2023.

DISCUSSION

On 21 August 2021 Council adopted a 10-year Plan of Management and landscape Master Plan for Marrickville Parklands including the 18-hole golf course, Dibble Avenue Waterhole and AB Crofts Playground. On 4 April 2022 Council and the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club signed a 21-year lease for use of the parklands as an 18-hole golf course. The Parkland adjoins the Cooks River and enjoys significant community access for walking, companion animal exercise and biodiversity initiatives, including tree planting and bush care enhancement. The parkland is an integral landscape feature of the Cooks River Walkway and the largest area of open space in the Inner West LGA, next to Callan Park. The Marrickville Parklands has the potential to be a major regional recreational walking trail with long term links to the Greenway.

At its Ordinary Council meeting on 11 April 2023 Council resolved the following:

Engagement with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

Council staff have been working closely with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club Executive Committee on prioritising projects identified in the adopted park plan of management which will improve the amenity, public access and safety of the parklands.

Council’s General Manager and Parks Planning and Recreation Manager held a meeting with the Manager of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club and the President of the Sporting club on 20 April 2023. At the meeting it was agreed that the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club would the review the table of proposed future works and list these in order of priority.

Key projects which have been identified and prioritised by the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club have been listed and prioritised in Table 1.0 below.

Table 1.0 Priority Action Works Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course

Priority Ranking	Master Plan Reference	Description/Rational of Proposed Improvement Works	Responsibility	Planning Notes
1	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.
2	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 to consider future funding.
3	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 has allocated $50,000 allocated in the draft 2023/24 budget.
4	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.
5	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.
6	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.
7	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.
8	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
9	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.

Development Applications (DA)

A number the projects listed as key priorities for parkland improvements are likely to require a development application and consideration by the Inner West Local Planning panel. Advice sought from Council’s Planner has highlighted that with regards to all existing outbuildings on the site, exempt development is not an option for land in a foreshore area or in an environmentally sensitive area (both of which are applicable to the Marrickville Parklands site).

In terms of the construction of an additional veranda to the club rooms such a facility cannot be constructed on land within a foreshore area or cannot be higher than 1m above ground level (existing) under exempt development. In addition to this requirement any earthworks and associated retaining walls also require development consent as they are situated in a flood control lot and in an environmentally sensitive area. Finally in terms of any DA application the applicant would also need to apply for a flood certificate and a Flood Risk Management report would be required to address the controls in the DCP to the extent that it applies to what works/use they are undertaking.

The costs of the development applications associated with the priority action works are likely to be significant particularly with regard to the drawing of relevant plans, potential investigations and relevant technical studies. There are likely to be financial challenges associated with ability of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club in meeting these costs as well contributing towards capital improvement within the parklands.

Community Events

As part of its commitment to enhancing community life in the Inner West, the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club has scheduled a number of Community events for 2023.

· Hosting of World Pride Golf Day on Friday February 24th

· Inner West Short Film Festival- March 31st

· Reconciliation Golf Day- June 2nd

· Orion’s Big Back Yard - local musicians providing "funk on the fairways”- February 18th

· Battle of the Brewers - local brewers providing "froth on the fairways” while playing competitive golf.

In addition to the above listed events and as part of their commitment to reconciliation, the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club, are liaising with Community Services staff to explore opportunities to identify each of the 18 holes on the golf course from an indigenous perspective, geographical, cultural or environmental.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There is $50,000 allocated in the draft 2023/24 budget.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 4

Subject: Preparation of a Draft Plan of Management - Hammond Park

Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council publicly exhibits the Draft Plan of Management for Hammond Park for a period of 42 days and seeks public feedback on the proposed plan of management and master plan for the park.

2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the Park Plan of Management be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

DISCUSSION

Council has now completed the development of a 10-year draft plan of management and master plan for Hammond Park (refer to Attachment 1).

A Park Plan of Management [POM] is a guiding framework which directs the future vision, planning, management and use of the park. It will be used to inform the development of the park over the next ten years. The associated Master Plan is a design report outlining the actions required for improvement, intended to guide the physical upgrade of the parkland over the next ten years. It does this by suggesting how the strategies set out in the Plan of Management can be translated into site specific improvement opportunities for use and enjoyment of the park. Council officers have undertaken an extensive review of the draft Plan of Management and are presenting the plan to Council for endorsement for further community engagement with an exhibition period of 42 days.

Location, Access and Use

Hammond Park is located in the suburb of Ashfield North. The park is approximately 18 minutes’ walk (1.4km) north of Ashfield train station. The park has two primary roles which can be summarised as follows: (A) servicing the immediate residential community for informal recreational use, play and improved residential amenity and (B); providing for the active community recreation needs of local sporting users, including soccer, cricket and tennis. The Park is the only open green space within walking distance to a number of residential communities nearby. While the immediate context is defined by quiet residential streets, the Parramatta Road Urban Renewal Area suggests a shift in pace and development to the north of the site.

Location Map 1.0 Hammond Park

Community Engagement

Council has undertaken extensive community engagement as part of the development of the draft plan of management and master plan. The purpose of the community engagement to date has been to listen to community views and understand the key issues expressed in relation to management and use of the park, including those features of the parkland which are high valued. In addition, the community engagement outcomes have assisted with the preparation of a draft landscape master plan for the park as well as documenting key opportunities which can enhance community recreational use into the future. Throughout the engagement process contributors have been encouraged to include ideas, comments and suggestions to assist in prioritising the focus of key strategies and outcomes for the future.

The full community engagement report on the outcomes of community engagement and exhibition to date can be found in Appendix B of Attachment 1.

In summary Council has undertaken the following community engagement:

An online survey was conducted in August and September 2022 through the “Your Say Inner West (YSIW) website, seeking feedback on a range of questions regarding Hammond Park, its use, management and opportunities for the future. The survey included multiple-choice and essay style questions and was open for public feedback from 4^th August to 11^th September 2022. In addition to the above on site community engagement was held with two formal drop in engagement sessions on the following dates:

· Saturday 13 August 2022 11am-1pm

· Saturday 20 August 2pm-4pm.

Both community engagement sessions were well attended with excellent representation from a range of stakeholders. Fig 1.1 illustrates the number of the responses received at the two drop in events:

Fig 1.1 Have Your Say Display Boards-Hammond Park Public Feedback

Draft Plan of Management and Master Plan Proposals (Developed from Stage 1 Engagement).

The draft master plan for Hammond Park can be viewed on Page 42 of Attachment 1. In summary, based on the community engagement outcomes and site analysis to date, the following opportunities are recommended to be considered by Council and the community in relation to future park upgrades and operational management of Hammond Park

• Provision of new amenities block with storage, toilets and kiosk facilities.

• Improvement to park signage, wayfinding and heritage interpretation signage throughout the park

• Investigate options for understorey planting to select areas along Frederick Street.

• Improvements to the surface quality and level of the sports field.

• Improve circulation and accessibility through the design and provision of additional park pathways.

• Future proof existing tree cover by planting of new trees.

• Provision of a new teen zone with reversable hoops for basketball and netball.

• Inclusion of safety fencing around the park to prevent soccer balls from exiting the park on to busy roads.

• Management changes to operational access and use by Sporting clubs (Ashfield Pirates).

Proposed Management Changes in Sporting Ground Access.

In response to community recreational needs and in order to align access and use of Hammond Park with other sporting grounds within the Inner West Local Government area, the following proposed sporting ground management changes are recommended.

Fig 1.2 Current Operational Hours Sporting Ground Use and Access- Hammond Park (Juniors-Under 18 only).

Training	Times	Games
Mon	Rest Day
Tues	4.30pm-8pm (lights out 8:15pm)
Wednesday	4.30pm-8pm (lights out 8:15pm)
Thursday	4.30pm-8pm (lights out 8:15pm)
Friday	Train at Ashfield Pk as they can train longer there to 9pm
Sat		8am to 5pm
Sun		No usage allowed NO GAMES

Fig 1.3 Proposed Plan of Management Operational Hours: Sporting Ground Use and Access Hammond Park
(All Ages)*

	Times
Mon	Rest Day
Tues	4:30pm – 9pm
Wednesday	4:30pm – 9pm
Thursday	4:30pm – 9pm
Friday	4:30pm – 9pm
Sat	8am – 5pm
Sun	9am – 5pm

* The proposed changes in operational training and games hours for Hammond Park have been adjusted in response to demonstrated community recreation needs and to ensure full consistency with all other sporting grounds within the Inner West LGA.

Plan of Management Next Steps

Subject to endorsement by Council it is proposed that Council exhibit the draft Plan of Management for Hammond Park for a period of 42 days and through this undertake further engagement on the content of the draft plan and its associated master plan. This will include additional onsite engagement and notification of residents, park users and previous submission contributors of the engagement process. Following the conclusion of the community engagement period the Plan of Management will be brought back to Council for further consideration and adoption.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The final plan of management for Hammond Park will include an analysis of all future costings associated with proposed park upgrades and capital work improvements.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Draft Plan of Management Hammond Park

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 8

Subject: Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy

Prepared By: Ken Welsh - Transport Planner

Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopts “Powering Ahead” - Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy (2023) as policy to inform its future implementation of initiatives to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Inner West.

DISCUSSION

In March 2020, Council adopted its Integrated Transport Strategy “Going Places” which included a recommendation to prepare a Transport Technology Framework. In recognition of the rapid growth in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and in order to achieve improved sustainability outcomes, it was decided to prepare an Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy and Action Plan (The Policy), ahead of the overall Transport Technology Framework.

Preparation of the Policy included the key steps shown on the timeline below (Figure 1).Figure 1 – EV Policy Development Timeline

In considering both the draft and, the subsequent final version, of the Policy it is important to note that it has been prepared within the overall context of Council’s sustainability and transport planning frameworks; particularly noting Council’s Road User Hierarchy (Figure 2) which prioritises active and public transport ahead of private transport. As such the key drivers behind this EV Policy are the growing demand for EVs and recognition that EVs will assist in achieving better sustainability and liveability outcomes than vehicles powered by internal combustion engine's (ICE).

It is within this context of demand, sustainability and liveability that the Policy was developed, and as such it should not be considered to encourage greater private car use. Moreover, as Council recognises that some trips will inevitably be in private cars, it would be preferred that these trips are in an EV, rather than an ICE.

Timeline

Description automatically generated

Figure 2 – Council’s Road User Hierarchy (“Going Places” 2020)

In relation to the growing demand for EVs, as shown in Figure 3, between 2019 and 2021, the number of EVs registered in the Inner West has risen from 163 to 648 (nearly 300%). During that same time the number of public chargers in the LGA has only risen from 17 to 38 (125%).

Figure 3 – EVs registered in the Inner West LGA

Summary of exhibition results

In summary, the exhibition ran between 28 September 2022 and 23 November 2022. During this time Your Say Inner West received 2,283 hits from 1,414 unique visitors, resulting in 123 submissions from across the LGA.

These submissions indicated that 54% of respondents were somewhat to mostly satisfied with the draft Policy with an additional 26% of respondents were very satisfied with the draft Policy. Consequently, the exhibition indicated a high level of support for the draft Policy (80% of respondents expressing a level of satisfaction).

The survey also indicated that 17% respondents already own an EV and an additional 60% intend buying an EV within the next 5 years.

A detailed Engagement Outcomes Report is provided as Attachment 1.

Refinement of draft Strategy and Action Plan

The Your Say Inner West exhibition of the draft Strategy and Action Plan requested respondents to rank their three most important and three least important proposed actions. These rankings were used as the first step in prioritisation of the Action Plan. The ranked priorities were then weighted through Council Officers’ consideration of achievability, in order to group the prioritised actions into Immediate, Medium Term and Longer-Term Actions.

The achievability weighting used by Officers was based on each action’s:

· Relationship to existing policies and projects;

· Complexity of initiating and completing the action;

· Potential cost of implementation;

· Support from other agencies and stakeholders - including consideration of whether Council could independently initiate and complete the action.

Key alterations to the exhibited draft Policy

Based on Community feedback and the criteria outlined above, the following key alterations were made to the draft Strategy and Action Plan:

· Background material was reduced in response to increased community awareness about EVs;

· Updated data and graphics, including projected demand;

· Increased emphasis on Council’s Road User Hierarchy and sustainability goals;

· Replacement of “Ambitions” with “Strategic Directions”;

· Prioritisation of actions as “Immediate”, “Medium Term” and ”Longer Term”;

· Reduced consideration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (to be addressed in the future Transport Technology Framework);

· Amalgamation of several actions which were complimentary;

· Refinement of the Development Control Plan (DCP) rates of provision based on Community feedback and on-going review to align with similar policies;

· Removal of draft site selection criteria for public charging facilities (to be included in the selective tender process for public charging partnerships);

· Review to ensure alignment with the new National EV Strategy (released subsequent to exhibition of Council’s draft Policy).

Summary of Strategy and Action Plan (Included as Attachment 2)

Working at a high level the Strategy sets a Goal, Vision, Principles and two sets of Strategic Directions, while the Action Plan proposes a total of 19 actions prioritised as Immediate, Medium Term and Longer Term.

Actions already commenced

During preparation of the EV Policy it was recognised that, to reduce delays in implementation, the following actions should be initiated prior to completion of the Policy.

Fleet Transition:

In 2021-22 Council’s Urban Sustainability and Fleet Services Teams commenced transitioning Council’s vehicle fleet to EVs. To date roughly half of Council’s light vehicle fleet have been replaced with hybrids and 8 EVs have been included in the fleet.

A separate report on the fleet transition will be presented to Council.

Partnership with public charging providers:

With a view to establishing partnerships to encourage the provision of public EV charging in the Inner West, Council issued an Expression of Interest in the second half of 2022. Through this Expression of Interest Council has identified a number of potential partners who will be invited to tender through a selective tender process within the next 2-3 months. This tender process is aimed at, subject to grid capability, commencing the installation of public charging facilities in 2024.

Development Control Plan (DCP) review:

Council’s Strategic Planning and Strategic Transport Planning Teams began preparing a new DCP in 2022. The DCP Review includes consideration of rates for on-site EV charging provision. Proposed rates of provision were included in the draft Action Plan and have been refined based on Community feedback and on-going review to align with similar policies.

Car Share Policy

To encourage car share operators to transition their fleets to EVs, Council ‘s revised Car Share Policy (2021) includes a series of carbon dioxide emission targets.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy and Action Plan does not have specific financial implications, however some of the proposed actions may require varying degrees of funding and/or may result in potential revenue streams for Council. Any such action will be subject to Council’s budgeting process prior to implementation.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Engagement Outcomes Report
2.⇩	Draft Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 9

Subject: Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan

Prepared By: Jon Stiebel - Urban Sustainability Manager

Authorised By: Luke Murtas - Senior Manager Environment and Sustainability

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council adopt FY 2030/31 as the target for the complete transition of the Inner West Council fleet to Electric vehicles (EV).

2. That Council commence the installation of charging infrastructure at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre, and Leichhardt Depot.

3. That Council initiate planning for the roll out of comprehensive EV charging at St Peters Depot as part of the St Peters Depot Masterplan project.

4. That Council commence replacement of existing pool vehicles now with EV’s, where fit for purpose and cost-effective models are available.

5. That Council commence a trial of heavy vehicle plant to understand the current operational capacities of EV heavy vehicles and support their innovation.

6. That Council be updated on progress with the EV fleet transition through quarterly operational plan reports.

7. That Council adjust the draft FY 2023/24 capital budget to include $740,000 for charging infrastructure at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre and Leichhardt Depot.

BACKGROUND

Council’s Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan responds to the urgent need to decarbonise Council’s fleet of vehicles. It outlines the actions Council will take to achieve a cost effective and functional zero emissions fleet that meets the operational needs of Council.

The Sustainable Fleet Plan supports the objectives of Council’s:

· Our Inner West 2036 Community Strategic Plan

· Draft EV Encouragement Strategy

· Inner West Climate and Renewables Strategy

Council resolution C0721 (1) (points e-g) included

e) Council works with the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) and Re:Mobilise to:

i. Prepare a comprehensive fleet transition plan including light and heavy vehicle fleet with a goal of adopting zero-emissions transport where a fit for purpose and cost-effective alternative exists on a whole of life costing basis; and

ii. Explore entering into memorandum of understandings to collaborate with other councils to aggregate buying power, and develop competencies required for the transition.

f) Council to plan for complete transition to EVs by 2025 starting in the 2021-22 financial year; and

g) Council notes the Community Strategic Plan states: "Government makes responsible decisions to manage finite resources in the best interest of current and future communities". In light of this, and the climate emergency that Council declared in May 2019, the fleet should be electrified as soon as possible. As such, all newly leased or purchased IWC passenger and utility fleet vehicles will be zero emissions vehicles (where fit for purpose) beginning no later than EOFY 2021-22.

DISCUSSION

The Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan is informed by sustainable fleet consultants MOV3MENT.

MOV3MENT were engaged by Council in 2022 to:

1. Review the entire Council fleet, assessing current and future vehicle options to establish a pathway to an all-EV fleet

2. Conduct site inspections of all Council depots and administration centres to establish charging infrastructure requirements and high-level costing

3. Modelling a Total Cost of Ownership EV price premium for full electric fleet transition.

In 2022, Council’s fleet comprised 328 vehicles, consisting of light and heavy vehicles.

MOV3MENT advise that with substantial effort, Council could achieve a cost effective fully electric fleet that meets the operational needs of Council by 2030/31. Further, several vehicle categories have fit for purpose and cost-effective EV options available now based on a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) assessment. The EV fleet transition has commenced with eight fully electric vehicles operational in the fleet since 2022.

Model availability is still the main barrier to EV uptake in Australia which misses out on many models available in other similar markets which have policies to attract EV’s. Supply chain shortages since the start of COVID-19 have further impacted availability. Recent Federal government policy announcements intend to address the upfront cost and availability issue.

One stand-out segment not supported yet is the utility (Ute) market with affordable mainstream EV variants unlikely to be available until FY24/25. Options for heavy vehicles are also limited with only a few manufacturers offering these locally.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Based on Council’s criteria that an EV fleet must be fit for purpose and cost-effective, the background work for the Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan included:

· Assessment of the entire fleet, and the required charging infrastructure across 7 Council facilities including identifying where upgrade works to existing switchboards are needed, assessing electrical infrastructure, network supply capacity, proposed charger numbers, types and sizes, and costs per site.

· Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and financial modelling to determine the EV price premium for full fleet conversion to electric vehicles.

The minimum cost to install charging infrastructure across seven Inner West Council sites is an estimated $2.7M spread across several years as capital works are staged to match the roll out of the electric fleet (Refer Table 1 below).

During the project some managers expressed that fast DC chargers could be required. While MOV3MENT have not proposed these, they are priced at approximately $48K per charger if required. This cost is not included in the above $2.7M figure.

In addition, $900K could be required for electrical transformer upgrades at St Peters and Balmain Depots but will need to be confirmed with Ausgrid (refer Table 1 below).

Table 1: Potential estimated charging infrastructure costs

Cost item	Minimum cost estimate	Maximum cost estimate
Base cost for charging infrastructure, site reconfiguration works (where required)	$2.7M	$2.7M
Optional installation of 1 x 50kW fast charger at each location		$336K
Electrical transformer upgrades at St Peters and Balmain Depots (if required by Ausgrid)		$900K
Total	$2.7M	$3.9M

St Peters depot involves the most significant works, including major electrical upgrades on the main switch and on multiple distribution boards, electricity supply upgrade, and civil works. Charging infrastructure at St Peters is best implemented in a staged approach matching the number of EVs.

Due to the size and range of vehicles at St Peters, the whole site layout for fleet vehicles should be reviewed in conjunction with long-term planning for this site, prior to detailed design of the depot EV charging solution.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Assessment and EV price premium

Fleets recoup the higher upfront cost of an EV through lower operating costs. An EV fleet has fewer running costs, servicing requirements are far less, and the lower cost of electricity compared to fuel results in significant operational savings. The business case for EV’s compares the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an EV compared with its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) equivalent, including:

· Upfront purchase costs and the resale price (the difference being depreciation)

· Fuel costs (e.g. petrol, diesel) vs cost of electricity

· Differences in servicing and maintenance costs

· Administration costs (e.g. registration and insurance)

Consultants MOV3MENT calculated the Total Cost of Ownership of EV’s available today compared to current ICE vehicles across fleet vehicle segments. The results were that, depending on the specific EV model selected, it is now cost effective to transition light vehicles to EV, where comparable models are available, if council holds light vehicles for 4 years instead of two.

While availability of suitable heavy vehicles is still limited, the analysis for heavy vehicles available today showed that:

· for a very reasonable cost premium ($3,000 – $4,000 p/a) it is feasible to commence transitioning some heavy vehicles where a comparable EV option is available now (under moderate fuel prices),

· under higher fuel prices (i.e. $2.10/litre), the annual total cost of ownership for an EV heavy vehicle option is lower than an ICE heavy vehicle if Council holds the vehicle for 6 years. The only exception was for small trucks.

MOV3MENT then modelled the Total Cost of Ownership premium to transition all of Council’s fleet across to EVs, taking account of the estimated availability of EV models to 2030, and a reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership over time, in line with industry expectations.

The modelling estimates the EV Total Cost of Ownership premium at $2.1M between 2022/23 and 2030/31.

When the EV Total Cost of Ownership premium is added to the estimated cost of EV charging infrastructure, the required investment to transition the fleet is estimated at between $4.8M and $6M (Table 2) from 2023/24 – 2030/31.

Table 2 Estimated Costs to Transition Fleet to EV 2023/24 – 2030/31

Cost item	Minimum cost estimate	Maximum cost estimate
EV TCO premium	$2.1M	$2.1M
Base cost for charging infrastructure, site reconfiguration works (where required)	$2.7M	$2.7M
Optional installation of 1 x 50kW fast charger at each location		$336K
Electrical transformer upgrades at St Peters and Balmain Depots (if required by Ausgrid)		$900K
Total	$4.8M	$6.0M

It should be noted that financial modelling the EV transition is challenging due to current economic factors:

· Higher resale values / low vehicle depreciation (post COVID)

· Highly variable fuel prices. Petrol and diesel prices have surged by 30% or more in some weeks.

It is difficult to predict how long these economic factors will remain. To account for this uncertainty MOV3MENT included two different rates of depreciation and fuel prices in the modelling. Further variables include new and anticipated Federal government policy which is expected to make EVs more available and reduce costs. These variables are not reflected in the modelling, which was completed before these policy changes, so the estimated EV Total Cost of Ownership premium is likely to be conservative.

Funding of this multi-year project, which will see Council’s operating expenditure reduce through the decrease in fuel usage, service, and maintenance costs of its fleet, will come from a number of sources aligning to the capital spend.

The FY 2023/24 draft capital budget currently on exhibition will need to be adjusted to include $740,000 for the installation of charging infrastructure at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre, and Leichhardt Depot to commence the first stage of the project.

The cost of vehicles to be bought in FY 2023/24 will be funded through the existing fleet reserve.

Funding for additional charging infrastructure in the following stages will be considered through the FY 2024/25 budget process.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 11

Subject: Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill Interim Heritage Order and proposed Heritage Listing

Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council authorise the time extension of the Interim Heritage Order on the property ‘11 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill’ by an additional six months in line with Section 29(2) of the Heritage Act 1977.

2. That Council authorise the placing of an Interim Heritage Orders on 7, 9 and 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill for six months in line with Part 3 of the Heritage Act 1977 and the NSW Government Gazette No. 28 of 12 July 2013.

3. That Council authorise the General Manager to immediately notify the property owners and the public via a Government Gazette of Council’s decision to extend the Interim Heritage Order on 11 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill and the placing of Interim Heritage Orders for 7, 9 and 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill.

4. That Council authorise the preparation of a draft Planning Proposal to amend Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 for 7, 9, 11 and 13 Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill as a Group Item and 3 Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill as an Individual Item.

DISCUSSION

Background

In 2021, Council engaged specialist consultants GML Heritage to undertake an Inner West local government area (LGA) wide heritage review. During the project's early phases, five properties on Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill, were identified as having potential heritage significance. The Potential Heritage Conservation Area Study (February 2022) states:

“That Nos. 7 to 13 Macarthur Parade are pursued for group listing. A group listing would provide additional statutory protections than would be achieved through a Heritage Conservation Area. It is also recommended to investigate the individual heritage listing of 3 Macarthur Parade, the Dulwich Hill Baptist Church. The church, while originating from the same estate, displays different values and would have inherent local historic and social significance.” (GML Heritage, 2022)

Attachment 1 contains an excerpt from the February 2022 Study.

This outcome reiterated the request from a group of Dulwich Hill residents who sought heritage protection of the same five properties. A copy of their submission is contained in Attachment 2.

In October 2022, Council became aware that 11 Macarthur Parade was for sale and being marketed as a heritage free development site.

Council is authorised to make Interim Heritage Orders (IHOs) by Ministerial Order as published in the Government Gazette No. 90 of 12 July 2013. An IHO can be made if Council has considered if the following pre-conditions are in place:

a) it has considered a preliminary heritage assessment of the item prepared by a person with appropriate heritage knowledge, skills and experience employed or retained by the Council and considers that:

(i) the item is or is likely to be found, on further inquiry and investigation, to be of local heritage significance;

(ii) the item is being or is likely to be harmed;

(iii) the IHO is confined to the item determined to be under threat.

In response, under delegation, the General Manager sought an IHO be placed on the property. The IHO (No. 6) was issued under Section 25 of the Heritage Act 1977 and was published in the NSW Government Gazette 553 on 25 November 2022. Refer to Attachment 3 for a copy of the Gazettal Notice. This occurred a week before the property was due for auction on 3 December. It was subsequently passed in and remains on the market. We understand it was scheduled for a further auction on 22 April. At the time of preparing this report the outcome is unknown.

Progress during the Interim Order period

Since the IHO was put in place, a detailed assessment has been undertaken and has established heritage significance for:

· 7-13 Macarthur Parade as a local group listing; and

· 3 Macarthur Parade as a local individual listing

Refer to Attachment 4 for the draft Heritage Inventory Sheets.

On this basis, work has begun on a draft Planning Proposal to amend Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (LEP). This project was progressing as a component of the Inner West Heritage Review that is the subject of a future Council report. However, due to the imminent expiry of the IHO the draft Planning Proposal is being fast-tracked as the NSW Government Gazette No. 90, Schedule 5, Clause 2 states:

(5) An IHO made by a council must contain the following condition:

“This Interim Heritage Order will lapse after six months from the date it is made unless the local council has passed a resolution before that date; and

(i) in the case of an item which, in the council’s opinion, is of local significance, the resolution seeks to place the item on the heritage schedule of a local environmental plan with appropriate provisions for protecting and managing the item.”

The current IHO expires on 23 May 2023, and this report requests endorsement of extending the IHO along with preparing a draft Planning Proposal.

The draft Planning Proposal is scheduled to be considered by the Inner West Local Planning Panel (LPP) on 9 May 2023. The LPP are expected to indicate their support for the proposal. Referral to the LPP is required prior to making a recommendation to Council to refer the draft Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to amend the LEP.

The Planning Proposal with the LPP recommendation will be put to Council at its meeting of 20 June 2023.

Endorsement of a further three Interim Heritage Orders on the remaining sites in the proposed group listing (7, 9 and 13 Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill) is sought. This will ensure all properties in the proposed group listing remain intact while the process to provide permanent statutory protections progresses.

The preliminary heritage advice received from GML Heritage, and the draft detailed heritage assessment received from Council’s Heritage Specialists, both state that heritage significance is achieved for 7, 9, 11 and 13 Macarthur Parade as they are a group of houses built at a similar time with joint historical significance. This demonstrates the need for interim heritage protections on all four sites, as the loss or damage to one building would substantially diminish the heritage significance of the entire estate of houses. It is also noted that 5 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill has not been considered in this Planning Proposal as the original building has been demolished and replaced.

Next steps

Subject to outcomes of this report:

· Processes will begin to extend the IHO on 11 Macarthur Parade for a further six months, and to place an IHO on 7,9 and 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill; and

· The draft Planning Proposal will be tabled at the 20 June 2023 Council meeting (accompanied by the LPP recommendation) for endorsement to proceed to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for Gateway Determination.

Officers will proactively work with DPE encourage turn-around of the Gateway decision to ensure statutory consultation begins before the six-month period expires. Until the amendment to Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 is exhibited, the draft heritage listing has no legal status. Should the IHO lapse the property could be demolished as complying development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Extract of GMLs Heritage Study (February 2022)
2.⇩	Dulwich Hill Residents Submission (March 2018)
3.⇩	IHO Gazette Notice (25 November 2022)
4.⇩	Draft Inventory Sheets – for Group Listing of 7-13 Macarthur Parade and Individual Listing of 3 Macarthur Parade (March 2023)

Council Meeting

9 May 2023

Item No: C0523(1) Item 21

Subject: Investment Report at 30 April 2023

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 $222.4m. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s portfolio had a return 4.90%, against the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (3.77%) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 2.93% on a marked-to-market basis.

Without marked-to-market influences, Council’s investment portfolio yielded 3.95%pa for the month, up from 3.84%pa in March. This is based on the actual interest rates being received on existing investments and excludes market value changes of the securities/deposits.

The valuations on Council’s long dated fixed rate bonds increased during the month as long term market rates fell. 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.

Change in the value of our portfolio

During April, Council had no maturities, and made no new investments. This was due to limited non-fossil fuel products available in the month. Those available were offered with low interest rates.

Emerald Reserve Mortgage (purchased by the legacy Marrickville Council) maturing in August 2051 and August 2056 is categorised as greater than 1 year term to maturity category continues to be outside policy.

Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested in non-fossil fuel lending ADIs (51% of portfolio) and socially responsible investments (49% of portfolio).

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 April 2023.

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 held in the month of April were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

The External / Internal Restrictions and Working Funds Table, which reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 30 April 2023 is not yet available, noting the proximity of this meeting date to the month end. This will be provided following the completion of the month end process.

All funds have been allocated as laid out in the adopted 2021/22 Operating Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

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 had reflected the downward trend in interest rate markets over recent years accelerated by pandemic related interest rate cuts. With inflation pressures building, interest rates increased sharply over much of 2022, causing negative marked-to-market returns on existing bonds and FRNs over that period, however market rates have largely stabilised and the higher rates being received on new investments and FRN rate resets are flowing through to the rolling 12mo figure which is exceeding the benchmark’s performance again.

Domestic issues

§ There has been only a small effect on Australian banks’ funding costs from the higher risk premiums in global markets due to the lingering bank issues in the US and Europe. Spreads on domestic banks’ bonds have risen slightly, and by much less than had been seen during the pandemic or the global financial crisis, suggesting a high level of confidence in markets about the creditworthiness of Australian banks.

§ The Australian jobs market remains surprisingly strong. Latest data showed employment rose by another 53,000, participation rose to a near record high, and unemployment was unchanged at 3.5%.

§ The latest monthly consumer price index release fell again, now at 6.3% versus its high of 8.4% in December. The more widely referenced quarterly inflation data is expected to largely follow suit despite services prices remaining stubbornly high.

§ Some economists, as well as the financial markets, are anticipating a steady fall in inflation by the end of the year due to the slowdown in goods prices, early signs of weakening job openings and high recession/downturn risks due to the surge in interest rates over the year.

Interest Rates

§ At its April meeting the RBA kept the cash target unchanged at 3.60%, but made it clear that monetary policy may need to be tightened at subsequent meetings and that the purpose of pausing was to allow time to gather more information, from both home and abroad.

§ The market is still pricing in the current 3.60% cash rate as the peak rate in this cycle with the next move being a rate cut, possibly in early 2024.

In April, average term deposit rates were largely unchanged from March with rates between 4.50% - 4.70% for terms of 4 months out to 5 years:

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION AS AT 8 MAY 2023

The External / Internal Restrictions and Working Funds Table (above) reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 30 April 2023.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Inner West Council Investment Report - April 2023
2.⇩	Inner West Council Economic & Investment Porfolio Commentary - April 2023

Authorised Officer	Roles and Responsibilities
General Manager	Authority to invest surplus funds and authority to delegate this function in accordance with the councils adopted investment policy.
Director Corporate	As per executed Delegation of Authority
Chief Financial Officer	As per executed Delegation of Authority
Financial Reporting and Control Manager	As per executed Delegation of Authority

Long Term Credit Ratings	Portfolio Max %
AAA, AA+, AA, AA-	100%
A+, A, A-	70%
BBB+, BBB	20%
BBB- and lower & Unrated (excluding NSW TCorpIM Funds)	0%
Specific Ministerial Approved Forms of Investment	Portfolio Max %
NSW TCorpIM Funds	~~100%~~ 20%

Long Term Credit Ratings	Institution Max %
AAA, AA+, AA, AA-	50%
A+, A, A-	30%
BBB+, BBB	10%
BBB- and lower & Unrated (excluding NSW TCorpIM Funds)	0%
NSW TCorp IM Funds	Max %
~~TCorpIM Cash Fund~~	~~35%~~
TCorpIM Short Term Income Fund	20%

Ward	Item
Baludarri (Balmain)	Terry Street near Wise Street, Rozelle - Proposed line marking treatments
Baludarri (Balmain)	Pedestrian safety at Balmain Road, Lilyfield
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Lyall Street at Flood Street, Leichhardt – Proposed Kerb Ramp Realignment and Landscaped Blister Island Modification
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Chester Street at Gehrig Lane, Annandale - Proposed 'No Stopping' restrictions
Midjuburi (Marrickville)	Northcote Street, Marrickville – Pedestrian safety improvement works – Project 303082 - Design Plan 10239 – new pedestrian refuge
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Wardell Road/Riverside Crescent, Dulwich Hill- Proposed Bicycles Excepted signposting
	Holden Street, Ashfield - Proposed pedestrian refuge, mobility (disabled) parking space and postal space adjacent to Lewis Herman Reserve
	Fairfowl Street at Pile Street, Dulwich Hill – Proposed Streetscape Improvements – Project 302892 - Design Plan 10206-A - Formalisation of road closure
	Heavy vehicle and trailer parking Old Canterbury Road, Ashfield
Damun (Stanmore)	Cavendish Street at Holt Street, Stanmore – Pedestrian Safety Improvement Works – Project 303082 – Design Plan 10243-1 - raised pedestrian crossings
All Wards	Nil.

Support (Yes or No)	Public Exhibition Comment/Explanation	IWC Comment
Yes	So that the councillors will be in a position to address a resident's issue effectively	Concur
No	The councillors are the governing body of a local council. Councillors are the representatives of the community. To undertake their role they need to all have access to the relevant staff when requiring information, and in a timeframe that permits them to undertake their role effectively. Respect should always be shown by both councillors and staff when communicating, but these guidelines are working against the democratic processes outlined in the Local Govt. Act. They appear to be drafted in a manner that prevents members of the governing body, the councillors, from executing their roles as members speaking for the community that elected them! It seems more like an effort to pass control from the elected representatives to the GM and staff, and this is not how a council is intended to function under the LG Act 1993.	The model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy was developed by the Office of Local Government (OLG) in consultation with key NSW Government agencies including the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Information and Privacy Commission, the State Archives and Records Authority, and Resilience NSW. It represents best practice and is not in conflict with the Local Government Act 1993. The policy provides a framework for Councillors when exercising their civic functions by specifically addressing their ability to interact with, and receive advice from, authorised staff to assist Councillors in executing their roles.
No	No comment provided	N/A

Present:
Darcy Byrne Liz Atkins 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 Luke Murtas	Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Acting Director Planning
Manod Wickramasinghe	Acting Director Infrastructure
Ruth Callaghan Kelly Loveridge Beau-Jane De Costa Matthew Pearce Scott Mullen Sarah Duignan	Director Community Director Corporate Senior Manager Governance and Risk General Counsel Manager Strategic Investments and Property EY Consultants
Darcie Huisman	Business Paper Officer

1.⇩	Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - 16 November 2022
2.⇩	Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - 5 December 2022