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AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 2023
6.30pm
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Live Streaming of Council Meeting
In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. By speaking at a Council meeting, members of the public agree to being recorded and must ensure their speech to the Council is respectful and use appropriate language. A person who uses defamatory, discriminatory or offensive language may be exposed to liability for which Council takes no responsibility. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded
Pre-Registration to Speak at Council Meetings
Members of the public must register by 2pm of the day of the Meeting to speak at Council Meetings. If you wish to register to speak please fill in a Register to Speak Form, available from the Inner West Council website, including:
Are there any rules for speaking at a Council Meeting?
The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:
What happens after I submit the form?
You will be contacted by Governance Staff to confirm your registration. If you indicated that you will speak online, you will be provided with a link to the online meeting. Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Chairperson on the night of the meeting.
Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.
Accessibility
Inner West Council is committed to ensuring people with a disability have equal opportunity to take part in Council and Committee Meetings. At the Ashfield Council Chambers there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5657.
Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.
Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.
“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.
An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.
Statement of Ethical Obligations
The Mayor and Councillors are bound by the Oath/ Affirmation of Office made at the start of the Council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Inner West Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.
It is also a requirement that the Mayor and Councillors disclose conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
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PRECIS |
VOLUME 1 OF 2
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies
3 Notice of Webcasting
4 Disclosures of Interest (Part 4 (Pecuniary Interests) and Part 5 (non-pecuniary conflicts of interest) of Council’s Code of Conduct)
5 Moment of Quiet Contemplation
6 Confirmation of Minutes Page
Minutes of 20 June 2023 Council Meeting 7
7 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
8 Condolence Motions
Nil at the time of printing.
9 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C0823(1) Item 1 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Minutes 34
C0823(1) Item 2 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 15 May 2023 53
C0823(1) Item 3 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 19 June 2023 and 17 July 2023 64
C0823(1) Item 4 Tree Canopy Report 98
C0823(1) Item 5 Re-Establishment of Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for Balmain New Year's Eve 2023 - 2026 106
C0823(1) Item 6 Draft Plan of Management-Neighbourhood and Pocket Parks 109
C0823(1) Item 7 Crown Lands Procedural Requirement: Adoption of Park Plans of Management for Pratten Park, Petersham Park and Ashfield Park 423
C0823(1) Item 8 Draft Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan - Community Consultation Commencement 429
VOLUME 2 OF 2
C0823(1) Item 9 Post Exhibition - Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct Planning Proposal and Development Control Plan 502
C0823(1) Item 10 Draft Leichhardt Oval Masterplan for Public Exhibition 585
C0823(1) Item 11 387-389 Illawarra Rd Marrickville Works in Kind Agreement 637
C0823(1) Item 12 Additional Ordinary Council meeting date for Mayoral Election 684
C0823(1) Item 13 Local Government NSW Board Election and Annual Conference 2023 686
11 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C0823(1) Item 14 Planning Industry Professional Workshop Summary 705
C0823(1) Item 15 Investment Report at 31 May 2023 731
C0823(1) Item 16 Investment Report at 30 June 2023 755
C0823(1) Item 17 Delivery Program 22-26 & Operational Plan 22-23 Quarter 4 Report 780
C0823(1) Item 18 Update on Reconciliation Action Plan 856
C0823(1) Item 19 Arts and Music Recovery Plan Update (including Town Hall Activations) 858
C0823(1) Item 20 FOGO - Food Recycling Update 860
C0823(1) Item 21 Department of Planning and Environment advice regarding a Local Government Area wide Local Environmental Plan approach 866
C0823(1) Item 22 Mandatory Reporting of Fire Safety Reports referred to Council from Fire and Rescue NSW 873
C0823(1) Item 23 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report 879
C0823(1) Item 24 Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 921
C0823(1) Item 25 Updated Annual Disclosure of Interest Return 923
12 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0823(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Cycling Infrastructure Signage, Designation and Enforcement 933
C0823(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Leading a Reform Agenda on Waste 937
C0823(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: Council to Display First Nations Map, State from the Heart and Torres Strait Flag in Council Chambers 940
C0823(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Customer Service 944
C0823(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: Emergency Services Levy increase 947
C0823(1) Item 31 Notice of Motion: Webcasts 950
C0823(1) Item 32 Notice of Motion: Unoccupied Dwellings Rise by 35% 952
C0823(1) Item 33 Notice of Motion: Making the Rainbow Tunnels Permanent 955
C0823(1) Item 34 Notice of Motion: Balmain Road/Orange Grove crossing 957
C0823(1) Item 35 Notice of Motion: Newtown Festival 958
C0823(1) Item 36 Notice of Motion: Good Neighbour Policy 960
C0823(1) Item 37 Notice of Motion: Cumulative effect of Additional Equipment for Telecom Towers 961
C0823(1) Item 38 Notice of Motion: Henson Park Lighting 962
C0823(1) Item 39 Notice of Motion: White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal Impacts 964
C0823(1) Item 40 Notice of Motion: Clontarf Cottage Consultation 968
C0823(1) Item 41 Notice of Motion: Affordable Housing Fund and Land Audit 970
C0823(1) Item 42 Notice of Motion: State Housing: Occupied Dwellings Fall 972
C0823(1) Item 43 Notice of Motion: Haberfield Association ICOMOS Seminar 974
C0823(1) Item 44 Notice of Motion: Roads around Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre 975
C0823(1) Item 45 Notice of Motion: Newtown Town Hall Sub Committee – Pride Centre 976
C0823(1) Item 46 Notice of Motion: Cooks River Investment 981
C0823(1) Item 47 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety at Cardinal Freeman Village 984
13 Questions From Councillors
ITEM Page
C0823(1) Item 48 Question on Notice: Update on Affordable Housing 985
C0823(1) Item 49 Question on Notice: Dwelling Targets 987
C0823(1) Item 50 Question on Notice: Quality of Pedestrian Crossings 992
C0823(1) Item 51 Question on Notice: Council Flyer “We are about Respect” 994
C0823(1) Item 52 Question on Notice: Aquatic Centres 997
C0823(1) Item 53 Question on Notice: Fleet Transition 1001
C0823(1) Item 54 Question on Notice: Use of Consultants 1004
C0823(1) Item 55 Question on Notice: Councils Solar Panel Performance 1005
C0823(1) Item 56 Question on Notice: Public Housing in the Inner West 1007
14 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper are confidential in their entirety or contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C0823(1) Item 57 Expression of Interest - Newtown Town Hall Pride Centre 1008
C0823(1) Item 58 Update on the Audit of Council Land for Affordable Housing 1025
C0823(1) Item 59 Tender Recommendation Report for RFT 09-23 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade Architect Services 1028
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 20 June 2023 at Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.32pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Philippa Scott Liz Atkins Marghanita Da Cruz Jessica D’Arienzo Mark Drury Dylan Griffiths Mathew Howard Justine Langford Pauline Lockie Kobi Shetty
Chloe Smith John Stamolis Timothy Stephens Zoi Tsardoulias Simone Plummer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (attended via audio-visual link) (attended in person from 7:50pm) Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Director Planning |
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Ryann Midei |
Director Infrastructure |
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Ruth Callaghan Kelly Loveridge Beau-Jane De Costa Matthew Pearce Chris Sleiman Kathryn Parker Daniel East Manod Wickramasinghe Ken Welsh Brigid Kelly Helen Bradley Erin White Scott Mullen |
Director Community Director Corporate Senior Manager Governance and Risk General Counsel Financial Partnering and Analytics Manager Acting Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager Acting Senior Manager Strategic Planning Traffic and Transport Planning Manager Coordinator Strategic Transport Planning Senior Strategic Transport Planner Resource Recovery Planning Manager Resource Recovery and Fleet Services Manager Strategic Investments and Property Manager |
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Katherine Paixao Darcie Huisman |
Business Paper Coordinator Business Paper Officer |
APOLOGIES:
Motion: (Byrne/Stephens)
That Council accept Councillor Shetty’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link (6.32pm until 7:50pm) due to sitting in parliament.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:
Councillor Stephens declared a pecuniary interest in Item 15 Inner West Heritage Program as he has a relative who has an interest in a property (which is their principal place of residence) within a proposed Heritage Conservation Area. He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting for this item.
Councillor Lockie declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 36 Notice of Motion: Newtown Festival as she works at the City of Sydney in the Office of the Lord Mayor. She will leave the meeting during discussion and voting for this item.
Councillor Howard declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 15 Inner West Heritage Program as his employing member lives in one of the areas being considered for listing as a new Heritage Conservation Area. He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting for this item.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 17 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 15 May 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.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 39 Notice of Motion: Drag Story Time as he was the former chair of Rainbow Families NSW. He will remain in the chamber during discussion and voting as he no longer plays an active role in the organisation.
Councillor Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 17 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 15 May 2023 as she is the State Member for Balmain and has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.
Motion: (Byrne/D’Arienzo)
That Council note the disclosures of interest.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 9 May 2023 be confirmed as a correct record. Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
PUBLIC FORUM
The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)
That Council allow Ray Stevens to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 18.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Councillor Shetty entered the meeting in person at 7:50pm.
Procedural Motion (Lockie/Howard)
That the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15pm
The meeting recommenced at 8.23pm
Councillor Shetty left the Meeting at 8:23pm.
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1. That Council write to the family of Mrs. Chedra to express its condolences.
2. That Council plant a tree in her honour with a location to be determined in consultation with her family and put a plaque on a bench in her honour with words to be determined in consultation with her family.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Shetty |
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That Council write a letter of condolence to the family of John Ward.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Shetty |
Councillor Shetty returned to the Meeting at 8:30pm.
Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time:
1. Item 7 Post Exhibition Report 1 - 13 Parramatta Road Annandale VPA
2. Item 9 Dulwich Hill Skate Park
3. Item 14 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal - Determination of Mayor and Councillor Fees 2023/2024
4. Item 19 Update report on the Implementation of the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021
5. Item 20 Camdenville Park upgrades and Peter Bulger Wetlands
6. Item 21 Inner West Council Service Charter
7. Item 22 Update on Town Halls
8. Item 24 Updated Annual Disclosure of Interest Returns 2021-22
9. Item 25 Notice of Motion to Rescind: C0523(1) Item 7 Fishing along Foreshore Reserves - 9 May 2023
10. Item 38 Notice of Motion: GreenWay Community Forum 2022/2023 Annual Report
11. Item 39 Notice of Motion: Drag Story Time
12. Item 41 Notice of Motion: Hawthorne Canal Multipurpose Courts
13. Item 42 Notice of Motion: Local Democracy Groups and Council Committees
14. Item 43 Notice of Motion: Notice of Motion: Community Support for FIFA Women's World Cup
15. Item 59 Mayoral Minute: Damaging Increase in Emergency Services Levy Costs
16. Item 61 Mayoral Minute: The Retirement of Peter Kaye AM
17. Item 62 Mayoral Minute: First Nations Response
18. Item 63 Mayoral Minute: Inner West Theatre Guild
19. Item 64 Mayoral Minute: Easton Park Safety and Amenity
20. Item 65 Mayoral Minute: Assistance for local not-for-profit Clubs
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)
That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report be adopted.
1. Item 7 Post Exhibition Report 1 - 13 Parramatta Road Annandale VPA
2. Item 9 Dulwich Hill Skate Park
3. Item 14 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal - Determination of Mayor and Councillor Fees 2023/2024
4. Item 19 Update report on the Implementation of the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021
5. Item 20 Camdenville Park upgrades and Peter Bulger Wetlands
6. Item 21 Inner West Council Service Charter
7. Item 22 Update on Town Halls
8. Item 24 Updated Annual Disclosure of Interest Returns 2021-22
9. Item 25 Notice of Motion to Rescind: C0523(1) Item 7 Fishing along Foreshore Reserves - 9 May 2023
10. Item 38 Notice of Motion: GreenWay Community Forum 2022/2023 Annual Report
11. Item 39 Notice of Motion: Drag Story Time
12. Item 41 Notice of Motion: Hawthorne Canal Multipurpose Courts
13. Item 42 Notice of Motion: Local Democracy Groups and Council Committees
14. Item 43 Notice of Motion: Notice of Motion: Community Support for FIFA Women's World Cup
15. Item 59 Mayoral Minute: Damaging Increase in Emergency Services Levy Costs
16. Item 61 Mayoral Minute: The Retirement of Peter Kaye AM
17. Item 62 Mayoral Minute: First Nations Response
18. Item 63 Mayoral Minute: Inner West Theatre Guild
19. Item 64 Mayoral Minute: Easton Park Safety and Amenity
20. Item 65 Mayoral Minute: Assistance for local not-for-profit Clubs
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
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1. That Council authorises the General Manager or his delegate to negotiate the terms and execute a lease/ licence between Council and Transport Administration Holding Entity (TAHE) regarding Jack Shanahan Reserve.
2. That Council plan to deliver the skate park resurfacing with the lighting work in 2024-25 and include additional funding in the appropriate budget process.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council work with Rainbow Families to present a drag story time event at an Inner West Council library in 2023-2024.
2. That Council fund the event through the existing Libraries and Community Venues Budget.
3. That Council supports working together with community groups to make our LGBTQIA+ communities, kids, and families feel safer, connected, and supported.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council provide a grant of $10,000 to First Nations Response to replace the stock that was lost due to flooding issues at Council’s property. The funding source is to be identified through the next quarterly budget review.
2. That Council commit to delivering an engineering solution to the ongoing issue of water entering the Midjurburi community room adjacent to Steel Park, Marrickville.
3. That Council report on the finalisation of a license or lease agreement for First Nations Response to continue using the premises.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council promote the inaugural performances of the new Inner West Theatre Guild at Petersham Town Hall through all Council’s communications channels including the Council newsletter and social media.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
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C0623(1) Item 60 Mayoral Minute: Ian McCann |
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Motion: (Byrne)
That Council thank Ian McCann for his work for Council during the past 37 years of service with Inner West Council and Leichhardt Council.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Drury to speak for 3 additional minutes on Item 4.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Stephens/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Drury to speak for 2 additional minutes in his right of reply on Item 4.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (D’Arienzo/Howard)
That Council allow Councillor Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 6.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
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1. That Council endorses commencing early engagement on new special entertainment precincts in Marrickville, Leichhardt, Rozelle, Balmain and an additional precinct along Marrickville Rd and New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill.
2. That the findings of the early engagement are reported to Council.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, left the Meeting at 9:46pm and vacated the chair and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Scott, assumed the chair.
Councillor Griffiths left the Meeting at 9:47pm.
Procedural Motion (Atkins/Da Cruz)
That Council allow Councillor Langford to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 8.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Crs Byrne and Griffiths
Councillor Griffiths returned to the Meeting at 9:55pm.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, returned to the Meeting at 10:07pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Scott vacated the chair and The Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the chair.
Councillor D'Arienzo left the Meeting at 10:07pm.
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Motion: (Howard/Griffiths)
1. That the review and replacement of the Marrickville footpath mosaics be considered as part of the Marrickville Town Centre master plan.
2. That Council work closely with the Marrickville Heritage Society through the Marrickville Town Centre Masterplan process to prepare for the preservation of the mosaics.
3. That Council consult and where possible, prioritise working with the original artists of the mosaics as part of any future restoration process.
4. That Council work to minimise the cost of restoring mosaics, including by sourcing retail tiles.
5. That any applicant for a DA on a property adjacent to a mosaic be informed of their social and historical value and actions be put in place to protect the mosaics in the event of footpath works prior to any substantive works being undertaken as part of the Marrickville Town Centre Masterplan process.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent Cr D’Arienzo |
Procedural Motion (Smith/Tsardoulias)
That Council allow Councillor Howard to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 11.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr D’Arienzo
Councillor D'Arienzo returned to the Meeting at 10:13pm.
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1.
That Council endorse the Community
Engagement and Change Communications Strategy, with the addition that: a) Council must develop a series of materials in community languages, including direct mail to households, pages on the website, advertisements in ethnic community media and posters in community language;
b) Communications include messaging that additional yellow mixed recycling and green FOGO bins can be acquired at no cost;
c) Communications include messaging around the overall cost savings to council and the community, as well as environmental benefits;
d) All communications materials in relation to FOGO - Food Recycling be developed in consultation with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor; and
e) A countdown to the commencement date be included on the Inner West Council website to build anticipation and excitement for the commencement of FOGO - Food recycling and to reduce confusion about the commencement date.
2. That Council endorse the Inner West Creative FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) campaign with the addition of a tagline incorporating the words “food recycling” on all visual materials and that the words “food recycling” be used in association with FOGO in all written materials.
3. That the General Manager be delegated authority to write off all fees in relation to requests to increase the size of any existing red-lid garbage bin to 240 litre or 120 litre within the Domestic Waste Management service, associated with the implementation of the food recycling program until 1 July 2024.
4. That an update be provided at Councillor workshop before a further report is considered at the August Ordinary meeting, and that the workshop and report:
a) Assess the feasibility of implementing a system to offer households, at cost, a means to dispose of occasional overflow red-bin rubbish, for a period at least one year following the commencement of FOGO service. The system could consist of households being able to purchase a limited number of tags from customer service centres, online, at the Summer Hill Sustainability Hub, or at local libraries, which could be affixed to rubbish bags of up to 30 litres in size, enabling bags to be left aside red bins and collected on red bin collection weeks;
b) Assess the feasibility of providing free compostable bin liners from customer service centres, the Summer Hill Sustainability Hub, and local libraries in perpetuity, and potential funding opportunities to resource this approach;
c) Provide a detailed description of the role of Waste Busters/in-field waste education officers; and
d) Address the outcome of the EOI for FOGO Community Champions.
5. That for a period of a minimum of twelve months following the commencement of FOGO- Food recycling service, a monthly council report be provided at each meeting detailing customer service complaints, feedback and response metrics related to FOGO. The monthly report should also detail the number of households opting to increase their red bin size, the number of households utilising additional FOGO and co-mingled recycling bins, and tonnage of FOGO material collected, as well as any other data that councillors can use to track the rollout of the FOGO-Food recycling program.
6. That a single member of Council staff that is on the authorised contact list be appointed as the point person for councillor concerns on FOGO-Food Recycling roll out.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion: (Scott/Drury)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to deal with Items 12 and 57 consecutively.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
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C0623(1) Item 57 Henson
Park - Public Private Partnership - Licences
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Motion: (Drury/Smith)
1. That Council confirms that the outcomes and deliverables of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as outlined in the Henson Park PPP Final Assessment are acceptable.
2. That Council continue to proceed with the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project as a Public Private Partnership with the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Limited.
3. That Council authorise the General Manager to:
a) certify that the Henson Park Licence for Use and Construction Licence, as part of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project, has been prepared in accordance with the Public Private Partnership Guidelines 2022;
b) confirm that there have been no material change to the Public Private Partnership of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project or its cost since the full assessment by the Office of Local Government;
4. That Council seek approval from the Office of Local Government to execute the Henson Park Licence for Use and Construction Licence in respect of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project.
5. That Council delegate to the General Manager the authority, if approval is provided by the Office of Local Government, to execute the Henson Park Licence for Use and Construction Licence in respect of the Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment Project.
6. That Council delegate to the General Manager (or his delegate) the authority to execute the Henson Park Deed of Agreement for Use in respect of the Newtown Jets with a term of 21 years noting that the AFL Henson Park Licence for Use also has a term of 21 years.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Cr Da Cruz |
Councillor Drury left the Meeting at 10:18pm.
Councillor Drury returned to the Meeting at 10:20pm.
Procedural Motion (Scott/Stephens)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders and bring forward Items 33 and 40.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Shetty/Griffiths)
That Council allow Councillor Lockie to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 33.
Motion Lost
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis
Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Procedural Motion (Drury/Howard)
That Council enter into Confidential session.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Confidential Session
That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:
C0623(1) Item 53 Update on the Acquisition of Investment Properties (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it 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.
C0623(1) Item 54 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report (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.
C0623(1) Item 55 HJ Mahoney Memorial Park & Tempe Reserve Playing Surface Upgrades (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
C0623(1) Item 56 Henson Park Development Agreement (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.
C0623(1) Item 58 Henson Park Development Agreement – Supplementary Information (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.
resolutions passed during closed session
|
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: Cr Da Cruz |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Lockie)
That Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Councillor Howard left the Meeting at 10:45pm as he declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 15 Inner West Heritage Program as his employing member lives in one of the areas being considered for listing as a new Heritage Conservation Area.
Councillor Stephens left the Meeting at 10:45pm as her declared a pecuniary interest in Item 15 Inner West Heritage Program as he has a relative who has an interest in a property (which is their principal place of residence) within a proposed Heritage Conservation Area.
Procedural Motion (Lockie/Atkins)
That the meeting be extended for 10 minutes until 11.10pm.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis
Against Motion: Crs Scott, Smith and Tsardoulias
Absent: Crs Howard and Stephens
Councillors Howard and Stephens returned to the Meeting at 11:02pm.
Procedural Motion (Scott/Drury)
That Items 16, 17, 18, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 44 and 45 be deferred to the 8 August 2023 Ordinary Council meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Meeting closed at 11.03pm.
Public Speakers:
|
Item #
|
Speaker |
Suburb |
|
Item 2: |
Alex Lofts |
Summer Hill |
|
Item 3: |
Colin Hesse Peter Stevens Pauline O’Kane |
Marrickville Bexley North Ultimo |
|
Item 4: |
Jack Breen |
Tempe |
|
Item 5: |
Philip Bull Sam Gravanis Maria Terzis and Evlin Drossinos |
Marrickville Dulwich Hill Hurstville Grove |
|
Item 8: |
Neil Tonkin |
Lilyfield |
|
Item 10: |
Rodney Aanensen |
Marrickville |
|
Item 12: |
Stuart McCarthy Tiffany Robertson |
Marrickville Annandale |
|
Item 15: |
Justin Simon Paul Mortimer Heather Davie Scott MacArthur Greg Jones Kemal Atlay |
Summer Hill Marrickville Marrickville Marrickville Newtown Lewisham |
|
Item 18: |
Ray Stevens |
Balmain |
|
Item 21: |
John McNeil |
Annandale |
|
Item 33: |
Mark Mordue Omar Elrayes Robyn White |
Ashfield Olympic Park Erskineville |
|
Item 38: |
Alex Lofts |
Summer Hill |
|
Item 40: |
Emma Hawksford-Miller Emmeline Smith |
Marrickville Marrickville |
|
Item 45: |
Nicholas Dirs Danielle Buhagiar |
Marrickville Marrickville |
|
Item 63: |
Griffin Edge |
Lilyfield |
Unconfirmed Minutes of Ordinary Council meeting held 20 June 2023.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Minutes
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk and Justin Lucas - Risk and Audit Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That the minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) Meetings held on 5 April and 17 May 2023 be adopted.
2. That Council thank Mr John Gordon, Chair of the ARIC, for his six years of service to the Inner West. |
DISCUSSION
The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) is established in accordance with section 428A of the Local Government Act 1993.
The objective of Council’s ARIC is to provide independent assurance to Council by monitoring, reviewing and providing advice about the Council’s governance processes, compliance, risk management and control frameworks, external accountability obligations and overall performance.
ARIC Minutes
In accordance with the ARIC Terms of Reference, copies of the minutes of the Committee are to be provided to the Council.
The confirmed minutes of the ARIC meetings held on 5 April and 17 May 2023 are attached.
Resignation of ARIC Chair and recognition of service to the Inner West Council
The Independent Member and ARIC Chair John Gordon has resigned from the ARIC Committee, with his last meeting being 17 May 2023. Mr Gordon remained a member of the ARIC until 30 June 2022.
Mr Gordon has been a member of the ARIC since its inception. Over this time, he attended or presided over 32 ARIC meetings.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Funding to support the ARIC is included in the existing adopted budget.
|
1.⇩ |
ARIC Minutes - 5 April 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
ARIC Minutes - 17 May 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 15 May 2023
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 15 May 2023 be received and the recommendations be adopted. |
ITEMS BY WARD
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain) |
Withecombe Street and Ellen Street, Rozelle - Proposed 'Trucks Prohibited, Over 3t GVM' restrictions |
|
Fawcett Street, Balmain - Proposed 'No Parking' Restrictions |
|
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt) |
Nil |
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville) |
Livingstone Road cycle way upgrades and safety improvements review |
|
728-750 Princes Highway, Tempe – Bunnings – ENR1/2021/0035 Special Condition 3 – Signage and Line Marking Plans – MOD20220424 |
|
|
Request for Resident Parking Scheme in Scouller Street, Marrickville (General Business) |
|
|
Request for update on traffic light upgrade at Alice Street corner of Edgeware Road, Newtown (General Business) |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield) |
The Esplanade, Ashfield - "STOP" sign and holding line |
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
West Street, Petersham – Pedestrian Safety Improvement Works – raised pedestrian crossing - Design Plan 10240-A Project 303082 |
|
West Street, Petersham at the intersection of The Boulevarde – Pedestrian Safety Improvement Works – proposed raised pedestrian crossing - Design Plan 10241 Project 303082 |
|
|
Request for update on traffic light upgrade at Alice Street corner of Edgeware Road, Newtown (General Business) |
|
|
Citybound bus stop on Salisbury Road, Stanmore (General Business) |
|
|
All Wards |
Nil |
DISCUSSION
The May 2023 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was at Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meeting are shown at Attachment 1.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Specific projects have undergone public consultation as indicated in the respective reports to
the Traffic Committee.
|
1.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes - 15 May 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 19 June 2023 and 17 July 2023
Prepared By: Sunny Jo - Coordinator Traffic Engineering Services (north)
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 19 June 2023 and 17 July 2023 be received and the recommendations be adopted.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The June and July 2023 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held at Ashfield Service Centre and has made recommendations for council consideration and adoption.
BACKGROUND
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is legislated as the Authority responsible for the control of traffic on all NSW Roads. TfNSW has delegated certain aspects of the control of traffic on local roads to councils. To exercise this delegation, councils must establish a local traffic committee and obtain the advice of TfNSW and Police.
DISCUSSION
The June and July 2023 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was at Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meeting are shown in Attachment 1 and 2.
ITEMS BY WARD – JUNE 2023
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain) |
Seven Bridges Walk - Special Event |
|
Proposed Roundabout & Safety Improvements - Elliott Street, Terry Street & Glassop Street, Balmain |
|
|
Perry Lane, Lilyfield - Proposed 'No Parking' Restrictions |
|
|
King George Park Carpark, Manning Street, Rozelle - Proposed '8p 8.00am-8.00pm' Restrictions |
|
|
Intersection of Joseph Street and Unnamed Laneway (Between Ryan Street & Lamb Street), Lilyfield - Proposed 'No Stopping' Restrictions |
|
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt) |
Intersection of Croydon Road and Sunbeam Avenue, Croydon. -Proposed 'No Stopping' to the eastern corner of Croydon Road, north of Sunbeam Avenue. |
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville) |
Ewart Street, Dulwich Hill; Burrows Avenue, Railway Road, Gleeson Avenue and (Lower) Railway Parade, Sydenham - Temporary Parking Changes During Major Rail Shutdown Of T3 Line for Sydney Metro Upgrade Works - Bus Replacements for 11 Days Between Thursday 6 July to Sunday 16 July 2023. |
|
Smidmore Street, Marrickville – ENRC/2023/0025 - Temporary full road closures for Marrickville Metro Markets 11 to 13 August 2023, 13 to 15 October 2023, 8 to 10 December 2023, 9 to 11 February 2024, 12 to 14 April 2024, 7 to 9 June 2024 and related temporary changes to Victoria Road kerbside parking restrictions to accommodate relocation of community bus |
|
|
Meeks Road, Marrickville - 'No Stopping' yellow line and signage. |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield) |
Wardell Road, Dulwich Hill - Traffic Improvements. |
|
Wardell Road, Dulwich Hill – Consent Condition For Extension To Existing School Drop Off Zone Adjacent To St Maroun's College At Nos.149-206 Wardell Road. |
|
|
Hardie Avenue, Summer Hill - Proposed raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing and associated streetscape and community facility improvements. |
|
|
Grosvenor Crescent and Sloane Street, Summer Hill-proposed upgrade (raising) of existing pedestrian (zebra) crossings and associated streetscape improvements. |
|
|
Kensington Road, Summer Hill-proposed 'No Right Turn 6am-10am, 3pm-7pm Mon-Fri' from Kensington Road into Liverpool Road. |
|
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
Petersham North Latm Study |
|
All Wards |
Nil. |
ITEMS BY WARD – JULY 2023
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain) |
Rozelle Interchange - Pedestrian & Cyclist Improvement Project. |
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt) |
Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield - Traffic and Parking Review. |
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville) |
Philpott Street, Marrickville – Proposed Statutory No Stopping Restrictions at the intersection of Prichard Street. |
|
728-750 Princes Highway, Tempe – Updated Signage and Line Marking Plans for roadworks as part of Bunnings development - Special Condition 3. |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield) |
Marrickville Road, Seaview Street and Caves Lane, Marrickville – Temporary full Road Closures for Dulwich Hill Village Fair. |
|
Constitution Road, Dulwich Hill at the rail overbridge between Williams Parade and Grove Street – Temporary full road closure. |
|
|
Beach Street at Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill – Proposed Raised Pedestrian Crossing (Pedestrian Safety Improvement Works). |
|
|
Fairfowl Street at Pile Street, Dulwich Hill – Formalisation of road closure - Proposed Streetscape Improvements – Amended Design Plan. |
|
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
Fred Street at Victoria Street, Lewisham – Proposed kerb extensions and intersection safety improvement Works. |
|
The Boulevarde at Hunter Street, Lewisham – Proposed kerb extensions - pedestrian safety improvement works. |
|
|
The Boulevarde at Eltham Street, Lewisham – Proposed kerb extensions - Pedestrian Safety Improvement Works. |
|
|
All Wards |
Nil. |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Specific projects have undergone public consultation as indicated in the respective reports to
the Traffic Committee.
|
1.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committe minutes - 19 June 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
Local Traffic Commitee minutes - 17 July 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Tree Canopy Report
Prepared By: Heidi Webb - Acting Urban Forest Manager
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure
|
1. That Council adopt an inspection process for development sites that certifies tree, landscape works and deep soil provisions – this would apply to new dwellings, multiunit residential accommodation, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments.
2. That Council exhibit a new inspection and reinspection fee structure for new dwellings, residential accommodation, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments based on development size and type, as part of the fees and charges.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Livable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council engaged ArborCarbon to undertake an aerial measurement of vegetation cover in 2022. The analysis was used to determine current canopy cover and assist in guiding strategic direction for the increase in canopy cover for the Inner West. The analysis indicates the tree canopy of the Inner West has reduced, from 17.7% in 2020 to 16.4% in 2022. Half of this loss is associated with State Government infrastructure projects
Council’s planting of 6,500 trees on Council managed land will also contribute to offsetting this reduction. This will equate to a modelled canopy increase of 8ha over the next five years.
Furthermore, the implementation of a more robust framework for tree replanting through the existing approval process will assist with compliance of replacement plantings, leading to an increase in tree canopy.
A framework is proposed that will strengthen conditions of consent for all approval types. The proposal includes a Council officer inspection and certification of compliance with landscape and replanting requirements paid for by applicants.
To facilitate the above, some tools and modifications to TechnologyOne are required to capture relevant data and provide follow up reporting.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 24 September 2019, Council resolved the following:
9. Report on what compliance investigations or auditing has been conducted on large scale developments regarding their adherence to landscape plans and tree planting required as conditions of consent.
At the Council meeting held on 14 March 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council adopt the Development Control Plan (Tree Management DCP 2023) to commence on 1 April 2023.
2. That Council exhibit a new tree application fee structure based on the cost of works ($154 for works proposed less than $5000 and $243.20 for works proposed greater than $5000), as a part of the 2023/2024 Fees and Charges.
3. That Council note that staff are developing a plan to strengthen compliance activities, including activities to ensure planting of replacement trees, and seek a report back to the June 2023 meeting of Council.
4. That Council ask staff to provide the 2022 tree canopy data to the June 2023 meeting of Council.
This report responds to both of these Council resolutions.
DISCUSSION
In response to previous resolutions for Council to streamline the various tree management controls, in 2020, Council adopted a set of controls that aim to remove confusion and to make it easier for residents/property owners to manage trees on their property.
In the same year, Council, in conjunction with several other metropolitan councils engaged consultant ArborCarbon to undertake an aerial measurement of vegetation cover (flyover) which involved the capturing of high-resolution airborne multispectral imagery at 14,000 feet above ground level. Further flyovers were undertaken in 2021 and 2022.
ArborCarbon generated a Digital Surface Model for the whole of the local government area (LGA). Vegetation was ranked into five standard pre-determined height categories:
· 0-3 metres,
· 3-5m,
· 5-10m,
· 10-20m and,
· Greater than 20m.
The analysis classifies trees that have a height greater than three metres as canopy and anything below three metres as shrubbery or ground cover.
The above specification was developed by the company over several years based on client requirements, including the NSW State Government.
The results of the 2020 analysis found that approximately one third of the Council (32.3%) was covered by vegetation and noted a decrease in tree canopy for the Inner West between 2020 and 2022. In 2020, canopy cover was 17.7%, in 2021 it was 17.4% and in 2022 it was 16.4% equating to a total reduction of tree canopy of 29 hectares.
Council staff have undertaken a detailed analysis of all tree applications by type to determine where the loss has occurred. A breakdown of tree canopy loss by application type is provided below:
|
Application Type |
Area (ha) |
|
Tree permit applications |
3.23 |
|
Tree Minor Works Applications |
7.20 |
|
Construction Certificate |
3.77 |
|
Development Application – Trees only |
0.18 |
|
WestConnex and State infrastructure projects (Tempe Lands, land acquisitions for future projects) |
14.29 |
|
Street trees |
0.87 |
|
Total |
29.54 |
This shows half of the canopy loss across the LGA is attributable to state infrastructure projects including Rozelle Interchange, St Peters Interchange and Sydney Gateway.
The State Government is required to offset tree loss by undertaking replacement tree planting as part of the projects. It is expected that these replacement trees will assist in the recovery of the tree canopy over the next 5 years in addition to Council’s tree planting program to create a sustainable canopy in the long term.
Furthermore, the canopy coverage for surrounding local government areas (expressed as a percentage of their total area) as shown on the NSW Government SEED portal shows the status of Inner West Council compared to neighbouring councils:
|
Council |
% canopy cover of total LGA (2019 data) |
|
Bayside Council |
10.77 |
|
Burwood Council |
15.07 |
|
City of Canada Bay Council |
16.96 |
|
Canterbury-Bankstown Council |
15.09 |
|
City of Sydney |
16.06 |
|
Inner West Council |
17.56 |
The following figures have been sourced from ArborCarbon and summarise the breakdown of canopy cover across the Inner West LGA.
Figure 1 provides a suburb breakdown of canopy coverage and Figure 2 provides a proportional canopy cover of each Land Zone within the LGA.
Figure 3 is a thematic map illustrating canopy cover as a percentage of total land zone area. The darker green indicates higher relative canopy cover percentage.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
In conclusion ArborCarbon found that:
· Publicly owned land had the highest proportional canopy coverage at 22.9% while privately owned land had 13.4% proportional canopy cover.
· Over half (55.4%) of the canopy is on privately owned land and 44.6% is on publicly owned land. Land classified as Public Recreation had the highest proportional canopy cover, at 30.3% of its total area, while land classified as Recreational Waterways had the lowest proportional canopy cover (1.5%). In terms of contribution to overall canopy cover of the LGA, Low Density Residential contributed the most towards canopy (39.4%), followed by General Residential and Public Recreation 22.4 and 14.3% respectively. Tree planting from the last 4 years is already starting to show in the growth of canopy area in the RE1, RE2 and SP1 zones.
To counter the loss of canopy, Council has made a commitment to the community to improve canopy cover on Council managed spaces by investing $2M annually with a minimum 1,000 trees to be planted. As a result, 6,500 trees were planted over the last 4 years on Council managed lands. This will equate to a modelled canopy increase of 8ha over the next five years.
It should be noted that tree canopy loss and the replacement/replanting have a lag time when undertaking widespread monitoring. With the amendments to Tree Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023, Council has reclassified the definition of a tree, which allows for the protection of more trees within the local government area. Evidence of the previous 4 years programs will be visible in the RE1, RE2 and SP1 zones.
Compliance Activities by Application Type
A more robust compliance framework through conditions of consent and inspections will support tree replanting and provide greater assurance for the protection of the tree canopy of the Inner West.
Tree replanting is a requirement of the Tree DCP. The DCP is an instrument under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, with conditions imposed through either the development assessment (DA) process or through the approval of Tree Works Permits to require tree replanting and are therefore subject to the same penalties as noncompliance with other conditions of consent.
Monitoring compliance with conditions falls to the responsibility of either a private certifier or Council depending on the application type.
To improve the rate of tree replanting, utilising conditions of consent, it is proposed to:
· amend the tree conditions imposed in DAs for alterations and additions to clarify the responsibility for the certifier,
· amend the tree conditions imposed on other (larger) development sites to require an inspection by a Council officer to ensure adherence to landscape plans and tree replanting requirements,
· to fund this inspection through the imposition of an inspection fee.
Development Applications
In 2022, alterations and additions to dwelling houses constituted 75% of DA determinations. The remaining 25% was made up of new single dwelling houses, multiunit residential accommodation, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments.
There is a balance between valuing the tree canopy and enforcing conditions on the one hand, and the cost to the resident on the other. The tree canopy data discussed earlier in this report demonstrates that low density dwelling sites make an important contribution to overall tree canopy. They are also often most highly constrained, with small lots and competing demands for use of the site created by the dwelling and other outbuildings and structures such as driveways, garages and swimming pools. Where an application of alterations and additions is approved it is reasonable to provide conditions of consent that are robust enough to support the Certifier in ensuring that tree replacement, where required by condition, is taking place. To affect this, the condition will require evidence of replanting be provided to the Certifier prior to the issue of the Occupation Certificate. The evidence will be a photo of the tree/s planted in a suitable location and a copy of the purchase invoice that confirms the container size and species of the tree/s that have been planted. This evidence will form part of the documentation that makes up the Occupation Certificate which is ultimately submitted to Council and held in the Council record.
In those instances where the lot is so constrained there is no room for even a small canopy tree, the DCP already allows for a fee to be paid toward offsite tree replanting by Council in lieu of a tree planted on the residential site.
The remaining 25% of development sites is made up of dwelling houses, multiunit residential accommodation, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments. These development proposals start with a largely cleared site. It is reasonable to either require existing trees on site to be retained or organise the site design to ensure space for trees within an appropriate landscape setting. Furthermore, quality landscape plans including trees are an important element in providing better neighbourhood and community amenity. It is proposed to implement an inspection regime funded by the applicant through an inspection fee to ensure tree replacement and landscape outcomes have been achieved prior to the issue of the Occupation Certificate. This will ensure good amenity outcomes are achieved on each development site, improve the urban landscape and increase community satisfaction in areas of greater density.
To facilitate this outcome, it is proposed to charge a fee based on development type as per the below table:
Tree planting Inspection
|
Development Type |
Initial & Reinspection |
|
New Dwelling houses – inspection fee |
$245 |
|
New Dwelling houses – reinspection fee |
$111 |
|
Residential accommodation – up to 4 dwellings |
$430 |
|
Residential accommodation – 5 to 25 dwellings |
$900 |
|
Residential accommodation – 26 to 50 dwellings |
$1,285 |
|
Residential accommodation – greater than 50 dwellings |
$3,220 |
|
Commercial/Industrial Sites/Mixed development |
$3,220 |
This fee will be supported by template conditions of consent, which are edited as appropriate to fit the specific circumstances of the individual application. The condition of consent for these development sites will require certification from a Council officer prior to the issue of the Occupation Certificate, that landscape plans and tree replanting requirements that form part of the development approval have been implemented in accordance with the conditions and plans.
Complying Development Certificates
Complying Development Certificates (CDCs) can be determined by either Council or a Private Certifier. Depending on the category of development and the relevant legislative requirement, the development may require tree replacement however, there are few such CDCs issued in the Inner West.
Tree Permits
Where a tree permit is approved for removal, a condition requiring replacement is imposed. The same condition used for DA alterations and additions will be used for tree permits to ensure a consistent approach.
System Configuration
Configuration of the TechnologyOne system is required across all application types in order to capture data, measure compliance with conditions and ultimately ensure replacement tree planting takes place. This would be the next step in developing the framework required to protect and increase the tree canopy of the Inner West.
Blue-green Grid
It should be noted that the data from ArborCarbon has generally informed the Blue-Green Grid strategy.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The inspection and reinspection fee has been developed as a cost neutral fee for service and this will be monitored and adjusted in future fees and charges if required. It is expected that the cost of system configurations can be accommodated within the existing budget allocation.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Re-Establishment of Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for Balmain New Year's Eve 2023 - 2026
Prepared By: Michael Daly - Events Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council approve the re-establishment of Alcohol Prohibited Areas for New Year’s Eve from 12.00PM 31 December to 3.00AM 1 January for 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 at Yurulbin, Birchgrove, Miklouho-Maclay, Mort Bay, 2-8 Weston Street and Thornton Parks, College Street Playground, Simmons Point, Lookes Avenue, Illoura, Harris and Brownlee Reserves.
2. That Council approve the re-establishment of Alcohol-Free Areas for New Year’s Eve from 12.00PM 31 December to 3.00AM 1 January for 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 at Darling Street Wharf, Weston Street, Lookes Avenue and Darling Street between Duke Street and Darling Street Wharf.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report proposes to maintain Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for the Balmain Peninsula New Year’s Eve operations. It is legislated that Council needs to re-apply for these zones and go on public exhibition, every four years.
It is recommended that Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for New Year’s Eve be approved for 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 following public exhibition of this proposal.
This measure supports Local Area Command Police in their management of public safety during the busy NYE period at Balmain foreshore parks and streets.
BACKGROUND
Council has implemented alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas for New Year’s Eve celebrations in a number of parks, reserves and roads on the Balmain Peninsula since 2011. The existing period for these conditions has expired and it is proposed that these zones and areas continue for the period 2023 to 2026.
This report requests approval to re-establish the Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for New Year’s Eve 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 at Yurulbin, Birchgrove, Miklouho-Maclay, Mort Bay, 2-8 Weston Street and Thornton Parks, College Street Playground, Simmons Point, Lookes Avenue, Illoura, Harris and Brownlee Reserves, Darling Street Wharf, Weston Street, Lookes Avenue and Darling Street between Duke Street and Darling Street Wharf.
Under the Local Government Act 1993 there is a formal community notification process which has to be undertaken to re-establish alcohol free and alcohol prohibited areas. A new YourSay community notification, in line with the requirements of the Act, was undertaken in February, and closed for public comments on 31 March 2023.
DISCUSSION
The Leichhardt Police Area Command were consulted as part of this process and police have provided their support for the re-establishment of the alcohol free and alcohol prohibited renewal. Police also provided assistance in identifying all local licensed premises. In total 130 licensed premises were identified and notification of the re-establishment of the zones was provided to licensees. Licensees were encouraged to provide any feedback through YourSay.
The establishment of these zones and areas provides assistance to Police to manage public safety and mitigate against the potential for anti-social behaviour. The Leichhardt Police Area Command are responsible for crowd management on NYE evening across the Balmain peninsula. The zones and areas were established in 2011 for this purpose.
The Council proposal on YourSay received 118 views with 11 submissions from the community (10 directly from the website, and 1 response directly by email with 7 supporting, 4 opposing) to the re-establishment of alcohol free and alcohol prohibited areas for NYE on Balmain Peninsula.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report
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1.⇩ |
Map of Balmain NYE Alcohol Free Areas and Alcohol Prohibited Zones |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Draft Plan of Management-Neighbourhood and Pocket Parks
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council publicly exhibit the Draft Plan of Management for Neighbourhood and Pocket Parks for a period of 42 days and seek public feedback on the proposed plan of management and master plan for the park.
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the Draft Plan of Management be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) requires that Council prepares Plans of Management (POM) all public land that is classified as ‘community’ land under the Act. This applies to both Crown Land and land owned by Council. Plans of Management are important strategic and long-term plans which assist and guide Council and the community in the management and future development of community land. Plans of Management are developed by Council in consultation with the community.
These small areas of parkland are however more than this. Our local pocket and neighborhood parks are highly valued as meeting and connection spaces within our community. The Inner West’s pocket and neighborhood parks make a valuable contribution to creating not only a sense of community but also a sense of place. As our population grows into the future, the importance of pocket and neighborhood parks to our community will also grow, specifically in the area of recreation provision and open space access. Our pocket and neighborhood parks therefore need recognition as important spaces which are managed and designed with the needs of local users in mind.
BACKGROUND
Plans of Management categorise community land based on their characteristics and use, outlining how Council will use and manage the land. Plans of Management provide a transparent and strategic approach to the management of public land. In addition to community land, Council also has responsibility for the management of a number of Crown Reserves. Crown land also requires the preparation of plans of management, pursuant to the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.Out of the 208 Pocket and neighborhood parks Council manages, 10 sites are Crown land.
DISCUSSION
The Inner West Council area has a total of 208 pocket and neighborhood parks which are integral to the vibrancy and character of the Inner West Local Government Area. Council staff have developed an overarching Draft Plan of Management for the future governance, management and development of Pocket and Neighborhood Parks (Attachment 1).
The key objectives of the draft Plan of Management are to:
· Provide an integrated approach specific to the management of neighborhood and pocket parks across the Inner West Local Government Area (LGA).
· Outline the current and future use, development and maintenance of the neighborhood and pocket parks.
· Include measurable and defined deliverables for activating Our Inner West 2036 - Community Strategic Plan (CSP) as well as alignment with relevant Council adopted strategies and policies.
· Comply with the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) and Crown Land Management Act 2016.
The Draft Plan of Management outlines how neighborhood and pocket parks are to be managed and improved to meet the current and future community needs over the next 10 years. This also includes approvals for licenses and leases such as cafes, community gardens and short-term licenses for events and causal park use, including weddings and children’s birthday parties.
Where specifically identified, pocket and neighborhood parks have recommended improvements including integrated master plan development to ensure alignment with larger open spaces and/or streetscapes. As part of the planning process, plazas located off main streets in each of Council’s main village centers have also been included in the draft plan of management process. This inclusion allows for informed decision-making on future public domain improvements as well as defined management of the Plaza areas by Council officers who are charged with the day today administration of these well used community spaces.
Community involvement in the development of the draft plan was initially carried out in 2019 on Innerwest Council’s Your Say page of Council’s website. Initial feedback and community aspirations can be viewed in Appendix B of Attachment 1. The Draft Plan of Management has been developed with the aim of ensuring that individual park enhancements are responsive to local community recreation needs.
Upon Council’s endorsement of the draft plan of management tailored community engagement will be undertaken to seek further community views on management and development opportunities for the pocket and neighborhood park network. In addition to online engagement, a number of drops in events are planned in different areas of the LGA to ensure that local residents have the opportunity to comment on the future management of their local park.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Major Park upgrades recommended in the Draft Plan of Management will be subject to consideration in future capital and major projects work program as works for each pocket park are identified. It is noted that each pocket and neighborhood park has its own unique characteristics and level of community ownership. In this respect based on the size of each park assessed in the draft plan of management, future upgrades will depend on individual site-specific master planning, community expectations and Council priorities. Informed budget planning can then be based on these priorities.
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1.⇩ |
Plan of Management for Neighbourhood and Pocket Parks |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Crown Lands Procedural Requirement: Adoption of Park Plans of Management for Pratten Park, Petersham Park and Ashfield Park
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council as land manager of Ashfield Park (Lot 2 DP607316) adopt the Plan of Management for Ashfield Park.
2. That Council as land manager of Petersham Park (D500070 & D500430) adopt the Plan of Management for Petersham Park.
3. That Council as land manager of Pratten Park (Lot 1 DP64579, Lot 1 DP1169472, Lot 1 DP1169473, Lot 585 DP752049 & Lot 7041 DP93370) adopt the Plan of Management for Pratten Park.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The NSW Department of Planning has now given approval for Council to adopt the respective park plans of management (Refer to Attachment 1-Crown Lands Approvals). No substantial amendments have been made to Plans of Management by the Department, nor have any changes been made to the associated park master plans since Council endorsement.
Council is requested to formally adopt the Plans of Management, noting that should Council require any further amendments the plans will remain unadopted and will need to be referred back to the NSW Department of Planning for further consideration.
BACKGROUND
In 2020 Council undertook extensive community engagement on the development of draft plans of management for three Crown land reserves, these being: Petersham Park, Ashfield Park and Pratten Park. In 2022 Council endorsed the Draft Plans of Management and formally resolved to refer these to the Department of Planning for consideration for adoption.
DISCUSSION
In line with legislative requirements, Park Plans of Management have been developed in consultation with the community and respective master plans for each of the parkland areas have also been developed in response to community engagement outcomes.
Each Plan of Management and master plan includes a number of medium to long term development proposals have been included site specific ten-year master plans for each of the three parklands. Development proposals for each of the parkland areas is summarised as follows:
Key Master Plan Proposals -Petersham Park
· Enhance the rotunda area-enhance paving and forecourt area
· Consider implementing timed parking along Station Street to address residential parking concerns.
· Implement a tree management plan for the park.
· Scoreboard upgrades to improve the player and spectator experience while retaining the scoreboard building as a unique heritage item and landmark within the park.
· Consider renaming the grandstand ‘The Hughes family Dudley Seddon Memorial” Grandstand”*
· Consider installing solar panels on the roof of the grandstand.
· Provide additional public toilets in the park.
· Review the current provision of seating within the park and upgrade as required.
· Introduce fitness equipment to the park
*(the grandstand renaming work was completed on 6th November 2022 and a celebration event held at the park-this followed on from a Council resolution from June 2022).
Key Master Plan Proposals -Ashfield Park
· Development of a new interpretation strategy to highlight significant historic aspects of the park.
· New Park furniture in selected shaded locations.
· Establishing a biodiversity area to the southern corner of the park.
· Continue to maintain the practice of cutting the parks’ shrubs into ornamental shapes and keep the name ‘Ashfield Park’.
· Installation of two table tennis tables with concrete pads, accessible path and spectator seating.
· Extension of the community garden (by the community garden group).
· Upgrade of one of the grass bowling greens to a synthetic green.
· Creation of an off-leash dog area in the north-east corner of the park*.
· Upgrade the existing playground.
· Extend existing BBQ area and include additional natural play elements
*(With respect to demonstrated community recreation needs and the lack of off leash areas in the Ashfield area, consideration could be given by Council to delivering the creation of an off-leash dog area in the north-east corner of Ashfield Park in 2024/25).
Key Master Plan Proposals -Pratten Park
· Gateway access improvements to Hugh Street and formalisation and surfacing of the car park area.
· Upgrades to the play area and picnic areas.
· Upgrades and new seating for the grandstand.
· Upgrades to park lighting and park furniture throughout the park, including bench seating.
· Investigate options for a future café in the current canteen facility.
· Investigate opportunities for constructing a second story to the existing bowling club facility -facing towards the park.
· Creation of an informal recreation space for teenagers for basketball, netball, handball and fitness training /exercise equipment area.
· Provision of lighting for the tennis courts so that their recreational value can be enhanced, and evening use, up to 10pm at night can be permitted.*
· Increased tree planting throughout the park.
· Installation of a running and walking/track around the full permitter of the oval.
· Demolish the existing male and female toilet blocks within the park and consider the construction of a smaller shared and accessible toilet block at the location of the existing female toilet block.
*(Note there is demonstrated community demand for the provision of tennis court lighting for the use and enjoyment of the tennis courts for evening tennis use).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Long term cost plans have been completed for each Park Plan of Management. Capital improvements to individual park areas will be considered as part of the forward capital works program.
Attachments 2, 3 and 4 have been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
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1.⇩ |
Approval to Adopt correspondence-NSW Department of Planning and Environment. |
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2.⇨ |
Ashfield Park Plan of Management - Published separately on Council’s website |
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3.⇨ |
Petersham Park Plan of Management - Published separately on Council’s website |
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4.⇨ |
Pratten Park Plan of Management - Published separately on Council’s website |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Draft Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan - Community Consultation Commencement
Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Masterplan.
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The WestConnex Iron Cove Link tunnel is currently under construction and is expected to take approximately 50,000 vehicles a day off Victoria Road when it opens in late 2023. The Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan uses this opportunity to reimagine Victoria Road in Rozelle into an attractive boulevard and city gateway and further enhance the village atmosphere of Darling Street.
The Rozelle masterplan focusses on Victoria Road between Roberts Street and Terry Street (1.2km) as well as Darling Street between Cecily Street and Beatie Street (900m), which equates to a corridor area of almost 6 hectares.
Council officers are seeking to place the draft masterplan for community consultation.
BACKGROUND
In February 2023, early community engagement was conducted and an Engagement Outcomes Report has been prepared in Attachment 1. Early consultation included 4 pop up sessions that were attended by 460 people, 97 online survey responses.
Figure 1: Key messages from community submissions were that there is strong support for creating an attractive village with an authentic character that is welcoming, vibrant and accessible to pedestrians with opportunities for street tree planting/ greenery.
Figure 2: The Rozelle master plan has been developed in response to this engagement sentiment and key themes to inform the vision to address significant changes coming to the area, most significantly the WestConnex Iron Cove Link tunnel which is due to open in late 2023.
DISCUSSION
The draft master plan as contained in Attachment 2 proposes to create a platform for Council to advocate to TfNSW for changes in Rozelle that:
· Reducing Victoria Road to 2 lanes in each direction. Make safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle links along Victoria Road between Bays West and the Bay Run with new tree planting and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) infrastructure.
· improvements to Darling Street setting out expanded pedestrian spaces, new tree planting and a pedestrian oriented crossing of Victoria Road.
· reducing vehicle speed limits.
· improving pedestrian access through out.
· Various other improvements including active transport and gateway treatments.
Figure 3 and 4: Existing and proposed road allocation space on Victoria Road.
This is demonstrated through applying the NSW Government Movement and Place policy and presenting sketch designs for an attractive streetscape that pedestrians are more willing to spend time within. The masterplan will inform the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Road Network Performance Plan which, according to a WestConnex condition of approval, must be prepared prior to opening of the project at the end of 2023 and to current officer knowledge - has not been progressed to date. The scope of these changes are similar in ambition to many other places as seen across Sydney for example in Parramatta, George/Oxford Street and Circular Quay.
The masterplan also includes short term priorities that can be introduced relatively quickly when the Iron Cove Link opens as an interim measure before the full masterplan scheme is implemented including portable planter trees and barriers.
Figure 5: Photomontage of the proposed changes to Victoria Road looking east to the City.
Figure 6: Photomontage of the proposed changes to Darling Street, Rozelle
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan identifies the scope of long term capital improvements that may delivered by TfNSW, Council and private developers. The recommended master plan improvements will inform the future budget planning for Council’s capital works program.
Attachment 1 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
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1.⇨ |
Early Consultation - Engagement Outcomes Report - Published separately on Council’s website |
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2.⇩ |
Draft Rozelle Public Domain Masterplan |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct Planning Proposal and Development Control Plan
Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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1. That Council note the engagement outcomes and government agency referrals from the public exhibition of the Planning Proposal and the associated site-specific Marrickville Development Control Plan 2011 as detailed in Attachment 1.
2. That Council endorse the amendments to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022, Marrickville Development Control Plan 2011 and Sound Management Plan as detailed in Attachment 2, 3 and 4.
3. That Council submit the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment, to make the amendment under Section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
4. That Council adopt the site-specific chapter to the Marrickville Development Control Plan 2011 and for it to come into effect on the same date as the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 amendment is published on the NSW legislation website.
5. That Council authorise the General Manager to make minor/technical modifications to the Planning Proposal, Development Control Plan, and Special Entertainment Precinct Management Plan, during finalisation.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Inner West Council is at the final stage of making the Enmore Road special entertainment precinct (ERSEP) permanent. The ERSEP will be the first special entertainment precinct to be made in NSW. Statutory community consultation has been completed, including referrals to relevant government agencies. The draft Development Control Plan (DCP) to support the special entertainment precinct was exhibited at the same time. This report includes the findings from the consultations, recommended amendments to the supporting documents and DCP as well as adjustments to the precinct’s operation.
It’s recommended that Council proceed to finalise the planning proposal to amend Inner West LEP 2022 and adopt the draft amendment to the Marrickville DCP 2011 as well as the sound management plan.
BACKGROUND
The ERSEP began as a 3-month pilot program from September to November 2022. It aims to revive live music and entertainment, activate local businesses and the nighttime economy, and create more places for our community to enjoy.
At the Council meeting held on 14 March 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council supports the Planning Proposal to designate Enmore Road as Special Entertainment Precinct on a permanent basis and submit it to the Minister for Planning seeking a Gateway Determination under section 3.33 and 3.34 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
2. That Council place the Planning Proposal and draft DCP amendments on community consultation in accordance with Council's Community Engagement Framework to meet the requirements of the Gateway Determination, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, should the Planning Proposal receive a favourable Gateway Determination.
DISCUSSION
Consultation for the planning proposal and relevant amendment to the Marrickville DCP 2011 was conducted over May and June 2023. Engagement outcomes were positive with 67% support from official survey results and 84% support from a quick poll for making the precinct permanent. 81% of respondents to a survey support the new DCP chapter. Results from the engagement are included in Attachment 1.
A comprehensive joint submission backed by 26 signed letters of support from a range of NSW industry bodies was also submitted. It contained specialist advice from a town planning and acoustic consultant. A response to the matters raised is included in Appendix 6 of Attachment 1. Referrals were made to eight government and industry bodies and a discussion of the issues raised is contained in Appendix 7 of Attachment 1.
In response to submissions from businesses and referrals from the Live Music Office and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner informing Council that more than 30 minutes is needed to make the extended hours viable, it is recommended that Council extend the trading on development consents by 60 minutes, up to a maximum 2am trading extension. Businesses permitted to trade beyond 2am will be able to continue doing so.
The additional local provision in the Inner West LEP 2022 for special entertainment precincts remains unchanged, other than the removal of the trial period as detailed in Attachment 2.
Multiple amendments have also been made to the DCP (Attachment 3) and precinct sound management plan (Attachment 4). Attachments have retained tracked changes where amendments have been made.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Engagement Outcomes Report |
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2.⇩ |
Inner West LEP 2022 - proposed amendment |
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3.⇩ |
Marrickville DCP - proposed amendment |
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4.⇩ |
Sound Management Plan |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Draft Leichhardt Oval Masterplan for Public Exhibition
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the public exhibition of the Draft Leichhardt Oval Masterplan. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of undertaking a Masterplan is to establish a cohesive vision for planned upgrades and renovations of facilities at Leichhardt Oval, ensuring that the iconic oval can continue to serve the changing needs of the community and meet the demands of modern professional sporting venues.
The Masterplan will help to guide Council’s decisions around future uses of the site including concurrent upgrade of the adjoining Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre and modernisation of grandstand amenities including female and male change rooms, toilets, food outlets and screens. As a long-term planning document, the Masterplan will establish a framework for future uses and associated capital works, ensuring the continuation of Leichhardt Oval’s extensive history of hosting sporting and community events at both the local and professional level.
The Masterplan will provide clear direction to ensure the ongoing and future relevance of Leichhardt Oval as a compliant venue which can attract community and high-level sporting events and training; and maximises the use of all spaces, including increasing the use of the function rooms.
With a number of preliminary concepts for the site developed and costed following the initial visioning and strategy development, Council recently undertook a further round of broad community engagement and stakeholder meetings to seek feedback on the concepts and planning to date.
Engagement included an online survey through the Council’s ‘Your Say’ website over a 4-week period between 26 June 2023 and 23 July 2023, as well as three public pop-up sessions (Balmain, Leichhardt, and Rozelle) for the community to attend and discuss the preliminary concepts with staff and Cox consultants.
The feedback from this second round of community and stakeholder engagement has been analysed and considered in preparing the draft Masterplan for the oval.
Endorsement is now being sought to proceed to place the draft Masterplan on public exhibition. Following the public exhibition period, the feedback received will be considered in finalising the Masterplan, with a further report to be tabled to Council in October for consideration.
BACKGROUND
In 2020 a Plan of Management and Masterplan was adopted for Leichhardt Park that recommended the formalisation of a specific Masterplan for the long-term vision of Leichhardt Oval.
At the Council meeting held on 10 May 2022, Council resolved the following:
1. Council begins work on formulating a new Masterplan for the upgrading and renovation of facilities at Leichhardt Oval in anticipation of an expected significant NSW Government financial contribution.
2. The Masterplan preserve and protect the heritage of the ground, including the Wayne Pearce Hill and Keith Barnes Stand, while providing the modern seating and facilities the ground desperately needs; and
3. The Masterplan is to include consideration of the following:
• The ground hosts a minimum of six Wests Tigers home games a year.
• A major new grandstand providing modern seating for professional sport.
• A Museum of Inner West Rugby League.
• Modern amenities including new change rooms, toilets, food outlets and screens.
• New function facilities.
• Improved parking.
• Opening the ground up to the public as a community centre during the week; and
• An upgrade of the adjoining Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre providing improved gym, rehabilitation, and aquatic facilities for users of Leichhardt Oval and the community.
Council then completed a public tender process to engage appropriately skilled consultants to assist council in the preparation of a Masterplan, and Cox Architects were awarded the contract.
Through community engagement to understand direct user experience, and then establishing strategies to align with the feedback, a series of preliminary concepts were developed and costed, and presented to the 20 June 2023 Council meeting. At that meeting it was resolved that:
Council endorse the public exhibition of the preliminary costed concepts for the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan.
DISCUSSION
The key aims of the Masterplan are to:
· Formally acknowledge the history and culture of Leichhardt Oval and the important role it has played within our community since its establishment in 1934.
· Provide a multi-purpose high standard event, function and conference facility which is strategically planned and managed.
· Consider the needs of the community and key stakeholders including accessibility and inclusivity.
· Incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principals into the Masterplan.
· Ensure an ongoing commitment to the management of the Leichhardt Park sporting precinct through the development of effective and innovative practices to minimise the impact that Leichhardt Oval may have on the surrounding area.
Following a public tender process, Cox Architects were awarded the contract to assist Council in the preparation of the Masterplan.
Community and stakeholder Engagement
The community and stakeholder engagement was developed to occur in three stages:
1. Visioning
2. Strategy development
3. Public exhibition
Stage 1: Visioning
To inform the preparation of the Masterplan, Council undertook user experience research to gather feedback from the wider community including current and potential sporting groups that utilise the oval, associated government institutions and relevant interest groups.
Community and stakeholder Engagement – Stage (a)
The results of the engagement have been collated into the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan Engagement Outcomes Report which is also available on Council’s website.
The engagement period captured within this report was from 18 November 2022 to 14 March 2023.
Overall, the engagement process reached more than 370 participants from both within and outside the local area including residents, spectators, employees, athletes and other vested members across the community.
Feedback from this engagement was reviewed, analysed, themed and included in the report and has been used to inform the preparation of preliminary concepts for the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan.
Consistent with the conversations throughout the engagement, the analysis of issues and ideas found:
· The community is passionate about building stronger neighbourhoods, they want to see better facilities for socialising in the public realm
· Finding environmentally and financially sustainable solutions were strongly expressed
· Transport, traffic, parking, and infrastructure provision are core community concerns
· Most of the transport related comments expressed a desire for better access to public and active transport options
Stage 2: Strategy development
Council worked with Cox to investigate and develop strategies in consultation with both internal and external stakeholders that considered:
ACCESS
· Accessible internal linkage to the hill from the western side
· Direct emergency vehicle access to and from the site
· Access from Leichhardt Oval to Oval #2 and LAPC
· Formalise broadcasting vehicles area on Mary Street
· 2/3 Level Structure for broadcast, waste and medical vehicles
· 2 storey car park on existing car park and connecting to oval
PUBLIC DOMAIN
· Leave open space including the Hill ‘as is’
· Upgrade both entries including new turnstiles to streamline access / egress
· Provide a propriety pedestrian zone - raised pedestrian areas at Mary Street entry
· Design public art that recognises the original local NRL teams
· Create a wall / walk that celebrates past Wests Tigers players
· Upgrade landscaping and preserve heritage trees and existing trees where possible
· New local and precinct wide wayfinding and information signage
· Install steps on the hill to allow movement in all weather conditions and reduce slippage
· Food / Beverage / Corporate / Beer Garden near Chapel Street entrance for range of events and kid friendly spaces
FACILITIES
· New Home End north stand including new corporate facilities at player level
· New multi-level corporate facilities to south end of Western stand
· Upgrade Centurions Lounge Function centre and kitchen upgrade for multipurpose use
· Increase number of toilets and accessible toilets including Family room facilities
· Increase number of change rooms, allow for multiple teams / womens and mens games
· Increase and replace existing bench seating with numbered seating
· Provide permanent and temporary food and beverage options
· Upgrade Gate House to local NRL Museum
· Keith Barnes Stand to stay ‘as is’
TECHNOLOGY & SUSTAINABILITY
· Include nature-based design with green roof that can moderate temperature and boost PV efficiency
· Upgrade floodlights with newer technology with lower power density without reducing lux
· Upgrade Electrical Services
· Construct new Central HVAC Plant
· Install new Video Board
· Include Renewable Energy strategies including increased PV capacity on compatible surfaces and every roof, combination with battery system to allow for energy storage
· Design for facade modification including natural ventilation (louvres, operable windows, perforation etc.) for peak use
· Install up lighting in trees and replace all lighting to LEDs for energy sustainability
· Install a new Big Screen
· Provide for LED Advertising Boards to North East and South
Community and stakeholder Engagement – Stage (b)
With a number of preliminary concepts for the site developed and costed following the visioning and strategy development, Council recently undertook a further round of broad community engagement and stakeholder meetings to seek feedback on the planning to date and ask the question, ‘Have we got it right?’
Engagement included an online survey through the Council’s ‘Your Say’ website over a 4-week period between 26 June 2023 and 23 July 2023, as well as three public pop-up sessions (Balmain, Leichhardt, and Rozelle) for the community to attend and discuss the preliminary concepts with staff and Cox consultants.
Current Status - Stage 3: Public Exhibition
During the exhibition period, there were 1,107 views of the documentation on exhibition, and 67 submissions made to Council via the Have Your Say Inner West site with over 40% scoring the preliminary concepts 5 out of 5.
Council also received submissions through email and through direct feedback with more than 100 attendees across the three pop-up sessions.
Staff also held a meeting with clubs and sporting associations who access Leichhardt Oval, seeking their feedback on the concepts developed to date.
There was strong positive feedback from the community on updating the amenities and facilities, whilst preserving the atmosphere and the hill as a local ground, and the grandstand and seating improvements around the field were seen as great outcomes.
There were some concerns raised around the cost and use of the carpark, around traffic congestion and parking restrictions, and the potential impact on trees in the precinct.
It is important to note that the purpose of the Masterplan is to create an overarching vision, and to identify opportunities for future improvements. It does not seek to commit Council to delivering on all of the concepts identified, but rather provides a baseline from which particular components can be prioritised for further development and investigation.
As and when specific projects are contemplated, there would be further engagement with our community and detailed design processes undertaken to ensure these can be successfully delivered, having consideration of the constraints in the precinct.
Feedback was also received on the quantum of the estimated costings provided. As noted in the June council meeting prior to exhibition of the concepts, development of the Masterplan does not oblige Council to commit funding to its implementation. The costs have been provided to ensure there is transparency within our community in considering the various concepts presented, either as stand-alone projects or in comparison to each other to support prioritisation amongst the options.
The previous Engagement Outcomes Report has been updated with the feedback from the second round of community and stakeholder engagement and has been published on the website (Attachment 1). Analysis of this data has been incorporated into and considered in preparing the Draft Masterplan for the oval.
The draft Masterplan (Attachment 2) is now being submitted to council, seeking endorsement to proceed to public exhibition for feedback. Following this exhibition period, a further report seeking to adopt a final Leichhardt Oval Masterplan would be presented to Council in September for consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
A preliminary cost report was prepared by Cox’s consultant team providing cost estimates for the various concepts that have been developed as part of the Masterplan project.
The Masterplan is intended to present a series of opportunities to upgrade facilities across the precinct. The concepts have had preliminary cost estimates prepared and may be considered for implementation independently or in combination, pending prioritisation and availability of funding.
Preliminary Concept Costs
A. Museum of Inner West Rugby League - up to $1.25M
B. Additional grandstand to the northern end - $21M
C. New and upgraded seating - $4.9M
D. Upgrades to the western grandstand – Moderate option $26.6M or Major option $88M*
E. Additional parking - $12.3M
F. Improvements to accessibility and amenity around the oval + new LED floodlights - $5M
* Further refinement of the work scopes and estimated costs has been undertaken for the two western grandstand upgrades, breaking each option into individual work packages as shown below. This has reduced the moderate option from $45.3M to $26.6M, and the Major option from $98.3M to $88M.
Upgrades to the western grandstand – Moderate option revised estimate $26.6M
a) Northern Mezzanine (media / kitchen / officials) – up to $2.9M
b) Existing amenities Upgrades and new amenities on Ground Level (new multi – purpose rooms to underneath mezzanine) – up to $7.1M
c) Southern Corporate new function space – between $8M to $10m pending fit-out
d) Southern Mezzanine (Media, multi-function) – up to $3M
e) Seating upgrade to grandstand – up to $3.6M
Upgrades to the western grandstand – Major option revised estimate $88M
f) All elements of above – up to $26.6M
g) New basement level construction to allow for access and amenities – up to $62M
The 2023/24 Capital Works Budget includes $600,000 for the Leichhardt Oval precinct, providing opportunity to commence high-priority design, planning or minor works.
There is no further budget allocated at this time for any of the concepts proposed in the draft Leichhardt Oval Masterplan. The development of the Masterplan will support Council in seeking opportunities to apply for grant funding.
Attachment 1 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
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1.⇨ |
Engagement Outcomes Report - Published separately on Council’s website |
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2.⇩ |
Leichhardt Oval Draft Masterplan Report |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: 387-389 Illawarra Rd Marrickville Works in Kind Agreement
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse entering into a Works in Kind Agreement (WIK) with Fresh Hope Housing incorporated for 387-391 Illawarra Road, Marrickville in lieu of payment of S7.11 contribution required as a condition of development consent.
2. That Council delegate the General Manager to finalise negotiations for the WIK Agreement and the final design of the works with Freshhope Housing Incorporated.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fresh Hope Housing Incorporated are constructing a new six storey development in Marrickville which includes 52 boarding house rooms, a community room and training café at the ground level.
In December 2020, the Land and Environment Court provided consent for the construction of the building and included a condition to pay a 7.11 contribution of $1,127,787.49.
Following the determination of the application by the Court, the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which was draft at the time, was gazetted. It facilitated an exemption from development contributions and this exemption is recognized in the Inner West Infrastructure Contributions Plan.
Fresh Hope have requested a consideration of the community benefit they are providing through their development and offer a Works in Kind (WIK) agreement in lieu of the contribution. They have identified the contribution will unreasonably impact them and their ability to ongoing provide material public benefit through the provision of affordable housing and community services for people in housing need. They have proposed to provide works to the immediate surrounding area that would be a material public benefit in lieu of the 7.11 contribution.
Subsequent planning case law only enables the consent authority to relieve an applicant of development contributions once they form part of the development consent in very specific circumstances. That is, the consent authority has the ability to accept either the payment of the contribution or a Works in Kind Agreement.
Council officers have assessed the submission and consider that a Works in Kind Agreement that provides additional street beautification beyond the boundaries of the development is considered appropriated.
BACKGROUND
387-391 Illawarra Road, Marrickville (Property) is identified as Lots 4 to 8 in Deposited Plan 2595. The property is located on the southern side of Illawarra Road between Blanmire Lane and Grove Street and is approximately 100 metres from Marrickville Station. Surrounding development along Illawarra Road comprises a mix of retail, residential and multi-level retail, and residential development.
Fresh Hope have made a submission to Council that they are a registered community housing provider, and the development is a joint partnership with Nightingale Housing. The development seeks to provide affordable rental housing at genuine affordable rates. The Court issued consent caps the rent rate to provide certainty with regards to ongoing affordability. At the ground level the development also provides:
· Life skills and employment training facilities and a café Training Space.
· Wrap around community support services for the affordable housing residents and the wider community.
· Bookable community space including Wi-Fi, hot desks, phone, printers • Community Hub – creating spaces for employment training initiatives in a arrange of activities to support you to older generations gain meaningful employment, skills and support through to qualifications in a range of education and tertiary education opportunities.
· Social Enterprises and Entrepreneurial/Innovation Hub for the local community that will be safe, welcoming, and creative spaces with support from Fresh Hope's staff and resources.
· Two managers units to support the running of the facility are also part of the development.
The development is a significant social and affordable offering supporting vulnerable members of the community.
Development Consent
Consent was granted to Fresh Hope Housing Incorporated (Applicant) by the Land and Environment Court (LEC) for Application DA201900287 on 15 December 2020 for a development described as:
“Demolition of existing structures and construction of a new six storey development, which includes a community room and training café at the ground level, 52 boarding house rooms and 2 managers’ rooms above, as well as associated parking and landscaping works”.
A condition of consent under the LEC decision was that the Applicant be required to pay a 7.11 contribution of $1,127,787.49.
The Applicant lodged MOD/2021/0214 on 28 May 2021 with Council seeking approval of a proposal for a S4.56 Application to DA201900287. The Modification sought the deletion of the 7.11 contribution.
On 13 August 2021 a Notice of Determination – Modification Refusal was issued by Council in relation to DOD/2021/0214 for DA201900287. The timeframe within which an appeal to the LEC may be made has passed.
The refusal at that time was based on several circumstances including:
· Concessions had been made in the assessment regarding parking and communal open space to facilitate the development – leading to the conclusion that the success of the development would rely upon the provision of service by Council.
· The potential impact on the collection of funds and therefore the potential for impact on projects that rely on the Development Contributions fund.
· There was no mechanism to prevent the future sale of the development to a private owner, with the implication being there was no guaranteed ongoing social benefit that would enable consideration of the waiver of the contribution.
On 16 December 2021 a Development Application DA/2022/0090 was lodged for:
“Amendments to Development Application D/2019/287 including deletion of contributions and public domain works”
This application included an offer to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) and has not been determined.
DISCUSSION
Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy
The provision of a range of alternative and affordable housing forms is of significant interest and review. The landowners are the Churches of Christ Property Trust who have partnered with Fresh Hope as reputable providers of a range of social and community housing.
Furthermore, a condition of consent was imposed by the Court that by way of the Instrument of Title on the property, the use of the property is restricted so that it may not be used for any other purpose than affordable housing managed by a registered community housing provider. This is sufficient to protect the development in the unlikely event that it should be on-sold later.
The Affordable Rental Housing SEPP was in draft form at the time this application was originally considered and has since been brought into force. The development meets the criteria within the SEPP, and under the SEPP, and in accordance with both the IWLEP 2022 and the recently endorsed Development Contributions Plan a contributions levy would not be imposed if the application were considered now.
Legal Implications
If no development or no change to the approved development is proposed in a DA or modification application, that application cannot be used to remove a s7.11 condition. As there is no proposed change to the development in the 16 December 2021 application a VPA cannot be used to remove the s7.11 contribution.
Section 7.11(5) of the EPA Act provides that:
The consent authority may accept:
a) the dedication of land in part or full satisfaction of a condition imposed in accordance with subsection (3), or
b) the provision of a material public benefit (other than the dedication of land or the payment of a monetary contribution) in part or full satisfaction of a condition imposed in accordance with subsection (1) or (3).
Agreements entered into for the purposes of s7.11(5) are generally referred to as Works in Kind (WIK) agreements.
Works in Kind Agreement
Council officers have met with the Applicant, their planning consultant and builder to discuss the scope of works for the proposed Draft WIK Agreement (Attachment 1). On 21 July 2023 the Applicant provided a proposal for works to be included in a WIK Agreement. The proposed works include:
· Plant 2 additional street trees on Illawarra Road
· Make good stormwater kerb inlet on Illawarra Road
· Additional paving to Illawarra Road to include the entire footpath between Blanmire Lane and Grove Street
· Paving to the rear of 391-395 Illawarra Rd to complete the formation of a road through to Grove Street. The current condition is that of an unformed road.
A Concept Plan – Illawarra Rd and Laneway Floor Plan (Attachment 2) has been provided showing high-level detail of the proposed works in kind to the laneway. The Applicant included a costing report (Attachment 3) prepared by ICON Project Management which assessed the costs of the works in kind at $345,936 inc. GST.
The conditions of consent for the subject property and 391 Illawarra Rd already require the Applicant to construct kerb and guttering and to asphalt the road surface.
The works are proposed to be delivered though a WIK
agreement pursuant to s7.11(5) and there is no need
for a modification of the DA.
The Works in Kind Agreement is recommended for support given the material public benefit offered and particularly in the context of the material community benefit the overall development proposes for the broader community.
Consultation
The Director Planning has been working with Property and Engineering Services in preparation of this report.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The S 7.11 contribution is $1,127,787.49.
The Applicant’s Quantity Surveyors assessment of the costs of the works in kind is $345,936 inc. GST.
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1.⇩ |
387-389 Illawarra Road - Draft WIK Agreement |
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2.⇩ |
387-389 Illawarra Road - Concept Plan |
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3.⇩ |
387-389 Illawarra Road - WIK Agreement Cost Estimate |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Additional Ordinary Council meeting date for Mayoral Election
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That an additional Ordinary Council meeting be held on 19 September 2023 to hold the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election, with the Meeting Schedule on Council’s website to be updated accordingly. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It is proposed to hold a council meeting specifically for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. This is in addition to the 2023 Ordinary Meeting Schedule adopted by Council in December 2022.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 13 December 2022, Council resolved the following in part:
That Council:
1. Endorse the following Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule in 2023:
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Council recess – January |
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Tuesday 14 February |
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Tuesday 14 March |
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Tuesday 11 April |
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Tuesday 9 May |
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Tuesday 13 June |
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Council recess - July |
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Tuesday 8 August |
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Tuesday 12 September |
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Tuesday 10 October |
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Tuesday 14 November |
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Tuesday 5 December |
DISCUSSION
It is proposed to hold a Council meeting on 19 September 2023 in order to undertake the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elections as a standalone item, in addition to the resolved schedule of meetings.
The Meeting Schedule on Council’s website would be updated to include this additional meeting date, should Council resolve to proceed.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Local Government NSW Board Election and Annual Conference 2023
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council nominate Councillors to attend the 2023 Local Government NSW Conference.
2. That Council determine the 9 voting delegates for the LGNSW Board Election.
3. That Council determine 9 voting delegates for voting on motions at the 2023 Local Government NSW Conference.
4. That Council consider motions for the Local Government NSW Conference at the 12 September 2023 Council meeting.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference will be held in Parramatta (Rosehill Gardens Racecourse) from Sunday 12 November to Tuesday 14 November 2023 and Council is entitled to nine (9) voting delegates.
As 2023 is a Board election year, voting for the LGNSW President and Director positions will also take place at the Conference.
The purpose of the report is to provide information in relation to voting delegates which Inner West Council is entitled to for voting at the Board election and for voting on motions at the Conference and the deadline dates.
BACKGROUND
The LGNSW Conference is the main policy making event for NSW Councils where issues are debated and motions put forward for consideration by delegates.
DISCUSSION
The report deals with the following two components:
1. The LGNSW Board election; and
2. LGNSW Annual Conference.
LGNSW Board Election
Nominations for the LGNSW Board open on 19 September 2023 and close at 12.00pm on 13 October 2023. At the time of preparing this report, LGNSW advised that the Returning Officer will provide further advice on the lodgement of nominations and the procedure of the ballot at a later date. This will be provided to Councillors upon receipt.
Individual Councillors can nominate and this does not require a Council resolution.
Voting Delegates
Inner West Council is entitled to nine (9) voting delegates in the election and the names of the voting delegates are to be determined by Council resolution.
Members are required to advise LGNSW of the names and postal addresses of their nominated voting delegates for the Board Election by 27 October 2023.
LGNSW Annual Conference
This year’s Conference will be held in Parramatta (Rosehill Gardens Racecourse) from Sunday 12 November to Tuesday 14 November 2023.
Voting Delegates
Inner West Council is entitled to nine (9) voting delegates for voting on motions at the LGNSW Annual Conference.
LGNSW need to be advised of Council’s nine (9) voting delegates for the Annual Conference by Thursday 28 September 2023 in order to access the early bird registration, or otherwise by the final deadline of Friday 27 October 2023.
Motions for the Conference
Motions may be submitted for debate at the Conference that meet the criteria as outlined below. Members are asked to submit motions by Friday 15 September 2023 to allow assessment of the motions and distribution of the Business Paper before the Conference. Under the LGNSW Rules, the latest date motions can be accepted for inclusion in the business paper is Sunday 15 October 2023.
LGNSW will distribute the Business Papers the week commencing 30 October 2023.
Refer to Attachment 1 for a copy of the LGNSW Motions Submission Guide and Attachment 2 for decisions from the previous Conference held in October 2022.
The LGNSW Board has resolved that motions will be included in the Business Paper for the Conference only where they:
1. are consistent with the objects of LGNSW (see Rule 4 of the Association’s rules),
2. relate to or concern local government as a sector in NSW and/or across Australia,
3. seek to establish or change policy positions of LGNSW and/or improve governance of the Association (noting that the LGNSW Board is responsible for decisions around resourcing any campaigns or operational activities, and any necessary resource allocations will be subject to the LGNSW budgetary process),
4. have a lawful purpose (a motion does not have a lawful purpose if its implementation would require or encourage non-compliance with prevailing laws),
5. are clearly worded and unambiguous in nature, and
6. do not express preference for one or several members over one or several other members.
If Councillors wish to adopt any motions for the upcoming conference they will need to be considered by Council and adopted at the 12 September 2023 Council meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Registration costs are $1,155 per delegate for early bird registration (by 28 September 2023) and $230 for the optional Conference dinner. Costs associated with the conference will be funded from the Councillors adopted budget.
Attachment 2 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
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1.⇩ |
LGNSW Annual Conference Motion submission guide |
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2.⇨ |
LGNSW 2022 Conference Records of Decisions - Published separately on Council’s website |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Planning Industry Professional Workshop Summary
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
Prepared By: Rachel Josey - Operations and Special Projects Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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DISCUSSION
At the Council Meeting held on 9 May 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council table a report at the June Ordinary Council meeting with a summary of the feedback received during the Planning Industry Professionals workshop. The report should include the following:
a) A catalogue of short, medium and long term service improvements that can be implemented to address the concerns and recommendations of the architectural and town planning sector; and
b) Key performance indicators and measurable data that can be used to identify how the organisation is performing in customer service and efficiency within development assessment
2. Receive a bimonthly report, tabled at an Ordinary Council meeting, monitoring improvement in customer service within the development assessment system, based of the aforementioned key performance indicators and measurable data.
3. Hold a further workshop inviting planning industry professional who work within the Inner West to specifically discuss how the heritage assessment processes can be improved.
4. Undertake an expression of interest process to identify architects and town planners with deep experience in the Inner West who can contribute their expertise to the development of the new Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan.
This report addresses item 1 a) & b) of the above resolution.
BACKGROUND
On 27 April 2023 Council held a ‘Industry Professional’ Workshop at Marrickville Pavilion for professionals involved in the Development Assessment process at Inner West Council. This was largely comprised of architects, planners and draftspersons who regularly lodge applications for development with Council.
The Workshop was attended by 40 professionals and facilitated by Council’s Director of Planning, Senior Manager and Development Assessment Managers. Council’s Development Assessment Team Leaders were also in attendance.
The purpose of the Workshop was to –
· Hear from the professionals and their application experience (i.e. Customer Service, time frames, and outcomes)
· Tap into their professional experience/ideas
· Promote & strengthen our working relationship
The Workshop was separated into the following discussion topics -
· Pre-Development Application Service
· Development Assessment Service
· Experiences from other Councils
The Workshop presentation is included as Attachment 1.
During the workshop comments and feedback were noted, survey responses received and individual contributions from professionals were submitted. This feedback presented the following ‘themes’ –
A summary of the feedback provided is included as Attachment 2. The feedback has also been reviewed and analysed into a preliminary catalogue of ideas to provide short, medium and-long term service improvements. Some potential improvements require technical enhancements, increased staff training or input from other areas of Council.
Immediately following the Workshop the outcomes and feedback arising was provided to the Assessment Teams. The larger team has participated in a number of discussions since and they continue to participate in the review and exploration of options for service improvements.
Service Improvements
Below is a preliminary catalogue of short, medium and long term service improvements that will continue to be developed with respect to resourcing and timeframes. This will ultimately form an improvement plan which, along with key performance indicators (KPIs) which can be reported against on a regular basis to satisfy part 2 of the resolution.
Short Term / Immediate & Underway
· Emphasise as a culture and / or protocol that
- Phone calls are returned same or next working day
- Meetings with applicants are a normal and essential component of the assessment process
• Investigate the ability for the phone number display for Planners rather than displaying as private number to ensure customers know the origin of the call (work with ICT)
• Introduction of a phone contact (hunt) group available to provide general information and application process in the absence of the Planner
· Simplify Application form – to an owner’s consent and applicant declaration form
· Provision of greater information to customers at lodgement in terms of process and expectations. (e-Planning Team)
· Formalise and promote the opportunity for Applicants to request copies of submissions via a ‘customer request’, without the requirement for a GIPA application
· Co-locate heritage and urban design team with the wider DA team to improve communication within the department to ensure greater consistency and support a collaborative approach
· Host an Industry Professional Workshop in relation to heritage assessment (planning for this is underway)
Medium Term
· Review Delegations to the Inner West Local Planning Panel (IWLPP) to reduce the number of applications reported to the IWLPP (Report to IWLPP)
· Develop and provide training for all staff on a range of strategies to deliver an improved customer service within the development assessment context (knowledge and skill)
· Investigate an automated response to applicant & owner when key assessment milestones are reached (Tech 1)
· Increase and formalise the availability of specialists to attend meetings in relation to applications, PDAs included. (SLA with other teams and manage resources)
· Investigate tools to enhance consistency of decision making between assessment teams
· Enhance records management, supported by better tools to document communications with stakeholders
· Review both information and the manner it is provided to local business
· Promote greater engagement between the Development Assessment Team and Legal Team to be aware and understand outcomes and how these inform future applications
· Promote greater internal dialogue between the Development Assessment Team and other specialist Teams, including Building Certification in relation to issuing of Building Information Certificates (BICs).
· Promote staff professional development
· Embed a culture of staff mentoring for both junior staff and those recently recruited to IWC
Long Term
· Host an Industry Professional Workshop every 6 months
· Explore options to increase application survey responses
· Review notification policy with specific regard to re-notification.
· Explore options to prioritise GIPA applications for business proposals.
· Prioritise new DCP to address consistency and provide greater certainty to the controls.
· Review the Development Advisory and Application Policy, including the requirement for additional information to be submitted within 21 days.
· Review Council’s Pre-DA service
· Introduction of the Application Programming Interface (API) with the NSW Planning Portal
· Introduction of more efficient allocation and notification of applications
Continuation of projects already underway
· Continue the development of the new E-Planning Team with respect to the acceptance of applications and the provision of advice to stakeholders
· Review DA checklist & DA Document Requirements
· Hold bi-monthly information sessions for - persons ‘Lodging a Development Application’ and persons ‘Making a Submission’ (Council NOM).
· Hold Community Information Sessions for large-scale development
In addition to the above, Council officers are currently working on two projects to provide efficiencies within the development assessment process, these include:
- the implementation of an API (Application Programming Interface) between Councils IT system and the NSW Planning Portal to minimise the duplication of working in two separate places to process an application. The API will automatically push and pull information between the two systems.
- DA Process Improvement project – this project includes a number of enhancements to Council’s IT system to remove steps which don’t add value to the process, provide additional information to applicants and communicate to internal stakeholders as early in the process as possible.
Both of these projects have been funded by the Department of Planning.
Key Performance Indicators
Measurable data can be used to demonstrate success as performance and culture changes in a manner that supports organisational values. Tech 1 provides the assessment framework and data record for the DA process. Key milestones and events within this system have been reviewed to determine what data can currently or potentially be reported on. This is under analysis to determine which ones are likely to drive meaningful change.
Since the Industry Forum a number of formal and informal discussions and a workshop have been held with Council’s Senior Manager Customer Experience and Service Transformation and Team Leaders & Managers from the Assessment Teams. The KPIs below are outcomes of those discussions. While some of these cannot currently be reported upon, nevertheless implementation of them is underway as part of a change piece within the assessment teams.
NB: Unless otherwise specified all KPI days are working days
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Key Process Steps |
Customer Experience KPI |
Notes |
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Pre DA Minutes |
Letter sent within 10 days of meeting
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Data collection subject to configuration of system |
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Submit DA on Planning Portal to Lodgement in T1 |
100% Within 10 days
(Maintain current average of 7.5 calendar days) |
On NSW Planning Portal Excluding applicant’s time to provide any additional information required |
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Call Applicant and/or Property Owner to advise responsible officer for the DA |
100% Within 10 days of allocation. |
Introduction, explain process, answer questions and case manage the process
Subject to configuration of system |
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Neighbour Notification posted |
100% Within 7 days following payment of all fees |
Data collection of this KPI is available |
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Internal referrals obtained |
80% response within 14 days |
Data collection of this KPI is available |
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Site inspection |
100% inspections are recorded on the council record. |
Site inspections are a legislative requirement, (exceptions are modifications or following a pre-DA as a site visit has already been conducted)
Data collection is subject to configuration enhancement in the system |
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Acknowledgment of receipt of submissions |
100% of submissions received are acknowledged in writing |
Current process exists - automated |
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Progress update of significant milestones |
· Change in assessment officer (within 5 days) · Following the outcome of the acceleration panel (within 5 days) · Upon completion of a reassessment of amended plans (within 5 days) · Application exceeds 85 days (within 5 days) |
Reliant on system enhancement to enable notes to be captured, stamped, and reportable |
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Determination |
Median within 85 days |
Based on current KPI
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Next Steps
The Council resolution requires an update report every second month. It is proposed that work will continue on the KPIs identified above both as change behaviour pieces and in terms of creating reporting mechanisms and ongoing monitoring. The short / medium / long term service improvement catalogue will continue to be analysed and developed into a change plan to form part of this regular reporting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are currently no financial implications, this may change as specific projects arise.
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1.⇩ |
Industry Professional Workshop April 2023 - final |
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2.⇩ |
Professional Industry Workshop Feedback - 27 April 2023 |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Investment Report at 31 May 2023
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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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 3.07%, against the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (3.53%) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 3.34% on a marked-to-market basis.
Without marked-to-market influences, Council’s investment portfolio yielded 4.01%pa for the month, up from 3.95% pa in April. 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 slipped during the month as long-term market rates increased. 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 May, due to the limited availability of non-fossil fuel investment products in the month - Commonwealth Bank of Australia is still not accepting new funds into its Green investment product, and Westpac’s offering is a minimum investment period of 6 months with a lower return; no new investments were entered into during the month of May 2023.
With the assistance of our investment advisor, we are constantly requesting Commonwealth Bank of Australia open their Green investments again.
· Change in value
- Emerald Reserve Mortgage $11.7k (amortised face value received)
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 and 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 31 May 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 (above) reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 31 May 2023.
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 12 month figure which is exceeding the benchmark’s performance again.
Domestic issues
§ The latest jobs data revealed a fall in employment and a rise in the unemployment rate, from 3.4% to 3.7%, which taken together suggest that the recent period of extreme labour market tightness may now be starting to unwind.
§ Wages growth rose a slightly weaker than expected 0.8% quarter-on-quarter taking annual growth to a slightly stronger than expected 3.7% year-on-year. This was the fastest annual increase since 2012 but is still not regarded by economists as a wages breakout worthy of another rate hike on its own.
§ Consumer confidence surveys are near their three year lows reflecting the sharp increase in interest rates over the year and not helped by the absence of handouts for most Australians in the federal budget. It continues to remain well below business confidence and warns of softer conditions ahead as the post-Covid reopening boost and pent up demand wears off.
§ Consumers are curtailing their spending on discretionary goods due to the RBA’s rate hikes and cost of living pressures. This is a key indicator that the RBA looks at leading some economists to predict the RBA will leave rates on hold in June.
Interest Rates
· At its May meeting the RBA rose the cash target to 3.85%, noting that further tightening of monetary policy may be required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe, currently expected to be mid-2025, but that will depend upon how the economy and inflation evolve.
§ At the end of May, the market was pricing in another rate hike over the coming three months to take the cash rate to 4.00%. Rate cuts are being priced in as early as 2024, implying the markets doubt the RBA’s expectation that inflation will not be tamed until mid-2025:
In May, term deposit rates across the 1 to 60 month range increased by an average of 25 basis points, mirroring the RBA’s rate hike at the start of the month, with the biggest jump across the 3 to 12 month area:
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1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - May 2023 |
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2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary - May 2023 |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Investment Report at 30 June 2023
Prepared By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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. During the month of June:
· Council had $32.5m among 10, 12 and 24 month term deposits mature which had an average rate of 2.37% pa.
· Council reinvested the proceeds across 6 and 12 month green and non-fossil fuel term deposits at an average rate of 5.25% pa.
· Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested in non-fossil fuel lending ADIs (51% of portfolio) and socially responsible investments (49% of portfolio).
Council’s investments are reported monthly to Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.
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 intention of investing Council’s funds is to seek the most favourable return available, whilst having due consideration of risk and security for that investment type, and ensuring that its liquidity requirements are being maintained; with consideration 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 Acting Chief Financial Officer Chris Sleiman 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 during the month had a return of 3.56% pa, against the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (3.72% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 3.70% pa on a marked-to-market basis.
Without marked-to-market influences, Council’s investment portfolio yielded 4.20% pa for the month, up from 4.01% pa in May. 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 slipped during the month as long-term market rates increased. 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 June, Council had $32.5m among 10, 12 and 24 month term deposits mature which had an average rate of 2.37% pa. Council was able to take advantage of the sharp rise in rates over the month reinvesting the proceeds across 6 and 12 month green and non-fossil fuel term deposits at an average rate of 5.25% pa.
With the assistance of our investment advisor, we are constantly requesting that Commonwealth Bank of Australia open their Green investments again.
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 June 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 June were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
Note that the 2022/23 Financial Year End process is currently in progress. The split between the External and Internal Restrictions are not available at this time.
The performance chart over the page shows Council’s rolling 12 monthly return versus benchmark over the past 5 years. Each data point is the 12 month return for the stated month end.
Council’s investment performance 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:
· The Australian Monthly CPI Indicator, albeit a volatile figure, fell to 5.6%year over year (yoy) its lowest since April last year confirming the downtrend from the 8.4%yoy high in December with the rates of inflation for clothing, new dwelling costs, furnishings, and holiday travel leading the lowering trend.
· As a result of ongoing rate hikes by the RBA, some economists are now forecasting a peak cash rate of 4.60%and a 50/50 chance of recession starting in late 2023 with signs already pointing to a weakening economy.
· Business surveys continue to point to severe labour shortages. Official job vacancies fell a modest 2% between February and May – a slightly slower pace than the 2.2% fall between November and February.
· A surprise 0.7% lift in retail sales release suggests consumer demand has retained some momentum in the second quarter, albeit with volumes still tracking a subdued pace.
Interest rates
· At its June meeting the RBA rose the cash target to 4.10%, noting that further tightening of monetary policy may be required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe, currently expected to be mid-2025, but that will depend upon how the economy and inflation evolve.
· At the end of June, the market was pricing in another two rate hikes over the coming six months to take the cash rate to the 4.60% area. Rate cuts are then being priced in as early as 2024:
· In June, term deposit rates across the 1 to 60 month range increased by an average of 55 basis points, with rates absorbing the RBA’s 25bps rate hike at the start of the month and pricing in another rate hike of 25bps:
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - June 2023 |
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2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - June 2023 |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Delivery Program 22-26 & Operational Plan 22-23 Quarter 4 Report
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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Strategic Direction 5: Progressive, Responsive and Effective Civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is the final quarterly report against the Operational Plan 2022/23. It details progress against the remaining 136 actions in the plan from 1 April–30 June 2023.
Overall, 90% of the 174 actions in the Operational Plan 2022/23 have been completed or are on track (work continues in the new financial year).
BACKGROUND
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.
Council receives quarterly reports to monitor progress against the plan. Council also receives Quarterly Budget Review Statements for the first three quarters in accordance with the Local Government Act. A Quarterly Budget Review Statement is not provided in the final quarter. Final year results are published in Council’s Annual Report by 30 November 2023.
DISCUSSION
Of the total 174 Operational Plan actions, 38 were completed at the end of quarter three.
In quarter four, of the remaining 136 actions:
· 87% were ‘Completed’ (25) or are ‘On Track’ (93)
· 13% are ‘Behind Schedule’ (7), ‘On Hold’ (2) or ‘Rescheduled’ (9)
Quarter four action progress summary
Highlights for the quarter include:
· Finalised the purchase of a second commercial property at Warrawong which along with the purchase of a Liverpool property earlier in the year will provide a combined annual return of approximately $4.695M.
· Developed a service review framework that will follow the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) Service Delivery Review Process and will be aligned to the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF).
· Completed, the $2.2M Leichhardt Skate park which includes a top-class skating bowl that can be used for skateboarding, bike riding and scootering, as well as the first Dementia friendly park in NSW at Lewis Herman Reserve.
· Opened the Inner West Sustainability Hub which is a $1.4 million repurposing of the old Summer Hill Depot into a ‘one-stop-shop' for a range of exciting sustainability-focused initiatives, featuring The Bower, Dressed for Success, Re Place and the Green Living Centre
· Council won the NSW Local Government Excellence Award for our ‘Love Your Home Ground’ litter prevention project; the NSW Royal Life Saving Society prize for Excellence in Aquatics Supervision; a bronze award for our annual report; and were highly commended in the National Trust Heritage Awards for our History Site Study – Marrickville Metro.
· Establishment of Inner West Sustainability Hub with a program of workshops and activities developed ready for opening event.
· A Community Battery Forum was held, Electrify Your Home campaign commenced, and adoption of “Powering Ahead”, Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy (2023) and Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan, and Cycling Strategy.
· During the Heritage festival, Libraries delivered 23 programs which attracted 953 attendees.
· Delivered street art cycling and photography tours, Walking on Country walks and installations for EDGE GreenWay, and guided art tours of Marrickville Metro
· Conducted three environmental audits of medium to high-risk industries for:
- Service stations for compliance with underground petroleum storage systems and vapour recovery
- Breweries for odour and wastewater management
- Grease traps servicing food businesses in partnership with Sydney Water
· Provided financial and in-kind support to the Refugee Welcome Centre to deliver an event for Refugee Week.
· Raised the Pride Progress Flag to mark IDAHOBIT, Transgender Day of Visibility and Transgender Day of Remembrance.
· Extended the trial of the $100 Council rebate on the purchase of sanitary products and $150 rebate on the purchase of reusable nappies. There were 435 rebates - 133 for reusable nappies and 302 for reusable sanitary products.
· The Service Charter was adopted by Council.
· The new Delivery Program/Operational Plan 2023-24 was adopted following a Council-wide review of actions, key performance measures and service levels.
· The Building Assets Audit was completed.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Q4 Progress Report on Operational Plan 2022/23 |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Update on Reconciliation Action Plan
Prepared By: Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is an update on the Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2025. This is a quarterly agreement as part of the RAP and a deliverable within the RAP. This is a report for noting.
BACKGROUND
This second Reconciliation Action Plan was adopted by Council in September 2022. Action 4.3.4: Report Reconciliation Action Plan progress quarterly including a Council update.
DISCUSSION
The Reconciliation Action Plan has been sent to Reconciliation Australia for final approval, prior to digital publication. Other key achievements for the quarter include:
· The civic education program to build awareness of the Uluru Statement from the Heart has been completed with 1100 people trained to have the conversations about the Statement and its relevance to the forthcoming Referendum on the Voice to Parliament.
· Public engagement has occurred for the first Aboriginal Survival Memorial in Yeo Park and construction is scheduled to commence in October 2023 with completion within 2023. The NSW Government has provided 18 cubic meters of local Sydney sandstone for the Memorial, which complements reuse of Council’s own existing sandstone stock.
· The expression of interest to select an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to design the second Survival Memorial in Illoura Reserve East Balmain will commence in July 2023, and completion of that work is expected by June 2024.
· Project planning has commenced for the creation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub in Tempe Reserve, Tempe. The immediate priority is the scoping and delivery of the capital works to upgrade the building, with the first step to create the internal governance, planning and project management team.
· The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement strategy has been prepared. It’s consideration by the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee was delayed and it is now an agenda item for the Advisory Committee’s August meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The 2023/24 budget approved by Council includes the required budget for implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Funding of $700,000 in 2023/24 and $600,000 in 2024/25 has been allocated for the project planning for the creation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub in Tempe Reserve, Tempe.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Arts and Music Recovery Plan Update (including Town Hall Activations)
Prepared By: Vikki Woods - Living Arts Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
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· |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This update provides an overview of the implementation of initiatives set out in the Arts and Music Recovery Plan since the report was endorsed by Council in May 2023.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on May 2023 Council endorsed the final Arts and Music Recovery Plan and resolved that they receive a bi-monthly report on the Arts Summit – Update and Progress.
DISCUSSION
All initiatives in the Arts and Music Recovery Plan are on track and in progress. Specific initiatives underway in the last two months include:
· Audio descriptions have commenced for twenty Perfect Match artworks with recordings taking place end of July 2023. ABC Disability Affairs reporter Nas Campanella will be providing the voice descriptions.
· Perfect Match pilot program to engage youth Work has commenced on developing a pilot program to engage young people, aged 12 to 18 years in the co-design and delivery of a Perfect Match Street art project. Council will partner with Marrickville Youth Resource Centre to deliver with a local Indigenous artist.
· Creative Use of Council Venues Stage 1: short-term pilot program is underway, with successful EOI applicants matched with Town Halls across the Inner West. Pilot program participants have been matched with Marrickville, Petersham, St Peters, Leichhardt, Ashfield, and Balmain Town Hall plus Annandale Community Centre.
Pilot program participants are working across a range of disciplines including performance, music, movement, visual arts, community arts and cultural development. The pilot program outcomes include creatives presenting live performance, live music, visual arts exhibitions, filming video clips, workshops, training, creative development, and rehearsals. At Marrickville Town Hall the pilot program includes:
• 1 x month multidisciplinary festival takeover of Marrickville Town Hall Basement
• 3 x month artist studio in a ground-level room
• Multi-week workshop delivery in ground-level room
• Multi-month creative business studio in ground-level room
• Performance rehearsal in Marrickville Town Hall Basement
Creative Use of Council Venues pilot program participants include Sydney Fringe Festival, Canterbury Theatre Guild, Ratcatch Theatre, Lullaby Club, The Balmain Sinfonia, Suite 7a, Little Triangle, Creative Caring, Antartis Productions, Clayton Hamilton Training and Events, Susanna Strati, Rachel Pogson and Emily Who.
Expressions of Interest are closed and all successful EOI applicants will be placed by mid-August. Learnings from our open days, pilot program, industry research and creative spaces work to date will then inform a long-term framework to be considered by Council.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: FOGO - Food Recycling Update
Prepared By: Helen Bradley - Manager Resource Recovery Planning
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report seeks to provide an update to council on FOGO Food recycling as required by the resolutions from the 20 June 2023. It includes information on the provision of compostable bag provision, the Waste Busters and the outcome of the EOI for the Community Champions.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 20 June 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council endorses the Community Engagement and Change Communications Strategy, with the addition that:
a) Council must develop a series of materials in community languages, including direct mail to households, pages on the website, advertisements in ethnic community media and posters in community language;
b) Communications include messaging that additional yellow mixed recycling and green FOGO bins can be acquired at no cost;
c) Communications include messaging around the overall cost savings to council and the community, as well as environmental benefits;
d) All communications materials in relation to FOGO - Food Recycling be developed in consultation with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor;
e) A countdown to the commencement date be included on the Inner West Council website to build anticipation and excitement for the commencement of FOGO - Food recycling and to reduce confusion about the commencement date.
2. That Council endorse the Inner West Creative FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) campaign with the addition of a tagline incorporating the words “food recycling” on all visual materials and that the words “food recycling” be used in association with FOGO in all written materials.
3. That the General Manager be delegated authority to write off all fees in relation to requests to increase the size of any existing red-lid garbage bin to 240 litre or 120 litre within the Domestic Waste Management service, associated with the implementation of the food recycling program until 1 July 2024.
4. That an update be provided at Councillor workshop before a further report is considered at the August Ordinary meeting, and that the workshop and report:
a) Assess the feasibility of implementing a system to offer households, at cost, a means to dispose of occasional overflow red-bin rubbish, for a period at least one year following the commencement of FOGO service. The system could consist of households being able to purchase a limited number of tags from customer service centres, online, at the Summer Hill Sustainability Hub, or at local libraries, which could be affixed to rubbish bags of up to 30 litres in size, enabling bags to be left aside red bins and collected on red bin collection weeks.
b) Assess the feasibility of providing free compostable bin liners from customer service centres, the Summer Hill Sustainability Hub, and local libraries in perpetuity, and potential funding opportunities to resource this approach;
c) Provide a detailed description of the role of Waste Busters/in-field waste education officers;
d) Address the outcome of the EOI for FOGO Community Champions.
5. That for a period of a minimum of twelve months following the commencement of FOGO- Food recycling service, a monthly council report be provided at each meeting detailing customer service complaints, feedback and response metrics related to FOGO. The monthly report should also detail the number of households opting to increase their red bin size, the number of households utilising additional FOGO and co-mingled recycling bins, and tonnage of FOGO material collected, as well as any other data that councillors can use to track the rollout of the FOGO-Food recycling program.
6. That a single member of council staff that is on the authorised contact list be appointed as the point person for councillor concerns on FOGO-Food Recycling roll out.
DISCUSSION
Occasional Overflow Rubbish Service
It is acknowledged that some households will need to adjust the current way in which they manage their household waste.
Council considered providing a weekly red-lid garbage bin service for the first 12 months of the FOGO service. However the additional service would cost $6.3 million for 12 months and would need to be delivered by a collection contract requiring a lead time of 8-12 months to implement.
Maintaining the standard red-lid garbage bin as a fortnightly collection is part of NSW (New South Wales) FOGO best practice guiding documents (based on audits and Councils that have implemented FOGO) as increasing red-lid garbage bin capacity acts as a deterrent for transferring food to the FOGO bin, reducing recovery of organics.
Council has contingency plans in place in the form of a spare crew that could provide an additional collection service as required.
The June report outlined the following steps to manage any overflow rubbish.
1. Pick up overflowing red-lid garbage bin as a one off.
2. Provide education and tips on reducing garbage, whilst maximising FOGO and recycling.
3. Offer a larger bin to be delivered.
4. Follow up by in-field waste education officers (Waste Busters) to support the household with targeted and relevant waste avoidance, reuse, and recycling opportunities to return to smaller bin size in future.
5. Adjust domestic waste charge as per size of red-lid garbage bin, seeking consent from the property owner who pays the rates charges to commence 1st July 2024.
The June resolution asked Council officers to consider a system at cost to a means to offer to dispose of occasional overflow for a period of one year.
Council is in the process of discussing with staff and the contractor how to best provide this assistance and the outcome will be tabled at the September Council report.
Compostable bags for food scraps – ongoing supply
Assess the feasibility of providing free compostable bin liners from customer service centres, the Summer Hill Sustainability Hub, and local libraries in perpetuity, and potential funding opportunities to resource.
Residents will be provided with a 4-6-month supply (40 pack) of compostable bags as part of the starter pack (caddy, bags, and information). Not providing bags could reduce participation in food recycling by up to 40% which was highlighted in the food recycling in apartments survey of participants in 2022. Research demonstrates that the yuck factor’ is the greatest barrier to participating in food recycling, therefore, to maximise resource recovery providing an option for collection (in addition to promoting going bagless or buying their own) is recommended.
Residents will be encouraged to follow this hierarchy of options to minimise resource use:
a) Put their food in nude (bag free) as garden organics help keep the bin clean
b) Buy Australian Standard compostable bags with the seedling logo themselves (widely available and affordable via supermarkets)
c) Collect council provided compostable bags from service centres (and libraries)
Compostable bags – Supermarket produce bags
The NSW EPA commenced discussions with major supermarket chains across NSW to encourage them to use compostable caddy liners as grocery/produce bags in store to enable these to be reused by households. Supermarkets indicated that this would be the case by 2030 (FOGO mandate). IWC supports this move and has expressed interest in participating in a pilot with the EPA and retailers across our local government area before the 2030 date.
Based on our compostable bag tender, and average use rates of compostable bags through the food in apartments service, we estimate the average household would use 150 bags per year, costing $9.92per household or $793,600 for IWC.
We have almost 80,000 households with access to food recycling (30,000 of those have the food recycling for apartments).
Distribution/postage on an on-call basis is resource intensive estimated at $150,000 per year however, collection from nominated locations would be possible.
Other councils provide a range of solutions including scheduled delivery, collection or requiring residents to buy their own.
· City of Sydney – one off supply of 200 compostable bags, then residents purchase their own.
· Lake Macquarie Council – rolls of 150 bags delivered to residents on a schedule
· Penrith – Quarterly delivery free to all houses (only allows council provided bags).
· Randwick – delivered once per year, residents can order more or purchase their own.
· Shellharbour – None provided, residents buy their own
· Wollongong – Residents collect bags from Council Service Center, libraries and Community Centre. Must use council-provided bags (residents can’t buy their own).
“Waste Busters” Front–line Roles Explained
Provide a detailed description of the role of Waste Busters/in-field waste education officers.
Council appointed two waste education officers (Waste Busters) who will support the community directly with tailored measures suitable for their households and lifestyle. The waste busters will educate residents on the use of the FOGO bin, assist with the reduction of garbage in the red lid garbage bin through waste avoidance, reuse, and best-practice recycling to enable households to adjust to a fortnightly garbage collection.
The mission of the Waste Busters is to provide tailored educational support focused on all levels of the Waste Hierarchy and Circular Economy principles. They will visit residents/households who need help with understanding FOGO and reducing their garbage to identify areas for individual household resource recovery and support them on the journey to zero waste, one action at a time. They will assist residents with connecting the dots between a range of resource recovery services to address waste overall, including raising the profile of the recently opened Inner West Sustainability Hub.
Change is often feared by people and this positive approach helps to understand their circumstances and identify behaviour changes and processes that may work for them individually. The Waste Busters look is currently under development, and will be featured on the Waste Busters uniform, vehicle (magnetic car signage), emails and any associated print collateral or media campaigns. The Waste Busters will be easily recognisable and part of the FOGO Hero campaign. The look and feel will be fun, vibrant, positive, and friendly, making them easily recognisable, approachable, and accessible within our community.
The planning of Waste Buster initiatives is currently underway aligned to our communications campaign, with a range of initiatives proposed such as pop-up waste education displays in shopping centres, festivals, and public spaces; bin-tagging education programs; mini household waste audits and tailored consultation; community workshops and more.
Update on Community Champions EOI
Council sought Expressions of Interest to find trusted local champions (organisations, businesses, or notable individuals) who have expertise in sustainability education and recycling with established networks and audiences in the Inner West. The community champions will work with Inner West Council to align with our communications and engagement plan.
There were three successful community champions
1. Cornersmith are a trusted local food business based in Annandale with extensive experience and reach. Their social media has 43,000 followers on Instagram, 20,000 followers on Facebook and 25,000 followers on their newsletter.
· Part A – Social media campaign creating 6 short videos (reels) to be posted weekly around food pre, meal planning and minimising waste with the hero being the FOGO bin and how it functions as part of the everyday kitchen routine.
· Part B – workshop series on effectively running your kitchen with food waste avoidance, meal planning, using leftovers and using the FOGO bin for residents, a train the trainer workshop to extend reach and a kid’s workshop to engage families.
2. Meiklejohn engaging and training 50 local community champions (over two recruitment drives) during a 6-12 month period. Meiklejohn identified local networks and groups and embed evaluation into the project. They propose an online map of champions across the Inner West.
3. Adventure Kids are a local business based in Ashfield providing an interactive FOGO themed workshop in every Inner West primary school, in childcare centres and libraries to engage younger children (and their families) in FOGO. Inner Wests media team could support and create short videos from workshops to share on our social media and children could take home council information packs to share with their families and increase knowledge around FOGO in their household.
The creative concepts from Icon are still in development and will be presented to council as soon as its available.
Properties without a FOGO bin
Approximately 7,000 houses currently do not have a garden organics or Food organics only bin as identified by our TechOne Property database.
A letter was distributed to these addresses in late July advising them that a small 120 litre green lid FOGO bin would be delivered before the FOGO service commences in September. The letter detailed how to opt out if they don’t want a bin by a given date to enable them to be removed from the delivery schedule.
This should reduce customer requests from residents not wanting a FOGO bin at their property.
Residents are encouraged to lodge CRMs for prompt actioning. Should Councillors require to discuss any issues they should contact Helen Bradley or Luke Murtas.
Key Milestones
The following table is a summary of the key milestones until launch date.
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Icon creatives – artworks and comms for approval by Mayor and Deputy Mayor |
Late July onwards |
|
Communication and Engagement FOGO is coming communications commence including media release, socials, letter to households, events, engagements etc. |
August onwards |
|
Letterbox drop to households introducing FOGO |
28 August 2023 |
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Starter kit delivery to homes and bin re-stickering by Adpost (45 days / 9 weeks). Information and socials |
18 September 2023 |
|
Video (how to), FOGO ambassadors and community champions go live |
18 September 2023 |
|
Saturated comms with media releases, paid advertising, customer service screens, website info, posters etc |
2 October |
|
All houses to have received a green lid FOGO bin |
By 9 October 2023 |
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Service start - FOGO |
9 October 2023 |
|
Reporting and data – Tonnages, contamination reports, Audits (APC Anne Prince Consulting), resident surveys ongoing |
ongoing |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
All budgeted for within grants and domestic waste operational budget.
$800,000 could be budgeted per year for ongoing supply of compostable bags for FOGO through the domestic waste management budget.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Department of Planning and Environment advice regarding a Local Government Area wide Local Environmental Plan approach
Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report gives an update on the correspondence Council staff received from the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) on the way to progress updates to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (IWLEP) associated with Council’s Local Housing Strategy (LHS) housing investigation areas. The DPE correspondence was made in response to multiple resolutions of Council requesting advice on an Local Government Area (LGA) wide approach to Local Environmental Plan (LEP) amendments.
The written advice received from DPE indicates that neither an LGA wide LEP for housing uplift nor a pause on progress is supported. DPE has indicated that updates to the LEP associated with housing investigation areas should be progressively implemented by Council on an ongoing basis to allow for a continuous pipeline of new housing over the next 20-year period to 2036.
BACKGROUND
Between 22 August and 13 September 2022, Council conducted early consultation on a range of technical studies that were prepared to inform a future update to the IWLEP in accordance with the approved Local Housing Strategy.
At the Council meeting on 13 September 2022, Council resolved the following:
1. Defer all further consideration of and consultation on the LEP in order to obtain written advice from the Office of Local Government as well as independent legal advice, explaining how Councillors should manage potential conflicts of interest relating to the process. This should include advice about if and how a local government area wide LEP process could allow all councillors to participate in the LEP process; and
2. Note that the LEP studies that have been released were prepared by consultants and that Councillors had no role in the preparation of the studies and were not briefed on these studies prior to their publication and that no further work will be undertaken on these studies or the related consultation while Council is awaiting advice from the Office of Local Government
Since then, two Council resolutions have been put forward requiring Council staff to seek direct feedback from DPE on this matter as follows:
At the Council meeting on 8 November 2022, Council resolved the following in part:
3. Receive a report on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment advice regarding a local government wide LEP approach. Noting further discussions and negotiations with the Department are required to identify and document a whole of local government approach to achieving the planning priorities of the Local Strategic Planning Statement and the housing targets set out in the Local Housing Strategy
At the Council meeting on 9 May 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council notes the Council resolutions on 13 September 2022 to defer consultation on the LEP and 8 November 2022 to receive a report from the Department of Planning for a local government wide LEP approach.
2. That Council notes the Council is awaiting a response from the Department of Planning advising on options for a planning proposal covering a significant portion or the whole local government area.
3. That Council plan meetings with key stakeholders across all wards to provide input to the Council on the process for developing Council’s LEP and principles for the LEP.
4. That Council hold the first meeting with key stakeholders from both the Ashfield/Djarrawunang and Marrickville/Midjuburi ward. Invite representatives from Community Groups: Save Dully, South Dully, Save Marrickville, City for Everyone: Sydney YIMBY; Renter advocacy groups: Inner West Legal Centre, Shelter NSW, Marrickville Legal Centre; Business Chambers: Ashbiz, Marrickville Chamber of Commerce, Dulwich Hill Urban Centre Committee; Business operators: Marrickville Business Association, Dully Locals, Heritage advocates: Marrickville Heritage Society, Ashfield and District Historical Society; Social Housing Provider, Metro Community Housing, and bring a report back once the meeting has been held.
DISCUSSION
A Local Government Wide LEP Approach
Comment was sought from DPE on whether a revised approach to the implementation and delivery of the approved Local Housing Strategy would be considered. The idea of one planning proposal covering all housing investigation areas was not considered as a suitable option for implementation and delivery of the Local Housing Strategy by DPE.
DPE has indicated that housing investigation areas should be progressively implemented by Council on an ongoing basis to allow for a continuous pipeline of new housing over the next 20-year period to 2036. DPE will not support an LGA wide LEP for housing uplift or permit Council to pause progress on implementation of housing investigation areas that are supported by key infrastructure, such as the Sydney Metro stations at Dulwich Hill and Marrickville.
Written correspondance received from DPE on 4 May 2023 is summarised as follows:
· NSW is facing a housing shortage.
· Each Council is responsible for continuing its strategic planning to secure opportunities for housing now and into the future.
· It is the Department’s intent that housing investigation areas would be progressed separately and on an ongoing basis to allow for a pipeline of housing supply.
· The Department is not in a position to support a pause on progressing housing investigation areas that are currently well advanced and supported by key infrastructure, such as the Sydney Metro stations at Dulwich Hill and Marrickville.
· The Department is not in a position to advise Council on how to manage the decision-making processes of its elected Council.
Continued Councillor Involvement in the LEP making process
DPE has made the following suggestions for a way forward and are based on continued progression and delivery of new housing as per the approved Local Housing Strategy Implementation Plan:
· Subject to independent probity advice, Council could explore opportunities to workshop plans with Councillors and seek input appropriately within the boundaries required to manage conflicts of interest.
· Subject to independent legal advice, Council could explore options such as delegating planning power to its Local Planning Panel (LPP) or request to appoint an alternative planning proposal authority, such as the Secretary or delegate at the Department (if unable to form a quorum). Councillor involvement would be through submissions to the LPP or alternate planning authority.
· In a situation where a quorum can be formed related to decisions about the progress of a housing investigation area, advice from the LPP should be sought before the matter is considered by Council.
Attachment 1 contains a copy of the written correspondence received from DPE in December 2022 and May 2023 on this matter.
Meetings with key stakeholders to provide input on the LEP
In response to the 9 May 2023 Council meeting resolution, Council staff have organised meetings with key stakeholders to provide input to Council on the process for developing Council’s LEP and principles for the LEP. The first two meetings are scheduled to take place as follows:
|
Meeting 1 Ashfield/Djarrawunang Ward |
Meeting 2 Marrickville/Midjuburi Ward |
|
Date: Tuesday, 25 July 2023 |
Date: Saturday, 5 August 2023 |
|
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm |
Time: 2 – 4pm |
|
Location: Ashfield Community Rooms |
Location: Marrickville Pavilion |
Following these initial key stakeholder meetings, a report will be brought back to Council that provides the outcomes of these engagements.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
|
1.⇩ |
Advice from Department of Planning to Inner West Council |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Mandatory Reporting of Fire Safety Reports referred to Council from Fire and Rescue NSW
Prepared By: Graeme Palmer - Senior Manager, Regulatory Services
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the correspondence from Fire and Rescue NSW in relation to 161 Princes Highway St Peters |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A letter has been received from Fire and Rescue NSW (Attachment 1) identifying a number of fire safety matters. Following an inspection, Council’s Fire Safety Officers have determined that a Notice of Intent to Serve a Development Control Order is warranted. This will require modifications to the fire safety measures in order to ensure adequate fire safety measures and awareness. These works are able to be undertaken in accordance with State Planning provisions through the issuing of development Control Orders under the EPAA.
BACKGROUND
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) advised Inner West Council on 5 July of an inspection they had undertaken at 161 Princes Highway St Peters which raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the provision for fire safety.
FRNSW were acting on a complaint that a member of the public had recently attended the premises for a gig and observed that
· The fire exits were locked at the top and the bottom, preventing safe egress in an emergency.
· The hallway leading to the exit is dark and unlit.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPAA), FRNSW referred the matter to Council for follow up. In response, Council's Fire Safety Team conducted an inspection of the premises as per the table below:
|
Property |
Inspection Results |
|
161 Princes Highway, St. Peters |
Inspection was conducted on 11 July 2023 and found: The Fire Exit contained locks and other locking devices that will prevent the exit door/s to function in a normal manner, hence preventing safe egress in an emergency and, The Path of Travel leading to an exit door/s are dark and unlit, hence preventing safe path to an egress in an emergency.
Direction: (EPA/2023/0056) To remove all locking devices that are fixed or attached to the exit doors and, To change or modify the hardware (latch) to the exit doors to be of a single-handed downward action operational latch and, Luminate the dark areas leading to an exit for a safe path and. Certificate from a suitably qualified consultant confirming the upgrades have been completed and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) |
Table above summarises the actions by Council officers since receiving the FRNSW report.
After all fire safety solutions are implemented, a Fire Safety Certificate is to be submitted to Council, which will conclude the matter.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Letter from Fire and Rescue _ 5 July 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report
Prepared By: Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
2: Livable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report outlines the Major Capital Projects Quarterly update including the minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee held in March 2023, April 2023, May 2023 and June 2023, and the project summary report.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 8 March 2022, Council resolved to establish a Major Capital Projects Committee to oversee the larger Capital Projects being delivered by Council.
As of the June 2023 Council meeting members of the Major Capital Projects Committee are as follows:
• Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott (chair);
• Councillor Mark Drury;
• Councillor Jess D’Arienzo;
• Councillor Pauline Lockie;
• Councillor Kobi Shetty.
The meetings are also currently attended by the Director of Infrastructure and the Senior Manager Capital Works and representatives from NSW Public Works Advisory (GreenWay assurance) with additional internal or external attendees as required e.g. General Counsel.
DISCUSSION
Detailed meeting minutes are not issued due to the nature of the discussions at the meetings to protect both the commercial position and confidentiality of commercial information of Council along with that of the Consultants, Suppliers and Contractors that are engaged to deliver these projects.
Minutes for the meetings held from March 2023 through June 2023 (held 27 March 2023, 17 April 2023, 22 May 2023 and 26 June 2023) are attached though only show non confidential information.
With this in mind, a project summary report is provided to record each projects progression/position for public reference.
|
Description |
Budget |
||
|
1 |
Callan Park Swim site |
$200,000 |
|
|
2 |
Newtown - Lord St Trunk drainage duplication |
$1,775,000 |
|
|
3 |
Bike Route LR03 (Livingstone Rd to Frazer St) Construction |
$458,000 |
|
|
4 |
PAMP |
$2,000,000 |
|
|
5 |
Marrickville & St Peters Town Hall external works |
$1,900,000 |
|
|
6 |
St Peters, Mary St to Sydenham Cycleway (Westconnex) |
$1,395,000 |
|
|
7 |
Marrickville Rd (EAST) Design and Implementation |
$3,515,000 |
|
|
8 |
Dulwich Hill Station Centre Upgrade |
$3,180,000 |
|
|
9 |
Urban Amenity Improvement Program (Various Projects) |
$4,739,775 |
|
|
10 |
Greenway capital budget |
$20,720,000 |
|
|
11 |
Skate Park in Leichhardt Park – Construction |
$1,460,000 |
|
|
12 |
Greenway Central Links Construction |
$19,180,000 |
|
|
13 |
Tempe Reserve Sports field Lighting Upgrade |
$1,900,000 |
|
|
14 |
King George Park Upgrade |
$2,930,000 |
|
|
15 |
Greenway Bay Run Widening and Upgrade |
$3,820,500 |
|
|
16 |
Lilyfield Road cycleway |
$458,000 |
|
|
17 |
Camdenville Pk remediation and staged upgrade |
$4,615,000 |
|
|
18 |
3 Cahill St & Lewis Herman Reserve |
$2,450,000 |
|
|
19 |
Petersham Town Hall upgrade works |
$2,129,747 |
|
|
20 |
Newtown Town Hall renewal works |
$1,818,900 |
|
|
21 |
Inclusive Playgrounds |
$2,050,000 |
|
|
22 |
Marrickville Town Hall internal refurbishment |
$2,574,610 |
|
|
23 |
Annandale Town Hall Community Centre refurbishment |
$1,508,000 |
|
|
24 |
AKAC Upgrade Works |
$5,550,000 |
|
|
25 |
LPAC Major Project |
$8,823,000 |
|
|
26 |
Birchgrove Park Amenities |
$1,729,000 |
|
|
27 |
Not Used |
- |
|
|
28 |
Tempe Reserve Amenities Building |
$2,500,000 |
|
|
29 |
Balmain Town Hall Site renewal works |
$1,442,310 |
|
|
30 |
Henson Park Grandstand Upgrade – AFL PPP |
$500,000 |
|
|
31 |
Dawn Fraser Baths Northern Pavilion |
$575,000 |
|
|
32 |
Herb Greedy Hall Renewal |
$1,100,000 |
|
|
33 |
Pyrmont Bridge Road (PRUAIP) |
$4,739,755 |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 27 March 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 17 April 2023 |
|
3.⇩ |
Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 22 May 2023 |
|
4.⇩ |
Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting held on 26 June 2023 |
|
5.⇩ |
Major Capital Projects Committee Project Summary Report as at June 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This purpose of this report is to publicly table the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors for the financial year period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, in accordance with the adopted Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 9 August 2022, Council resolved:
That Council adopts the amended draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy subject to replacing the words “Christmas and Festive Cards” with “Greeting Cards” in the table identified on page 3 of the policy and in clause 9.4 point 3.
Council’s Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy requires that Council report on the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors publicly and that these reports include expenditure summarised by individual Councillor and as a total for all Councillors.
This is the first report on Councillors expenditure covering the financial year period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.
DISCUSSION
The provision of expenses being reported on are outlined below and align to the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy adopted expenditure:
· General Travel Expenses
· Interstate, overseas and long-distance intrastate travel expenses
· Professional development including conferences and seminars
· ICT Expenses
· Carer expenses
· Home office expenses
· Greeting cards
There has been no expenditure that has exceeded the Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy or adopted budget.
|
Councillor |
General travel |
Interstate, overseas travel |
Professional development conferences, seminars |
ICT expenses |
Carer expenses |
Home office expenses |
Greeting cards |
|
Mayor Byrne |
$688 |
Nil |
$1,143 |
$1,982 |
$318 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Shetty |
Nil |
Nil |
$1,729 |
$327 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Stamolis |
Nil |
Nil |
$199 |
$3,680 |
|
$564 |
Nil |
|
Clr Atkins |
$79 |
$1,120 |
$4,907 |
$397 |
|
$30 |
Nil |
|
Clr Lockie |
$2,245 |
$690 |
$2, 875 |
$369 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Smith |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
$327 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr D’Arienzo |
$1,863 |
Nil |
$3,130 |
$965 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Drury |
$1,011 |
Nil |
$2,658 |
$1,529 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Griffiths |
$1,760 |
Nil |
$2,855 |
$245 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Da Cruz |
$698 |
Nil |
$2,506 |
$462 |
|
$11 |
Nil |
|
Deputy Mayor Scott |
$1,778 |
Nil |
$908 |
$983 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Stephens |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
$64 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Howard |
$106 |
Nil |
Nil |
$327 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Langford |
$1,029 |
Nil |
$2,495 |
$2,095 |
|
Nil |
Nil |
|
Clr Tsardoulias |
$700 |
Nil |
|
$1,265 |
$2,769 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Total combined actual expense |
$11,957
|
$1,810 |
$25,405 |
$15,017 |
$3,087 |
$605 |
$0 |
|
Adopted budget per Councillor |
$3,075
|
$15,375
Total for all Councillors |
$6,150
|
$3,690
$6,150 (Mayor) |
$9,000
|
$615 |
$100
$500 (Mayor) |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the tabling of Councillor expenses.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Updated Annual Disclosure of Interest Return
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is for Council to receive and note the amended disclosure of interest return forms provided by Councillor D’Arienzo and Councillor Scott, in accordance with the requirements of the Model Code of Conduct.
BACKGROUND
Councillor D’Arienzo and Councillor Scott have submitted an updated Disclosure of Interest Return in accordance with the requirements of Council’s Model Code of Conduct.
These disclosures operate as a key transparency mechanism for promoting community confidence in council decision making, whether by Councillors or by staff or others under delegation.
DISCUSSION
Council’s Code of Conduct requires Councillors and Designated Persons to prepare and submit returns of interest to the General Manager:
1. Within three months of being elected or becoming a designated person; and
2. Annually (within three months of the start of each financial year); or
3. If, at any time you become aware of any new interests that need to be disclosed, you must submit a new return within three months of becoming aware of the interests.
In accordance with point 3 above, the following Councillors have submitted amended disclosures which are now tabled before Council:
1. Councillor D’Arienzo
2. Councillor Scott
In addition to being publicly available on request, the returns are also published on Council’s website. A general redaction of applicable private details which may include things like signatures, primary residing addresses, specific financial information or family member details has been applied to these forms, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications in relation to the tabling of the updated amended disclosures.
|
1.⇩ |
Amended Disclosure Pecuniary Interests - Clr Jessica D'Arienzo - 2022-2023 - Redacted |
|
2.⇩ |
Amended Disclosure Pecuniary Interests - Clr Philippa Scott - 2022 - 2023 - Redacted |
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Cycling Infrastructure Signage, Designation and Enforcement
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
|
MOTION
1. That Council write to Transport for NSW seeking clarity on the meaning of road markings and signs, in particular, is the Booth Street separated lane at Whites Creek a bike path or bike lane?
2. That Council notes City of Sydney describes them, as a cycleway – for use of bicycles only. e.g., Bourke St cycleway is a bike path.
3. That Council bring back a report of the cost and scope to undertake an audit of Cycling Infrastructure and Routes including safety, signage, road markings, shade and crash barriers etc.
4. That Council seek clarity whether Council or the police have the delegation to enforce laws and regulations related to cycling (and rolling) including why did council or police not take quicker action including inspection, liaison and an emergency detour.
5. That Council notes the large embedded energy amount of rare materials and road space of electric cars compared to that of bicycles and other small rolling devices. So, Council should give them higher priority.
|
Background
On Saturday 20 May there were reports to Facebook that a vehicle was obstructing the separated cycleway on Booth St Annandale on the curve at the Bridge over White’s creek. See Twitter post https://twitter.com/joelmcourtney/status/1659757307553792001
The vehicle was reported to police and had been there since Thursday morning. The police promised to tow it away on Sunday. Following further reports to Council, the vehicle was still there on Tuesday evening.
Council arranged for our contractors were eventually to tow the vehicle out of the lane on Wednesday. This occurred after further phone calls to Council. Some damage to the concrete forming the separated cycleway was reported.
We need clarity of jurisdiction between police and council for dealing with vehicles in on road cycle lanes and where bicycles can be parked.
Road Markings
Car obstructing “Cycleway” which prompted
this NOM.
Photo Robert Moore, May 2023
From NSW Government Website: Bicycle lanes and shared paths
Know the difference between bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and shared paths in NSW. Take extra care in these areas.
Bicycle
lanes
Bicycle lanes are designed for
bicycles. Signs
and road markings show you where they are.
When a bicycle lane is marked on the road, bicycle riders must use it, unless it’s not practical to do so.
Bicycle lanes start with either a sign or a road marking with both a picture of a bicycle and the word ‘Lane’.
Bicycle road markings are displayed along the bike lane to remind drivers and bicycle riders to stay within their lanes.
A bicycle lane ends with a sign or a road marking with a picture of a bicycle and the words ‘Lane end’. A bicycle lane also ends at an intersection (unless it’s at the unbroken side of the continuing road or continued across the intersection by broken lines) or at a dead end.
You can drive in a bicycle lane to avoid an obstruction. You can also drive in a bicycle lane for up to 50m to:
• enter or leave the road
• overtake another vehicle turning right or making a U-turn
• enter a lane from the side of the road.
If you need to drive in a bicycle lane, take extra care and check your surroundings for bicycles.
Bicycle paths
Bicycle paths are different from bicycle lanes. It’s optional for bicycle riders to use a bicycle path.
Bicycle
paths start with a ‘Bicycle path’ sign or a road marking. They run
alongside a road or on off-road areas.
Bicycle paths can also be used by:
• people using skateboards, foot scooters and rollerblades
• people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters
• postal workers on motorcycles.
Other vehicles can only drive on a bicycle path if they’re entering or leaving a road, or if there’s a sign saying they can. When driving on a bicycle path, you must give way to all other road users on the path.
Shared paths
Shared paths can only be used by bicycle riders and pedestrians.
On shared paths, bicycle riders must:
· keep to the left (unless it’s not practical).
· give way to pedestrians. This means slowing down and even coming to a stop if necessary.
· keep to the left of any oncoming bicycle rider.
Riders of skateboards, foot scooters and rollerblades must:
· keep to the left (unless it’s not practical)
· give way to all other pedestrians.
Source
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/road-lanes-lines-markings/bicycle-lanes-shared-paths
(viewed 28 May 2023)
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Leading a Reform Agenda on Waste
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
|
MOTION
1. That Council notes councils have a key role to play in reducing waste and its impact on the environment.
2. That Council notes across the Sydney metropolitan area, 55 per cent of household and commercial waste goes to landfill each year, resulting in loss of valuable resources, costing businesses and households more than $750 million in waste levies each year.
3. That Council will work with other Sydney councils to a) reduce waste; b) improve environmental outcomes where waste has to be processed; c) find solutions for the residue that is left; and d) coordinate our advocacy, communications and collective buying power to bring the benefits of scale, efficiency and industry confidence.
4. That Council write to the NSW Government to invest the revenue from its waste levy for council and industry initiatives that: a) accelerate the transition to a circular economy; b) build the waste infrastructure needed to meet the growing pressures of population growth, loss of landfill capacity and a lack of competition in the sector; c) educate and support communities to reduce waste; and d) set the waste levy at an appropriate level with realistic hypothecation allocation, to streamline planning approvals for infrastructure, and to increase clarity and efficiency of licensing procedures.
5. That Council write to the Commonwealth Government to expedite bans on materials that cannot be recycled or recovered, and to increase extended producer responsibilities including labelling to specify recycled content in product and packaging.
6. That Council work with the other tiers of government to ensure the delivery of infrastructure solutions locally to reduce waste hauled long distances or to landfill. |
Background
Across Australia, people are asking for more ambitious action on climate change. Reducing waste and its impact on the environment is one of the key actions councils can take to lower our emissions.
Across the Sydney metropolitan area, 55 per cent of household and commercial waste goes to landfill each year, resulting in loss of valuable resources, costing businesses and households more than $750 million in waste levies each year.
Sydney councils must meet ambitious resource recovery and waste reduction targets, while also meeting the community’s expectations for uninterrupted services and public health outcomes. The time has long passed when councils collected rubbish and transported it to a landfill where it would slowly rot away.
Achieving the overhaul of the industry that is needed requires strategic input from Mayors, Councillors, GMs/CEOs and councils' officers.
Providing viable waste services for the community is no longer solely an operational issue for council staff to manage. Industry-wide changes include a limited number of suppliers, a lack of processing infrastructure and a shortage of readily accessible waste collection and transfer sites. These changes present all Sydney councils with the prospects of rising costs, increasing truck movements and resource recovery rates that are static at best. Few options exist for increased efficiency or resource recovery improvements, or to reduce landfill.
The original drivers of public health and hygiene have been supplemented by the need to reduce pollution, lower carbon emissions, and recover and re-use resources. Collecting waste is just part of the picture; Councils must make strategic decisions about where this waste will go.
The last 20 years have seen significant positive change. Recycling has been introduced for glass, hard plastics, paper and cardboard. There are separate collections for mattresses, electronic waste, tyres, clothing, mobile phones, batteries and chemicals. Landfills capture methane to generate energy. There will soon be collections for food waste and/or food and garden organics.
In spite of councils’ successes, waste processing and disposal have not kept pace with recent changes, yet the population is growing and waste generation rates continue to increase. Most Sydney councils must pay to haul recyclable materials and waste far outside their local area, and new transfer capacity is difficult to secure due to cost and availability of appropriately zoned land.
Data shows that we will not be able to meet NSW and Commonwealth targets with our current systems. Even with the highest efficiencies, progress in domestic waste collection and recovery will be impossible without major changes. These transitions will be expensive. The Waste Levy on landfill is an incentive to recycle, but in a failing market just adds to the costs that Council must charge the community. Only a around 7 per cent of around $800 million in annual waste levy revenue comes back to councils and the waste industry through contestable grants to fund improvements. Councils will not receive a fair share of funding, despite being asked to meet government targets and transition to a circular economy.
I attended the Metropolitan Sydney Mayoral Summit on Waste on 18 May 2023 to discuss what councils can do to contribute solutions to these concerns. The Sydney Mayoral Summit was convened by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) on behalf of Resilient Sydney, which our council supports.
Together we heard from the waste industry, NSW EPA and Federal
Government representatives, and Sydney Mayors about initiatives and areas of
influence where councils can work together.
Australian Packaging Covenant https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/plastics-and-packaging/packaging-covenant
Australasian Recycling Label https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/arl/
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Council to Display First Nations Map, State from the Heart and Torres Strait Flag in Council Chambers
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
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MOTION
1. That Council display the Map of Indigenous Australia.
2. That Council display the Image of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the Council Chamber.
3. That Council fly the Torres Strait Flag in the chamber alongside of the Aboriginal Flag.
4. That Council bring back a report on adopting traditional place names in our correspondence.
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Background
Map of Indigenous Australia
“Australia's First Peoples have been living on the Australian continent for Millenia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia is made up of many different and distinct groups, each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. They are the world’s oldest surviving culture; cultures that continue to be expressed in dynamic and contemporary ways.”
“This map attempts to represent the language, social or nation groups of Aboriginal Australia. It shows only the general locations of larger groupings of people which may include clans, dialects or individual languages in a group. It used published resources from the eighteenth century-1994 and is not intended to be exact, nor the boundaries fixed. It is not suitable for native title or other land claims. David R Horton (creator), © AIATSIS, 1996.
No reproduction without permission.”
Map can be viewed and purchased at https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia
Matching postcodes to traditional place names
Australia Post have recently launched a campaign that allows people to include the traditional name of places in the address field. This is one way that you can acknowledge that places are firstly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander places. Source: https://aiatsis.gov.au/whose-country
Uluru Statement from the Heart
· 2010 Prime Minister Julia Gillard establishes the Expert Panel on the Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution.
· 2012 Expert Panel Report finds strong public support for constitutional recognition and recommends removing existing constitutional references to race in ss 25 and 51(xxvi), inserting a statement of Indigenous recognition into the Constitution, giving the Commonwealth Parliament a new power to make laws about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, creating a constitutional ban on racial discrimination and inserting a provision recognising Indigenous languages.
· 2013 The Gillard government, with support from the Opposition, passes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2013, to provide an interim form of recognition of Aboriginal people.
· 2014 Parliament forms a joint select parliamentary committee, chaired by Senators Ken Wyatt and Nova Peris, to advance the work of the Expert Panel.
· 2015 Indigenous Leaders meet with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at Kirribilli House and issue the Kirribilli Statement. In response, the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader establish the Referendum Council.
· 
2016-17 The Referendum Council runs 13 First Nations
Regional Dialogues to discuss options for constitutional reform.
· 2017 The Referendum Council holds a National First Nations Constitutional Convention where delegates draft and overwhelmingly endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart which calls for a constitutionally entrenched First Nations Voice to Parliament, and a Makarrata commission to oversee a process of treaty-making and truth-telling. The Turnbull government rejects the call for a Voice to Parliament.
· 2018 A Joint Select Committee of Parliament finds the Voice is the only viable recognition proposal and recommends that the government ‘initiate a process of co-design [of the Voice] with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
· 2019 Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, announces a ‘co-design’ process to determine the structure and functions of the Voice. The constitutional enshrinement of the Voice was excluded from the terms of reference.
· 2021 The Uluru Statement wins the Sydney Peace Prize with co-laureates Pat Anderson, Megan Davis and Noel Pearson.
· 2022 Anthony Albanese is elected as the new Prime Minister of Australia and reconfirms his commitment to implement the Uluru Statement in full during his victory speech upon the Australian Labor Party defeating the Liberal National Party in the May federal election.
· October 2022 The Inner West is partnering with the Sydney Alliance to provide the training program and coordinate the recruitment campaign as well as making town halls and facilities available for the training free of charge.
· 2023 Legislation which Proposes an alteration to the Constitution to recognise First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in introduced into Federal Parliament. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd2223a/23bd080
The Uluru Statement from the Heart and its history can be read here https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/
“Thomas Mayor is a Torres Strait Islander man who lives on Larrakia Country in Darwin. A father of five children, he is a wharfie and union official for the Maritime Union of Australia. He has tirelessly advocated for the proposals in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and is the author of four bestselling books. His First book, Finding the Heart of the Nation: The journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth, tells his story, the story of the Uluru Statement, and the stories of the remarkable people he met on his campaigning journey. A children’s version, Finding Our Heart, was published in June 2020. In 2021, Thomas released a children’s book, Freedom Day: Vincent Lingiari and the Wave Hill Walk-Off, published by Bright Light; and Dear Son – Letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and Sons. ” Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival, https://blakandbright.com.au/artist/thor/mas-mayo (viewed 2 June 2023)
Australian Flags lists these Special Days for flying flags
· 27 May to 3 June — National Reconciliation Week– 27 May as the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which successfully removed from the Constitution clauses that discriminated against Indigenous Australians and 3 June as the anniversary of the High Court decision in the Eddie Mabo land rights case of 1992.
· July, nominated week — NAIDOC Week (originally an acronym for National Aboriginal and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee, the acronym has since become the name of the week) – NAIDOC Week is held every year to celebrate and promote a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture
Source - 3rd edition of Australian Flags https://www.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/resource/download/australia-flag-booklet-fa-accessible-150dpi.pdf
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Customer Service
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott
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MOTION
1. That Council note that further to the Customer Service Charter on this agenda, the Customer Experience Strategy, will be provided to Council in September for endorsement to go on public exhibition.
2. That Council note that further to the recent training opportunities for staff, a key item in the Customer Experience Strategy will need to be an organisational-wide culture uplift to be highly responsive, highly flexible, and highly empathetic, with metrics that include:
a) Quick responses to emails, phone calls, and online service requests, with information provided in clear, plain English; b) Making proactive phone calls when residents reach out in other ways, both to understand and to follow up on issues raised; c) Requests assigned to a single case manager who is responsible for gathering and assessing information, following up interim information, keeping residents informed at regular intervals, and finding and confirming solutions; and d) Qualitative review of customer interactions for their consistency with our stated values of being here to serve the community, with an emphasis on responsiveness, flexibility and empathy.
3. Establish a Facebook Online Customer Service page to exist separately from the Inner West Council’s organisational Facebook page. The purpose of the Online Customer Service page is to:
a) Respond to resident requests on Facebook when “tagged”; b) Join local resident groups and respond to issues; and c) Note the Customer Advocate page is not a communications and promotions tool, but a customer service tool. A report is to be brought back to Council in August on how this will operate in considering points a, b and c above.
4. Establish a mobile customer service outreach team: a team of staff and a branded van to bring Council administration directly to ratepayers, with a roving schedule for council staff to be accessible in locations such as shopping centres, council recreation facilities such as libraries, aquatic centres, sporting grounds, festivals, and major transport stops such as train stations and ferries during peak travel time. The outreach team will cover not only 9am-5pm Monday to Friday but also after hours and weekends.
5. Increase the customer service stalls from 26 to 48 per year, and rotate them into new locations including shopping precincts and transport stops as well as the town squares and parks
a) Note that with more regularised activity, and providing the forward schedule in our monthly newsletters, letterboxing promotion may not be needed which would decrease the cost per annum; and b) Note that reporting on the engagement with the stalls is to continue through the Customer Service Committee, and if changes to the schedule are recommended, they will come to Council.
6. Note that further investment $350k will be necessary to cover the increased activity in points 4 and 5, which will be moved as an amendment to the budget.
7. Staff report in September with the Customer Experience Strategy, on the adoption of new technologies to improve transparency around maintenance schedules so residents can know when and where maintenance is due to occur in their neighbourhood, beginning with an immediate update to the way that mowing and street sweeping schedules are made public.
8. In 2024, request the Internal Ombudsman Shared Service (IOSS) conduct a 12-month review of customer service to determine what improvements have been made and where there are further opportunities. |
Background
Improving customer service has been a focus for Council over the course of this Council term. A Customer Service Committee has met monthly for 18 months, including representatives of the community, Council members and staff. Council staff are to be commended for the work they have done to date and there is much to build on. However there are also elements of service that can still be improved.
Internal training held to date has been focused on embedding a culture of service within the Council staff. Hundreds of staff have attended, and managers and supervisors have followed up to ensure that resident interactions are in line with this direction.
The Customer Service Charter on this agenda reflects these commitments, and the Customer Experience Strategy, which will come to the September meeting, will outline how Council will achieve the elements of the Charter. Particularly important elements of that Strategy have been outlined in the motion.
Further, a great deal of customer service interaction with Council, largely via the elected Councillors, is now taking place via social media. The Council’s customer service team needs to be present and active in that space - responding to residents, taking part in discussions, conducting online outreach and interacting with the community in the way that Councillors do every day.
The most successful element of the improved customer service program has been the increased outreach via stalls and forums. After experimenting with monthly and then fortnightly weekend outreach, it is clear that the stalls should be held weekly and rotate into spaces other than town squares and parks. At the same time, a mobile outreach service in a van can meet residents where they live, work, shop and socialise during the week, at shopping centres and train stations. A budget adjustment of $350k will be moved as an amendment to the Budget at the June meeting.
The DA Customer Service area, while commendably reducing the median time of determination to ~90 days (from above 100 days), still has work to do to ensure that proactive phone calls, empowered case management, face-to-face visits, reliable advice, and in particular consistent and accurate heritage advice is demonstrated.
IT work on the website and the service request system to take place over the next two years is budgeted, however, immediate improvement to some very specific elements of the website, such as the mowing and street sweeping schedule, need to be made immediately. Staff are asked to report back in September on the solution to out of date and inaccessible online schedules.
To ensure that the effort and investment in Customer Service is having the intended effect, the Internal Ombudsman, who is the receiver and arbiter of a range of customer service complaints, is asked to conduct a review of the service in 2024, two years after the improvement program began in earnest.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Emergency Services Levy increase
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Pauline Lockie
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MOTION
1. That the Mayor writes to the Treasurer, the Minister for Emergency Services, the Minister for Local Government and local Members:
a) Expressing Council's strong opposition to the NSW Government's decision to impose an enormous Emergency Services Levy (ESL) cost increase on Councils for 2023/24, and for scrapping the Emergency Services Levy subsidy for Councils;
b) Noting that as a consequence of the unannounced 73 per cent increase in the State Emergency Service budget and an 18 per cent increase in the Fire and Rescue NSW budget, Council's 3.7 per cent rate increase to provide essential community services and infrastructure has been significantly eroded;
c) Advising that the NSW Government's decision may impact Council's ability to deliver important local services and necessary infrastructure in the long term; and
d) Calling on the NSW Government to take immediate action to: i. Restore the Emergency Services Levy subsidy in 2023/24; ii. Urgently introduce legislation to decouple the Emergency Services Levy from the rate peg to enable Councils to recover the full cost (in future years); and iii. Develop a fairer, more transparent and financially sustainable method of funding critically important emergency services in consultation with local government.
2. That the Mayor also writes to the President of Local Government NSW seeking the Association's ongoing advocacy to bring about a relief in the burden of Councils' emergency services contribution.
3. That the General Manager writes to the Chair of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) advising that Council's forced emergency services contribution is manifestly disproportionate to the 2023/24 rate cap, which has resulted in additional financial stress. |
Background
The Emergency Services Levy is a cost imposed on Councils and insurance policy holders to fund the emergency services budget in NSW. The majority is paid as part of insurance premiums, with a further 11.7 per cent funded by Councils and 14.6 per cent by the NSW Government.
In the 2019/20 financial year, legislative changes increased Councils' contribution to the Emergency Services Levy. In recognition that this change significantly impacted the financial sustainability of many Councils, the NSW Government has been providing "one-off" subsidies to offset these growing levies each year, which helped minimise the financial impacts to Councils.
The NSW Government’s recent decision to both substantially increase the Emergency Services Levy and withdraw subsidies for Councils is an unexpected cost hit that will eat into any Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)-approved rate rise. Increases in rates will now have to be diverted to the significantly higher Emergency Services Levy payments this year.
Councils are already under massive financial pressure from the combined impact of the pandemic, extreme weather events, high inflation, and wage increases. The levy increase for the state’s 128 Councils in 2023/24 amounts to almost $77 million, with the total cost imposed on the local government sector increasing from $143 million in the current financial year to $219 million next year.
This represents a 53.1 per cent increase, completely dwarfing the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) baseline rate peg of 3.7 per cent for 2023/24.
For Inner West Council, the impact of the increased, unsubsidised levy is $1.7m for 2023/24 which is 29% of Council’s total contribution ($5.8m). This amounts to 38% of Council’s expected increase in rate income for 2023/24.
If the NSW Government’s decision is not reversed, over time this unfair increase will ultimately impact Council’s financial position, and our capacity to provide the services and infrastructure that our community requires.
The timing of the announcements by the NSW Government is particularly challenging for Councils as it comes so late in the local government budgeting cycle, well after IPART’s rate determination for the coming financial year, and after Councils have prepared their draft budgets for consultation with their communities.
Reporting suggests that the increase in costs this year reflects a 73 per cent increase in the State Emergency Service budget and an 18.5 per cent funding increase to Fire and Rescue NSW.
All Councils strongly support a well-funded emergency services sector and the critical contribution of emergency services workers and volunteers (many of whom are Councillors and Council staff). However, it is essential that these services be supported through an equitable, transparent, and sustainable funding model.
In line with Local Government NSW’s position on this matter, I am asking Council to call on the NSW Government to take immediate action to address this issue.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Webcasts
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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MOTION
That Council look at ways to increase public accessibility and use of its webcasts for its Ordinary Council meetings and report back in September 2023. |
Background
Webcasts for Councils monthly Ordinary Council Meetings go back to 2017. These provide an important record of Council meetings as well as a means for residents to see how decision-making occurs.
Viewing levels for Ordinary Council meetings have never been high but recent data shows a trend decrease since the commencement of this current Council. More so, based on a 3 month moving average, viewing rates are now the lowest on record.
It might be useful to create a separate web page (accessible from the home page) to highlight the most recent meeting. Council may also consider creating a Key Topics page which links to items such as:
· Budget
· Policies and Plans
· Plans of Management
· Development and Rezoning
· Environment
· etc
For example, the ‘Budget’ topic could provide links to relevant webcasts items for the past 3 years. This will assist people to easily access items given that most people do not know when these items are debated or may not be familiar with Councils agenda.
Note: The chart below shows a 3 month moving average for the number of views of Councils webcasts for its Ordinary Meetings. For comparative purposes, where Council had two Ordinary meetings in a given month, the meeting with the higher number of views was selected for that month. A trendline (polynomial, order 3) is also shown.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Unoccupied Dwellings Rise by 35%
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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MOTION
That Council investigate the stock of unoccupied dwellings in the Inner West and report initial data back by November 2023. |
Background
Inner West Council is experiencing a significant rise in unoccupied private dwellings … from 5,457 (7.6%) in 2011, 6,060 (8.1%) in 2016 to 8,152 (9.9%) in 2021.
The number of unoccupied private dwellings in the Inner West is now 35% higher than 5 years ago while the total number of private dwellings grew by 10% over that time.
Inner West Council currently has the fifth highest number of unoccupied dwellings (8,152) and the fifth highest rate of unoccupied dwellings (232 per square kilometre) of all Sydney Councils.
Three-quarters of unoccupied dwellings in the Inner West are in the following 10 suburbs.
Little is known about unoccupied dwellings and how these affect:
· housing affordability and house prices
· availability of rental stock and rent levels
· development quotas enforced on Councils by State Government
Clearly, a significant proportion of unoccupied dwellings have a logical reason for being empty such as households travelling for holidays or work, or dwellings being developed or renovated etc.
But what if a small proportion of these unoccupied dwellings could be returned to the housing market such as 5% to 10%. This would make 408 to 815 dwellings available across Inner West Council. Even 2%, is 160 dwellings!
During this housing affordability crisis, where rents are skyrocketing and where supply issues are critical, we need to look as broadly as possible at finding solutions.
State and Local Governments need to understand why a significant and growing proportion of housing stock is unoccupied and if there are incentives to get even a very small proportion of these back onto the housing market.
As a first step in understanding the stock of unoccupied dwellings across the Inner West, Council may consider requesting data from ABS showing the number of unoccupied dwellings by suburb by type of dwelling.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Making the Rainbow Tunnels Permanent
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Pauline Lockie
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MOTION
1. That Council notes the successful collaboration between Transport for NSW and Inner West Council that saw three rainbow lighting artworks installed in Transport for NSW-owned pedestrian tunnels in Newtown, Petersham and Ashfield during Pride Inner West and Sydney WorldPride.
2. That Council notes that these works were produced and funded by Transport for NSW as part of its reVITALise 2023 Creative Program and Safer Cities Program.
3. That Council notes that these artworks were created by local LGBTQIA+ artists and were extremely well-received by the community.
4. That Council notes that, since these artworks were deinstalled in April/May, there have been requests from the community for them to be reinstalled.
5. That Council asks the Mayor to write to the Minister for Transport to request that Transport for NSW works with Inner West Council to make the Rainbow Tunnel artworks permanent.
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Background
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) recently collaborated with Inner West Council to install rainbow lighting artworks in three of its tunnels during Pride Inner West and Sydney WorldPride. These were:
· ‘Stars of Splatters’ by HOSSEI, Petersham pedestrian subway tunnel
· ‘Slipstream’ by Alexandra Jonscher and Andrew Christie, Ashfield Station pedestrian tunnel
· ‘1000 Kisses’ by Kieran Butler, Newtown pedestrian tunnel.
The Rainbow Tunnels project was part of TfNSW’s reVITALise program, which is trialling creative interventions to support long term best-practice placemaking, and its Safer Cities Program, which supports trials of place-based approaches to improving women, girls and gender diverse peoples’ safety within public spaces.
Each of the three Rainbow Tunnels was designed by a different local LGBTIQA+ artist, and were extremely well received by the community. While they were designed to be temporary, local residents have asked that they be made permanent.
Given these tunnels are owned by Transport for NSW, which funded the works, I am proposing that the Mayor writes to the Minister for Transport to raise this request.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Balmain Road/Orange Grove crossing
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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MOTION
That Council renew the surface of the road crossing, along with the immediately adjacent footpath, from the Lilyfield shops to the Orange Grove School (i.e. across Balmain Road) as soon as possible.
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Background
The crossing from the Lilyfield shops to Orange Grove Public School (across Balmain Road) is in a poor state.
This is a highly used crossing for the school, the markets and also to and from the shops.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Newtown Festival
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
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MOTION
1. That Council Note that the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre has announced that it will no longer hold a Newtown Festival. 2. That Council note that the suburb of Newtown is partly in the Inner West Council area, and partly in the City of Sydney Council area, with King Street being the border between the two Councils. 3. That Council note that the Inner West Council has a strong program of community festivals, some of which include main street closures. 4. That Council note the City of Sydney has a Sydney Streets program where major streets including high streets are closed once or twice a year to traffic, to celebrate neighbourhoods, and that the streets to be included in the annual program are selected following consultation.
5. That Council ask the Mayor to write to the Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney to discuss the possibility that a Sydney Streets closure could be held in Newtown, organised in coordination with the Inner West Council.
6. That Council staff to work with City of Sydney staff as necessary to ensure this happens, including to provide advice about benefits to the community and the local organisations, local businesses and communities that could be involved.
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Background
In May this year Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) announced that they would no longer run the Newtown Festival. Over the last 40 years, the Festival experienced significant growth, with many more businesses, sponsors and people attending the event. This large-scale financial endeavour eclipsed the resources, capabilities and purpose of NNC.
The decision – which involved reviewing several possible funding scenarios and business cases, as well as community consultation – was not made lightly. Ultimately, the NNC board had to consider the role of the Festival in line with NNC’s core objectives: to strengthen the community through the provision of essential resources, support and care for those who need it most.
Not surprisingly many Inner West residents were disappointed, while acknowledging the strong program of other community festivals in the Inner West.
City of Sydney runs a festival program known as Sydney Streets which has a budget of around $2million p.a. The program has included the closure of major thoroughfares, e.g. Oxford Street. As yet it has not included King Street but it appears that an approach to the Lord Mayor to seek to have King Street included on an annual basis could be successful. The proposal has the support of the City of Sydney Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Community:
Council has worked closely with Newtown Neighbourhood centre following its decision not to continue to deliver the Newtown Festival. It is understood that the festival was running at a loss of up to $500k per annum. There have been high community expectations in relation to the festival overtime and these would need to be carefully managed in any decision to reactivate the King Street Precinct. There are no funds available in the Inner West Council events budget to support any new initiatives. In addition, staff time is committed to the existing calendar of events for 2023/2024.
This includes the live screening of the Mardi Gras parade and other
celebrations in Camperdown Rest Memorial Park in Newtown as well as Summerfest
in Enmore Park.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Good Neighbour Policy
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott
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MOTION
1. That Council expand the ‘Good Neighbour Policy’ beyond live music venues and licensed premises to include artistic, creative and sporting clubs and activities, and commercial and retail businesses, excluding construction businesses.
2. That Council staff bring back report on the regulatory implications of this course of action and a draft amended version of the policy to Council for approval.
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Background
Council’s excellent Good Neighbour Policy requires that instead of immediately launching compliance or legal action when complaints are received about a live music venue, Council officers will mediate with complainants and venue operators to find solutions.
As a dense, mixed-use community, the Inner West also contains a range of other long standing hospitality, creative and sporting operators that are also adjacent to housing or other businesses. In the same way that the Good Neighbour Policy ensures the longevity of live music venues, the health and vitality of our commercial, sporting and hospitality precincts can also be protected by extending the policy to include them. It is intended that officers will first seek to mediate, and we will seek to limit the range of avenues through which complaints can be made.
Noting the particular sensitivity to construction operation, this sector is excluded from the intended extension of the policy.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Cumulative effect of Additional Equipment for Telecom Towers
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
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MOTION 1. That Council receive a briefing note about proposals for Telecom Towers in our LGA and the regulatory framework. 2. That Council write to the Minister for Telecommunications, copying local federal members, that our residents have concerns about the initial and cumulative radiation from these towers being placed in our densely populated LGA and to advise what Radiation Safeguards are in place regarding ensuring the cumulative radiation effect of the additional equipment and community consultation are met. |
Background
Council has received applications from Telecommunication Companies to install Towers in our LGA.
Council can only assess the visual impacts of the Towers, not the radiation from the initial equipment being installed on the Towers or cumulative radiation from any additional equipment which is installed in the future.
'Phone towers and base stations When telcos want to build or install new equipment near you, there are rules they must follow. '
https://www.acma.gov.au/phone-towers-and-base-stations
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Henson Park Lighting
Council at its meeting on 20 June 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 08 August 2023.
From: Councillor Justine Langford
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MOTION
1. That Council note there is no lighting in the dog off-leash area of Henson Park Oval at night.
2. That Council note that residents wish to safely use the off-leash dog area of an evening, especially during Winter and through daylight savings.
3. That Council investigate lighting the dog off-leash area of Henson Park Oval of an evening to improve safety and amenity for dog walkers and residents who want to use the park for exercise at night. |
Background
Members of the Henson Park dog community have contacted ward Councillors and Council staff, requesting that lighting be left on of an evening to facilitate safe dog walking after hours. Lack of lighting is of particular concern over Winter and during daylight savings.
Henson Park dog off-leash area is a much loved and regularly used facility that is important for dogs and a valuable social outlet for dog owners. There's a great community around it, including an active Facebook group. Residents really appreciate having Henson Park nearby. It's a great community facility for active recreation. They want to use it safely throughout the year.
Most afternoons there are 50+ residents with dogs using the space. The lighting on the grassed areas used by dogs and owners is very limited. When the oval lights are on it's quite bright. But usually there are just a couple of lights on the side of the toilet block at the Woodland Street entrance. Without lighting, it's dangerous to walk on the grass at night because of the slope and uneven surfaces. It's often slippery after rain too. In the early mornings it is even more unsafe. The lack of lighting makes it difficult to check who else is in the park and how they are acting.
Local residents do walk their dogs around the streets at night – but the point of off-leash areas is that dogs can run about and play with other dogs, something which is obviously forbidden on the streets and it’s something which is important for dogs’ wellbeing.
The Henson Park Plan of Management and master plan does provide support for lighting upgrades to improve safety, and to extend the hours that the park can be used. It is understood that these works are still to be fully scoped, planned, and budgeted for. In the meantime, residents are asking for a solution to light the park at night.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal Impacts
From: Councillors John Stamolis and Kobi Shetty
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MOTION
1. That Council notes that a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry in 2015 found that it was a serious error to locate the cruise ship terminal at White Bay.
2. That Council supports the Balmain community and local advocacy group’s calls to protect the local community from air and noise pollution coming from cruise ships docking at White Bay.
3. That Council writes to the Minister for Transport seeking information about:
a) when shore power is expected to become operational at White Bay Wharf 5;
b) whether use of shore power
will be mandatory for all cruise ships at White Bay Wharf 5 (once
implemented) and if not, why not; c) what plans for future use of White Bay Wharf 4 are being made and whether shore power will be provided;
d) what plans are being made to improve fuel quality used by cruise
ships within Sydney Harbour; e) what fuel quality regulations will be required for ships at berth (i.e. during arrival and preparation for departure of cruise ships); and
f) how the impact of noise from cruise ships on the local community will be addressed.
4. That Council advises the Minister for Transport of the ongoing impact of cruise ships operations at White Bay including air and noise pollution.
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Background
Councillors are aware of the community campaign to stop the cruise ship terminal being approved at White Bay over 10 years ago. The campaign saw it as highly inappropriate to locate and operate a cruise ship terminal in a high-density residential location such as the Balmain Peninsula. It was clear, from the time that the cruise ship terminal was proposed, that air pollution, poor fuel quality, noise, vibrations, lighting and traffic impacts would have a massive effect on the local population of Balmain and White Bay.
After almost ten years of cruise ship operations, virtually all of these impacts are just as bad as predicted. Yet, operations at the cruise ship terminal continue. It would be difficult to find any other operation being approved in 2014, and still operating in 2023, which allows such huge impacts and risks on a community.
Cruise ship operations should not have been approved at White Bay and, should certainly not have commenced before mitigation of impacts and risks were addressed.
WBCT is out of step with modern international practice
At the time of approval of the cruise ship terminal at White Bay, Sydney demonstrated that it was out of step with international practice and this gap has widened over the past decade.
This year (2023), Amsterdam's Council has banned cruise ships from the city centre as the Dutch capital tries to limit visitor numbers and curb pollution.
Plans for a cruise ship terminal on the Thames in south-east London were withdrawn after permission was granted in 2015. Greenwich Council ended its backing of the terminal over pollution concerns. Campaigners claimed a ship docked at the port would have emitted the same amount of pollution as 600 lorries. Morgan Stanley, the firm behind the project, said it had "listened to comments" from the community.
In Venice, bans have been placed on cruises ships with air pollution and noise being cited as key reasons for changes being made.
The proposal for a cruise ship terminal at Yarra Bay, Sydney, was defeated by the Save Yarra Bay campaign. This campaign referred to the impact of toxic emissions as far as Kogorah, Rockdale and the CBD.
… local residents will have to endure the diesel fumes and the noise of ships’ massive diesel engines running around the clock to generate electricity. Reduced air quality and unknown health consequences result from mega emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen and volatile organic compounds. This toxic by-product would have negative health implications for bayside suburbs – and suburbs further to the west and north that would experience worsening air quality.
In summer, for example, with two mega cruise ships berthed in Yarra Bay all day, the very dirty exhaust from their engines would be blown straight across Kogarah, Rockdale and neighbouring suburbs. If the ships choose to schedule overnight stays (highly likely), the fumes will blow to the south-west long into the evening. Should the wind direction be from the south, the exhaust plume will impact all of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and the CBD.
Cruise ships exceeded noise levels so noise limits were lifted!!
A study undertaken by the Danish EPA & Lloyd's Register ODS found that in order to achieve compliance with a 40dB noise requirement "the ship should be berthed more than 600 metres away in order not to exceed this noise limit. The WBCT is less than 100 metres from berthed cruise ships and the approved noise limit for cruise ships is 70dB from 7am to 6pm.
Under the original approval for White Bay the approved noise limit for cruise ships during the day was 56dB. Cruise ships were regularly exceeding the approved noise level. From day one, cruise ships could not comply with the approved noise levels.
Then, a review saw this increased from 56dB to 70dB … a 25% increase. From 6pm to 10pm the approved noise limit of 54dB was lifted to 60dB. From 10pm to 7am the noise limit allowed was lifted from 49dB to 55dB.
Noise doesn't decrease in the night time because more power is required on the ship for lighting and ventilation. The ships rarely comply when they stay overnight.
Noise levels from announcements, drills and chimes is highly intrusive for nearby residents.
Peak cruise season … a cruise ship every two days
Early commitments of around 60 cruise ship arrivals at White Bay quickly escalated to 120 arrivals. During the cruise ship season, for the 5 months from November to March, residents are faced with intense activity with cruise ships arriving once every two days and even as much as two ships every three days.
Promises of no overnight stays of ships soon faded. These have become increasingly common and for lengthy periods.
NSW Parliamentary Inquiry … moving the cruise ship terminal to White Bay was a serious error
A Parliamentary Inquiry in 2015 found that moving the cruise ship terminal to White Bay was a ‘serious error’ and that it has been ‘plagued by hundreds of complaints from residents.’ This supported the views of the original campaign group who did not want the cruise ship terminal to be approved at White Bay.
It is distressing to read the Facebook page of Stop Cruise Ship Pollution (March 2023):
“all the cancerous poisons that you can see being pumped into the air 100m from people's family-filled homes ... In our homes. In our lungs. In our children's and grandparents lungs.
It's not just a local story. Those poisons have turned up 100 kms from the source where cruise ships are berthed and continue to burn cheap, poisonous sludge, know as fuel oil, because it's marginally cheaper than the cleaner, less harmful alternatives.”
Residents are looking to Council to act on their behalf to ensure that the impacts from cruise ship operations are minimised.
Some Councillors have recently received correspondence from a member of the Stop Cruise Ship Pollution Group. Key points in this correspondence include:
· This group has been active for almost 10 years … voicing concerns around the health impacts of the large numbers of cruise ships that use White Bay.
· There needs to be some understanding, respect and protection given to the health of the local community, homes, schools and hospital.
· In recent times, there have been announcements regarding the implementation of Shore Power which would allow ships to turn off their highly polluting engines whilst at dock. … As part of these announcements, it was clearly stated that the continued use of White Bay as a Cruise Ship terminal WITHOUT Shore Power would be an unacceptable health risk to the community.
· further evaluation highlighted that not all wharves were going to be able to provide Shore Power (and then the start date for most of those wharves nominated for shore power was pushed out to 2030!). Moreover, even those ships using the Shore Power enabled wharves would not be required to make use of that Shore Power.
· It is now well understood that all wharves that service cruise ships require Shore Power and that its use must be mandated. Otherwise, the damage to the health of the community will remain, remembering that the toxic emissions will continue to have a significant impact on schools, residents and Balmain Hospital.
· Allowing such pollution to cover a residential environment must be unique in Australia. Incredibly, the funnel stacks from these Cruise Ships are within 150 metres of some local schools. … It is important to note that the wharf closest to the majority of higher density residential developments, two schools and Balmain Hospital is White Bay 4, which is frequently used by cruise ships as well as other working boats.
· not one of your constituents is able to avoid the slow poisoning from lethal cruise ship emissions, it's our young, the frail and the elderly who are most susceptible
· White Bay 4 is not included in the current plans for shore power infrastructure. Cruise ships pump out far more toxic air pollution than working boats, so it seems incredible to omit one of the two wharves used for cruise ships from the announced plans for shore power provision at White Bay.
· In regard to this, Sydney Ports claims it is ‘assessing future land-uses for White Bay 4 – something that could delay any shore power provision there for 10 years or more. … In the meantime, local residents and school children will continue to be subjected to unacceptable health impacts from cruise ships. It is important to ask what possible future use could a deep-water wharf like White Bay 4 have (a wharf that is surrounded on both sides by other wharves that will be used for shipping into the future) except for shipping? Any other use would be inappropriate and irresponsible given these are the last deep-water berths left in the inner harbour.
· This is a significant local health issue. … Yet this issue has been going on for 10 years, which is surely too long?
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Clontarf Cottage Consultation
From: Councillors John Stamolis and Kobi Shetty
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MOTION
That Council undertake consultation with Friends of Clontarf Cottage, the community and the Access Committee about capital works, funding and future use of Clontarf Cottage.
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Background
Council’s response to a Question on Notice (June 2023) in regard to Clontarf Cottage reported that $475,000 of funding for capital works for 2019-20 and 2020-21 was reallocated to other areas as a result of Councils response to the Covid pandemic.
The capital works proposed had taken many years to be included on Council’s budget. These included:
· landscaping
· lighting
· storage
· kitchen facilities
· bathroom facilities
· wheelchair access
An inspection of the roof is also due.
It is important that these funds be returned to Clontarf Cottage to provide for an essential upgrade and to improve its purpose as a well-known, greatly enjoyed and much-loved community facility.
Clontarf Cottage, with its historic layout, shingle roof and small grassed frontage has been a wonderful venue for small local celebrations and for local clubs to meet but funding is needed to both maintain it and allow for increased use.
The response to the Question on Notice refers any discussion about Clontarf Cottage to the Access Committee only. It is not clear if or when Clontarf Cottage would be a focus of discussion for the Access Committee. It is appropriate that wider consultation occurs and a schedule of works is developed.
The Friends of Clontarf Cottage include members of the Clontarf Cottage Management Committee who met on a regular basis over many years to manage all aspects of Clontarf Cottage and to ensure that this facility was well-used and enjoyed by the wider community. Members of this committee were the original campaigners who fought to save the cottage from demolition. As such, their knowledge of Clontarf Cottage goes back to the original restoration of the cottage and covering almost 40 years of its use.
It would be of great value to Council to draw upon the knowledge and expertise of the Friends of Clontarf Cottage in determining the future of Clontarf Cottage.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Affordable Housing Fund and Land Audit
From: Councillor Dylan Griffiths
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MOTION
1. That Council note that an audit of council land for affordable housing was commissioned in March 2022 by Notice of Motion C0322(1) Item 13.
2. That Council will receive a report that features the completed audit of council land for affordable housing by the November 2023 Council meeting.
3. That in consultation with the Housing and Affordability Action Committee (HAAC), will develop a webpage about the council’s affordable housing fund. The webpage will be updated quarterly and feature the amount of money in the fund, expenditure from the fund, revenue into the fund including funds from VPAs.
4. That Council investigate moving the affordable housing fund into a high-interest account. The investigation is to be reported to the November council meeting alongside the land audit.
5. That Council consider direct investment into the affordable housing fund in each annual budget cycle.
6. That Council investigate partnerships with neighbouring councils and Resilient Sydney to share resources including council land and funds with the aim to boost Sydney's affordable housing stock.
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Background
An audit of council land for prospective affordable housing development was commissioned in March 2022. While council has yet to receive a formal update on this project, it is anticipated that council will receive an update at the August meeting. We’ve seen through the proposed Hay St affordable housing development, affordable housing projects can require prolonged planning. In the current housing crisis, the land audit should be a key council priority so that affordable housing can be planned and built as soon possible.
In March 2020, Council established an Affordable Housing Fund to ensure that money identified for affordable housing is not used for other purposes. Council’s Affordable Housing Policy states that funds from the following sources will be deposited in the fund:
• net operating profit (income less expenditure) generated by Council’s affordable housing dwellings managed by Council’s preferred Community Housing Provider
• monetary contributions specifically for affordable housing acquired through Planning Agreements
• monetary contributions levied through any approved Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme under SEPP70
In December 2022, council officers provided information in response to question on notice: Affordable Housing Fund C1222(1) Item 56. The QON showed that the affordable housing fund exists across two bank accounts – neither accruing interest. The QON also showed that income into the fund was solely from rent (VPA and levy contributions were not identified in the response), and that expenditure was related to:
· Rates and annual charges
· Strata Fees
· Water Rates
· General Costs for collection of income
· Maintenance and repair costs
With council’s pursuit of SEPP70 levies, there is increased potential for this fund. Community members have asked for greater transparency over the fund. HAAC is well placed to give guidance on how information relating to the fund can be publicly provided.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: State Housing: Occupied Dwellings Fall
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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MOTION
That Council write to the Minister for Housing requesting information about:
a) Why there has been a fall in occupied dwellings across the Inner West which are used for State Housing.
b) The current number of occupied and unoccupied private dwellings in the Inner West which are provided as State Housing (by suburb, if possible).
c) Plans for new building or expansion of public housing in the Inner West.
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Background
The number of occupied dwellings in the Inner West which are provided for State Housing fell by 207 dwellings over the 5 years from 2016 to 2021. It fell by 110 dwellings over the 10 years from 2011 to 2021.
It is important to obtain data and information directly from NSW Housing which explains or clarifies these falls over the 5 years and 10 years.
It is also important to know how many dwellings which are used for State Housing in the Inner West are occupied and unoccupied right now.
The table below shows public housing levels for those 19 (of 22) suburbs which are wholly within Inner West Council. Of these, 14 suburbs saw falls in the number of occupied State housing dwellings over the 10 years from 2011 to 2021. Two suburbs had no State housing. Three (3) suburbs had modest increases in State housing.
The last column in the table shows the proportion of occupied dwellings which are State housing for each suburb. At 9.1% Lilyfield has the highest proportion of State housing in the Inner West. Balmain East is second at 6.8%. Balmain is third at 5.2%. All 3 suburbs are in the Baludarri-Balmain Ward.
The distribution of occupied State Housing across the 5 ward is roughly (2021 data). (More accurate data will be available once this is provided by NSW Housing.)
· Baludarri-Balmain Ward 40%
· Djarrawunang-Ashfield 14%
· Midjuburi-Marrickville 24%
· Gulgadya-Leichhardt 12%
· Damun-Stanmore 10%
Note: Across Greater Sydney, the number of occupied dwellings provided by NSW Government for State Housing fell by around 3,300 from 2011 to 2021.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Haberfield Association ICOMOS Seminar
From: Councillor Timothy Stephens
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MOTION
That Council provide catering for the Haberfield Association ICOMOS Seminar to be held at Haberfield Library on 31 August 2023.
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Background
From 31 August to 9 September 2023 the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will be holding its 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Sydney (GA2023). ICOMOS is the international heritage professional organisation and is an advisory body to the United Nations UNESCO World Heritage Panel.
This event is supported by the Commonwealth and State Governments as well as by the City of Sydney Council. GA2023 will be officially opened by Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, at the Sydney Opera House.
On Thursday August 31, around forty ICOMOS delegates will be meeting in the Michael Maher Room of the Haberfield Library. This Seminar has been organised by Haberfield resident and Haberfield Association committee member Susan Jackson-Stepowski. Speakers will include Niall Macken, Team Leader, Heritage & Urban Design, Inner West Council.
This occasion will provide an opportunity to publicise the heritage significance of Haberfield and the broader Inner West to an international audience.
Council has been asked by the Seminar organisers to provide a light lunch (sandwiches and fruit), and morning and afternoon teas for this event.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Roads around Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council note the concerns of residents about pedestrian, cyclist and road safety around the upgraded Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre, including:
a) Poor visibility of, lighting and signage for zebra crossings;
b) Uneven footpaths around the Centre, particularly on Victoria Road and Edinburgh Road;
c) Potholes on the roads around the Centre;
d) The need for bus stop upgrades;
e) Plantings around the zebra crossing on the Edgeware Road side of the Centre is inadequate (one side is planted, one is often washed away) and requires attention;
f) The prevalence of shopping trolleys left on local streets around the Centre; and
g) The left hand turn only lane from Edinburgh Road to Smidmore Street continues to cause confusion and concern, with motorists often using the lane to proceed ahead and turn immediately left into the upgraded Centre.
2. That Council request Council staff investigate these concerns, engage with residents and relevant stakeholders, and provide a report on these matters to the Local Traffic Committee.
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Background
Residents have noted that while the Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre has been upgraded, many of the local roads and footpaths surrounding the Centre have not been, raising concerns for pedestrian, cyclist and road safety.
This has been exacerbated by ongoing construction for projects around the site.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Newtown Town Hall Sub Committee – Pride Centre
From: Councillors Mathew Howard, Liz Atkins and Jessica D'Arienzo
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MOTION
1. That Council thank and acknowledge the community members who participated in the Newtown Town Hall Sub Committee.
2. That Council thank and acknowledge the council staff who provided their time, expertise and care to support the work of the Sub Committee.
3. That Council note that with the Expression of Interest process being tabled to council for consideration, the work of the Sub Committee is completed.
4. That Council endorses the report of the Sub Committee tabled as the background to this notice of motion. |
Background
In June 2022, Council resolved to:
1. Reaffirm its commitment to establishing an Inner West Pride Centre at Newtown Town Hall following the relocation of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre to the Tom Foster Centre.
2. Establish a sub-committee to advise the establishment of the Centre, chaired by Clr Howard, and consisting of Clr Atkins (Alternate Chair), Deputy Mayor Jess D’Arienzo, three representatives of the LGBTIQ Working Group and relevant staff, to work with the Staff Reference Group for the Inner West Pride Centre to:
a) Review the former Expression of Interest process;
b) Conduct a scoping study to determine a sustainable operating model that advances the vision of the Pride Centre whilst ensuring ongoing community access to Newtown Town Hall;
c) Establish principles, objectives and activities for the Inner West Pride Centre;
d) Prepare for a renewed Expression of Interest process for the second half of 2022;
3. Ensure adequate staffing and resources to enhance Council’s collaboration with Local LGBTQ+ organisations, deliver LGBTQ+ programs and manage the Inner West Pride Centre; and
4. Work with the World Pride Sub-Committee to incorporate Newtown Town Hall in World Pride activities.
Subsequently, a Sub Committee was formed, consisting of Clr Howard (Chair), Clr Atkins (Alternate Chair), Clr D’Arienzo, and three members of the LGBTIQ Working Group (while three members were appointed from the LGBTIQ Working Group, two members – Lara Sabbadin and Ohni Blu). Administrative and policy support was provided by staff from the Communities and Corporate directorates. The Sub Committee first met in October 2022 and met for the last time in June 2022, when the Sub Committee presented an update to the LGBTIQ Working Group.
The key work of the Sub Committee was as follows:
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Review the former Expression of Interest process |
The Sub Committee reviewed the Expression of Interest process undertaken by Council in the last term of Council, including consideration of the risks that limited successful partnerships at that time.
The Sub Committee made a range of recommendations that helped shape the renewed Expression of Interest process detailed in the confidential item presented to Council in the August Council meeting.
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Conduct a scoping study to determine a sustainable operating model that advances the vision of the Pride Centre whilst ensuring ongoing community access to Newtown Town Hall. |
The Sub Committee provided feedback to Council staff and to the council’s work to newly scope the project through the Project Control Group, led by the Director of Community.
Consultation with LGBTIQ+ organisations was undertaken via two open days held at Newtown Town Hall, with key feedback themes including:
● Important to provide referral and information services ● Need to engage with the community so that they feel part of this process ● A range of different services including youth, homelessness, housing, counselling, social groups, D&A support, could be delivered – so that anyone in our community can access these things ● Like what the Mayor said at the opening, a place where people can go to learn about the 78’s ● A history section to the building ● There could be small theatre performances & spaces ● The centre should be open to mainstream community too not just the LGBTIQ+ community ● They should consider the different multicultural communities in the inner west & reach out to them to provide space for these communities to come together. ● The indigenous community was very supportive of us in the 70’s especially in Redfern, how are you engaging them? Will they be involved ● Provision of film screenings on days of importance to the community eg. IDAHO, world AIDS day etc ● The restaurant/shop downstairs could be used as a social enterprise – developing skills in young people link it to traineeships /tafe ● A space for community to come and be with community ● A museum space to recognise our & hear about our history The Sub Committee participated in tours through the Newtown Town Hall and provided feedback to staff regarding the upgrade works due to commence shortly. This feedback included prioritising accessibility works and securing a firm, immediate timeframe to deliver upgrade works. Further feedback resulted in the installation of exhibition windows at the Newtown Town Hall to promote the Pride Centre while upgrade works are underway. |
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Establish principles, objectives, and activities for the Inner West Pride Centre |
Considerable work was undertaken by the Sub Committee to establish a series of principles and suggested activities for the Pride Centre. Much of this work was based in the extensive community consultation undertaken in 2019 by Inner West Council.
These broad principles include: ● A place that is safe for expression, inclusion, connectedness and belonging. ● A place where LGBTIQ+ people regardless of age, culture, gender, ability feel safe & respected. ● Collaborative, community owned space that is representative of the diversity within our communities, so that no one person feels like they can’t access it. ● A place for identity to be seen and reduce fractured communities and isolation. ● A hub with shared spaces, resources, information, and support with the potential to foster local community. ● A physical location to be ourselves. ● A space that could grow community wellbeing, by creating a community space where the community lives as a visible beacon. ● Demonstrate the volume and impact of LGBTIQ+ communities, create role models, advocacy, and community services where community live, while creating more acceptance in the broader community. ● A place that would be known for its open-door policy. Open to all those in need that need a friend or someone to connect with. It is a safe place to express yourself. To be yourself. To find unconditional love and services. Home. ● Celebrates community and creates inclusive, non-intimidating space, creating a real sense of belonging. ● Free, Accessible, Intersectional, Intergenerational space. ● Autonomous, Community run, inclusive space with no one left behind. ● A space for self-expression, communication, understanding and a place to be proud of. ● A place that prioritises those at the margins ● A place for public assembly
Accessibility ● Physically accessible for all ● Open on weekends ● Strong governance & management model – safety policies, trans & non binary, cultural diversity, awareness training for all staff & volunteers ● Welcoming environment ● Services for community members specifically at need ● Continued access for the broader Newtown and Inner West communities. Safety ● In language & in behaviour ● Policies - practice framework that recognises diversity within the community and is inclusive and sensitive to people’s needs. Use of gender inclusive language in all communication, a clear code of conduct for users and inclusivity training for staff. ● Representation of diversity ● Inclusive practice – zero tolerance of discrimination & bigotry ● Educating people through and in the space on best practice in our community ● Trauma informed practice Community ● The need for community connection, fostering networks and valuing histories of connections and struggles ● A social space, as a welcome, open, free space, where intergenerational connections, resilience, and community building can be fostered and celebrated ● policies that prioritise vulnerable community members ● inclusive practice, autonomous spaces, connection to multiple communities and religion ● Celebration of Art, performance and community events Diversity ● Youth and senior focus – intergenerational connection ● Aboriginal connection to place and culture ● Trans & gender diverse support ● Cultural diversity in representation ● Children & family accessible ● In beliefs ● A vibrant, colourful, inviting, real representation of ‘our rainbow’ Supportive ● Services for community members in need, specifically youth, children, older LGBTIQ, quiet gays, CALD, people experiencing homelessness, families, trans and bisexual people, people with mental health issues, refugees, people of colour, and religious LGBTIQ community members. ● Diversity of services, programs and experiences – including social spaces, diverse programs & mental health services, community information, educational resources, exhibition & performance space. These broad principles were shared with the LGBTQ+ Working Group and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
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Prepare for a renewed Expression of Interest process for the second half of 2022 |
Following the work of the Project Control Group and Sub Committee, a renewed Expression of Interest process is being presented to council for adoption at the August council meeting.
In addition to providing feedback throughout the process, the Sub Committee has also worked to prepare for the EOI process by engaging networks and organisations across the LGBTQ+ community.
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Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Cooks River Investment
From: Councillors Jessica D'Arienzo and Timothy Stephens
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1. That Council welcomes the Albanese Labor Government’s $10 million investment in the Cooks River and thanks Minister Tony Burke and Minister Tanya Plibersek for allocating $500,000 of the funding to Camdenville Park Wetlands in St Peters.
2. That Council as a Member Council of the Cooks River Alliance commits to submitting an application for the Federal Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program when the second round of funding opens.
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Background
On 18 July 2023, Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek and Member for Watson, Tony Burke together with the Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, the Cooks River Alliance, Sydney Water, the Mudcrabs, the Mayor and Councillors from Canterbury-Bankstown and the Deputy Mayor and Councillors from Inner West Council gathered at Cup and Saucer Creek to celebrate this important announcement to better protect and make improvements to the Cooks River.
The Federal Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program delivers on the $200 million election commitment to restore the health of our urban waterways for native plants and animals, and local communities.
Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of threatened plants occur in urban areas, which they share with 96% of Australia’s population.
Projects funded will help conserve native plants and animals such as birds, platypus and native fish. They will also reconnect people with nature, improving access to the valuable spaces waterways provide for our health and social wellbeing.
As part of the government’s Nature Positive agenda, the program aims to leave Australia’s environment in a better state and build resilience in a warming climate.
The Programs comprises two rounds. Round 2 will fund competitive grants for around 100 projects that bring life back to our rivers, creeks, wetlands and waterways. The competitive grants round will open later in 2023, with projects expected to commence in 2024–25 (over 4 years).
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
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1.⇩ |
Media Release, “Revitalising Sydney’s Cooks River”, 18 July 2023 |
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety at Cardinal Freeman Village
From: Councillors Jessica D'Arienzo and Mark Drury
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MOTION
1. That Council notes the notice of motion carried at the March 2023 Council meeting and progress to date.
2. That Council prioritises work to investigate and install pedestrian crossings that will improve pedestrian safety for residents at Cardinal Freeman Village.
3. That Council continues engagement with the residents of Cardinal Freeman Village to identify and implement pedestrian safety improvements.
4. That Council supports a reduced warrant approach in line with Inner West Council policy for pedestrian crossings at or near Cardinal Freeman Retirement Village.
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Background
Following the March 2023 motion endorsed by Council, Councillor Mark Drury and I visited Cardinal Freeman Retirement Village to meet with residents and discuss their need for improved pedestrian safety, particularly a pedestrian crossing on Victoria Street, Ashfield to connect with the bus stop frequently used by residents.
The residents of Cardinal Freeman subsequently met with Inner West Council staff from the Traffic team at an on-site meeting on 2 June 2023 and further consultation with residents is to be arranged in the next two weeks.
The residents will continue to work constructively with the Inner West Council
to improve pedestrian safety and deliver their safe access to shops, nearby
parks, medical appointments and other necessities.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Update on Affordable Housing
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Question
Please provide the following information.
What was is the stock of affordable housing dwellings held by Inner West Council?
Answer
|
As of June |
Studio |
1 bed |
2 bed |
3 bed |
Other |
Total |
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2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
4 |
|
2018 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
2019 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|
13 |
Question
How many of these affordable housing dwellings will be affordable housing in perpetuity and what period remains on those dwellings which will not be affordable housing in perpetuity?
Answer
All of the affordable housing units are owned by Council and can continue to be used for that purpose.
Question
Where are these dwellings located (e.g. 3 x Marrickville, 2 x Dulwich Hill etc)
Answer
As of May 2023, Lewisham (4 units), Dulwich Hill (2 units), Summer Hill (4 units) and Marrickville (9 units).
Question
What are the current rent levels?
Answer
|
As of June |
Studio |
1 bed |
2 bed |
3 bed |
Other |
|
2023 |
$21K |
$21.5K |
$24.5K |
$32.5K |
N/A |
Note: The rents have been averaged across units of the same size.
Question
What are the tenancy durations? (i.e. is turnover high?)
Answer
The standard length of term is 1 year.
Question
What proportion are occupied by key workers and what are these occupations?
Answer
There are 14 out of 19 tenants that are categorised as key workers working in childcare (four), healthcare (three), retail (four), teachers (two), community services (three)
Question
What numbers of new affordable housing stock is Council expecting over each of the next 2 years? - 2024, 2025
Answer
2024 – Summer Hill (two x 1 bed units)
2025 – Petersham (three x 2 bed and three x 1 bed units).
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Dwelling Targets
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Question
What are the current dwellings targets set by the Department of Planning (or Greater Cities Commission) for each of the city Councils? Please specify the duration of these targets i.e. 1 year, 3 year, 5 year or other.
Answer
The Greater Cities Commission’s 2018 District Plans set the 5-year (2016 – 2021) housing targets for Councils to meet. The 5-year housing targets for each Council area as taken from the relevant District Plans are detailed below:
|
LGA |
Dwelling Target (2016-2021) |
|
Bayside |
10,150 |
|
Blacktown |
13,951 |
|
Blue Mountains |
650 |
|
Burwood |
2,600 |
|
Camden |
11,801 |
|
Campbelltown |
6,801 |
|
Canada Bay |
2150 |
|
Canterbury-Bankstown |
13,250 |
|
Central Coast* |
Not Applicable |
|
Cumberland |
9,351 |
|
Fairfield |
3,051 |
|
Georges River |
4,800 |
|
Hawkesbury |
1,151 |
|
Hornsby |
4,350 |
|
Hunter’s Hill |
150 |
|
Inner West |
5900 |
|
Ku-ring-gai |
4,000 |
|
Lane Cove |
1,900 |
|
Liverpool |
8,251 |
|
Mosman |
300 |
|
North Sydney |
3,000 |
|
Northern Beaches |
3,400 |
|
Parramatta |
21,651 |
|
Penrith |
6,601 |
|
Randwick |
2250 |
|
Ryde |
7,600 |
|
Strathfield |
3650 |
|
Sutherland |
5,200 |
|
Sydney |
18300 |
|
The Hills |
8,551 |
|
Waverley |
1250 |
|
Willoughby |
1,250 |
|
Wollondilly |
1,551 |
|
Woollahra |
300 |
|
*Central Coast Council (CCC) was not part of the Greater Sydney Region when the 2018 District Plans were prepared. CCC is targeting to supply 32,550 dwellings to 2036 equating to approximately 1,630 dwellings per annum. Source: Central Coast Draft Housing Strategy. |
|
Question
Are these targets set in consultation with Councils? How is this done?
Answer
The 5-year housing targets contained within the District Plans were informed by an assessment of data dwelling projections and supply forecasts prepared by Department of Planning (DPE). As far as Council staff are aware no formal collaboration or consultation with councils was undertaken to inform the 5-year housing targets.
Since the completion of the District Plans, each Council has been required to prepare a Local Housing Strategy to address the 5-year housing targets but to also outline a plan to supply additional dwellings for to 2036. Local Housing Strategies are to be prepared in collaboration with the Greater Cities Commission and DPE. This process was followed closely for the completion of Inner West Council’s 2020 adopted Local Housing Strategy.
Question
Can these dwelling targets be supplied by suburb for the Inner West?
Answer
The 2020 Local Housing Strategy identifies the 5-year target of 5,900 dwellings, and requires the supply of around 15,000 additional dwellings between 2021 – 2036, equating to approximately an extra 1,000 dwellings each year. To meet this target, the 2020 Local Housing Strategy identifies a number of housing investigation areas which can be categorised as follows:
· Areas underway (Parramatta Road Corridor – Stage 1)
· Areas under investigation (North Ashfield, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill)
· Future Areas (for investigation and implementation post 2026)
· State led – the Bays Precinct
· Site Specific – subject to a developer lodging a Planning Proposal
A graphic representation of these investigation areas is outlined in Figure 1 below.
The Local Housing Strategy identifies the housing investigation areas and an analysis of constraints and opportunities for these investigation areas. The rational for the timing of these investigation areas is to generally align with either committed to and/or progression of major transport infrastructure projects and improvements.
Figure 1: Graphic representation of housing investigation areas across the Inner West LGA from the Local Strategic Planning Statement p42
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Quality of Pedestrian Crossings
From: Councillor John Stamolis
The quality of pedestrian crossings across the Inner West ranges from excellent to poor. Those which are poor can be due to a highly eroded paint surface, the surface paving becoming uneven … or both.
It would be appreciated if the following questions could be answered:
Question
What State or Local agency sets the standards for pedestrian crossings?
Answer
Pedestrian crossings are designed in accordance with Transport for NSW technical directions and relevant Australian Standards regarding traffic control devices. These devices are then approved by the Local Traffic Committee and Council.
Question
Once installed is there a monitoring and maintenance schedule and/or checking of pedestrian crossings? What does this involve?
Answer
Council is currently completing an audit of all pedestrian crossings within the LGA with a view to arrange maintenance of existing line marking and signposting. Council also undertakes reviews of pedestrian crossings based on resident and staff reporting in between any scheduled audits.
It should be further noted that Council re-linemarks pedestrian crossings when adjacent road resurfacing works are undertaken as part of the road resurfacing program.
Question
Who funds the maintenance of pedestrian crossings?
Answer
Council funds the maintenance of pedestrian crossings through its operational budget for civil works which is predominately funded through the TfNSW Block Grant. In addition, linemarking is included as part of the road resurfacing program.
Question
Who does the work in relation to improvement of pedestrian crossings?
Answer
Council’s civil works staff and contractors undertake maintenance and improvement works to pedestrian crossings.
Question
How much has been budgeted for pedestrian crossings in the Inner West for each year over the past 5 years (please include all funding - State and Local)?
Answer
2018/19 - $247k (funded by TfNSW Block Grant)
2019/20 - $257k (funded by TfNSW Block Grant)
2020/21 - $100k (funded by TfNSW Block Grant)
2021/22 - $200k (funded by TfNSW Block Grant and one-off LRCI Grant)
2022/23 - $100k (funded by TfNSW Block Grant)
Question
How much has been budgeted for pedestrian crossings for the next two years?
Answer
$100k per annum for the next two years.
Question
Please include any other summary information that would assist Councillors and the public to understand issues relating to the quality of pedestrian crossings?
Answer
The Pedestrian Access and Mobility plan (PAMP) reviewed all pedestrian crossings along high priority pedestrian routes and recommended upgrades to a number of pedestrian crossings. Council has committed $8m over 4 years to progressing the high priority items in the PAMP which is currently in progress. In addition to this, Council reviews the need to upgrade pedestrian crossings as part of Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) investigations.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Council Flyer “We are about Respect”
From: Councillor John Stamolis
There has been mixed reaction to Councils flyer “We are about Respect”. This flyer is at libraries, aquatic centres and Council service centres.
It would be appreciated if the following questions could be answered.
Question
What has prompted the need to produce this flyer?
Answer
The development of the leaflet was predominantly to show that council is behaving responsibly in safeguarding the community and staff from inappropriate behaviour. The decision was in line with Council’s duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 which also includes protecting the mental health of staff. As such, Council is obligated to take proactive measures to identify risks to staff and ensure those risks are eliminated or mitigated.
This leaflet highlights to our community that they can expect that we will always treat them with respect in all our dealings and “…kindly ask our customers to also treat us with respect”. This approach is based on the guiding principle in the exercise of Council’s functions to provide a supportive working environment (s8aA(1)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, and aligns with other NSW agencies who promote the need for respectful behaviour within their customer service centres.
Question
Who approved this flyer for release?
Answer
The leaflet ‘We are about respect’ went through a rigorous development and review process involving all community facing services (Customer Service, Library Services and Aquatic Services), with oversight from Governance and Risk, Facilities, Legal, Communications and People and Culture.
The content referenced and is in line with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901, Local Government Act 1993, Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, Council’s Complaints Handling Policy 2021 and the NSW Ombudsman’s report on Managing unreasonable conduct by a complainant (2021).
Question
Can Council supply data (for each of the past 5 years) in relation to the number of 'customer incidents' that are covered within the scope of the flyer?
Answer
This is not a defined term for which data has previously been collected and registered across the breadth of community facing services and locations that council manages.
Question
Can Council supply data as to the number of customers who have been refused service by Council over each of the past 5 years?
Answer
This is not a defined term for which data has previously been collected and registered across the breadth of community facing services and locations that council manages. There may have been occasions previously where restrictions had occurred, however the current General Manager put in place controls so that no other staff member can arbitrarily make a decision to temporarily restrict or manage who a person contacts, when and how contact can be made or entry into a particular facility.
Question
Can Council supply data as to the number of customers banned (temporary and permanent) from Customer Service Centres over each of the past 5 years?
Answer
Only one person has been known to have been banned in the past five years. The Banning Notice in that instance was issued following advice from the NSW Police and was for a defined period of time.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Aquatic Centres
From: Councillor Kobi Shetty
There have been several concerns raised about timetabling changes, room changes and instructor changes at Inner West Council Aquatic Centres.
Question
What factors are taken into consideration when making timetable or instructor changes to fitness classes, including gym and aqua classes?
Answer
At Inner West Aquatics, the timetables are refreshed and revised quarterly and when doing this careful consideration is given to a range of factors when developing the next seasons timetable. These include:
· Analysis of class attendance
· Customer feedback
· Instructor availability and workload across multiple sites
· Variety and services provision to ensure equity and diversity of our programs
· Capacity of studio spaces and lane availability
· Industry trends and opportunities for new programs and services
From time to time group fitness instructors may change at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Information about changes to timetables are communicated through the following channels:
· Instructor announcements
· Signage in the centre and group fitness studios
· Social media posts
· Website
The link below lists this information for members to view on the website.
Fitness classes at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au)
Question
What consultation is undertaken with staff and members before timetable or instructor changes are made?
Answer
Membership engagement is an important factor in the development of the seasonal timetable. It includes face to face sessions, centre wide surveys and more specific surveys for individual program areas such as Health and Fitness members. These mediums are used to gather feedback on current programs and suggestions and for the Aquatics team to identify new program opportunities. In addition, the Aquatic staff gather onsite feedback directly through the reception and staff team as well as via website and email.
Work planning and staff availability are reviewed monthly and staff are consulted on a monthly basis to support the planning around rosters and to assist in determining staff availability for the various programs on offer.
Question
What factors are considered when classes are moved to a different room in the gym?
Answer
Classes are located in various studios in the Health and Fitness area based on a variety of factors including;
· equipment required,
· availability of rooms,
· numbers of participants and
· lane availability in the case of Aquaerobics.
A primary consideration is the number of class participants as this demonstrates the popularity of the class and therefore determines the space required. Key classes require placement in the main studios at peak times.
Question
Please detail those occasions in the last 18 months that proposed timetable or instructor changes have not gone ahead due to members feedback?
Answer
Setting aside temporary changes due to short notice instructor availability, permanent changes are made only after feedback and benefits have been determined. Proposed timetable changes are made after both the analysis and consultation described above, having determined there is a net benefit or improvement in making a timetable change that suits the most number of participants. An analysis of a proposed timetable change not being made following member feedback is difficult as this information hasn’t been tracked / recorded.
Where there is strong attendance, demonstrating ongoing popularity of the class the timetable is not changed.
Question
When members make complaints about timetable changes, room changes or changes to
instructors, what is the process that is undertaken to review those complaints and to engage
with members?
Answer
Feedback is tracked on an ongoing basis including feedback made directly to staff at each centre and through Council’s webpage / CRMS.
Direct member engagement for the Aquatic Centres takes place each year allowing all members the chance to attend. At these engagement sessions staff meet with members face to face as well as in small member groups in addition to any centre-based engagement processes. This feedback is taken into consideration and reviewed alongside information provided by annual group fitness survey. All feedback and input is considered when changes or improvements are proposed.
Question
Please provide half yearly membership numbers and class attendance at each centre: LPAC, AKAC and AAC from December 2021.
Answer
Analysis of the three tables below show continuous growth in membership over the past 3 years. Ashfield Aquatic Centre has the greatest proportion of members, while Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre has the largest number of classes, and a slightly larger number of group fitness attendance compared to Ashfield. Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre has been under Council management for only a short time but shows steady increase in membership and patronage and room for further growth.
The table above demonstrates strong growth in total members across all facilities for each quarter from the December 2021 period to June 2023.
The table above demonstrates strong growth in total group fitness attendance across all facilities for each quarter from the December 2021 period to June 2023.
The table above is a consideration of the Inner West Aquatics facilities against 9 comparable large Aquatic and Leisure facilities in Sydney demonstrates that 3 of the top 4 facilities in terms of total classes offered, are the LPAC, AKAC and AAC. With regards to LPAC, the total number of Group Fitness classes offered is second only to the new Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre. It should be noted that larger Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre has 3500 members whereas LPAC has 2100 members. In this regard, the LPAC is a clear leader in terms of numbers of classes available per member.
Ongoing Innovation
There have been a number of innovations over the past twelve months including
· the Inner West Fitness Pass, which provides access to all IWC Centres allowing members the choice of up to 300 classes per week. This also makes the IWC a clear leader in terms of total weekly classes offered to the community. The City of Sydney offer approx. 260 group fitness classes per week across 3 large Aquatic Centres however the IWC offer approx. 300 group fitness classes per week across 3 large Aquatic Centres.
· The Active Inner West Portal, which brings together all of the aquatic, sport and recreation activities run by or in partnership with Inner West Council, to a single web page with location and contact information.
· Learnt to Swim online enrolment portal, which enables busy parents to provide a self assessment tool for their child’s swimming ability and then pick a swim class that works for them without lengthy or multiple phone calls at an inconvenient time for busy parents, at the same time freeing up scarce Learn to Swim Instructors from office admin in order to spend more time in the water.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Fleet Transition
From: Councillor John Stamolis
It would be appreciated if the following questions could be answered.
Question
Please provide data for the table below - showing the total number of vehicles in each category. (If Council already has more meaningful categories than those below, please use those instead.)
Answer
· In 2020, all vehicles in the fleet were Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
· Since 2020, Council has had a policy and process in place to replace all light vehicle fleet with hybrid vehicles.
|
Council fleet – as at 1 July 2023 |
Petrol/Diesel |
Hybrid |
EV |
TOTAL |
%Hybrid |
%EV |
|
Staff Cars - IWC Leaseback |
78 |
70 |
8 |
112 |
62.50% |
7.10% |
|
Operational - Leaseback |
30 |
14 |
0 |
44 |
31.80% |
0% |
|
Utes - Light Operational |
50 |
0 |
0 |
50 |
0% |
0% |
|
Trucks |
50 |
2 |
0 |
52 |
3.80% |
0% |
|
Garbage Trucks |
27 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
0% |
0% |
|
Pool Vehicles |
24 |
21 |
0 |
45 |
46.60% |
0% |
Question
Where does Council hope to be in 3 years time in terms of its fleet transition?
Answer
Please refer Figure 5: Potential Rate of Electric Fleet Transition Plan reported to 9 May Council meeting (Agenda Item 9 Attachment 1) and reproduced below.
This figure shows around 80% of the fleet could be transitioned to EV by end FY 2026-27.
Question
What EV charging infrastructure exists currently for Inner West Council?
Answer
Inner West Council has not installed EV charging infrastructure for Council vehicles. As per Council resolution C0523(1) the first installation of charging infrastructure will be at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre, and Leichhardt Depot.
Question
How might the Federal Government fuel efficiency standard impact on Councils fleet transition plan?
Answer
The Federal Government’s current fuel efficiency standard (FES) consultation covers new passenger and light commercial vehicles. An FES incentivises suppliers to sell more vehicles that have lower or no emissions. Therefore, an FES is likely to increase the number and range of electric new passenger and light commercial vehicles in Australia. Council’s transition to electric passenger vehicles may be faster if the range and number of EVs increases and Council is able to obtain EV models which are similar to the internal combustion vehicles scheduled for replacement. The proposed change to the FES is unlikely to influence the availability of electric trucks or heavy vehicles.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Use of Consultants
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to the questions will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in September 2023.
Question
Please supply the data below which requests the number of consultants hired by Inner West
Council for each financial year and the total cost associated with this.
Question
Please supply the data for the second term of Inner West Council.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Councils Solar Panel Performance
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to the questions will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in September 2023.
Question
How often does Council check the performance/output of its solar panels? Is this done by an external service?
Question
What program or plans does Council have for replacement of solar panels over time?
Question
Please check and correct any data in the table below and insert the ‘Year installed’ data in (e.g. John McMahon ELC = 2015). Please include data for LPAC and other missing sites.
Question
In the above table, a ratio has been calculated (Output 2022-23 divided by Panels kwh). It is assumed that this is a measure of solar performance. If so, what are the reasons for the high degree of performance variation across the sites? On the basis of the data, does Council see it as necessary to check any sites to see if performance can be improved?
Question
What has caused the fall in solar output at Balmain Town Hall since the start of 2022? Note that the chart presents ‘Annual’ output.
Monthly solar output for Balmain Town Hall is shown below.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Public Housing in the Inner West
From: Councillor Dylan Griffiths
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to the questions will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in September 2023.
Question
Is the Council aware of any current development applications or planning proposals regarding
the development or sale of public housing in the Local Government Area? If yes, please provide details.
Question
Have council staff had any recent discussions with NSW Government representatives about planned or future development applications, or planning proposals, regarding the development or sale of public housing in the Local Government Area? If yes, please provide details.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Expression of Interest - Newtown Town Hall Pride Centre
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approves the issue of the Expression of Interest from LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ friendly organisations to manage and operate the Newtown Town Hall as the Inner West Pride Centre.
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Expression of Interest for the Newtown Pride Centre, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Report to Council - EOI for Pride Centre at Newtown Town Hall - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (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. |
|
|
EOI - Newtown Town Hall Pride Centre - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (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. |
|
|
3.⇩ |
Visioning a Pride Centre Engagement Outcomes Report |
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Update on the Audit of Council Land for Affordable Housing
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council previously resolved to undertake an audit of Council owned land that could be used for affordable housing.
The purpose of the audit has been to provide initial high level due diligence advice to assist in making informed decisions in the future about the feasibility of developing Council owned land for use as affordable housing.
A list of council car parks as well as a council depot site have been investigated initially, with 25 sites inspected to date. Each site is being assessed with consideration given to its property particulars and planning considerations.
Each opportunity has had a preliminary assessment against the initial criteria developed and has been assigned an opportunity rating. A rating of high suggests that there is value in the opportunity proceeding for further investigation, whilst moderate would recommend that it may be considered later, and low, that no further consideration be given to the opportunity.
This report provides a summary of the progress to date on the audit, following the preliminary assessment, with a further report to be tabled at Council following completion of the audit.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 8 March 2022, Council resolved the following:
1. Audit public Council land that could be used by Council, in partnership with community housing providers, to develop new Affordable Housing units;
2. Pursue the development and approval of an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme in this term of Council; and
3. Receive a briefing on the results of point 1, potential sites where an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme could be implemented, and any prospective updates to Council's Affordable Housing policy.
DISCUSSION
Audit process to date
The audit has focused initially on Council owned car parks as these were considered to have a better chance of being successfully developed due to the lack of building or leasing constraints. Additional council sites will be considered on an ad hoc basis, such as the Cove Street depot site, which has historically been used for storage of materials for operational services and offers potential for development.
A desktop audit and site inspections have been undertaken across the LGA. From the initial review, a list of 53 sites (52 car parks and 1 depot) were investigated, with 25 sites inspected to date.
As part of the preliminary assessment of each site, characteristics including the property particulars and planning considerations were collected and reviewed to identify the asset and determine their impact on potential opportunities.
|
Initial criteria for consideration - work undertaken to date |
|
Address |
|
Zoning |
|
Maximum Height Limit |
|
Area |
|
Adjoining land (development potential) |
|
Proximity to amenities (relevance of Housing SEPP) |
|
Neighbourhood character (ref. Urban Design Study for PRCUTS) |
|
Opportunity Assessment |
From these criteria the strengths and constraints of each site were summarised, and a suggestion made on the opportunity rating for each site to be considered for future development of affordable housing.
Staff have met with local community housing providers Bridge Housing, Link Wentworth Housing and St George Community Housing to discuss partnering models for delivering affordable housing, including feasibility and threshold dwelling yields. Further investigation is ongoing to benchmark the minimum area requirements with each provider and adopt a reasonable threshold.
Status of audit of council land for affordable housing
Following preliminary analysis, 10 sites have been rated as potentially high, indicating there is value in the opportunity proceeding for further detailed investigation (Attachment 1).
A market review and further detailed due diligence with planning and legal review of those opportunities that have an initial high rating is intended to be undertaken now to help inform the suitability for development of affordable housing.
|
Further criteria for consideration - next stage of due diligence |
|
Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme (AHCS) (e.g. within existing / proposed area) |
|
Floor Space Ratio |
|
Environmental considerations (e.g. flooding, contamination) |
|
Statutory / site restrictions (e.g. easements, AusGrid substation) |
|
Heritage considerations / impacts |
|
Proximity to amenities (relevance of Housing SEPP) |
|
Neighbourhood character (ref. Urban Design Study for PRCUTS) |
|
Developable area / Dwelling yield (determine in the light of FSR and setbacks etc.) |
Council’s affordable housing portfolio
Council currently owns 19 affordable housing units across the Inner West LGA. In addition, as part of two VPA’s negotiated by Council, Uniting have delivered and are managing six affordable housing units for the community in Leichhardt, with a further six units nearing completion.
There are also several active VPAs that will increase Council’s affordable housing portfolio. At Petersham, the redevelopment of the former RSL site includes the provision of 6 affordable housing units to be transferred to Council, with construction already underway and delivery due in approximately 18 months. At Lewisham, Council will take ownership of two more units in a new development there.
Progression of the audit of council land for affordable housing
Further assessment and investigation of the planning considerations for the highly rated sites is intended to now proceed. As noted above there are number of criteria for the second stage of investigations, with a focus on actual feasibility for development, including:
· Reviewing permissibility within the zoning for each shortlisted site, and what would be needed (as well as how long it may take) to achieve highest and best use of each shortlisted site as affordable housing;
· Determining the developable area of the shortlisted sites, and consequently what the possible yield would be for each.
This process will support the shortlisting of the most suitable sites for Council consideration.
Council may move into closed session to deal with the Attachment to the Update on the Audit of Council Land for Affordable Housing, for information which is classified as confidential under 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.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
AH Council Report - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. |
|
|
Council Meeting 8 August 2023 |
Subject: Tender Recommendation Report for RFT 09-23 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade Architect Services
Prepared By: Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1.
|
DISCUSSION
On 26 April 2023, Inner West Council invited tenderers for Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade Architect Services to undertake architectural, landscaping, civil, structural, aquatics and services (electrical, comms, mechanical and hydraulics) design and construction phase support services as a lead consultant. Closing date of the tender was on 8 June 2023.
Council will move into closed session to deal with the RFT 09-23 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade Architect Services, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993 and section 10A(2)(d)(i) (of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it and if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(c) and section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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RFT 09-23 Cover Page Memo and Tender Evaluation Report - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
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RFT 09-23 Combined Evaluation Score Sheet - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
