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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;
