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AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2024
6:30 PM
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
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.
Council meetings are streamed live on Council’s website. This allows our community greater access to Council proceedings, decisions and debate.
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 Council Chambers at Ashfield, there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5536.
Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.
Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.
“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.
An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.
Statement of Ethical Obligations
The Mayor and Councillors are bound by the Oath/ Affirmation of Office made at the start of the Council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Inner West Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.
It is also a requirement that the Mayor and Councillors disclose conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
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AGENDA |
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies and Request for Remote Attendance
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 5 December 2023 Council 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
C0224(1) Item 1 Quarter two - Progress report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023/24 and Quarterly Budget Review Statement 37
C0224(1) Item 2 State Government Housing Reforms - Implications for the Inner West and Draft Submission 143
C0224(1) Item 3 Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 Proposal (PRCUTS) - Preliminary Engagement Outcomes 173
C0224(1) Item 4 Mort Bay Park - Tree Management and View Corridors 239
C0224(1) Item 5 Mackey Park Plan of Management and Masterplan - Key Priority Actions 246
C0224(1) Item 6 Public Exhibition - Community Gardens Policy 250
C0224(1) Item 7 Public Exhibition - Land and Property Policy 283
C0224(1) Item 8 Post Exhibition - Complaints Handling Policy 319
C0224(1) Item 9 Post Exhibition - Code of Meeting Practice 340
C0224(1) Item 10 Post Exhibition - Henson Park Lighting Trial 400
C0224(1) Item 11 Introducing Dragon Boating into the Inner West and Iron Cove 419
C0224(1) Item 12 Women's World Cup - Wall of Support Artwork 434
C0224(1) Item 13 Update on the development of the Inner West Museum of Rugby League at Leichhardt Oval 437
C0224(1) Item 14 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 11 December 2023. 441
C0224(1) Item 15 National General Assembly of Local Government 2024 460
11 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C0224(1) Item 16 FOGO (Food Recycling) Update - February 2024 492
C0224(1) Item 17 Inclusive Playgrounds Progress Update 496
C0224(1) Item 18 Local Democracy Group Progress Report 501
C0224(1) Item 19 Council Streetscape Services Website Improvements 524
C0224(1) Item 20 Investment Report at 30 November 2023 527
C0224(1) Item 21 Investment Report at 31 December 2023 554
C0224(1) Item 22 Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 594
C0224(1) Item 23 Designated Person Disclosure (Pecuniary Interest) Returns 596
12 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0224(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Review Inner West Aquatic Centre Fees 612
C0224(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Review Domestic Waste Charge 617
C0224(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: More Support for Food Recycling in the Inner West 618
C0224(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Queer Rights Street Rally 18 February 2024 620
C0224(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: 26 January 622
C0224(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Inner West Schools Active Travel 623
C0224(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: A Great Inner West Walk 624
C0224(1) Item 31 Notice of Motion: Parking in Industrial and Residential Zones 625
C0224(1) Item 32 Notice of Motion: Update on Key Traffic Issues in Marrickville-Midjuburi Ward 626
C0224(1) Item 33 Notice of Motion: Thank You Father Phillip Zadro 627
13 Questions From Councillors
ITEM Page
C0224(1) Item 34 Question on Notice: Newtown Guardian Dog Removed from Pride Square 628
C0224(1) Item 35 Question on Notice: Condition of Easton Park 630
C0224(1) Item 36 Question on Notice: NSW Planning Reforms - Impact on the Inner West 632
C0224(1) Item 37 Question on Notice: Management of contaminants in Inner West parks and open spaces 634
14 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C0224(1) Item 38 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report 637
C0224(1) Item 39 Community Batteries 671
C0224(1) Item 40 King George Park Inclusive Playground Construction Tender 672
C0224(1) Item 41 Sale of part of Yeend Street, Birchgrove 673
C0224(1) Item 42 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report – January 2024 675
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting
held on 5 December 2023 at
Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.32pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Chloe Smith Liz Atkins Marghanita Da Cruz Jessica D’Arienzo Mark Drury Dylan Griffiths Mathew Howard Justine Langford Pauline Lockie Philippa Scott Kobi Shetty John Stamolis Timothy Stephens Zoi Tsardoulias Simone Plummer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor (attended via audio-visual link) Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor 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 Daniel East Aaron Callaghan Manod Wickramasinghe Scott Mullen Erin White |
Director Community Director Corporate Senior Manager Governance and Risk General Counsel Acting Senior Manager Strategic Planning Parks Planning and Ecology Manager Traffic and Transport Planning Manager Strategic Investments and Property Manager Senior Manager Operations |
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Katherine Paixao Darcie Huisman |
Business Paper Coordinator Business Paper Officer |
APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
Motion: (Howard/Scott)
That Council accept Councillor D’Arienzo’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to personal reasons.
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 Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 14 - Minutes of Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 20 November 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 42 - TfNSW Litigation - Camdenville Park as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport and as this is a legal matter and out of an abundance of caution and to avoid any perception of conflict he will exit the chamber during discussion and voting of the item.
Councillor Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 14 - Minutes of Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 20 November 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.
Councillor Scott declared significant, pecuniary interest in Item 40 - Lease of Lambert Park Sporting Ground as she lives in close proximity to the site. She will exit the chamber during discussion and voting.
Motion: (Da Cruz/Stephens)
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 held on Tuesday, 21 November 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.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the meeting at 6:41pm and vacated the Chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, assumed the Chair.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the meeting at 7:08pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, vacated the chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the chair.
Procedural Motion: (Scott/Stephens)
That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 47.
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/Langford)
That a motion of dissent be moved in the Chairperson’s ruling on the Point of Order raised by Councillor Shetty that a misrepresentation/misunderstanding had occurred during Item 47.
Motion Lost
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis
Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias
The Chairperson’s ruling was upheld.
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C1223(1) Item 47 Mayoral Minute: Rozelle Parklands |
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1. That Council welcome the commitment of Roads Minister John Graham of an additional $20 million from the NSW Government to Council to improve Rozelle Parklands and provide additional facilities within the local community. 2. That Council write to the Government thanking them for their acknowledgement of the need to further improve Rozelle Parklands and accepting their proposal to fund a new Masterplan which Council will undertake. 3. That Council receive a report at the February Ordinary Council Meeting about the Government’s proposed $20 million investment, including an initial assessment of what facilities and amenities could be provided in the Rozelle Parklands and in nearby locations through the funding. 4. That Council note the advice from Transport for NSW that an all-weather sporting surface cannot be delivered under the existing conditions of consent for Rozelle Parklands and commence community consultation on nearby locations where an all-weather surface could be delivered by Council for the benefit of local clubs. Potential locations for the community to be consulted on include Waterfront Drive (Callan Park), Leichhardt no.2, Easton Park, and Balmain Road playing fields (Callan Park). 5. That Council commence the new Masterplan process as soon as possible, including holding an initial community consultation event at the pending opening of the Rozelle Parklands. 6. That Council write to local residents in
Rozelle, Lilyfield, Annandale, Leichhardt, and Balmain to inform them of the
$20 million funding commitment by the NSW Government and Council’s
intention to commence the new Rozelle Parklands Masterplan. 7. That Council urgently convene a meeting with local sports Clubs and Transport for NSW to discuss the design of the new amenities block at Rozelle Parklands as well as expediting the availability of the sporting fields.
8 That councillors receive a report on the ongoing annual cost to the council to take on the care, control and management of the parklands, including depreciation costs, prior to accepting the $20m and committing to take on this asset.
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/Atkins)
That Council allow Clr Stamolis to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 48.
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 restate Council’s longstanding concerns about the traffic impact from the opening of the Rozelle Interchange and the completion of Westconnex which have unfortunately been proven correct since the opening of the project.
2. That Council note that the repeated claims by the former NSW Government that traffic volumes would be reduced by 50% on Victoria Road have been proven false.
3. That Council convene a Rozelle Interchange public meeting on Thursday December 7 at 6:30 at Balmain Town Hall to brief the local community about the traffic conditions and to identify measures to propose to the Government.
4. That Council write to the NSW Government calling for:
a) the immediate release of traffic data for Victoria Road, the City West Link and the ANZAC Bridge on a daily basis in order to establish an evidence base for necessary mitigations; b) an immediate review of lane configurations on all roads connecting to the Rozelle Interchange to address the traffic chaos that is occurring; and c) the funding that the previous NSW Government failed to include in the State Budget for public domain and traffic infrastructure on Victoria Road to be made available now.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Stephens)
That the meeting be adjourned for 10 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 9:06pm
The meeting recommenced at 9:16pm
Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time:
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/Howard)
That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report be adopted:
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
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C1223(1) Item 2 Post Exhibition - Macarthur Parade Planning Proposal |
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Procedural Motion: (Drury/Stephens)
That the Motion be put.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Cr Stamolis
Motion: (D’Arienzo/Drury)
1. That Council update the planning proposal to remove interiors as part of the heritage listing for these items.
2. That Council as the local plan-making authority, endorse the amendment to Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 listing 3, 7, 9, 11 & 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill as items of local significance.
3. That Council authorise the General Manager to finalise the Planning Proposal under section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, including any necessary minor/technical modifications and forwards the planning proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment for publication.
4. That Council meet with the owners to advise the heritage listing incentives and what is possible with further development on these sites.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Shetty, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Scott and Smith
Amendment (Langford/Griffiths)
That Council prepare a report that discusses potential new controls that would lead to outcomes which are sympathetic to retained historic homes. Topics to be investigated include:
a) amending subdivision rules to encourage the transverse subdivision of a lot rather than its subdivision from front to back where an historic primary dwelling house is retained; b) increasing allowable secondary dwelling sizes to encourage two bedroom secondary dwellings, where an historic primary dwelling house is retained; c) encouraging Strata Title where an historic primary dwelling house is retained; d) easing laneway parking provisions for two storey secondary dwellings on laneways where an historic primary dwelling house is retained; and e) any other matter that will increase residential density while retaining historic or heritage buildings on a site.
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 (Byrne/Stephens)
That Council allow Clr Howard to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 3.
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 Griffiths left the meeting at 9:46pm
Councillor Griffiths returned to the meeting at 9:51pm
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1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Good Neighbour Policy, for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed policy, subject to the following note being placed at the end of paragraph 6.2:
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the Good Neighbour Policy be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
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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C1223(1) Item 10 Inner West - Phasing Out Gas |
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1. That Council adopt the following operational gas transition targets:
a) Reduce gas consumption by 70% by 2025 compared to 2016/17 baseline; and b) 100% gas free Council operations by 2030. 2. That Council review forward capital budgets to fund the required plant and equipment upgrades at Council facilities.
3. That Council notes that Lane Cove Council recently
implemented a new Development Control Plan that requires all new development
applications (residential and non-residential) to be fully electric. 4. That Council expand the scope of its draft Indoor
Air Quality Development Control Plan by including electric hot water in the
requirements for new residential development, as well as expanding the
application of the all-electric requirements to apply to commercial
development applications as well. 5. That Council publicly exhibit the expanded draft Indoor Air Quality Development Control Plan for a period of 28 days in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Framework.
6. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the expanded draft Indoor Air Quality Development Control Plan be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
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 Lockie left the Meeting at 10:07pm
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1. That Council consider the proposal to add an additional memorial wall or structure to Loyalty Square Balmain to recognise the fallen soldiers not currently listed on the existing war memorial as part of the 24/25 budget process.
2. The Council consider the resident proposal to update the Haberfield Roll of Honour Board with the additional 149 names so far identified as missing from the roll, by adding an additional board to the Honour Roll in Haberfield Library as part of the 24/25 budget process.
3. That Council Officers seek and/or apply for grants or funding sources for new war memorials in Balmain and Haberfield.
4. That Council Officers continue to consult with representatives from the RSL about the outcome of the heritage report and the proposal to build new structures.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Lockie |
Councillor Griffiths left the Meeting at 10:08pm
Councillor Lockie returned to the Meeting at 10:10pm
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1. That Council consult with local business and the community on the design of a new pedestrian space surrounding the Balmain Town Hall and other short-term improvements in the precinct. These considerations to be included in the 2024/2025 Budget. 2. That Council continue advocating for community and public use of the Balmain Court House including engagement with the key State Government Agencies and the Museums of History NSW for a feasibility study undertaken to determine its viability as a Museum of Balmain, Birchgrove and Rozelle. 3. That Council support the Balmain Town Hall Working Group continuing to advise Council on proposed works in the Balmain Town Hall precinct through collaborative engagement. 4. That the Balmain Town Hall Working Group members be thanked for their generous collaboration and sharing of ideas as outlined in this report. Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Griffiths
Amendment (Stamolis/Shetty)
That Council do not include the Balmain Depot at this time but to open up a suitable consultation process at a future time.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias Absent: Cr Griffiths |
Councillor Griffiths returned to the Meeting at 10:16pm
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1. That Council endorse the following Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule in 2024:
2. That Council approve the publication of the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Cr Stamolis |
Procedural Motion (Scott/Drury)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders and enter into Confidential Session to deal with all confidential items at this time.
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:
C1223(1) Item 39 Crown Land Management in Leichhardt Oval (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993) that it contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors)
C1223(1) Item 40 Lease Of Lambert Park Sporting Ground (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
C1223(1) Item 41 Newtown Town Hall Pride Centre (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) commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council
C1223(1) Item 42 TfNSW Litigation - Camdenville Park (Section 10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege
C1223(1) Item 43 Camden Ville Park Upgrade RFT 32-23 - Tender Recommendation 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; 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
C1223(1) Item 44 Resource Recovery Collection Contracts (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
C1223(1) Item 45 Balmain Library and Town Hall Tender (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
resolutions passed during closed session
Councillor Scott left the Meeting at 10:28pm as she declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 40 - Lease of Lambert Park Sporting Ground as she lives in close proximity to the site.
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C1223(1) Item 40 Lease of Lambert Park Sporting Ground |
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1. That Council approve the granting of a ten (10) + ten (10) year Lease of part of Lambert Park for use as a sporting ground, as per the proposed lease terms and conditions contained in this confidential report.
2. That Council approves a 66.6% Accommodation Grant to be applied to the rent in accordance with Council’s Land and Property Policy.
3. That Council authorises the General Manager or delegate to negotiate, finalise terms and execute the Lease documentation.
4. That Council approves the public notification of the proposed lease for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Crown Lands Management Act 2016 and Local Government Act 1993.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Scott |
Councillor Scott returned to the Meeting at 10:31pm
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1. That Council accepts the recommendation from the Evaluation Committee to proceed with Twenty10 to manage and operate the Newtown Town Hall as the Inner West Pride Centre.
2. That Council delegates approval to the General Manager to finalise the negotiations to enter into a lease with Twenty10 to manage and operate the Newtown Town Hall as the Inner West Pride Centre.
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 10:35pm as he declared non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 42 - TfNSW Litigation - Camdenville Park as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport and this is a legal matter.
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That all amounts of compensation received from TfNSW’s compulsory acquisition of part of Camdenville Park under s56 (3) Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 be placed in a restricted reserve for open space and expended solely on the acquisition of land for public open space to be used for active and passive recreation.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Howard |
Councillor Howard returned to the Meeting at 10:37pm
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1. That Council endorse the extension of the existing Cleanaway collection contract for the West Service Area from 31 March 2024 to 30 March 2025 through an existing option in the contract.
2. That in accordance with Section 55(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council approve a 12-month contract with United Resource Management (URM) for recycling collection services for the North Service Area from 31 March 2024 to 30 March 2025, in accordance with the current contract terms, due to extenuating circumstances as detailed in the body of this confidential report.
3. That in accordance with Section 55(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council approve a 12-month contract with United Resource Management (URM) for recycling collection services for the South Service Area from 31 March 2024 to 30 March 2025, in accordance with the current contract terms, due to extenuating circumstances as detailed in the body of this confidential report.
4. That Council note that a tender process will be completed for a single collection contract across the Local Government Area, with the new contract to commence 31 March 2025 as per the following nominated contract collection services for each area: a) North Service Area (Leichhardt) – Recycling; b) West Service Area (Ashfield) - Garbage, Recycling, Food & Garden Organics (FOGO); and c) South Service Area (Marrickville) - Recycling
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Crs Griffiths and Stamolis
Amendment (Langford/Da Cruz)
That Council move to bring all waste collection services in-house at the earliest possible time and receive a report at the next Council meeting in February 2024.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Shetty and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias |
Procedural Motion (Shetty/Howard)
That Council extend the meeting for 20 minutes until 11.20pm
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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C1223(1) Item 45 Balmain Library and Town Hall Tender |
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That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to award the tender for the renewal of the Balmain Library and Town Hall, and finalise its budget as part of the 2023/24 December Quarter budget review.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)
That Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Scott/Byrne)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time and adopt the recommendations contained within.
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 undertake a comprehensive library membership drive in 2024, including:
a) reviewing the criteria and process for obtaining library membership to remove any barriers that may be unreasonably preventing residents from joining the library; b) working with the NSW Public Libraries Association to increase membership in our Local Government Area; c) prominently including information about library membership in the Inner West Community news, with a link to the online membership form; d) promoting library membership through social media and other channels; e) actively encouraging, and enabling, residents to join our libraries at mobile customer service stalls, council events and at other opportunities; and f) producing information about library membership in community language.
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 receive a report to the February 2024 meeting on how the requirement to maintain and protect view corridors around Mort Bay Park will be upheld. This should include consideration of pruning and replacement of trees and the requirement for additional planting of trees within the Park.
2. That Council undertake immediately any pruning that is required by the Plan of Management in order to maintain view corridors.
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/Byrne)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward Item 24 to be dealt with at this time.
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 Griffiths left the Meeting at 10:53pm
Councillor Shetty left the Meeting at 10:54pm
Councillor Shetty returned to the Meeting at 10:55pm
Councillor Griffiths returned to the Meeting at 10:56pm
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1. That Council thank Council staff for their work to organise and conduct citizenship ceremonies.
2. That Council investigate returning to the practice of gifting a native plant or tree to residents accepting citizenship at citizenship ceremonies in the Inner West.
3. That Council increase support to Council’s community nurseries to supply native plants for this purpose.
4. That Council include information about Council services in the citizenship welcome pack issued by Council at ceremonies, including information on early childhood education, memberships to community libraries and aquatic centres, and other key services.
5. That Council investigate whether there is more Council can do to support new citizens enrolling to vote, given that the Australian Electoral Commission no longer provides an in-person representative or paper forms.
6. That Council invite a representative from a local organisation or a first responder from NSW Police, Fire and Rescue or NSW Ambulance to attend and speak in addition to State and Federal MPs.
7. That Council provide an update via councillor briefing note in early 2024.
8. That Council reach out to ANTAR Inner West to discuss the possible provision of a flyer outlining the First Nations History of the inner west at Council's citizenship ceremonies, subject to consultation with the Council’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.
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 D'Arienzo retired from the Meeting at 11:06pm
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1. That Council identify cooling centres within each suburb, create a list and publicise them on Council's website, media and social media, from December 2023 to February 2024, to be amplified on days above 40oC or when the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and NSW Health Air Quality Indicator is Poor or worse.
2. That emergency contingency plans be established for late night opening of Council buildings in the event of the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe or extreme heatwave warning for the Inner West Local Government Area.
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 was present during voting on the amendment in Item 33 but retired from the meeting prior to voting on the primary motion.
Amendment (Da Cruz/Atkins)
That Council develop a
climate change adaption plan as a matter of urgency and clarify with the
department of health about the education
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Lockie and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias |
Meeting closed at 11.06pm
Public Speakers:
|
Item #
|
Speaker |
Suburb |
|
Item 49: |
Tim Stackpool |
Lilyfield |
|
Item 1: |
Rosa Brown Beth Allen Laura Wood |
Lilyfield Ashfield Ashfield |
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Item 2: |
Philip Bull Justin Simon Mark Skelsey Peter Olive Jud Agius Jason Gravanis |
Marrickville Summer Hill Dulwich Hill Marrickville Dulwich Hill Dulwich Hill |
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Item 10: |
Mamoon Reza Dr Emma Skowronski |
Newtown Leichhardt |
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Item 12: |
Ron Glew OAM |
Balmain-Rozelle RSL |
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Item 13: |
Agnieshka Kiera Desmond Kennedy SC Lisa Tatman |
Balmain Rozelle Birchgrove |
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Item 14: |
Reliza Pangan John Zezovski |
Tempe Tempe |
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Item 33: |
Margaret Vickers |
Balmain |
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Item 35: |
Robert Clark Susan Allen Shirley (Nyin) Cameron |
Birchgrove Birchgrove Birchgrove |
Unconfirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 5 December 2023.
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|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Quarter two - Progress report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023/24 and Quarterly Budget Review Statement
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager and Chris Sleiman - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse the quarter two Progress Report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023/24.
2. That Council adopt the quarter two Budget Review 2023/24.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As at 31 December 2023, 94% of Operational Plan actions are completed or on track, while 75% of measures are on target or within tolerance of the target, with some minor delays resulting from timing and availability of external suppliers and staff.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 December 2023 which includes the following:
1. Council’s operating deficit forecasted to be $2.2 million, a decrease of $0.1m from the September Adopted Budget deficit of $2.3m.
2. Council’s capital expenditure forecasted to be $116.6m, a decrease of $23.6m from the September Adopted Budget capital expenditure of $140.2m.
BACKGROUND
Council’s Operational Plan 2023/24 details the actions that will be undertaken in the year to achieve the commitments made in the Delivery Program 2022-26 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (s404 and 405). Council receives quarterly progress reports to monitor performance and progress in achieving Council’s commitments to the community as outlined in the plan.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement is a regular progress report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (s404(5)) and Local Government Regulation 2004 (Cl203(2)), namely that the Responsible Accounting Officer report quarterly on a budget review statement to adequately disclose the Council’s overall financial position.
DISCUSSION
Operational Plan 2023/24 progress
The quarterly progress report outlines progress against the 171 actions in the 2023/24 Operational Plan, and tracks measures (KPIs) achieved against annual targets.
The quarterly report is a tool to track performance. Council’s Executive is monitoring all actions which are ‘behind schedule’ or ‘on hold’, and all KPIs which are ‘below target’. Strategies are in place to address these items, and progress will be reported to Council in the next quarterly report.
Actions - as of 31 December 2023:
· 94% (161) of actions are ‘Completed’ or ‘On Track’
· 6% (10) of actions are ‘Behind Schedule, ‘On Hold’ or ‘Rescheduled’
Measures - as of 31 December 2023:
· 75% (42) of measures are ‘On Target’ or ‘Within Tolerance’*
· 25% (14) of measures are ‘Below Target’*
*Within tolerance means within 10% of the target. Below target is 10% or more from the target
In this quarter, 25% or 14 measures were ‘below-target’, a minor change from quarter one where 22% or 13 measures were below-target. The quarterly report is a tool to track performance. Council’s Executive is monitoring all actions which are ‘behind schedule’ or ‘on hold’, and all KPIs which are ‘below target’. Strategies are in place to address these items, and progress will be reported to Council in the next quarterly report.
The attached report contains commentary about progress on each of the actions, and measures of performance achieved against targets.
Key achievements
Key achievements during the quarter included:
· In November, Council was awarded the prestigious AR Bluett Memorial Award for the 2022/23 year. This is awarded annually to one metropolitan and one rural council for outstanding achievements in local government. The Chairman of the judging panel noted that, Inner West Council has forged three previous Inner West Councils into a vibrant, responsive and community focused organisation, customer experiences have outperformed against other like sized councils, environmental leadership is paramount, and Council has delivered $22m in savings since amalgamation.
· In the Local Government Environment Awards Council won for the category Behaviour Change in Waste Category Division C for its Community Recycling Centre Rap Video. Our customer service teams work was also recognised when Council’s team was recognised at the National Local Government Customer Service Network Awards.
· The Customer Experience Strategy 2024-2027 was adopted in November. It is designed to enable Council to provide great customer experiences across all areas of the organisation.
· In the first 10 weeks of the FOGO service, the Inner West community successfully diverted over 3,300 tonnes of organic waste from landfill. This diversion from landfill has been an outstanding result for the environment with approximately 7,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions saved. This is equivalent to taking around 6,000 cars off the road for a year.
· Construction work on the GreenWay missing links began. Construction for the Longport Street tunnel has begun and the piling works on and around Constitution Road bridge are now completed.
· The new Lewis Herman Reserve at Ashfield which was completed at a cost of $1.3m was officially formally opened by the Hon Anthony Albanese. This new park has been designed and built to respond to the need for facilities that are underpinned by the principle that ‘everyone can play’ and includes a purpose-built area for dementia sufferers.
· In December, Council marked International Day of People with Disability. The celebrations recognised the contributions and achievements of people with disability. Key events included delivering the audio descriptions for 20 Perfect Match artworks, an annual inclusion festival at Petersham Town Hall and a community questions and answers forum with the ParaMatildas. Council is a proud inclusive employer and endorsed our second Inner West Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023-26.
· Council’s grant program awarded $458,000 to 72 individuals, a variety of community organisations and clubs to support cultural, arts, community development and sustainability initiatives in the Inner West.
The attached report contains commentary about progress on each of the actions, and measures of performance achieved against targets.
Quarterly Budget Review Statement
This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 December 2023. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2024. Council has updated its projected budget result to $30.1 million, this is a decrease of $6.2 million from the September Adopted Budget. Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $2.2 million has been projected against the September Adopted Budget Deficit of $2.3 million.
During the quarter, a detailed review of both operating and capital budgets was undertaken, reconfirming the budget projections for the current financial year.
The change in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions is primarily due to:
· User Charges and Fees increase of $2.2m predominantly from restorations income to be received, offset by increases in the Materials and Services budget to complete restoration works.
· Interest Income increase of $1.7m due to investments maturing being reinvested at higher rates of return as well as RBA increasing interest rates resulting in higher returns on investments.
· Other Income increase of $0.9m to reflect year to date actuals received for fire compliance infringements and parking infringements.
· Capital Grants and Contributions decrease of $6.3m mainly due to the timing of recognising grants received for capital projects for when the project is to be completed which is in the 2024/25 Financial Year.
· Employee Costs net increase following funding additional casual staff required for Early Learning Centres to meet regulatory requirements as a result of higher utilisation and additional casual parking rangers offset by additional income received.
· Material & Services net increase due to:
o Increase in maintenance costs for street trees and park assets in response to community requests.
o Legal costs increase to match expected spend for legal matters for the financial year.
o Increase in motor vehicle excess following a number of incidents with operational vehicles.
Summary of Budget Movements
Operational Budget
The graph in Figure 1 summarises the key operating budget movements, with a brief explanation and the impact on Council’s budget provided below.
Figure 1. Changes in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions
· Forecast increase in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees:
- Civil Maintenance – $1.0m increase to reflect restorations income expected for 2023/24 financial year offset by increase in expenditure to deliver restorations works.
- Engineering Services - $0.6m increase to reflect year-to-date actuals for construction zones fees and road opening permit fees.
- Early Learning - $0.3m increase to reflect year-to-date actuals, offset by increase in casual staff required to meet minimum standards.
- Traffic & Transport Planning - $0.4m increase in parking meter income to reflect year to date actuals.
· Forecast increase in Other Income:
- Environmental Health & Building Regulation - $0.5m increase to reflect year-to-date revenue for fire compliance infringements.
- Parking & Ranger Services - $0.2m increase to reflect year-to-date revenue for parking infringements.
· Forecast increase in Interest Income $1.7m –investments maturing being reinvested at higher rates of return as well as RBA increasing interest rates resulting in higher returns on investments.
· Forecast increase in Employment Costs:
- Funding additional casual staff required for Early Learning Centres to meet regulatory requirements as a result of higher utilisation and additional casual parking rangers offset by additional income received.
· Forecast increase in Materials and Services costs:
- Increase in maintenance costs for street trees and park assets in response to outstanding CRM’s.
- Legal costs increase to match expected spend for legal matters for the financial year.
- Increase in motor vehicle excess due to the number of incidents with operational vehicles.
Capital Budget
The graph in Figure 2 over the page reflects changes in the timing of projects, with a brief explanation provided below. Details can be found within the December 2023 QBRS Movement (attached).
The decreased Capital Expenditure of $23.6m is primarily due to the reallocation of project budgets to reflect the planned spend. For example, the GreenWay project is underway and on track however the budget has now been better aligned to the expected expenditure over the life of the project. Projects that have had re-phasing of budget to next financial year include:
· GreenWay
· Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade
· Tempe Reserve Amenities Building
· Dawn Fraser Bath Northern Pavilion
· Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre Upgrade
· Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre Upgrade
· Camdenville Park Upgrade
· King George Park Inclusive Playground
· Hoskins Park Upgrade
Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget. December 2023 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $41.1m.
The Capital Budget will continue to be reviewed to financial year end, on an ongoing basis with the capital works managers.
Figure 2. Changes in the Full Year Capital Budget
Responsible Accounting Officer Budget Review Statement
Section 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 requires a report by Council’s responsible accounting officer regarding the Council’s financial position at the end of each quarter. The following statement is made in accordance with this clause.
“It is in my opinion that the Budget Review Statement for Inner West Council for the period ending 31 December 2023 indicates that Council’s projected financial position at 30 June will be satisfactory, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgeted income and expenditure.”
Chris Sleiman, Acting Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer)
- Inner West Council
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Quarter 2 progress report on Operational Plan 2023/24 |
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2.⇩ |
December 2023 QBRS Financial Statements |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: State Government Housing Reforms - Implications for the Inner West and Draft Submission
Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse the Inner West Council submission to the proposed NSW Government Housing Reforms: Transit Oriented Development Program and Diverse and Well-Located Housing.
2. That Council forward the endorsed submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for consideration. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to update Council on two major housing reforms proposed by NSW Government in December 2023, including:
1. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Program, and
2. Diverse and Well-Located Housing (DWLH).
Due to the overlapping nature of these reforms, Council officers have prepared a draft submission (Attachment 1) to respond to both the reforms collectively. The proposals and key points which are raised in the draft submission are summarised in this report.
BACKGROUND
On 18 December 2023, the NSW Government Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) released two documents outlining housing reforms intended to expediate the delivery of housing in well serviced locations. These included:
· TOD Program – a summary document was provided by the State for information only. This is not on public exhibition, although councils were invited to provide feedback by 31 January 2024. Note that due to Council recess period in January, the submission on TOD cannot be made in time.
· DWLH – Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low- and mid-rise housing. This is on public exhibition until 23 February and all stakeholders, including Council, can provide feedback.
How the housing reforms apply to the Inner West Local Government Area
The purpose of the housing reforms is to implement these proposals through two State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) that will override Council’s local planning provisions such as LEP/DCPs. These will alter existing permissibility and apply non-refusal development standards across a range of residential housing types and across expansive areas of the Inner West LGA. Attachment 2 provides summary of the proposed reforms.
Council analysis estimates approximately 75-80% of the LGA is affected by these proposals. The reforms apply to the Inner West as outlined below:
TOD Program – to be finalised between April and November 2024
Part 1 – TOD 8 Accelerated Precincts (to be finalised between September-November 2024)
NSW Government-led precinct planning of certain metro station precincts. For the Inner West this includes Bays West Metro Station. Council officers were verbally advised this proposal will only focus on Government-owned land being the remainder of the Bays West Precinct rather than be applied as a 1.2km radius around the Metro Station. Clarification is to be sought from DPHI in Council’s submission.
Part 2 – TOD 31 Precincts (to come into effect on 1 April 2024)
Blanket changes to planning controls for 31 train and metro station precincts in greater Sydney. For the Inner West this includes 400m around four station precincts – Croydon (shared with Burwood Council), Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville stations.
DWLH – to be finalised by end of June 2024
The EIE outlines this reform will apply within Station and Town Centre Precincts, defined as land within 800m walking distance of:
· any heavy rail, metro or light rail station. In the Inner West context, this includes:
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Light Rail stops |
Heavy Rail stations |
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· Dulwich Hill |
· Croydon (on the border) |
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· Dulwich Grove |
· Ashfield |
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· Arlington |
· Summer Hill |
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· Waratah Mills |
· Lewisham |
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· Lewisham West |
· Petersham |
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· Taverners Hill |
· Stanmore |
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· Marion Street |
· Newtown (on the border) |
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· Hawthorne |
· St Peters |
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· Leichhardt North |
· Sydenham |
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· Lilyfield |
· Tempe |
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· Rozelle Bay |
· Wolli Creek (on the border) |
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· Jubilee Park (on the border) |
· Marrickville |
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· Dulwich Hill |
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· Hurlstone Park (on the border) |
· land zoned E2 Commercial Centre, being Ashfield Town Centre; and
· land zoned E1 Local Centre or MUI Mixed Use but only where the location has a full line supermarket, shops and restaurants. In the Inner West context, this includes a variety of centres such as Norton Street, King Street, Darling Street etc.
Application of the housing reforms in the Inner West
For both housing reforms, it is unclear how to apply the identified measurements, including whether to use a simple radius measurement or to define catchments based on walkability. Further, in the instance of the DWLH, councils are being invited to identify “which E1 and MU1 centres are appropriate to be included”. There is, therefore, considerable ambiguity in which precincts these are intended to apply, as well as how these are to be measured (for example, at the edge of the centre zones, or taking a central focal point).
It is evident that the impact of these proposals is significant due to Inner West’s:
· compact urban form,
· transport infrastructure (heavy and light rail), and
· network of village-style town centres.
The reforms do not appear to consider the above factors, nor do they consider the overall character, heritage, or constraints; rather these are applied uniformly across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra and Hunter Regions – all of which have different local character, constraints and values. In the Inner West context, the area of applicability is a flaw of the reforms.
DISCUSSION
What the housing reforms mean for the Inner West and Council officers’ response:
The reforms intend to apply consistent permissibility and a range of non-refusal development standards depending on distance or zone across Greater Sydney. A summary of these proposals is contained in Attachment 2.
For the Inner West, these proposals represent a major shift in current policy position. Some implications are considered critical, others are unknown due to a lack of information, while others shift the burden of responsibility to Council, such as provision of infrastructure and services. Below is a summary of some of the key matters for (which are covered in further detail in the Attachment 1).
OVERARCHING RESPONSE TO THE HOUSING REFORMS
Council acknowledges the current housing crisis in NSW, and that the delivery of housing, and specifically affordable housing, is urgent. However, Council officers raise significant concerns with the proposals, as these:
· bypass place-based strategic planning framework processes and are not accompanied by robust evidence,
· remove Council from the decision-making process,
· are not accompanied by new housing targets and do not incorporate a sequenced delivery approach,
· apply standardised, un-tested controls regardless of location that will significantly impact areas of the LGA,
· offer development windfalls without incentivising good design, sustainability, active transport, and other benefits that are achievable through good planning,
· raise expectations without demonstrating if the reforms or subsequent approvals will result in housing delivery,
· vary/ reduce the Apartment Design Guide Standards which would result in an adverse amenity and liveability outcomes,
· impose a significant cost burden on Council for additional infrastructure,
· do not allow time to prepare for implementation of the proposals,
· do not sufficiently contribute towards affordable housing, and
· ultimately will result in a significant degradation of the character of the Inner West.
There are elements of the proposals that are worthy and supported:
· a centres-based approach to development,
· industrial and employment lands not being affected,
· identification of maximum car parking rates (although it is not clear why these are only included in the TOD and not in the DWLH areas close to transit), and
· the need for active street frontages in Inner West’s town centres.
However, these principles are already embedded in Council’s policy framework and, while worthy, are best delivered in an appropriate Council-led, place-based way rather than via the blanket reforms.
Consequently, Council strongly opposes the application of these reforms in the Inner West LGA and has provided a detailed response to the various aspects of the reforms in the below section and attached submission.
Council is fully committed to unlocking housing opportunities and Inner West’s current strategic program offers a better approach. Council urges DPHI to work with Council to realise housing opportunities in a way that benefits the existing and future communities and achieves the best possible outcomes for the Inner West.
1. Lack of consistency with the strategic planning framework
Council-led or proponent-led changes to Inner West’s statutory instruments are held to high standards by the DPHI, Council and the community, specifically the demonstration of alignment with the strategic planning framework. This is what takes time and resources and gives assurances Council can achieve the best possible outcomes.
The proposed housing reforms do not demonstrate compliance with the existing strategic planning frameworks such as the Region Plan, District Plans, Ministerial Directions, SEPPs and Statutory Authority support, among others. These do not satisfactorily consider local planning such as flooding, contamination, aircraft noise, Airport Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS), biodiversity, traffic impacts, heritage etc. Further, no updated new strategic planning documents or evidence base is available to view against these proposals.
In the absence of this evidence, Council cannot fully understand the level of consistency against other State endorsed policies. It is disconcerting that the NSW State Government can override local planning provisions without demonstrating compliance with the legislated planning framework including other existing State endorsed policies. It is recommended that the proposals demonstrate compliance with the current strategic framework, while also urging the DPHI to provide new housing targets.
2. Housing numbers and future housing targets
The reforms provide no detail on how many new dwellings will be facilitated by the proposals, other than:
· noting the National Housing Accord and the NSW State Government’s commitment of a reach target of 377,000 dwelling across NSW in the next 5 years is outlined, and
· for the TOD Program, anticipating 138,000 new homes in the next five years that, if shared equally across the 31 stations, would result in an expectation that 4,450 new homes will be provided in each location including Croydon, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville in the next 15 years.
Council’s strategic program for housing investigation area is based on an estimate of 1,000 dwellings per year. Council’s early analysis of the proposals anticipates this is likely to triple. This has major implications not only for the character and functionality of the Inner West but also on infrastructure needed for these new communities.
Council requires:
· urgent provision of new housing targets for Inner West LGA, in line with the National Housing Accord, so that Council is given an opportunity to present Council-led Transport Oriented Development and Diverse and Well-Located Housing delivery plan, and
· alignment of data collection for success in the provision of dwelling numbers to consider non-market housing such as seniors, co-living, secondary dwellings and others in DPHI data and count these towards Council's dwelling targets.
3. Delivering high quality outcomes
Good strategic planning is grounded in place-based testing and analysis to inform appropriate standards in a manner to realise high quality built-form outcomes. This process also offers the opportunity to achieve other policy ambitions such as sustainability, overcoming urban heat, encouraging active transport and delivering vibrant streetscapes.
As drafted, the proposals represent significant uplift, which while intended to provide much needed new homes, will also bring significant windfalls to landowners and developers, at the expense of high-quality design outcomes for the local areas and residents.
Rather than the development standards being a given, using them as an incentive will deliver higher quality and sustainable outcomes.
Council’s Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 Planning Proposal is an incentives-based proposition, and a similar approach could be applied to the TOD and DWLH proposals. This could include:
· achieving an appropriate development pattern and high-quality built form in terms of bulk, massing, height, separation, setbacks, amenity and modulation – the proposals lack this finesse,
· provides an active street frontage – this is proposed in the TOD area and should apply in all E1, E2 and MU1 zoned areas,
· achieving higher building performance targets – to ensure more sustainable buildings,
· incorporating mechanisms to reduce urban heat – tree canopy and deep soil targets are proposed for DWLH but could go further, and
· supporting sustainable transport modes, minimises traffic congestion and reduces private car dependency – such as the maximum car parking rates proposed in the TOD area. This should apply in the DWLH Inner 400m area.
In addition, the proposed standards are minimalist and other factors are not well-considered. Height of buildings are standardised and do not demonstrate, specifically in town centres, these can achieve intended employment uses. Likewise, no consideration is given to street walls that are an important element of defining the street, a positive pedestrian experience and contribute to achieving vibrant streets.
Further, the proposed reforms refer to incorporating new design criteria that will vary the Apartment Design Guide standards such as minimum building separation distances, setbacks, landscaping, tree canopy etc. This approach to lowering the design provisions for these new mid-rise apartment buildings is not supported in the Inner West context as it will result in reduced amenity outcomes and adversely affect the liveability of residents and community.
It is recommended that DPHI review the reforms with the aim of applying the opportunities as incentives and give more consideration to other aspects of built form design that will significantly influence the ability to achieve high quality outcomes.
4. Heritage properties
The proposals assert that heritage will continue to be a factor of merit-based assessment to the extent it is not inconsistent with the new standards. Given heritage protections affect 40% of the LGA, this will be an area of challenge, while noting Inner West’s strategic and statutory framework is sufficiently robust to identify unsympathetic and out of character development.
There are ongoing reviews to Inner West’s statutory framework to implement place-based provisions which balance new development with existing heritage in appropriate locations such as in the Parramatta Road Planning Proposal and draft Development Control Plans (DCPs). This is a detailed piece of work supported with heritage studies and development controls to provide sympathetic development – this place-based approach is preferred to blanket application of the housing reforms.
5. Affordable housing
Council supports all opportunities to deliver affordable housing owned or managed by Community Housing Providers and retained in perpetuity. However, the proposals are unevidenced and do not go far enough given the opportunities available. It is recommended that DPHI:
· regard Council’s previous position in relation to Bays West being 30% affordable housing on government owned land, delivered on-site rather than within a set radius,
· incorporate Council’s policy position of 15% affordable housing while recognising the influence of feasibility, specifically in the inner Sydney context,
· clarify as to why there are no specific affordable housing targets in the DWLH in a way similar to the TOD which includes specific affordable housing targets, and
· work with Council to prepare Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme for the relevant areas.
6. Infrastructure and contributions
The proposals are premature in the assumptions that these new residents only require public transport and disregard community’s needs for essential infrastructure, such as open space, trees, schools, hospitals, servicing and libraries, which are critical to the quality of Australian lifestyle and for which Sydney and Inner West are known for.
It is Council’s responsibility to provide the supporting local infrastructure. Council already has a significant level of shortfall in providing local infrastructure and associated funding particularly with regard to the provision of open space.
The need for State support to deliver equitable outcomes should the proposals proceed is highlighted. No evidence has been provided that there is sufficient state-infrastructure available (such as schools, hospitals, open space) and services such as water to meet the needs of the future population. In addition, consideration of removing the cap on local contributions will become urgent.
7. Implications in the R1 General Residential zone
Current planning proposals underway within the Inner West offer nuanced floor space ratio standards to ensure development is compatible with the relevant location. The housing reforms override this approach and mean residential flat building buildings of 21m (6-storey) with a floor space ratio of 3:1 will apply in the DWLH Inner Area (up to 400m), while 16m and 2:1 will apply in the Outer Area (400-800m).
The Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 brought together the three former LEPs (Marrickville, Ashfield and Leichhardt), however retained the former Leichhardt LGA’s zoning approach where R1 applies across the former Leichhardt LGA as the predominant residential zone. The R1 zone across former Leichhardt is largely characterised by small lots with dwellings that are usually single storey in nature with limited private open space, narrow streets, constrained pedestrian and traffic movement. Currently the majority of this R1 area will be affected by the proposed DWLH or TOD and this is an unsuitable outcome in such a constrained area.
Deferring the proposals in the R1 zone until such time as Council completes a review of harmonising land use zones across the Inner West LGA is required.
8. Implications for Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 Planning Proposal
Council’s planning proposal for Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 is well progressed, it has achieved Gateway Determination, undergone statutory consultation and is being reviewed ahead of final reporting to Council. The State Reforms would mean that the extensive work to date and the objectives being sought through the proposal will be over-ridden. It is sought that that this area be excluded from the reforms for Council to finalise the current planning proposal. This is also subject of a separate Council Report and detailed as a case study in the Appendix – 1 to Attachment 1.
9. TOD station precincts at Bays West, Croydon, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville
Council officers support the principle of transport-oriented development, examples being Council-led work which is progressed in Parramatta Road Corridor, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Ashfield precincts.
These areas are identified in the State-endorsed Inner West Local Housing Strategy and work is underway for these areas. The application of blunt, standardised permissibility and development standards does not represent place-based planning and is not expected to result in good design outcomes.
Rather than applying the reforms on 1 April, it is requested that the DPHI work with Council to allow progression of Council-led housing proposals for transit-oriented development and diverse and well located housing.
Further, Council seeks clarification regarding the application of TOD for the Bay West Metro Station TOD precinct. Given the ambiguity of application of the TOD to Bays West and uncertainty regarding its impacts on the community, Council does not support the proposed TOD in Bays West unless its application is limited to the SEPP (Precincts – Eastern Harbour City) Government owned lands. Council seeks further discussion with the Department to discuss the level of impact and to identify a better course of action.
10. Changes to the R2 Residential zone
The DWLH proposal will make a range of low-rise multiple-dwelling housing types automatically permitted with consent. They are limited to 2 storeys, but all are currently prohibited in Inner West’s R2 Low Density Residential zone. While there is merit if only considering the 2-storey scale of the development, this is untested with Inner West’s community and, for some uses, Council’s statutory framework is unprepared. By way of example, Council does not currently have development controls to apply specifically to dual occupancies or manor houses.
Further, once permissible, it raises opportunities for complying development pathways. These opportunities will be tempered by lot size requirements and the full implications are difficult to determine. Likewise, it is unclear if the DPHI understand dwelling numbers resulting from any, or all of, the proposals which is a further concern and discussed below.
11. Inconsistencies with Council’s planning strategies, instruments and processes
The proposals include SEPPs that would “take effect” on the dates mentioned (1 April for TOD Part 2 and end of June for the DWLH). This timeline provides no time for Council to update its systems (such as planning systems) and to begin preparations for any amendments needed to its planning strategies, Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 or DCPs where the proposals are inconsistent with existing controls.
DPHI has stated that Council can undertake its own strategic planning that meets or exceeds the proposed controls. However, once finalised, the DPHI’s proposals will remain in effect while this planning is undertaken and undermine Council’s local planning controls.
Further, there is no sequencing proposed for these changes to planning controls. This is at odds with the adopted Inner West Local Housing Strategy, which assigns medium and longer-term timeframes to different precincts identified for investigation.
12. Existing diversity, density and constraints in the Inner West
While appreciating State-wide policy makes addressing local character difficult, it is clear this policy proposition is overly simplistic in its approach.
Not all LGAs across Greater Sydney are the same. The function of Council-led strategic planning is to appropriately plan for the needs of local areas and in a manner that respects existing character, values, environments and constraints.
Some important facts about the Inner West that demonstrate the reforms are not appropriate:
· 60% of lots in the LGA are less than 300m2.
· the Inner West is diverse and has a good mix of dwelling diversity and density with only 27% being separate houses, 41% medium density and 30% high density.
· the predominant built form across low and medium density areas are single storey attached and semi-detached houses, terrace housing and two storey walk-ups.
· land values are high and are likely to impact feasibility.
· constraints include statutory such as aircraft noise, environmental such as flooding, and the Inner West’s compact and fine grain urban pattern means many streets are narrow and need to consider the ability of increased development on waste management and other servicing.
The generic application of permissibility and un-tested non-refusal development standards, insofar as they relate to the Inner West, require reconsideration in recognition of existing local character and context.
13. Impacts on development assessment
The proposals represent a marked change in allowable built form across Inner West LGA, while also containing many ambiguous elements in practice. This will have considerable implications for resources, costs and administration relating to Council, Local Planning Panel, Architectural Excellence and Design Review Panel and Land and Environment Court.
It is recommended that DPHI recognise the implications of the proposals on local government resources and support councils in the delivery of housing reforms.
14. Consultation process
While Council appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the housing reforms, given the far-reaching implications, the level of consultation is critically inadequate. Council has significant concerns regarding the lack of consultation with Council and its community given the far-reaching implications of these proposals.
The TOD program is not formally on consultation, the documents released are limited in their information, ambiguous and unsubstantiated by evidence and the timeframe for comments is short.
Community engagement is a basic tenant of the planning process as also stipulated in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Inner West Council believes community input is essential to good outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Council acknowledges the housing challenge in NSW and is fully committed to unlocking housing opportunities and delivering new housing and affordable housing in the Inner West supported with adequate provision of infrastructure. However, given the lack of evidence base of the proposed reforms and concerns that these would override the local planning controls, Council opposes the proposed reforms, and these should not apply in the Inner West.
Attachment 1 Draft submission notes that Council does not support:
· the generic application of permissibility and un-tested non-refusal development standards over its housing investigation areas, without accompanying place-based evidence demonstrating that these controls will result in appropriate design outcomes;
· the variation of Apartment Design Guide for mid-rise housing which would reduce setbacks, building separation distances, landscaping, tree canopy resulting in adverse effects on liveability and amenity;
· the blanket application of the proposals to heritage affected properties including heritage conservation areas;
· the application of the proposals across the vast majority of R1 General Residential being the main residential zone in the former Leichhardt LGA; and
· the application of these proposals in the Parramatta Road Corridor area which over-rides Council’s well-progressed Stage 1 Implementation Planning Proposal;
· the alteration of permissibility in the R2 Low Density Residential Zones; and
· the minimum affordable housing contributions in the TOD which are too low and the absence of any minimum affordable housing contributions in DWLH.
These proposals will bypass place-based strategic planning framework processes, are not accompanied by robust evidence and remove Council from the decision-making process. These are inconsistent or have not demonstrated strategic merit against NSW Government’s own statutory planning framework and policies.
Further, given the ambiguity of application of the TOD to Bays West and uncertainty regarding its impacts on the community, it is recommended that Council does not support the proposed TOD in Bays West and seeks further discussion with the Department to discuss the level of impact and to identify a better course of action.
Instead, a collaborative approach between DPHI and Council is sought, in order to realise housing opportunities in a way that benefits the existing and future communities and achieves the best possible outcomes for the Inner West by:
· providing new housing targets for Inner West LGA in line with the National Housing Accord Requirements so that Council is given an opportunity to presents Council-led Transport Oriented Development and Diverse and Well-Located Housing delivery plans;
· assisting Council in progressing place-based proposals for Parramatta Road Corridor, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Ashfield which are in line with the principles of Transport Oriented Development; and
· removing the cap on local infrastructure contributions to allow Councils to collect adequate contributions which reflect the real cost of providing infrastructure in the Inner Sydney context.
These matters are detailed in the draft submission in Attachment 1. It is recommended that Council endorse this submission and forward it to DPHI for consideration.
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 Draft Submission - NSW Government Housing Reforms |
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2.⇩ |
Summary of proposed controls under NSW Government Housing Reforms |
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|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 Proposal (PRCUTS) - Preliminary Engagement Outcomes
Authored by: Daniel East – Acting Senior Manager Strategic Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council write to Transport for NSW regarding their submission on the Parramatta Road Planning Proposal to:
a) request that TfNSW withdraw their submission as Council does not support the proposed road widenings in the Parramatta Road Corridor which will have significant impacts on the community, environment, heritage and built form and for which no community consultation has been undertaken; and b) seek support for the delivery of TfNSW owned 2 Hay Street, Leichhardt as new open space in Leichhardt precinct in line with the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS).
2. That an urgent meeting with the Secretary of the Department of Planning be convened regarding:
a) delays associated with finalising this Planning Proposal given the need to resolve the State Agency submissions; b) seeking certainty that the proposed NSW Government’s Housing Reforms will not apply to the Parramatta Road Corridor; and c) seeking support for Council’s position on the TfNSW road widenings and delivery of the Hay Street car park as new open space.
3. That following the resolution of issues outlined in (1) and (2) above, a detailed engagement outcomes report be brought back to Council for finalisation of the Planning Proposal. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Planning Proposal for Parramatta Road Corridor – Stage 1 for parts of Leichhardt, Taverners Hill and Kings Bay/Croydon Precincts was placed on exhibition from 6 November to 17 December 2023. This report provides a preliminary update on the engagement outcomes and highlights the State agency objections received from Transport for NSW, Sydney Water and Department of Planning & Environment – Environment and Heritage Group (now called Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water). Resolution of the issues raised by State Agencies is required in order to advocate for balanced community outcomes in the Inner West.
Of particular concern is the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) submission which sets out their requirement for road widening along the Corridor to provide an on-street rapid transit route from Burwood to the Sydney CBD. This raises major concerns regarding the proposed impacts on the community and environment, especially as there has been no prior consultation with Council or the community.
Further, the recently released Housing Reforms in December 2023 have major implications for the proposed planning controls in the Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1, as the proposed State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for Diverse and Well-Located Housing (DWLH) will supersede the Planning Proposal controls and allow equivalent or greater development in all precincts.
The Department of Planning’s letter to Council dated August 2023 required that Council finalise this Planning Proposal no later than March 2024. Council has been working towards this timeline and was on track with respect to the engagement activities completed in December 2023. However, due to the concerns raised by various State Agencies and community and release of the NSW Government’s State Housing Reforms, this timeline has been jeopardised.
Urgent resolution is required that relies on the intervention of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to resolve the matters raised by the State agencies specifically with respect to road widenings of Parramatta Road in the Inner West and supporting the delivery of housing through finalisation of this Planning Proposal.
Planning Proposal for Parramatta Road Corridor – Stage 1 begins the incremental realisation of the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS) through amendments to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (IWLEP 2022) and associated draft amendments to Development Control Plans (DCPs) in certain parts of Leichhardt, Taverners Hill and Kings Bay/Croydon Precincts by facilitating 1516 new dwellings and 1944 jobs. This Planning Proposal delivers on a key state government priority relating to boosting housing supply and providing affordable housing to meet the 5-year dwelling targets set by the State Government.
The map at Figure 1 shows the extent of NSW Government’s PRCUTS (in red) and parts of precincts included in this Planning Proposal (in purple and pink).
Figure 1 Map of PRCUTS and Planning Proposal extent
At the Council meeting held on 10 October 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council endorses a six week community consultation for the Planning Proposal for Parramatta Road Corridor - Stage 1, associated draft amendments to Development Control Plans (DCPs) (Leichhardt, Marrickville and Comprehensive Inner West Development Control Plan 2016 (former Ashfield) and supporting studies with:
a) A 'meet the planner' drop-in weekend sessions in each precinct (Leichhardt, Taverners Hill, Kings Bay/ Croydon); and
b) A community meeting in each precinct (Leichhardt, Taverners Hill, Kings Bay/ Croydon).
5. That Council receive a final Planning
Proposal for endorsement no later than its March
2024 Ordinary meeting.
DISCUSSION
1.0 ENGAGEMENT
Description of Engagement activities
The Planning Proposal, draft DCPs and supporting technical documents were exhibited for 42 days between 6 November – 17 December 2023 in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Framework, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act 1979) and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (EP&A Regulation 2021).
The exhibition material was made available online at Your Say Inner West (YSIW) and 3,693 letters posted to affected properties and those within 75m of the Stage 1 areas. Both landowners and occupiers were notified. The YSIW project page had 7080 views and 3457 visitors.
Community Meetings (8 in total) and 3 Drop-in sessions were carried out as detailed in Table 1. Officers were also available at the Kegworth Public School Christmas Fair on 2 December 2023 to respond to any queries. Community Meetings were organised on weekdays with afternoon and evening sessions. The format consisted of a presentation from officers and a question-and-answer section. Drop-in sessions were held in a conversational format where community members could have a more in-depth discussion with a planner.
Table 1 Community meetings and drop-in sessions - schedule and attendance
Community Meetings
|
Precinct |
Date |
Session Time |
Attendees |
|
Leichhardt |
29 November
|
3-5pm |
17 |
|
6.30-8.30pm |
24 |
||
|
6 December |
4.30-6pm |
4 |
|
|
Taverners Hill |
27 November |
3-5pm |
18 |
|
30 November |
6.30-8.30pm |
26 |
|
|
6 December |
7-8:30pm |
9 |
|
|
Kings Bay |
23 November |
3-5pm |
8 |
|
6.30-8.30pm |
17 |
||
|
|
|||
|
Total |
123 |
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Drop-Ins
|
Precinct |
Date |
Session Time |
Attendees |
|
Leichhardt |
9 December |
10am -12pm |
7 |
|
Taverners Hill |
2 December |
10am-12pm 10am-2.00pm1 |
13 4 |
|
Kings Bay |
25 November |
10am-12pm |
5 |
|
|
|||
|
Total |
29 |
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1 Stall at Kegworth Public School Christmas Fair
2.0 PRELIMINARY ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES AND KEY ISSUES
2.1 High-level Community Feedback
Around 300 submissions were received during the exhibition period - 134 through YSIW, 133 by direct email, 38 letters, and 2 submissions via the DPHI Planning Portal. The submissions included the petition from Lungs of Leichhardt with 1879 signatures opposing the proposed changes in Taverners Hill precinct.
Submissions in favour generally supported the approach to revitalisation of the Parramatta Road Corridor and the proposed changes to planning controls to facilitate the delivery of much needed housing in the Inner West.
Submissions opposing the Proposal raised concerns about potential environmental and social impacts, traffic impacts, car parking, loss of character, inadequate response to market and affordable housing supply, lack of supporting infrastructure and various issues relating to the proposed heritage changes.
An overview of the comments in the submissions is discussed below. Note that this is a high-level summary of the submissions and that a detailed analysis of the submissions is currently underway which will inform an Engagement Outcomes Report to be reported to Council in 2024.
a) Stage 1 Implementation Area – Submissions raised concerns regarding the selection of the Planning Proposal Stage 1 Area and were more in support of future development in areas directly along Parramatta Road including on employment and underutilised land.
b) Proposed changes to planning controls – Respondents were generally in favour of the proposed incentives approach and the potential to deliver better built form, sustainability, and amenity outcomes for the area. Concerns were raised about the shift towards medium density residential zoning and increased density in the planning controls. Comments also discussed the potential loss of character to existing streetscape and heritage.
c) Proposed heritage controls – Submissions presented mixed views towards the proposed heritage controls. Some supported the proposed heritage conservation areas as these ensure the protection of character and quality areas. Whereas some submissions questioned the proposed heritage changes as these are perceived to hinder development, contrary to the aim of delivery of housing. There were objections to a few proposed heritage items as these were perceived to have no architectural or social value.
d) Built form impacts – Issues relating to built form impacts were primarily concerned with overshadowing or privacy impacts on existing properties.
e) Housing – Overall, respondents agreed that there is an immediate need to deliver more housing supply. Mixed views were provided as to whether Council’s proposal would be able to facilitate enough private and affordable housing given the current housing crisis context. Comments also raised the need to cater for more affordable and family-sized homes.
f) Traffic and transport – Submissions strongly supported improvements to sustainable transport options and the shift towards reduced private vehicle use to minimise traffic along Parramatta Road and surrounding streets. However, there were concerns that there has been no commitment or action from State Government to improve public transport infrastructure and services along Parramatta Road. Mixed views were received regarding the approach to maximum car parking rates with some respondents supporting the concept of maximum car parking rates whereas others opposed it, questioning whether the proposed provisions would alleviate existing and future car parking issues.
g) Community infrastructure – Submissions raised support for the proposed local provision to ensure developers make satisfactory state/regional infrastructure contributions to deliver more social infrastructure and community facilities such as schools and hospitals. Some submissions questioned whether the proposed community infrastructure was adequate given the forecast growth in the area.
h) Open space and public domain – Submissions were generally in support of improved public amenity and new open space proposed within the Corridor. However, some respondents raised concerns regarding lack of existing open space and suggested that a greater provision of public open space should be provided.
i) Environmental impacts – A number of submissions were received regarding concerns around adverse biodiversity impacts on native wildlife and habitat in areas adjacent to the GreenWay in the Taverners Hill precinct. Loss of mature trees and tree canopy cover was also raised as a related issue that would worsen climate change impacts and the urban heat island effect. Submissions also raised concerns regarding exacerbation of flood impacts in the Taverners Hill precinct.
j) Sustainability controls – Submissions generally support the proposed higher energy and water targets, sustainable transport modal shift and mechanisms to increase tree canopy and greening. Concerns were raised as to whether the proposed sustainability targets could be expanded beyond energy and water consumption.
k) Impacts on existing community – Submissions supported various positive social impacts arising from the proposed changes, including improvements to urban amenity, liveability, public spaces, and walkability. Issues were raised in relation to perceived loss of housing and potential short to long-term disruption impacts to the existing community. Submissions also raised concerns regarding land acquisitions and impacts on existing residents who may be forced to sell their homes by developers.
l) Property values and rates – Submissions discussed the impacts on property valuation, raised concerns regarding increase in property rates and other associated costs, and impacts on existing residents.
m) Economic impacts – Respondents generally supported moves to revitalise the economic areas along the Parramatta Road Corridor, including the potential to create new jobs in the area. However, some views expressed concern that new jobs were not considered for all precincts in the Proposal. Submissions also commented on the economic feasibility of the proposal, suggesting that the proposed FSRs were too low to deliver housing, in particular affordable housing outcomes.
A detailed analysis of the submissions is underway and where necessary, changes will be recommended to the Planning Proposal and draft DCPs. However, this work hasn’t been completed yet as major issues were raised in several State agency submissions (refer to section 2.2) and the proposed Housing Reforms currently on exhibition (refer to section 3) all of which require resolution. It is also likely that some of the proposed changes required by State agencies, unless amended, will require the proposal to be re-exhibited as discussed in the below section.
2.2 State agency submissions
The Planning Proposal was referred to several State Government agencies as per the Gateway determination conditions. Council has received responses from 13 agencies so far and is still awaiting responses from the following state agencies:
· Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
· Environment Protection Agency
· Ausgrid
A copy of TfNSW submission is provided in Attachments 1 & 2. All other state agency submissions are provided in Attachment 3.
The following key issues have been raised by State Government agencies:
a) Proposed road widening – TfNSW’s submission identifies road widening along the entire Parramatta Road Corridor in the Inner West LGA from Crystal Street, Petersham to Lang Street, Croydon. TfNSW have nominated setbacks of 0.5-10m (including 6m offset – refer Attachment 2) with the land to be dedicated to TfNSW through identifying relevant parts of the sites as ‘land reserved for acquisition’ and rezoning this land to SP2 Infrastructure. A total of 196 properties have been identified for road widening which will have a significant impact on the community. Council officers do not support road widening for the following reasons:
· Land acquisition - the TfNSW submission states “the draft plans are indicative and will be subject to further investigations and the necessary assessments, approvals and funding”. Unless TfNSW were to propose compulsory land acquisition along the corridor, road widening/land dedication would only occur in a piecemeal manner at the Development Application stage and could take decades to achieve, as at this stage there is no business case for a planned public transit route or funding identified to deliver such a route.
It can be anticipated that, based on international travel patterns and transport technologies trends, the widening would prove irrelevant within 2 decades as the mode shift to sustainable transport continues and guided vehicle technologies become the norm.
· Contrary to vision for revitalisation of the Corridor - Widening of Parramatta Road runs counter to many of the State Government’s existing policies which focus on the Corridor’s revitalisation. This revitalisation requires improvements to public and active transport and dissuasion of private vehicle dependency.
While the widening may be for the “purpose of public transport enhancement”, unless this is done within the existing carriageway, traffic flows will also increase significantly and result in similar issues to those currently being experienced on Victoria Road, Rozelle, where induced demand has resulted in increased traffic congestion and major community backlash.
Council strongly supports improvements to public transport and provision of on-street rapid transit along Parramatta Road, but this must be within the existing road carriageway, without impacting the adjacent properties and must be delivered within a reasonable timeframe to support the development growth in the corridor.
· New and emerging technologies - TfNSW does not take into account new and emerging public transport technologies which would be suited to the Corridor. It can be anticipated that, over the long time frame that it would take for such a widening to be completed, public transport would be either guided or fully autonomous. Such transport would readily operate in narrower lanes than existing buses.
Additionally, private cars and shared cars for that timeline would also be guided or autonomous and require narrower lanes.
Consequently, it is considered that any proposal to widen Parramatta Road for transport or traffic purposes is an antiquated approach aimed at reinforcing existing travel patterns and technologies rather than planning for the future.
· Physical and psychological barrier - The widening of Parramatta Road would reinforce the physical and psychological barrier that already exists, deterring pedestrian friendly access across it and visually altering any human scale that could be achieved. This is contrary to the vision of PRCUTS which seeks an improved urban environment.
· Impacts on Heritage - TfNSW maps ignore the existing Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) along the corridor. The proposed road widening in the HCAs would require the buildings to be demolished resulting in the loss of heritage facades and awnings of buildings along the southern side of Parramatta Road. The map shown in Figure 2 is an example of proposed road widening along the Parramatta Road HCA in Leichhardt near Crystal Street (up to 4.4m). In addition, TfNSW’s submission has opposed the proposed heritage items (such as the one in yellow below) and ignored the heritage significance of these sites as noted in the Heritage Study accompanying the Planning Proposal stating that these would hinder the provision of proposed road widenings.
· Further loss of amenity - widening of Parramatta Road and increased traffic will worsen the amenity along Parramatta Road, exacerbate the air pollution, noise and health impacts and will not support housing opportunities, a key objective of PRCUTS.
· No prior consultation - the proposed road widenings by TfNSW are substantial and inconsistent with the Council’s messaging to the community throughout the public exhibition that no properties will be acquired through this Planning Proposal.
If TfNSW’s proposed road widenings were to be considered, new studies will be required to address any impacts to built form, heritage and traffic. The Planning Proposal will also have to be re-exhibited as these are substantial changes and community input will be required.
b) Proposed new open space in Leichhardt – The Planning Proposal rezones the TfNSW owned car park at 2 Hay Street, Leichhardt from E1 Local Centre to RE1 Public Recreation, consistent with PRCUTS. However, TfNSW have raised concerns regarding the proposed rezoning and associated removal of the Floor Space Ratio (FSR) control. TfNSW have stated they require Council to purchase this property at market value based on the current zone and FSR.
Given that Council is implementing the Section 9.1 Local Planning Direction for the NSW Government’s PRCUTS, it is unreasonable for TfNSW to impose this requirement on Council to purchase this existing government asset that is identified as open space in PRCUTS (see below map in Figure 3).
Figure 3 Leichhardt Open Space and Active Transport Map indicating the proposed open space at 2 Hay Street, Leichhardt (PRCUTS Planning and Design Guidelines 2016)
Council’s support is sought to advocate that the TfNSW owned Hay Street carpark site be provided as public open space at no cost to Council given that:
- It is consistent with the State Government’s Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy
- The level of shortfall of open space infrastructure in Leichhardt precinct as noted in Inner West Recreation Needs Study Update 2021
- There is substantial uplift proposed through PRCUTS and the State Government’s Housing Reforms in Leichhardt that will create demand for additional open space.
- It would facilitate the only recreational area along an important future cycleway corridor that runs East-West to the Sydney CBD (see Figure 3).
A potential solution to delivering this as open space would be for funding by DPHI through the State/ Housing Productivity Contributions which will be collected through future State Planning Agreements. Note: that this is not identified for acquisition by Council as an item in the Infrastructure Contributions Plan and there is already an existing shortfall in funding to provide local infrastructure.
The site could be identified as “RE1 Public Recreation - Regional Open Space” which in accordance with the provisions under clause 5.1(2) of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 will require “the corporate constituted under Section 2.5 of the Act” i.e. NSW Government agency to retain the ownership of the site and ultimately deliver the open space.
c) Biodiversity – Environment and Heritage Group of DPHI have requested additional information to assess and address any adverse impacts of the proposal for the Taverners Hill precinct on the Large Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis), a threatened species under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
d) Water supply – Sydney Water have requested an updated timeline and annual dwelling and job forecast for the Planning Proposal, noting capacity issues to service water in the Taverners Hill precinct. Growth data for number of dwellings in each Financial Year will be taken into consideration by Sydney Water when reviewing the potential network staging upgrades. Council officers are liaising with DPHI to provide this information to Sydney Water.
The above State agency submissions raise significant concerns, and the proposal cannot be finalised until the above concerns are resolved.
3.0 IMPLICATIONS OF HOUSING REFORMS
The recently released Housing Reforms have significant implications on Parramatta Road Planning Proposal as also discussed in Council’s submission on the proposed Diverse and Well-Located Housing (DWLH) State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
A comparative analysis has been undertaken of the Parramatta Road Corridor Planning Proposal and the controls proposed in the DWLH SEPP as per Table 2. The entire Planning Proposal area is affected by the proposed Housing Reforms.
Table 2 below shows that, with the exception of heights in parts of the Leichhardt Precinct, the height of building (HOBs) and Floor Space Ratios (FSRs) under the proposed DWLH SEPP are greater than Council’s Planning Proposal.
Table 2 Comparison between the incentive HOBs and FSRs of Council’s PP and the proposed DWLH SEPP
|
|
Planning Proposal |
DWLH Proposal |
||
|
HOB |
FSR |
HOB |
FSR |
|
|
Leichhardt Precinct |
||||
|
Norton St - E1 zone |
20.5m, 23.5m, 27m, 32m |
1.9, 2.7, 3.0 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Balmain Road – R3 zone |
15.5m, 21.5m 25m |
1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 2.1, 2.3 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Parramatta Road - E1 |
23.5m |
3.0 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Crystal Street – R3
|
18.5m |
2.2 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Taverners Hill
|
||||
|
West Leichhardt – R3 |
12m, 15.5m, 21.5m |
0.9, 1.2, 1.4 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Lewisham South -R3 |
12m, 15.5m, 18.5m |
1.0, 1.2 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Kings Bay/Croydon
|
||||
|
Dalmar Street – R3 |
12m |
1.0 |
21m |
3.0 |
|
Croydon Road – R3 |
15.5m |
1.3 |
16m |
2.0 |
Further, this Planning Proposal is premised on an incentives proposition whereby development uplift also achieves broader policy positions and supports the implementation of PRCUTS. For example:
· appropriate development pattern and high-quality built form in terms of bulk, massing, height, separation, setbacks, amenity and modulation
· provide an active street frontage
· higher building performance targets
· mechanisms to reduce urban heat
· maximum parking rates to support sustainable transport modes, minimise traffic congestion and reduce private car dependency
The DWLH proposal, if implemented in the Parramatta Road Corridor, will result in larger buildings with less amenity as it proposes higher FSRs and HOBs than the Planning Proposal controls without any incentives criteria.
For example, the Planning Proposal seeks to facilitate 3-4 storeys residential development along Beeson, Hathern and Kegworth Street in the north of Taverners Hill precinct. However, the proposed SEPP (which will supersede the proposed LEP controls) will result in 6 storey developments in this area. It is worth noting that the proposed SEPP would allow 6 storeys development in Taverners Hill precinct (even without this planning proposal) as it is zoned R1 General Residential which allows residential flat buildings. For further information, Refer to Council’s detailed submission.
Another example where the proposed SEPP changes will result in reduced amenity outcomes is where the proposed DWLH tree canopy targets and affordable housing contributions are lower than those in the Parramatta Road Planning Proposal as per Table 3.
Table 3 Canopy cover and affordable housing comparison
|
|
PRCUTS Planning Proposal |
DWLH SEPP
|
|
Tree canopy targets R3 (depending on site area) |
· < 650m2 – 15% · 650-1500m2 – 20% · 1500-3000m 2 – 25% · >3,000m 2 – 35%
Note: the PRCUTS canopy targets are based on PRCUTS Planning and Design Guidelines and Sustainability Implementation Plan and DPHI’s Greener Neighborhoods Guide. |
· less than 650m 2 – 15% · 650-1500m 2 – 15% · 1500-3000m 2 – 20% · >3,000m 2 – 20% |
|
Affordable Housing |
2% Affordable Housing contributions |
No targets proposed in the DWLH |
DWLH proposal will fail to deliver the vision and objectives of PRCUTS. It also fails to justify how it will deliver better outcomes than those envisaged in PRCUTS as required by the Section 9.1 Local Planning Direction 1.5.
Council’s submission on the State Reforms requests that the Parramatta Road Corridor be excluded from the application of the proposed SEPP. However, if this recommendation is not accepted by the DPHI, the finalisation of Council’s Planning Proposal will be redundant as it will be superseded by the proposed SEPP which proposes larger developments than those in the Planning Proposal.
Further, there are also concerns that if the Planning Proposal proceeds with changes such as rezoning R2 Low Density Residential to R3 High Density Residential in Dalmar Street, there could be indirect consequences of the proposed SEPP which would implicitly allow 4-6 storeys in this area as opposed to the proposed 3 storeys in the exhibited Planning Proposal.
The proposed built form outcomes in DWLH are larger and contrary to Council’s response to individuals directly and at community meetings during the consultation process. Consequently, if this Planning Proposal proceeds without certainty regarding the application of DWLH, there may be indirect consequences associated with the State Housing reforms and a perception that Council has misled the community on development potential.
It is recommended that DPHI provide assurance to Council that the proposed State Reforms will not apply to the Parramatta Road Corridor.
CONCLUSION
Given the above issues raised in community and State Government submissions and considering the implications of the proposed State Government Reforms in the Parramatta Road Corridor, there are significant issues that require resolution in order to progress the Planning Proposal.
Escalation of these concerns with DPHI to resolve the State agency submissions and seek assurance regarding the exclusion of Parramatta Road Corridor from the proposed Housing Reforms is underway.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
TfNSW Submission Letters |
|
2.⇩ |
TfNSW Road Widening Plans |
|
3.⇩ |
State agency submissions combined |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Mort Bay Park - Tree Management and View Corridors
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
That Council proceed with a three-year intervention tree management plan as highlighted in Table 1.0 to manage identified biodiversity and ecological values in conjunction with improving residential view lines into the parkland. This management regime includes the staged removal of Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and its replacement with low growing Heath Banksia. Other tree removals will include the removal of self-sown Acacia, Tuckeroo and Casuarina trees. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report addresses Council resolutions concerning view corridor management around Mort Bay Park which were formally resolved at the December 2023 Ordinary Council meeting.
The report recommends the adoption of a phased tree management plan to replace trees on the periphery of Mort Bay Park which do not comply with the original planting scheme for the parkland. The report highlights ongoing concerns with significant tree vandalism within Mort Bay Park as well as a proposed policy framework for the protection of park trees within Inner West foreshore parks. Management opportunities for addressing criminal damage to landscape features within the park are also highlighted.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council receive a report to the February 2024 meeting on how the requirement to maintain and protect view corridors around Mort Bay Park will be upheld. This should include consideration of pruning and replacement of trees and the requirement for additional planting of trees within the Park.
2. That Council undertake immediately any pruning that is required by the Plan of Management in order to maintain view corridors.
DISCUSSION
Mort Bay Park covers an area of approximately 5.2 hectares and is an important foreshore park within the Balmain Peninsula. The park is highly valued for its landscape and recreation values and offers a wide range of recreational users for the community from community gardens, dog walking, fishing, multiuse ball court play, structured children’s play, unstructured recreational opportunities, watercraft storage and access to the harbour, ecological and biodiversity values and formalised childcare services. Council has also recently resolved to commence investigations into swimming from the foreshore at Mort Bay.
Council adopted a revised Plan of Management for Mort Bay Park in 2006 following the dedication of the last remaining land parcels to the park which make up Site C (former housing NSW land) to Council.
Fig 1.0 Site C Mort Bay Park
Landscaping of the last areas of the park to be developed as parkland was undertaken as part of the 2006 Plan of Management. Site C landscaping (refer to image 1.0) was completed in conjunction with the construction of the John McMahon Childcare facility.
Landscaping works within Site C were undertaken to reflect the typical Sydney sandstone open forest community and include species such as Smooth Barked Apple (Angophora costata), and Sydney Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita) along with low growing understory plantings such as Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia). Since the completion of the site C landscape works it has become evident that Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) had been planted instead of Heath Banksia. Coastal banksia can grow to a mature height of 15m whereas Heath Banksia is a low growing shrub that can grow to a mature height of 4m.
2017 Pruning and Selective Tree Removal Works
In April 2017, selective tree removal and pruning works along the edges of the park was undertaken to create view corridors from the streetscape and the pocket park. Staged pruning works on Coastal Banksias was undertaken to reduce the height of the trees to 4m above the stone retaining wall.
Residential View lines and Tree Vandalism
The landscape scheme enacted on the periphery of the parkland after 2004 does not accord with the adopted policy of maintaining view corridors. In part this is due to an error in Banksia planting but is due also to self seeding of other tree species As a result, view corridors have been gradually marginalised and, in some areas, lost. This has resulted in an increase in tree vandalism within the park since 2013.
Tree vandalism in 2017 contributed to significant damage and the widespread death of the majority of Coastal Banksias, Smooth Barked Apple, Sydney Peppermint and understory grasses and plantings. The method of vandalism has been varied from cutting trees at the base to poisoning with unknown substances/ chemicals. In total approximately 50 trees have been vandalised during this period.
There has recently been widespread media attention given to the unauthorized removal of tress in public spaces in order to maximise view opportunities from private property. Nevertheless a stated objective within the Mort Bay Park POM is the retention and maintenance of views from residential property. A reviewed schedule of planting and maintenance is required.
Council’s ecology team have worked in conjunction with Bushcare volunteers to establish native vegetation and habitat areas. The volunteers devote many hours every week in the park and have created a section of native bushland habitat where Ring Tail Possums have returned to the area as several possum dreys (nests of bundled leaves) have been seen within the canopies of the trees. The volunteers have expressed how disheartened they are with the continuing vandalism.
Trees within our parks provide a significant number of community benefits including:
· Aesthetics Trees are one of the most important natural landscape elements in parks and open space areas. Trees provide shade in the heat of summer and can significantly cool an area.
· Sense of continuity Trees provide natural links between the past, present and future.
· Improving health Tree canopies trap dust, absorb pollutants, provide shade and reduce noise.
· Benefitting the environment By absorbing carbon dioxide, trees help to slow the rate of global warming. They reduce wind speeds, lower urban air temperatures and prevent flooding by absorbing storm water.
· Boosting wildlife A habitat for birds, bats, insects, possums, fungi and
lichen
Strengthening communities Trees contribute to the distinctive character
of a place and encourage local pride. They are useful teaching resources,
places to play and reflect.
Fig 1.1 Tree Vandalism Mort Bay Park
Council has previously letterboxed surrounding residents notifying of the vandalism and a brochure has been distributed along with door knocking by Council Rangers. Large signs were also erected on the fence of the park alerting the community and residents that tree vandalism is an offence. Despite these measures being undertaken tree vandalism is an ongoing problem within the park and negating the efforts of both Council and community members with respect to biodiversity improvements.
Current Investment in Biodiversity
Over the last three years Council has held a total of 35 bush care and biodiversity planting and improvement events at Mort Bay Park. A total of 189 local bush care volunteers have been involved in these events. This represents over 450 volunteering hours. In addition to the above, Council also employs bush care contractors to manage key biodiversity sites within the park. Contractors spend on average 36 hours per month managing the biodiversity sites. Over the last three years a total of $169,338.40 has been invested in bush care management and biodiversity enhancements to the park.
Mort Bay Park- Landscape Evolution
Native gums and other trees within the central part of the parkland have been successfully grown and matured in size since the park was first developed in the late 1990’s. Trees are critical to the success of a parkland, not only for human recreation and amenity but also as important habitat and ecological support.
As highlighted in Fig 1.2, the park now has a number of mature Eucalyptus specimens present including maculata, citirodora and angophora. Eucalyptus varieties within the central parkland are now at a height and growth phase where view corridors from street frontages are somewhat restricted and filtered views of Sydney harbour are provided. The main view corridors to the harbour are maintained from the parkland and from the foreshore edge. This is reflective of the natural development and evolution of the parkland.
As highlighted in Fig 1.2 below, there is significant concern from bushcare volunteers that the next level of tree vandalism within the park will be focused in the central areas of the parkland. A parkland which is devoid of trees would be a landscape which is devoid of life.
Fig 1.2 Photo of Trees within the Central Area of Mort Bay Park.
Note: Filtered views of the Harbour foreshore and Sydney Habour Bridge.
Mort Bay Park Tree Management Regime
In order to strike an appropriate balance between public and private amenity, address the Council resolution and also deter continuing vandalism within the park, Council’s Urban Forest team in collaboration with the Parks Planning and Ecology team recommend that the following long-term measures are enacted:
Tree Management Works Commencing April 2024
1. Council will undertake the removal of existing Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) which was mistakenly planted in 2006 and replace this with Heath Banksia and understory planting. Other tree removals will include the removal of self-sown Acacia, Tuckeroo and Casuarina trees. To minimise ecological and biodiversity impacts tree removals and planting replacements will be undertaken over three years (Refer to Table 1.0).
2. Council will enact an education and informational flyer for community distribution in relation to the deliberate vandalism of trees within the park and proposed future works..
3. In relation the positive contribution that the volunteers provide to the park the Mayor and interested Councillors will be invited to a morning tea at Mort Bay Park to recognise the efforts of bush care volunteers.
|
SITE C |
CURRENT STATUS |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
2026-27 |
NET OUTCOME |
|
Site Condition |
GOOD
mature vegetation, midstory intact and established; standing stags; evidence of recent dieback of native vegetation shrubs, vines, ground covers |
POOR
disturbed; heat affected; significant reduction in vegetation density; increased annual weed load |
POOR
new plantings establishing; further disturbance due to continued tree removal |
GOOD
new plantings established; weed load reduced; mid & ground cover density Mod-High |
EXCELLENT
Site stable; Habitat reinstated; 3m MAX. canopy height; mid & ground cover density High |
|
Intervention and Site Management Regime |
Selective removal of trees growing in retaining wall; toping of shrubs over 3m; lifting canopy species. Loss of mid-storey habitat; increased light; increased heat stress to remaining ground cover. |
Staged tree removal of self-seeding emergent juvenile Acacias removed in the first 12 months |
Banksia integrifolia 50% stand thinning - stags to be retained on site (below Bay Street viewing platform) |
3 large Acacia removed; remaining Banksia integrifolia removed |
No further removal or pruning of vegetation required |
|
Weed Control |
INTENSIVE
Increased contractor hours |
INTENSIVE
Increased contractor hours |
SECONDARY
moderate contractor hours |
SECONDARY
moderate contractor hours |
MAINTENANCE
Reduced contractor hours |
|
Revegetation |
Stage 1 Planting |
Stage 2 Planting |
Stage 3 Planting |
Infill plantings |
Established mid-storey and groundcover layers; |
|
Habitat Features |
Existing vegetation provides small bird habitat; possum and dreys (nests of bundled leaves) identified |
Habitat features reduced or removed; loss of structural complexity |
Habitat features improve as plantings establish; standing stags retained on-site |
Habitat features improve as plantings establish |
Established dense ground & mid-storey providing suitable habitat and increased structural complexity |
Table 1.0 Site C Mort Bay Park- Proposed Three Year Intervention Management Plan
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost impacts for tree removals and new plantings will be met through the Parks Operational budget and phased over three years as per the recommendations in Table 1.0.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Mackey Park Plan of Management and Masterplan - Key Priority Actions
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the priority action plan as highlighted in Table 1.0 for future key deliverables in the adopted Plan of Management for Mackey Park. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
4. That Council, concurrently, considers a further report in relation to a priority action plan for future key deliverables outlined in the draft Plan of Management.
This report highlights the key priorities arising from the adopted Park Plan of Management for Mackey Park and current Council work in relation to planning, design and funding support works.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council as Crown land manager of Mackey Park adopt the Plan of Management (Lot 70, Lot 71 DP 1066013 and Lot 7307 DP 1145332).
2. That the Concordia Club is recognised as a standalone entity with its own agreement with Crown Lands and as such the Master Plan be amended to reflect this, and that the aspects of the POM relating to the Concordia Club be further considered as part of a standalone plan of management process in early 2024.
3. That Council undertake further community engagement with the Concordia Club in early 2024.
4. That Council, concurrently, considers a further report in relation to a priority action plan for future key deliverables outlined in the draft Plan of Management.
As part of the development of the Plan of Management, extensive community engagement was held with local sporting clubs and park users with regards to the development of a ten-year masterplan for the parkland.
DISCUSSION
Table 1.0
|
Project |
Officer Comment |
Funding |
|
Accessible Canoe Ramp Design and Construction |
Planning has nearly been completed in terms of conceptual development and design. Additional grant funding has also been applied for to address any potential shortfalls in funding the project. |
Cost estimates for the project are $905K with $300K funding secured and Council funding also budgeted in 2023/24. A further grant application has also been applied for. |
|
Lighting of the pathway along the northern edge of Mackey Park |
Lighting project still needs to be scoped and designed. There is no funding currently for any lighting design works of this nature. |
Costings for design and construct will be considered by Council as part of the budget considerations for the 2024/25 financial year. |
|
Provision of new Amenities |
Scoping of the project has commenced and detailed design and costing works will be completed in 2024/25 |
Project is estimated at $1.9 million. |
|
Provision of new Cricket Nets in Mackey Park |
Subject to a future grant application. |
The provision of the new Crickets nets has been estimated at a cost $160K |
|
Replacement of the existing park amenities with new facility oriented to invite entry to the park from Carrington Road; |
Detailed design work has yet to be commissioned but will be undertaken in 2024/25. |
$1.9 million is estimated. |
|
Rationalised car parking. Resurface and remark car park area. Include lighting upgrades, turning circle, and improved access point to River Canoe Club. |
Detailed design and costing will be undertaken in 2024 to inform Council’s budget considerations for the 2025/26 financial year.
|
A total of $5,000 is set aside currently for detailed design and further council reporting will be undertaken once a design is finalised and costed. |
|
Upgrading of the Sporting Ground (including provision of an artificial wicket) |
Design works will be completed in 2023/24 with capital works commencing in in September 2024. |
The sporting ground upgrade works have been costed at a total of $2,150,000 |
*Community notification and specialised stakeholder engagement will occur on key project design and delivery.
Concordia Club
Council has formally resolved to recognise that the Concordia Club is a standalone entity with its own agreement with Crown Lands. As such no improvements are proposed for this area of the parkland which is managed and controlled by the Concordia Club. The Concordia Club however continues to be consulted as an identified stakeholder on lighting and car parking improvements as they progress in design, development and delivery. The final master plan for the parklands is being updated to reflect this change.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
As highlighted in Table 1.0 of this report.
|
1.⇩ |
Mackey Park Plan Masterplan |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Public Exhibition - Community Gardens Policy
Prepared By: Kate Jackson - Acting Urban Sustainability Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Community Gardens Policy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Policy.
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Community Gardens Policy be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council adopted the Community Gardens Policy in December 2020 and scheduled it for review every three years. The policy has been reviewed and there are no significant changes recommended. Updates to the text and structure have been made for clarity and alignment with Council’s current Community Strategic Plan, policies and delegations and operation.
BACKGROUND
The Community Gardens Policy provides a framework for Council to support community gardens.
Community gardens are community-managed spaces for non-commercial food growing and other gardening activities to benefit the local community. Council enables local groups to establish and maintain community gardens on public land through deeds and licences.
There are 15 community gardens in the Inner West, eight of which are run by independent groups on Council land at Ashfield Park, Denison Road Playground, Francis Street Playground, Mort Bay Park, Punch Park, Smith Street Summer Hill, Whites Creek Valley Park (two sites - Community Garden and Food Forest). Group and garden sizes range from more 100 members at Mort Bay Community Garden in Balmain to six at Francis Street Community Garden in Enmore. Whites Creek Community Garden has more than 45 garden beds while Francis Street and Punch Park have fewer than 10.
The program is a significant point of engagement with, and within, the community and a popular way for residents to socialise and put practical sustainable living principles into action.
DISCUSSION
No substantive amendments to the current policy are recommended. Recommended revisions have been made to the text and structure of the policy to make the meaning clearer, use terms consistently and align it with Council’s current Community Strategic Plan, policies and delegations. A copy of the draft revised policy is attached at Attachment 1.
|
Clause |
Change |
Reason |
|
Various |
Minor edits to text and structure |
To clarify meaning, use terms consistently and align with - Community Strategic Plan - Other Council policies - Council delegations and responsibilities |
|
7.4 Access and inclusion |
New text |
Content restructured and expanded to be clearer |
|
7.5 Ongoing responsibilities |
|
Added responsibilities for identification and maintenance of assets |
|
7.7 Risk and Insurance |
New text |
Requirement of groups to register with NSW Fair Trading as incorporated associations at minimum made clearer
Alignment with Council’s insurer’s requirements |
|
9 Responsibilities |
|
Added responsibilities for identification and maintenance of assets |
The Community Gardens Guidelines that support the Policy have been revised and updated to reflect the changes above. A text-only version is attached at Attachment 2, which will be graphically designed and illustrated with photos for public exhibition.
Council’s support to publicly exhibit the revised policy is now sought so that the administrative updates can be made and the successful Community Gardening program can continue.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Community Gardens program is fully costed in the current Urban Sustainability budget. There are no additional financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Community Gardens Policy |
|
2.⇩ |
Community Gardens Guidelines (Text-only version) |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Public Exhibition - Land and Property Policy
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Land and Property Policy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Policy.
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Land and Property Policy be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council regularly reviews policies to ensure they are up to date and reflect current structures, practices, strategic direction, legislative changes, and guidance.
The current Land and Property Policy was adopted by Council on 13 August 2019 with a review scheduled after a year in 2020.
Council’s Land and Property Policy has been reviewed and amended to ensure it conforms with the NSW Local Government Act and the Crown Lands Management Act (among others) and reflects better practice in managing Council’s land and property as well as meeting community expectations and needs.
This draft incorporates amendments to ensure Council’s Land and Property Policy works consistently with Council’s operations and meets contemporary best practice expectations.
Council approval is sought for the revised Land and Property Policy to proceed to public exhibition, with a further report to be tabled to Council in April 2024 to consider the policy for adoption.
BACKGROUND
Council’s Land and Property Policy establishes a consistent, proactive, and measurable approach to effective land and property management for Inner West Council and applies to all staff, elected Councillors, our community and service partners.
The changes made in this draft align the Land and Property Policy with Council’s Land and Property Strategy.
The redrafts improve the tenant and community experience by using plain English and clarifies key issues involving processes for lease and license applications and renewals, Council (as landlord) and tenant responsibility along with clarification of key criteria for eligibility for accommodation grants.
DISCUSSION
Relevant Council documents which have changed since the policy was last adopted and which are now reflected in this draft include Council’s Policy Harmonisation Policy.
The draft policy employs plain English and adds workflow tables to help readers understand the leasing and licensing processes.
The draft policy highlights Council’s commitment to fair, effective, transparent, and efficient property and land management practices, by:
· Clarifying the position between the grant of a lease giving exclusive use of a premises and the grant of a license for the non-exclusive use of premises in the Policy
· Updating legislative and policy references
· Unifying the use of defined terms
· Streamlining certain sections within the Policy
· Amending the criteria for ‘Air Space’ agreements in considering the date by which heritage significance is measured from 1900 to 1939, prior to the start of the Second World War.
Changes have been made to present information more clearly and logically in a way that is consistent with Council’s policy standards.
Key structural changes made in the draft policy from the current policy and the reasons why they were made are detailed in the table below.
|
Clause |
New / Amendment |
Change |
Reason |
|
3 |
Amendment |
Additional definitions added for terms used in the document |
Clarification |
|
4 |
New |
Statement |
Align the policy with current standards |
|
9 |
New |
Lease and Licence Categories |
Clarification of eight categories of Lessees / Licensees that Council may Lease or Licence a community facility or commercial building to. |
|
10 |
Amendment |
Objectives and types of Lease and Licenses |
Clarification |
|
11 |
New |
Commercial Leases |
Clarification |
|
12 |
New |
Duration of Leases and Licenses |
Clarification |
|
13 |
New |
Lease and Licence responsibilities |
Summary of key responsibilities of Council and tenant |
|
15 |
New |
Criteria and Processes |
Clarification of processes for new leases and licenses as well as renewals |
|
16 |
New |
Reporting and Review |
Requirements for tenants to report on how they use council owned facilities |
|
23 |
Amended |
Lease of Airspace over roads |
Criteria and date of heritage significance in assessing rent for lease of airspace agreements |
|
24 |
Amended |
Align the policy with current standards |
|
|
25 |
New |
Breaches of this Policy |
Align the policy with current standards |
|
26 |
New |
Administrative Changes |
Allows for minor amendments without requirement for formal endorsement |
Next Steps
It is proposed to place the draft Land and Property Policy on public exhibition for 28 days. The Policy will be finalised following consideration of any feedback, prior to tabling it to Council in April 2024 for review and adoption.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Land and Property Policy V2 - Council Report 13 February 2024 |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Complaints Handling Policy
Prepared By: Michael Spikmans - Manager Customer Experience and Innovation
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the Complaints Handling Policy.
2. That Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Complaints Handling Policy.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 10 October 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council place the draft Complaints Handling Policy on public exhibition for 28 days prior to adoption.
2. That Council consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting the final Complaints Handling Policy.
The draft Complaints Handling Policy was subsequently placed on public exhibition.
DISCUSSION
The draft Complaints Handling Policy was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 12 October to 8 November 2023.There were 24 visits to the Your Say Inner West project page during public exhibition. There were no responses by mail or phone.
There were no submissions received during the public exhibition period regarding the draft Complaints Handling Policy.
It is proposed to adopt the publicly exhibited Policy, as exhibited, with no changes.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Draft Complaints Handling Policy V3 |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Code of Meeting Practice
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the Code of Meeting Practice.
2. The Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Code of Meeting Practice.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Code of Meeting Practice was amended in Section 8 to include a Statement of Ethical Obligations to reflect the 21 November 2023 Council resolution and subsequently placed on public exhibition. One submission was received during the exhibition period which is addressed in the report and the report recommends the adoption of the publicly exhibited Policy, as exhibited, with no changes.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 21 November 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council amend the Code of Meeting Practice Section 8 ‘Order of Business’ to include a Statement of Ethical Obligations under the Local Government Act 1993 being a reading by the Mayor of the Statement of Ethical Obligations found on page 3 of the Council Agenda.
2. That Council place the Statement of Ethical Obligations in between Item 3 Notice of Webcasting and Item 4 Disclosures of Interest.
3. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Code of Meeting Practice for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Code of Meeting Practice.
4. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Code of Meeting Practice be brought back to Council for adoption.
5. That Council include the livestream link in future Business Papers.
The draft Code of Meeting Practice was subsequently placed on public exhibition.
Point 5 above has already been actioned.
DISCUSSION
The Code of Meeting Practice was placed on public exhibition from 1 December 2023 to 14 January 2024. The Your Say Inner West project page was viewed 141 times and the Code was downloaded 21 times.
There was one submission received during the public exhibition period regarding the draft Code of Meeting Practice, as outlined below:
|
Public Exhibition Comment/Explanation |
IWC Comment |
|
|
Comment is unrelated to the proposed amendment. |
I would like to see the Webcast of Council meetings improved. The Webcasts must have improved audio and subtitles and the video needs to be improved as well, especially being able to use the full screen option. Viewer should also be able to read the Agenda on the screen as well. |
The comment is unrelated to the proposed amendment to the Code of Meeting Practice. The full screen feature can be selected by clicking the YouTube link on the Council meeting webcasts webpage, then selecting the full screen option. The live minutes are displayed on the screen with motions displayed as they are being moved. The Agenda can be viewed as well if the user has a second screen, and has the Agenda open on one screen. The audio is being looked at to have this improved.
|
After reviewing the feedback provided during the public exhibition period it is proposed to adopt the publicly exhibited Policy, as exhibited, with no changes. Noting the comments provided have been addressed as outlined in the table above.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Code of Meeting Practice |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Henson Park Lighting Trial
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse the funding of lighting and inclusive/ accessible pathway improvements along the Holmesdale Street Boundary of Henson Park as part of future budget considerations for the 2024/25 financial year.
2. That Council notifies adjacent residents and park users of Council’s determination on this matter and the future works which are planned within the parkland to address inclusive access and safe dog walking within Henson Park after dark.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report highlights community engagement outcomes associated with a lighting trial to support non-sporting use of Henson Park after dark, which was undertaken between July and October 2023. The lighting trial supported unstructured recreation activities after dark, principally for dog walking on the hill areas which lie outside of main fenced sporting oval.
This report highlights the cost implications associated with the lighting trial and options moving forward to provide a permanent solution to lighting up areas outside of the fenced playing surface.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 20 June 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council trial extended hours at Henson Park in winter months, allowing lights to remain on until 8:00pm between July 1 and October 1, 2023.
2. That Council erect signage at Henson Park and write to residents in streets surrounding Henson Park informing them of the trial and providing an avenue to provide feedback.
3. That Council provide a report to the December meeting evaluating the trial, including patronage, feedback from park users and nearby neighbours, and costs of implementing a permanent extension in future winters.
The trial ran from 1 July 2023 through to 1 October 2023.
The purpose of the extended lighting trial was principally to allow dog walkers safe access and use of the hill areas of the parkland for exercise and socialisation after dark.
Operational costs associated with the lighting trial were unbudgeted. Operational costs associated with flood lighting use on Council’s 27 Sporting grounds is normally charged back to sporting clubs as part of normal sporting ground training allocations. The unbudgeted costs associated with running the sports lighting for dog walking activities over the three-month trial period was approximately $3,500.
Following the conclusion of the trial period, Council undertook site specific community engagement with residents encouraging them to provide feedback on the trial period. The Community Engagement outcomes report associated with community feedback on the trial period can be accessed via Council’s website via the following link: What we heard - Henson Park lighting trial | Henson Park lighting trial | Your Say Inner West (nsw.gov.au)
DISCUSSION
Summary of Key Community Engagement Findings
· During the engagement period 441 people visited the Your Say project page, 81 participants completed the online survey and eight people provided feedback via email.
· 94% of the online respondents supported making the lighting trial conditions permanent.
· 94% of the online respondents supported installing permanent lighting poles on the hill area with the majority (54%) preferring these to be turned off at 10pm. Key comments included statements that the lighting trial conditions made the park safer at night and that participants were in favor of being able to walk dogs and exercise at night.
A full copy of the Engagement Outcomes Report is provided at Attachment 1.
New Pathway and Lighting Design
Based on planned and approved works which have recently been commissioned for new pathway and lighting works along the Woodland Street entrance of Henson Park through to the Mary Street playground, additional design and costing works have also been commissioned for the development of a permanent lighting and pathway provision along the Holmesdale Street (generally eastern) Boundary of the park. These proposed secondly works are currently unfunded. An illustrated impression of these works in provided in Fig 1.0, below.
This secondary design work has been commissioned in response to the expressed need for a permanent lighting solution for off-leash exercise and also to ensure that all future users of the park have equal access and safer passage.
The cost of the new pathway and lighting improvements has been estimated and costed at approx. $200,000 (Lighting $120k + Pathway $80,000). The proposed intervention will not only improve lighting for dog walkers, importantly it will address access issues within this area of the parkland as well as compliment the work which has already been commissioned and funded along the northern section of the park.
While the capital costs have not been budgeted for in this financial year, future ongoing operational cost savings in undertaking these capital improvements is substantial. The costs to run the new pathway lights, once operational, has been costed by independent design engineers as $123.00 per year compared to the operational costs of the existing sporting ground floodlights which at 100 lux operation is estimated at an additional cost of $10k per year to run. Council’s operational budget for Henson Park would need to be increased if the status quo is maintained, however it is noted this would not address longer term equal access improvements to the park nor address lighting use in a sustainable long-term manner.
Fig 1.0 Illustrated Image of Proposed pathway and Lighting Treatments - Holmesdale Street (east) Boundary of Henson Park
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
It is recommended that Council consider the funding of lighting and inclusive/ accessible pathway provision on the hill section of the Holmesdale Street Boundary of Henson Park, as part of its future capital budget considerations.
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1.⇩ |
Engagement Outcomes Report and Evaluation Appendix |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Introducing Dragon Boating into the Inner West and Iron Cove
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council enters into a license agreement with the Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club and Sloths Dragon Boating to enable both clubs to formally establish a presence on Iron Cove, noting that both clubs have made a request to establish and store storage containers on road reserve opposite the Leichhardt Boat Ramp at the end of Canal Road (using Hawthorne Canal to enter Iron Cove).
2. That Council advise both the Different Strokes and the Sloths Dragon boat clubs that they are required to consult NSW Rowing on an ongoing basis, to ensure that boating activities do not clash with future NSW Rowing regatta activities on Iron Cove. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan.
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Different Strokes Dragon Boating Club initiated discussions with Inner West Council mid 2023 with a view to exploring options for the club to establish a base within the Inner West LGA. (refer to Attachment 1). Shortly thereafter Sloths Dragon Boat Club also approached council staff with a similar request. The Clubs have been brought together by way of staff negotiation and they are collaborating with each other.
DISCUSSION
Currently there are no dragon boating clubs within the Inner West LGA although the sport is popular in Sydney. The opportunity for dragon boating to establish a presence In the Inner West LGA which showcases and promotes active water-based recreation is an exciting one for our community and one which is supported strategically in Council’s Recreation and Needs Study and Council’s Draft Recreation Strategy.
Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club
Originally formed in 2008 the Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club is the only LGBTQI+ Dragon Boat Club in Australia. The club is culturally and age diverse (22 years -70 years) with strong connections to the Inner West (the majority of its members reside in the Inner West). The club is currently based in Pyrmont and is set to be displaced with the redevelopment of the Sydney fish markets.
Council officers met with the club and held site visits at three different locations:
· Mort Bay Park
· Canal Road Leichhardt (Road Reserve-not subject to the Plan of Management)
· Tempe Recreation Reserve.
The club has a preference for establishing two shipping containers at the end of Canal Road Leichhardt, adjacent to the existing boat ramp. The club has inspected the existing boat ramp at low tide and confirmed that they can work with the tidal and access conditions. The club has also offered to work with Council on painting any approved container storage units to make them visually attractive (indigenous artwork has been suggested). Currently the site is occupied by boat trailers and has no parking restrictions. Liaison with Property Services has indicated the land is road reserve and a license agreement for storage and use of the site could be entered into subject to Council approval.
Sloths Dragon Boat Club
Council has also been approached by the Sloths Dragon Boat Club which operates out of Bank Street Pyrmont, the club is also looking for a new home to base its activities. Both the Sloths Dragon Boat Club and Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club have been liaising over shared facilities at the Canal Road location. Both clubs have indicated that they will work together with Council to minimise their footprint on the road reserve. In addition, both clubs have also been requested to liaise with NSW Rowing to ensure that future activities on Iron Cove by the Dragon boating clubs do not clash or interfere with any planned rowing regattas on Iron Cove.
Funding
Both dragon boat clubs have confirmed that they are committed to meeting the costs associated with the proposed storage facilities and will also seek grant funding support where available. Council staff have also discussed with the respective clubs the opportunities around any grant funding support which may arise through local or NSW State Government Grants and the availability of Council officers to assist with the development and lodgement of Grant applications as they arise.
Fig 1.0 Indicative Photos: Storage Unit, Racks and Club Members on the Water
Council staff are supportive of proposals to establish Dragon Boating within the Inner West LGA (refer fig 1.1) and supporting local clubs moving forward. Enabling and supporting the establishment of Dragon Boating Clubs within the Inner West LGA will further add to the vibrancy of our community, improve community connectivity, and importantly promote new and exciting opportunities for Inner West residents to participate in a new sport. Fig 1.2 highlights the proposed locations for the club base on road reserve which is owned by Council.
Fig 1.1 Site Plan -Proposed Dragon Boat Storage Container Locations
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Currently there are no funds set aside for the establishment of the two Dragon Boating clubs in the Inner West LGA. The clubs would need to seek grant funding to enable establishment costs to be met. Council’s Parks Planning Unit would work closely with the clubs to identify and facilitate grant opportunities as they arise.
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1.⇩ |
Different Strokes Dragon Club Establishment Proposal |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Women's World Cup - Wall of Support Artwork
Prepared By: Vikki Woods - Living Arts Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the location for the Women’s World Cup wall of support artwork on the wall of a residential property on Unwins Bridge Road Tempe. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
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|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Following a resolution of Council to celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a public art work, Council officers engaged artists Muralisto to design and produce the Wall of Support. During the World Cup, Muralisto designed and created a mobile participatory art station that roved around to all the Council hosted live sites. The community was invited to write words of support, affirmation and admiration to our beloved Matildas, and these are a focal point in the final design.
Initially, Council officers were unable to source a suitable Council owned wall for the art work. Following Council’s resolution on 5 December 2023, staff worked with local residents who had applied for Perfect Match and have now identified a resident at Unwins Bridge Road Tempe who will host the artwork on the wall of their home. The site is close to both Tempe High and Tempe Primary schools and has a high volume of pedestrian traffic and passing cars.
BACKGROUND
At the Council Meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following:
That Council notes the importance of a prominent location for the Women’s World Cup Wall of Support and explores a suitable council owned wall within the LGA or a suitable wall from applications to the Perfect Match program and is brought to the February 2024 meeting for approval.
DISCUSSION
Officers have identified the following Perfect Match application on Unwins Bridge Rd, Tempe as the most suitable location. The property owner missed out on the current round and is keen to host the Matildas art work. The site has high exposure and passing foot traffic with two schools nearby and is located close to Mackey Park, the home of Marrickville Football Club. Production of the artwork will commence in March. Muralisto have submitted a concept design that integrates the communities’ messages and the overwhelming theme of inspiration and joy the community felt celebrating women’s sport.
Unwins Bridge Rd, Tempe
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report. As per the Council resolution, the project cost of $12,000 was allocated from the existing 2023/24 Perfect Match budget.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Update on the development of the Inner West Museum of Rugby League at Leichhardt Oval
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the proposal to proceed with short term initiatives for the museum whilst building works are undertaken. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In late 2023 Council adopted the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan which provides an overarching vision for the Leichhardt Park precinct.
Leichhardt Park (Reserve number - R500207) includes the park’s caretaker cottage known as 66 Mary Street Lilyfield adjacent to Leichhardt Oval.
The Masterplan proposes the cottage could be utilised to celebrate the history of rugby league in the inner west and developed as the Inner West Museum of Rugby League, as part of the entry way into the precinct.
This report is an update on the development of the Inner West Museum of Rugby League.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 23 October 2023, Council resolved the following:
That Council continue with planning of the Inner West Museum of Rugby League and incorporate into the 2024 Budget funds to establish the museum. A further report is to be tabled at the February 2024 Ordinary Council meeting identifying models on which the museum could operate and entities that Council could partner with on the project.
DISCUSSION
From the Masterplan, the Inner West Museum of Rugby League (Image 1) is to be located adjacent to Mary Street Park at the entrance of the Oval. It is proposed the gate house / caretaker’s cottage located at the entrance of the Oval will be adapted and reused to include the Museum. The concept also includes several landscaping and paving interventions including honour boards, public art and club logos / shields as floor treatment along the Players Walk (Image 2), as part of the moderate and major options within the Masterplan.
Image 1- Proposed Inner West Museum of Rugby League
Image 2 – Proposed Players Walk (virtual and real life)
Consultation
Council staff have met with representatives from Balmain Tigers, including their archivist and Board Representatives. There is extensive knowledge of both the Balmain Tigers history as well as the broader history of rugby league in the inner west. The meeting with the archivist included inspecting the memorabilia currently stored in shipping containers at the oval.
Balmain Tigers would consider providing access to the memorabilia that could form part of a display within the museum, as well as establishing a network of volunteers to assist with the management of the museum on game days. Enquiries are also underway with several other journalists and local historians who have written about the history of rugby league in the inner west and who have also assisted with the development of the NSW Rugby League Museum, housed at Rugby League Central in Moore Park, Sydney.
Further, there is potential to formally contact NSWRL to seek assistance in the form of either funding or expertise in establishing a museum of rugby league.
Council has also met with a representative of the Wests Ashfield Club, who have a significant collection of memorabilia, some of which is currently on display at the club. The club are in the process of digitising their collection and would also consider making this material available to Council.
Building Condition Assessment
The building is a two-bedroom cottage, with both the internal and external walls constructed of rendered masonry. The internal floors are mostly a suspendered timber floor. The modified verandah at the rear which houses the kitchen has a suspended concrete slab. The roof is a traditionally framed tiled roof.
A Hazardous Building Materials assessment and a Structural Condition Report have been complete for the site with both reports highlighting defects and providing recommendations to address the defects.
As part of the Asset revaluation process for FY22/23 visual inspections were undertaken of all council buildings and a Building Defects Report was also prepared for this site. The Building Defects Report similarly highlighted defects requiring rectification within the cottage.
The defects identified include cracking to the interior walls, floor coverings and timber work generally to the roof that are beyond their useful life, windows and doors that will require replacement and/or repairs along with repainting to prevent further deterioration. The report also recommended the roof be replaced as it is causing problems to the internal ceilings.
Short term vs long term operation of the museum
Whilst remediation works are being undertaken, several options have been considered to provide interpretative and archival materials for the community in the short term. These include:
· Establishing a (standalone) Leichhardt Oval website, that would provide current information and also contain the interpretive, archival and other material including the 2017 Leichhardt Oval Documentary commissioned by Inner West Council.
· Develop an interpretive trail across the oval, using QR codes located at multiple locations and linking to information embedded in the proposed new website outlined above.
· Development of a virtual Players Walk, accessed via the website. This would tie in and be an extension of the interpretive trail outlined above. The virtual Players Walk could subsequently be interpreted in real life as proposed in the Masterplan as more significant upgrades proceed in the future, as funding is sourced.
Following completion of the building works, the cottage could house a series of temporary exhibitions that would be presented on game days to test the level of patronage, pedestrian flow and accessibility of the building. This information would be used to further develop the design and operation of the museum.
Museum development
An Architect has been engaged to plan the building works, which are intended to commence after the cottage becomes available in March 2024.
A museum working group has been established which includes internal staff from Council’s Library and Property teams, as well as external stakeholders representing the Rugby League clubs that form part of the history of rugby league in the inner west.
A specialist Museum Consultant will be engaged to assist with the development of the concept, and planning and design of the building with a view to establishing some temporary exhibitions on game days, in the first instance.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The current adopted budget includes $200,000 in this financial year and $400,000 in FY24/25 for Leichhardt Oval to support the delivery of the museum. Through the second Quarter Budget review process tabled separately, it is proposed to retain $150,000 for planning and early works and re-phase $50,000 to FY24/25, totaling $450,000 for works to the cottage to support commencement of museum operations.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 11 December 2023.
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 11 December 2023. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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DISCUSSION
The December 2023 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was at Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meeting are shown at Attachment 1.
ITEMS BY WARD
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Ward |
Item |
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Baludarri (Balmain) |
Hancock Lane, Rozelle - Permanent Road Closure |
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Biennale of Sydney 2024 Traffic Management Plan - Robert Street, Rozelle |
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Gulgadya (Leichhardt) |
Nil. |
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Midjuburi (Marrickville) |
Arthur Street, Marrickville - Proposed continuous footpath treatment |
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Thornley Street carpark, Marrickville - Formalise 'P15 7.00am9.00am and 3.00pm-6.00pm Monday to Friday' restrictions outside Yirran Gumal Early Learning Centre along with other parking restrictions within the carpark |
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Djarrawunang (Ashfield) |
Riverside Crescent, Dulwich Hill - Proposed Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Devices |
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Victoria Street, Queen Street, Clissold Street, Seaview Street and surrounding streets, Ashfield/Summer Hill - Proposed pedestrain (zebra) crossings and traffic calming around and near the Cardinal Freeman Village, Ashfield |
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Unnamed Lane, Summer Hill (adjacent Henson and Herbert Streets) - Proposed 'No Stopping' restrictions |
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Damun (Stanmore) |
Lands Lane, Newtown - Proposed extension to road closure |
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All Wards |
Pedestrian Crossing Warrant Policy |
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Traffic Committee Schedule 2024 |
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Local Traffic Committee Terms of Reference |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.
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1.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committee minutes - 11 December 2023. |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: National General Assembly of Local Government 2024
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 determine the Councillors attending the National General Assembly of Local Government 2024.
2. That Council determine the one (1) Councillor that will be the voting delegate.
3. That Council require any proposed motions, that meet the National General Assembly’s criteria, to be sent by Councillors (following the proposed motions template in Attachment 3) by 10.00am 26 February 2024 for consideration by Council at the 5 March 2024 Council meeting. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Convened annually by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government is the peak annual event for Local Government, attracting in excess of 800 Mayors and Councillors each year. The report seeks a resolution from Council as to the Councillors to attend, including the one voting delegate, and outlines the timeframe for any proposed motions to be considered.
BACKGROUND
This event provides a unique opportunity for Local Government to engage directly with the Federal Government, to develop national policy and to influence the future direction of councils and communities. The NGA will be held in Canberra from 2 - 4 July 2024.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of the NGA is to bring together councils from around Australia to discuss, debate and adopt motions of national significance with a focus on how partnerships, particularly between the Australian Government and Local Governments, can tackle immediate challenges facing communities.
In 2023, Council determined that eight (8) Councillors would attend the NGA.
In previous years, (2022, 2021 and 2019) Council determined that five (5) Councillors would attend the NGA.
Each Council is entitled to one (1) voting delegate.
The theme for the 2024 NGA is “Building Community Trust”.
Submitting Motions
The National General Assembly calls for Councils to consider submitting motions for debate. This is an important opportunity for councils to influence the national policy agenda and promote new ways of strengthening the local government sector and communities we serve.
When submitting motions Council should focus on how partnerships can address national issues at the local level, and new ways the Australian Government could partner to strengthen the local government sector to advance community well-being, local economic development, create jobs, address environmental challenges, climate change and complex social issues such as housing affordability.
If Council chooses to submit a motion/s there is an expectation that a council representative will be present at the NGA to move and speak to that motion, if required.
Any proposed motions will need to be adopted at the 5 March 2024 Council meeting at the latest, to ensure we are able to submit the motions for consideration at the Conference by the deadline of 29 March 2024.
Criteria for motions
To be eligible for inclusion in the Business Papers, and subsequent debate on the floor, motions must meet the following criteria:
1. Be relevant to the work of local government nationally.
2. Not be focused on a specific jurisdiction, location or region – unless the project or issue has national implications.
3. Be consistent with the themes of the NGA.
4. Complement or build on the policy objectives of ALGA and your state or territory local government association.
5. Be submitted by a council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association.
6. Propose a clear action and outcome ie call on the Australian Government to act on something.
7. Not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members, or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government.
8. Address issues that will directly improve the capacity of local government to deliver services and infrastructure for the benefit of all Australian communities.
9. Not seek to advance an outcome that would result in a benefit to one group of councils to the detriment of another.
10. Be supported by sufficient evidence to support the outcome being sought and demonstrate the relevance and significance of the matter to local government nationally.
Motions should generally be in a form that seeks the NGA’s support for a particular action or policy change at the Federal level which will assist local governments to meet local community needs.
To further assist Councillors with the development of potential motions, Councillors have been provided with the ALGA discussion paper, the previous 4 years of Inner West motions and the format and information required for each motion, as detailed in Attachments 1, 2 and 3.
Councillors are requested to send any motions they would like submitted for consideration by Council (following the proposed motions template in Attachment 3) by 10.00am 26 February 2024.
Any proposed motions will then be tabled at the 5 March 2024 Council Meeting for Council’s consideration, in advance of the deadline for motions of 29 March 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost for registration, travel and accommodation for the General Assembly will be approximately $2000 per Councillor. Funds will be sourced from the Councillors Conference and Training Budget, in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.
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1.⇩ |
National General Assembly Discussion Paper 2024 |
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2.⇩ |
Previous Inner West National General Assembly Motions |
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3.⇩ |
National General Assembly Proposed Motions - Template |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: FOGO (Food Recycling) Update - February 2024
Prepared By: Helen Bradley - Manager Resource Recovery Planning
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council commenced the FOGO food recycling service on the 9th October 2023 and as of the 5 February had collected over 6,106 Tonnes of FOGO in the first 17 weeks of the service. This equates to 12,822 tonnes CO2, equivalent emissions of taking 7,994 cars of the road.
The tonnages collected for the Month of December was 1,527 and January 1,862 which is greater than our modelling suggested of approximately 1,122 tonnes per month if we recovered half of the available food from the garbage bin.
Inner West Council picks up approximately 178,000 bins per week across all waste streams and dwelling types. The implementation has required a realignment of our waste calendar to better align the new service, including the accommodation of the multi-unit dwellings being serviced weekly with garbage and FOO (food only) through the entire area. This requires adjustment for not only our waste collection staff and contractors but also residents.
Industry standard for missed bins is 0.5% of total services which would equate to approximately 890 missed for the Inner West each week. For the weekend ending 2 February Council has 419 missed services reported. Service data indicates that about 50% of these are not actual missed services, but residents reporting a missed service in the off week for garbage.
The number of weekly waste phone calls and customer requests are gradually reducing, and we are averaging about 269 calls per day in the week ending 2nd February from a peak of 800 per day in October 2023 to under 300 per day prior to Christmas (all waste enquiries and requests, not limited to FOGO). 126 of these calls were FOGO related, averaging 25 per day.
Council has been promoting access to the online waste calendar as the single source of truth for residents confirming their bin collection details, with the waste calendar pages receiving more than 320,936 views. This is now reflected in the number of residents presenting their red or yellow bin on the wrong week for collection which was reduced to less than 10% of households. This is being addressed through education to households via the collection crews and waste busters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other than missed bins which were discussed above, most requests are about;
1. Upsizing Red Lid Garbage bins
2. Booked Overflow Red Lid Garbage Bin collection
3. Supply of starter kits and liners
4. Community Education via waste busters
1. Upsizing Red Lid Garbage Bins.
To help assist residents who are struggling with a fortnightly collection of the 120-litre red lidded bin, Council is offered a 240-litre bin. Council has delivered 3,774 upsized 240-litre red lidded Garbage bins since FOGO commenced.
2. Booked Overflow Red Lid Garbage Bin Collection
Optimo, Council’s current booking system for clean-up bookings, has been active since 9 October 2023 to support residents that would like to book the alternate week collection. Council clean-up and extra red-lid bin collection - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au)
The booked system gives residents opportunity to adapt waste sorting behaviour before committing to an upsizing of bin. 1,200 bookings are available on each collection day and bookings are steady at around 85 per day (lowest 34 and highest 137 bookings on any day), equating to approximately 850 households using the service per fortnight.
3. Waste Busters Waste Busters - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au)
The Waste Busters have started to contact households with contaminated/ rejected FOGO bins or presenting in the off week without a booking and lodging a missed service.
Updates
Rebate for Reusable Nappies
$30,000 was allocated by council resolution for the nappy and sanitary rebate which opened on 9 October to enable households to try subsidised reusable nappies or sanitary products and reduce the amount of garbage in their red lid bin. Residents buy the items of their choice and submit their simple application and their receipt to qualify for the rebate (up to $150 for reusable nappies and $100 for sanitary products).
Inner West Council's Rebately | Reusable Cloth Nappies
On 29 January 2024, three hundred rebates had been claimed ($17,771 of $30,000 available);
· Reusable cloth nappies – 73 claims to the value of $5,922.39
· Reusable sanitary products – 227 claims to the value of $11,848
FOGO Community Champions Cornersmith
Workshops and social media commenced mid-October and was completed in mid-December 2023. Cornersmith workshops:
· Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill on Thursday 26 October - 35 attendees
· Balmain Town Hall – Saturday 26 November (rescheduled from 4 Nov) -16 attendees
· Marrickville Pavillion – Saturday 2 December - 20 attendees
Facebook and Instagram – Socials reels were posted by Cornersmith using FOGO Fridge Check and featuring the kitchen benchtop bin and compostable liners.
Cornersmith noted that the FOGO Fridge check Friday series performed better on Instagram than Facebook.
|
Date posted |
Post description |
Performance |
|
22 October 2023 |
24,982 impressions |
|
|
26 October 2023 |
22,834 plays |
|
|
3 November 2023 |
19,361 plays |
|
|
10 November 2023 |
21,076 plays |
|
|
17 November 2023 |
12,498 plays |
|
|
24 November 2023 |
Jaffles |
22,000 plays |
|
1 December 2023 |
18,984 plays |
|
|
9 December 2023 |
12,045 plays |
|
|
16 December 2023 |
Series outro/review |
15,525 plays |
Adventure Kids Entertainment have undertaken FOGO performances across the Inner West Primary schools and have booked in schools, inner West Early learning centres and libraries through to March 2024. Feedback has been positive with children loving the interactive approach and FOGO songs. Upcoming events are detailed below if Councillors wish to attend, please notify Helen Bradley who will inform the school and Adventure Kid's Entertainment on your behalf.
Primary Schools
· St Peters Public School - Wednesday 14 February from 2:10pm to 3pm
· Globe Pre-School – Thursday 15 February 2024 from 10am to 11am
· Yeo Park Public School – Tuesday 12 March 2024 from 2:30pm to 3:20pm
Inner West Early Learning Centres
· John McMahon Children's Centre, Birchgrove - Wednesday 7 February 2024 from 10am to 11am
· May Murray Early Learning Centre, Marrickville - Thursday 8 February 2024 from 10am to 11am
· Tillman Park Early Learning Centre, Tempe - Friday 9 February 2024 from 10am to 11am
Inner West Libraries
· Leichhardt Library -10 January 10:30-11:30
· St Peters Library – 11 January 13:00 – 14:00
· Ashfield Library – 15 January 10:30-11:30
· Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Library Dulwich Hill – 13 February1 0:30-11:30
· Balmain Library – 14 February 10:30-11:30
Compostable liner supply and delivery
Council currently offers collection of compostable liners (bags) at Inner West Customer Service Centres and libraries.
An initial pack of 40 compostable liners was provided to FOGO households as part of the starter kit. Based on usage of 3 liners per week this is a 13 week/3-month supply to end December 2023.
All single dwellings (approximately 50,000 houses) were delivered a roll of 75 compostable bags in December 2023. Based on usage of 3 liners per week this is a 25 week/6-month supply to May 2024.
Council officers are preparing options for Council's consideration for future supply of compostable bags noting below the current policy of Randwick and Penrith.
1. Randwick Council currently offers 6 monthly delivery of bags and encourages residents to buy their own, use paper or go bag free in the interim Order new FOGO caddy liners - Randwick City Council (nsw.gov.au)
2. Penrith offers quarterly delivery (opt-in) and promotes pick up from council offices and libraries. FOGO FAQ - Penrith City Council (nsw.gov.au)
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Fully funded via Domestic Waste Budget for ongoing operational costs and implementation funded via the NSW EPA (Environment Protection Authority) Grant and any additional costs to the above budget will be funded from the Domestic Waste Reserve.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Inclusive Playgrounds Progress Update
Prepared By: Michael Craven - Capital Projects Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council, in partnership with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, identified 5 locations for inclusive playgrounds, one in each council ward within Inner West Council as follows:
Balmain / Baludarri Ward - King George Park.
Leichhardt / Gulgadya Ward - Richard Murden Reserve.
Stanmore / Damun Ward - Camperdown Park.
Marrickville / Midjuburi Ward - Steel Park.
Ashfield / Djrrawunang Ward - Centenary Park.
The planned delivery schedule for the Inclusive Playground Program extends over 5 years, commencing from 2022/23.
The King George Park inclusive playground design has now been completed and the tender process is currently underway with a schedule to complete by Spring 2024.
To reduce the overall duration to deliver the program, the program currently seeks to undertake the construction of the first location, while designing the second location and so on rather than finishing one location over two years and then moving to the next location over two years and so on. The latter approach doubling the required time to deliver the program.
The planned approach also takes into account sustainable resource delivery of the program and considers the overall funding constraints to the capital works program.
As such, there is no opportunity to accelerate the program.
BACKGROUND
At the Council Meeting held on 10 May 2022, Council resolved the following in part:
3. Commit to establishing an inclusive playground in each ward by:
a) Identifying a planned playground upgrade in each ward that could be appropriately developed as an inclusive play space, including King Georges Park, Rozelle;
b) Working with a reputable third party to better engage children with disability and their families in the codesign of these play spaces, incorporating the co-design principles developed by the Social Strategy Advisory Committee;
c) Allocating $50,000 in the 2022-2023 Budget for consultation, planning and design and $2 million for construction in 2023-2024 Budget;
d) Directing staff to investigate further grant and funding opportunities; and
e) Incorporating this approach into either or both of council’s draft Recreation Study and upcoming draft Playground Strategy, as appropriate.
Following the May resolution, Council partnered with Touched by Olivia who are a charity that drives community connections to create inclusive communities. They assisted in identifying suitable locations for an inclusive playground in each council ward. At the completion of the investigation, Touched by Olivia provided feedback on the potential locations for inclusive playgrounds.
The resulting locations and its brief scope are as follows:
Balmain / Baludarri - King George Park – A full redesign of the playground including a new amenities building nearby. It should be noted that the carpark was upgraded last year with 3 new accessible carparking spaces, and accessible pathways to the playground entry delivered to future proof it for the delivery of the playground.
Leichhardt / Gulgadya - Richard Murden Reserve – This location was viewed as a highly suitable site, with existing on site parking, flat terrain and an existing playground and amenities building that can be redesigned to provide an inclusive space.
Ashfield / Djrrawunang - Centenary Park – The works are planned to involve the redesign of existing playground, path connections, parking and possible additional amenities.
Marrickville / Midjuburi - Steel Park – This location has an existing high quality inclusive playground which was completed in 2019 and incorporates a water play park. The park could be enhanced with an amenities upgrade with adult change facilities and improved path connections.
Stanmore / Damun - Camperdown Park – The works are planned to involve the playground, parking, path connection and amenities improvements. The park was last upgraded in 2018, and the proposed works would enhance on those work for inclusiveness.
The planned delivery schedule to realise the vision for these locations and to form the Inclusive Playground Program (and its budgeted amount in the delivery plan) is as follows:
|
Year |
Location |
Activity |
Budget |
|
22-23 |
All King George Park |
Location review Design procurement |
$20,000 |
|
23-24 |
King George Park Richard Murden Reserve |
Design & construction Design & engagement |
$2,000,000 |
|
24-25 |
Richard Murden Reserve Cententary Park |
Construction Design |
$2,000,000 |
|
26-27 |
Cententary Park Camperdown & Steel Park |
Construction Design & engagement |
$2,000,000 |
|
27-28 |
Camperdown & Steel Park |
Construction |
$2,000,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
$8,020,000 |
At the Council Meeting held on 21 Nov 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
That with reference to 4.3.2.7 (inclusive playgrounds), in February 2024, Council staff report on the progress of the construction of an inclusive playground in every ward and detail options to accelerate the program of works.
DISCUSSION
Inclusive Playground Progress Update
In line with the planned delivery schedule for the Inclusive Playground Program, Council commenced the Balmain / Baludarri ward - King George Park Inclusive Playground project in 2023.
The first stage of works, Council engaged a suitably qualified design consultant to develop the concept and detailed design for the King George Park Inclusive Playground. The design staged involved the consultant providing a concept design, stakeholder and community engagement and a detailed design for construction.
Council continued to partner with Touched by Olivia foundation throughout design development.
A robust Community Consultation and Engagement Plan was developed to ensure the community and stakeholders were aware of the upgrade and empowered to have their say in its development. Several communication channels and engagement tactics were selected to ensure effective engagement, particularly with:
- Nearby residents.
- Local schools.
- Council committees and advisors.
- Community organisations (NGOs).
- People with disabilities.
- An Aboriginal cultural advisor.
- The general community; and,
- Other relevant community organisations.
Over a 2 month period, 18 Consultations were undertaken online, on-site, at schools, and phone mediums, reaching over 132 people. These consultations resulted in Design Briefs to guide the type of play experiences and supportive features which should be included in the Concept Plan for King George Park Inclusive Playground.
The most requested play experiences across the various consultation groups included a double flying fox, slides, swings, age/ability inclusive equipment, spinners, cubbies, water play, imagination play, trampolines, an obstacle course, and music play.
The most requested supportive features and inclusive playground elements across the various consultation groups include shade provision, a nearby toilet, seating and picnic tables, accessible surfaces and paths, fencing, signage, nature and planting, parking, colour, and attractive scenery.
The extensive community consultation and engagement implemented during the design stage for the King George Park Inclusive Playground, has greatly assisted to address best practice outcomes for the playground.
A Community Engagement Outcomes Report was prepared following the completion of the stakeholder and community engagement. The purpose of this report is to summarise the consultations and provide strategic direction on how King George Park Inclusive Playground can be developed to provide equitable and inclusive play opportunities to meet the overall community’s needs.
The Concept Plan and detailed design were developed respecting community feedback, wherever possible, taking scope, budget, and environmental constraints into account.
The detailed design which was finalised in January 2024 aimed to address best practice outcomes for inclusive playgrounds including alignment with NSW Everyone Can Play guidelines, the NSW Public Spaces Charter, Safety in design considerations, Relevant compliance and certification requirements, Design quality assurance, Changing Places guidelines and specialist input from Touched by Olivia Foundation. During each stage of the design process, Council officers reviewed the relevant guidelines for inclusive playgrounds with the design consultant and Touched by Olivia Foundation, to ensure the design aligned with the requirements where achievable.
The King George Park inclusive playground design has now been completed and the tender process is currently underway with a schedule to complete by Spring 2024.
It should be noted that the planning and early design considerations of the Richard Murden Reserve inclusive playground has commenced, and a procurement event is currently underway for external design services. The Richard Murden Reserve inclusive playground is currently on track to the planned program.
The remainder of the program is not scheduled to commence at this time.
Review of the Inclusive Playground Program timeline
The 21 November 2023 Council resolution called for consideration to the inclusive playground program and whether it could be accelerated.
The planned delivery schedule for the Inclusive Playground Program extends over 5 years, commencing from 2022/23.
This program includes implementing the robust Community Consultation and Engagement Plan for each location to ensure the community and stakeholders are aware of the upgrade and empowered to have their say in its development.
It should be noted that consultation is undertaken online, on-site, at schools, and phone mediums, reaching a diverse and broad selection of playground users. The engagement/consultation results in Design Briefs to guide the type of play experiences and supportive features which should be included in the Concept Plan for each playground. This takes a greater duration than a standard playground project to undertake.
There are many project phases at each location to realise the inclusive playground vision though at high level these phases include: planning, concept design, engagement, detailed design, procurement and construction. This is a two year exercise at each location to ensure the correct outcome is achieved.
To reduce the overall duration to deliver the program, the program currently seeks to undertake the construction of the first location, while designing the second location and so on rather than finishing one location over two years and then moving to the next location over two years and so on. The latter approach doubling the required time to deliver the program.
The planned approach also takes into account sustainable resource delivery of the program and considers the overall funding constraints to the capital works program.
As such, there is no opportunity to accelerate the program.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
King George Park Playground is a complicated site due to its varying site levels which has resulted in a greater number of ramps, footpaths, stairs and retaining walls compared to a standard playground. As such this has resulted in a budget shortfall of $300,000 to realise the full vision of the project and meet community expectations. As such, an additional $300,000 will be allocated within the 2024/25 budget planning process to fully fund the project.
There are no further budget changes proposed to the planned program.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Local Democracy Group Progress Report
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides a summary of the discussions and work undertaken by Council’s 13 Local Democracy Groups (LDG) from 1 October 2023 - 31 December 2023. The report attachment includes a summary of all meetings held by LDGs during the quarter.
In December 2023, Council hosted a well-attended end of year reception. Members appreciated the opportunity to share their achievements and network with Councillors, staff and each other. Each group nominated a member to present their overview and all groups noted that cross LDG work would be welcome in 2024.
In November, all LDG members were invited to participate in a survey on their induction, policy challenges, experiences and opinions on collaboration with other LDGs. Thirty per cent of members responded. Overall, the responses were very positive with 86% of participants moderately, very or extremely satisfied with their experience as a member of a LDG. Members provided valuable suggestions in the free text questions, and staff will use this for quality improvement going forward. For example, some members suggested that it would be useful if staff could update the LDG’s more regularly on the outcomes/impact of their deliberations on Council’s activities.
In response to the members’ feedback, it is proposed to increase opportunities for the LDG members to collaborate, commencing with an LDG collaborative event in early 2024, bringing all LDG members together for a group engagement to inform the Community Strategic Plan review. It is also proposed to strengthen the induction program, provide training for new members, and clarify roles through an update to the Terms of Reference for all LDG’s.
BACKGROUND
In August 2022, Council recruited a new cohort of community members to serve on its 13 Local Democracy Groups (LDGs). The groups commenced meetings in October 2022 and their terms will conclude in September 2024.
At the Council Meeting held on 10 May 2022, Council resolved the following in part:
6. In Consultation with staff, determine 1-2 appropriate policy challenges to allocate to the newly constituted Local Democracy Groups for deliberation. Quarterly progress reports on deliberations to be submitted to Council.
At the Council meeting held on 20 June 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That the Terms of Reference for all Council internal Committees and Local Democracy Groups as listed below be amended to allow for online/hybrid attendance:
Internal Committees:
· General Manager’s Performance Assessment Panel;
· Customer Service Review Sub-Committee;
· Flood Management Advisory Committee;
· Local Traffic Committee; and
· Major Capital Projects Committee.
Local Democracy Groups:
· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee;
· Access Advisory Committee;
· Arts and Culture Advisory Committee;
· Bicycle Working Group;
· Environment Advisory Group;
· Housing and Affordability Advisory Committee;
· LGBTQ Working Group;
· Multicultural Advisory Committee;
· Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee;
· Seniors Working Group;
· Social Strategy Advisory Committee;
· Transport Advisory Committee; and
· Young Leaders Working Group.
4. That Local Democracy Groups be provided with a short survey to provide feedback about their first year of operation.
At the Council meeting held on 10 October 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council note the update on the Local Democracy Groups and approve the composition of the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee.
2. That Council host an end of year reception to thank the local democracy group members for their contributions.
3. That the local democracy groups are invited to share a brief update at the end of year reception.
4. That Council invites the Local Democracy Groups to provide formalised feedback to Council on how it is performing in the relevant area and how it could do better.
DISCUSSION
End of year reception
Council held an end of year reception at Ashfield Town Hall on 11 December 2023
to thank group members for their contributions. The event was
well attended with over 60 members participating. Members appreciated the
opportunity to share their achievements and network with Councillors, staff and
each other. Each group nominated a member to present their overview and all
groups noted that cross LDG work would be welcome in 2024.
Local Democracy Group Member Survey results
Between 30 October and 26 November 2023, members of all LDGs were invited to take part in a survey through Your Say Inner West (YSIW), phone, post or mail. A total of 46 members responded out of 155 current members, achieving a good response rate of 30%. Members responded through YSIW (44) and by email (2).
Participants were asked to provide feedback on their induction, policy challenges, experiences and opinions on collaboration with other LDGs.
Members were asked a question about their overall
satisfaction. Overall, 86% of
participants were moderately, very or extremely satisfied with their experience
as a member of a LDG.
Members were asked a question about their induction
process. A total of 86% were moderately, very or extremely satisfied with the
induction process for new members. There was no difference in satisfaction with
induction between members who joined at the beginning of the term to those who
joined later. Key themes in member suggestions were that further explanation of
the groups’ roles, historic achievements and activities should be
provided during induction.
Members were provided an
opportunity to comment on their policy challenges through an open question. Key
themes of the responses were positive
support for the challenges, member satisfaction with their achievements to date
and that the work required was ongoing. Some
participants found the challenges overly complex.
Members were asked a question about collaboration with other groups. The majority of participants (80%) would like an opportunity for collaboration with other LDGs. A key theme was that members would like to collaborate with specific groups or on specific projects as some groups have similar objectives and could benefit from working together.
Members were
asked whether they had any further comments or suggestions. Additional comments
thanked convenors for their work, noted that LDGs were an important part of
democracy and that presentations from staff were beneficial. Other themes
included suggestions for improving communication to groups about outcomes of
their work and clarifying the groups’ role in providing advice to
Council.
In response to the members’ feedback, it is proposed to increase opportunities for the LDG members to collaborate, commencing with a LDG collaborative event in early 2024, bringing all LDG members together for a group engagement to inform the Community Strategic Plan review. It is also proposed to strengthen the induction program, provide training for new members, and clarify roles through an update to the Terms of Reference.
The attached survey outcome report provides further detail of the feedback received.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
LDG progress report Oct-Dec 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
LDG survey 2023 - Results Summary |
|
3.⇩ |
LDG survey 2023 – Copy of Questions |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Council Streetscape Services Website Improvements
Prepared By: Lachlan Broadbent - Senior Manager Operations
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council called on staff to report on ways that the current streetscape service data can be made more accurate and accessible to the public, and on ways Council can expand their streetscape services listed on the website.
In October 2023, the updated Streetscape verge mowing webpage went live to the public with a new display and user-friendly interface tool. The existing service date spreadsheet hyperlink that was downloaded by the user via the website and then manually filtered to find the data for each street has been replaced by a user-friendly display tool. The upgrade enables users to search a particular street to which they are provided with a clear display of the last service date and the next two forecasted service dates as per the current Streetscape service levels.
The supporting data spreadsheets capture relevant service times, public holidays and operational staff rostering of a nine day fortnight to accurately forecast the service dates of the verge mowing program to improve the accuracy of the information.
The street cleaning (including high pressure cleaning) web page will follow in the same manner to provide service date information and forecasting for all streets without grass verge. The proposed completion date for this work is June 2024.
Councils’ website can be further developed to include service information pertaining to: Weed spraying, park mowing, park cleaning schedules and the Civil Works maintenance work schedules. These further improvements are planned for implementation in the 2024-2025 financial year.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 12 September 2023, Council resolved the following:
That Staff report in September with the Customer Experience Strategy in the adoption of new technologies to improve transparency around maintenance schedules so residents can know when and where maintenance is due to occur in their neighbourhood, beginning with an immediate update to the way that mowing and street sweeping schedules are made public.
At the Council meeting held on 25 October 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council ensure verge mowing and street cleaning public data spreadsheets are accurately and frequently updated, with data cleaned and summarised so as to be more easy to read and interpret by the community.
2. That Council investigate ways to improve the accuracy and accessibility of these records for the public and report back on planned and possible improvements on or before February 2024.
3. That Council explore what other data on regularly delivered council services (including weeding, tree and garden bed plantings, number of public bins, street beautification, etc) can be made public on the website in a similar way to verge mowing and street cleaning and report back to Council on or before February 2024.
In response to the resolution, various internal stakeholders were engaged to collaborate on the development of a strategy for improving access to verge mowing and street cleaning schedules on Council’s website and to provide easy, understandable and accurate data to the public for these services.
In October 2023, the updated Streetscape verge mowing webpage went live to the public with a new display and user-friendly interface tool. The existing service date spreadsheet hyperlink that was downloaded by the user via the website and then manually filtered to find the data for each street has been replaced by a user-friendly display tool. The upgrade enables users to search a particular street to which they are provided with a clear display of the last service date and the next two forecasted service dates as per the current Streetscape service levels.
The supporting data spreadsheets capture relevant service times, public holidays and operational staff rostering of a nine day fortnight to accurately forecast the service dates of the verge mowing program to improve the accuracy of the information.
Users can search any street in the Inner West that has grass verges, and they will receive clear data on the service dates for these sites. See example below:
With the successful launch of the verge mowing web page upgrade, the street cleaning (including high pressure cleaning) web page will follow in the same manner to provide service date information and forecasting for all streets without grass verge. The proposed completion date for this work is June 2024.
Council’s website can be further developed to include service information pertaining to: Weed spraying, park mowing, park cleaning schedules and the Civil Works maintenance work schedules. These further improvements are planned for implementation in the 2024-2025 financial year.
These records are an important way to improve transparency around the frequency and quality of Council services offered to inform residents, and provide greater accountability on the equal distribution of resources and services across the local government area.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost to develop the verge mowing website upgrades was $7,540 exc .GST.
It is forecasted that the additional services (street cleaning, weed spraying, park mowing, park cleaning schedules and the Civil Works maintenance work schedules) would cost in the order of $25,000 which is planned to be funded from existing operational budgets.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Investment Report at 30 November 2023
Prepared By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Melanie Gurney - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
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 November 2023:
· Council reinvested the proceeds of $10.0m which matured in October 2023 in a six-month green term deposit at an average rate of 5.21% pa.
· Council is preparing for the maturity of further investments in December 2023 and it appears the rates are continuing to trend positively.
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 returns 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 of 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 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 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 $225.5m. This is higher than the prior month as Council reinvested a term deposit which matured late in October 2023. 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 6.44% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.34% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.44% pa on a marked-to-market basis.
Without marked-to-market influences, Council’s investment portfolio yielded 4.83% pa for the month, up from 4.79% pa in October 2023. This is based on the actual interest rates being received on existing investments and excludes market value changes of the securities/deposits.
Long dated market rates dropped in November in reaction to sentiment that most major countries’ central banks may be at the end of their rate hike cycles. Domestically, a lower-than-expected monthly inflation release also helped give a boost to Australian bond valuations resulting in strong performance for Council’s bond portfolio and overall mark to market performance. As interest rates rise/fall the dollar valuations of existing bonds rise/fall in the market. While a bond’s or Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) market value may drop below its face value (or par value) during the life of 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
As noted above, during October Council had a $10.0m CBA Green deposit mature which had been yielding 4.25%pa. During November, Council reinvested the proceeds in a new six-month green term deposit at an average rate of 5.21% pa, providing a boost to the portfolio’s overall yield.
Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 51% of portfolio in non-fossil fuel lending ADIs and 49% of portfolio in socially responsible investments.
With the assistance of our investment advisor, we are constantly requesting the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to open their ‘Green’ investments again. This is due to Council reaching its investment policy limits with Suncorp Bank and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, leaving Westpac Group the only institution available to invest with.
The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 November 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 July were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds
|
Reserves |
November 2023 |
|
External Restrictions |
121,993,362 |
|
Internal restrictions |
152,962,346 |
|
Working Funds |
23,959,166 |
|
|
298,914,874 |
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation |
November 2023 |
|
Bank & Cash |
73,388,850 |
|
Investments |
225,526,024 |
|
TOTAL |
298,914,874 |
The performance chart below shows Council’s rolling 12 monthly return versus benchmark over the past 5 years. Each data point is the 12 months return for the stated month end.
Domestic issues:
· The jobs market is still tight, but it is gradually easing with unemployment (at 3.7%) and underemployment (at 6.3%) both up from their lows in October 2022. Various leading indicators point to softer jobs growth ahead including a rising trend in applicants.
· The monthly inflation release showed annual inflation fell to 4.90% in October from 5.60%in September, as price pressures for consumer goods moderated due to falling demand.
· The monthly consumer price indicator was lower than economists’ expectations of a 5.20% outcome and cements the market’s view that the RBA board will likely keep the cash rate on hold at 4.35% at its final meeting of the year.
Interest rates
· At its November meeting, the RBA raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35%. Despite the recent run of good news on the international front, with inflation continuing to ease in North America and Europe, the RBA remains very cautious when it comes to domestic inflation, emphasising that ‘the remaining inflation challenge…is increasingly homegrown and demand driven.’
· The central bank’s projection is for inflation to only reach the upper area of its 2-3% inflation target by late 2025. It was reiterated the RBA has a “low tolerance” for a slower fall in inflation than expected and if it is higher than expected then it would respond with another rate hike.
· The market is giving more credence to the latest inflation data than to the RBA’s comments, pricing in no further interest rate hikes and a rate cut by March 2025:
· In November, term deposit rates across the 1-to-12-month range were little changed from last month as the market had largely priced in the early November rate hike by the end of October. The benign inflation figures released at the end of November indicated a possible reprieve from another rate hike in this cycle, causing a drop in two year to five year term deposit rates by an average of 20 basis points.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - November 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - November 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Investment Report at 31 December 2023
Prepared By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
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 December 2023:
· Council had a $9.0m six-month term deposit mature at a rate of 5.02% pa.
· Council reinvested the proceeds across six and 12 month green and non-fossil fuel term deposits at an average rate of 5.22% pa.
· Council is preparing for the maturity of further investment in January 2024 and it appears the rates are trending down from the prior month.
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 market value investment portfolio size is $223.4m, lower than the prior month market value of $225.1m. November 2023 investment report by Council was reported at face value. Moving forward Council will report investment portfolio as market value. 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 5.09% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.43% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.57% pa on a marked-to-market basis.
Financial markets continued their strong rally in December as inflation continues to ease and growing hopes that central banks will move towards an easing cycle (cut official interest rates) in 2024. As interest rates rise/fall the dollar valuations of existing bonds rise/fall in the market. While a bond’s (or Floating Rates Notes) market value may drop below its face value (or par value) during the life of 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
As noted above, during December, Council had a $9.0m deposit mature yielding 5.02%pa. During December, Council reinvested the proceeds as follows:
1. Six month non fossil fuel lending term deposit with Suncorp at a rate of 5.19% pa;
2. 12-month ‘Green’ term deposit with Westpac at a rate of 5.26% pa.
Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 48% of the portfolio in non-fossil fuel lending Authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 4% of the portfolio in socially responsible investments and 48% of the portfolio in green investments.
With the assistance of our investment advisor, we are constantly requesting Commonwealth Bank of Australia to open their ‘Green’ investments again. This is due to Council reaching its investment policy limits with Suncorp Bank and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, leaving Westpac Group the only institution available to invest with.
The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 31 December 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 July were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
The External, Internal and Working Funds table below reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 31 December 2023.
External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds
The chart below shows the average Term Deposit bids available for Council over the next five years.
Over December, major bank deposit rates fell 5-10 basis points (bp) for 6 -12-month tenors, as the market turns its attention to potential rate cuts in 2024. At the longer-end (2-5 years), deposit rates offered by the major banks fell between 25-30bp with the banks clearly pricing in rate cuts in 2024 and into 2025. Rates are now inverse again across the longer-tenors (one-to-five-year rates), with the peak rate offered in the 12-month tenor.
Domestic issues:
· The RBA at its December meeting kept rates on hold at 4.35% as expected. The RBA Minutes continued in their recent tradition as reading more hawkish than the post-Meeting Statement. This was particularly the case this time around given it was not clear whether the case of a rate hike was genuinely discussed in December. Adding to the hawkish tone in the December Statement was the RBA’s concerns over domestic driven inflation and the need to target the mid-point of the 2-3% inflation band, rather than just the top of the band.
· Australia's unemployment rate increased to 3.9% in November (3.8% in October) despite the creation of more than 60,000 new jobs over the month. This was due to the rise in the participation rate which increased to a record high of 67.2% in November (67.0% in October) largely driven by high net migration which boosted domestic labour supply.
· Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by a weaker-than-expected +0.2% q/q (+2.1% y/y), signifying a clear further slowing in both domestic final demand and GDP growth, with the ‘highlight’ being flat Household Consumption in the quarter.
· The October goods trade surplus rose to $7.1bn (consensus $7.5bn). Goods exports rose (+0.4% m/m or $0.2bn) driven by ‘metal ores and minerals’ (+2.3% m/m or $0.4bn) and ‘metals’ (+21.6% m/m or $0.3bn).
90 Day Bill Futures
· Bill futures fell across the board this month, following the movement in the global bond market. The market has quickly turned and now focusing more on when the first rate cuts will be delivered in 2024:
Fixed Interest Outlook
· The RBA remains on a mild tightening bias, with the Board commenting that whilst the trend in global inflation has been favourable, it was heavily caveated.
· The RBA are waiting for the Quarter four CPI to determine whether further tightening is required rather than taking a significant signal from recent offshore developments.
· Key data to influence the RBA ahead of its next policy meeting in February will be Quarter four CPI on 31 January 2024.
· Over the month, yields fell by 44bp at the long end of the curve:
· The consensus from the broader market is that we have reached the peak of the interest rate cycle, though there are still a handful that believe the RBA will deliver one more rate hike (likely in Feb 2024).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - December 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - December 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This purpose of this report is to publicly table the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors for the 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 period, in accordance with the adopted Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.
BACKGROUND
Council’s Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy requires that Council report on the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors publicly and that these reports include expenditure summarised by individual Councillor and as a total for all Councillors.
The first report on Councillors expenditure covering the financial year period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 was submitted to the 8 August 2023 Council meeting. This report tables the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors for the 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 period.
DISCUSSION
The provision of expenses being reported on are outlined below and align to the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy adopted expenditure:
· General Travel Expenses
· Interstate, overseas and long-distance intrastate travel expenses
· Professional development including conferences and seminars
· ICT Expenses
· Carer expenses
· Home office expenses
· Greeting cards
There has been no expenditure that has exceeded the Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy or adopted budget.
|
Councillor |
General travel |
Interstate, overseas travel |
Professional development conferences, seminars |
ICT expenses |
Carer expenses |
Home office expenses |
Greeting cards |
|
Mayor Byrne |
$57 |
|
$1,277 |
$626 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Shetty |
|
|
$57 |
$201 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Stamolis |
|
|
|
$185 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Atkins |
|
|
$1,489 |
$210 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Lockie |
$784 |
|
$35 |
$877 |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Smith |
|
|
$1,259 |
$182 |
|
|
|
|
Clr D’Arienzo |
$23 |
|
$1,259 |
$164 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Drury |
$514 |
|
$1,259 |
$900 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Griffiths |
|
|
|
$136 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Da Cruz |
$38 |
|
$2,142 |
$86 |
|
$382 |
|
|
Clr Scott |
|
|
$1,339 |
$196 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Stephens |
$57 |
|
|
$20 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Howard |
|
|
$1,259 |
$182 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Langford |
$77 |
|
$1,466 |
$182 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Tsardoulias |
$66 |
|
|
$360 |
|
|
|
|
Total combined Councillor actual expenses |
$1,616 |
Nil
|
$12,841
|
$4,507 |
Nil |
$382 |
Nil |
|
Adopted budget per Councillor per year |
$3,075 per Councillor
|
$15,375 Total for all Councillors |
$6,150 per Councillor
|
$3,690 (Councillors)
$6,150 (Mayor) |
$9,000 per Councillor
|
$615 per Councillor |
$100 (Councillors)
$500 (Mayor) |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the tabling of Councillor expenses.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Designated Person Disclosure (Pecuniary Interest) Returns
Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is for Council to receive and note the Disclosure of Interest Returns lodged by Illona Meyer and Mark Sercombe, independent members of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).
BACKGROUND
Consistent with the approach taken in the December 2022 draft Guidelines on Risk Management and Internal Audit issued by the Office of Local Government (and subsequently included in the final November 2023 Guidelines), on 17 October 2023, independent members of Council’s ARIC were identified by Inner West Council as a Designated Person.
Designated Persons include staff, delegates of councils or members of committees who the council identify as exercising functions that could give rise to a conflict of interest.
A designated person must submit a return of interests within three months of becoming a designated person and submit a new return annually (within three months of the start of each financial year).
DISCUSSION
Council’s Model Code of Conduct requires Councillors and Designated Persons to prepare and submit returns of interest to the General Manager:
1. Within three months of being elected or becoming a designated person; and
2. Annually (within three months of the start of each financial year); or
3. If, at any time you become aware of any new interests that need to be disclosed, you must submit a new return within three months of becoming aware of the interests.
In accordance with point 1 above, the independent members of Council’s ARIC, Illona Meyer and Mark Sercombe have submitted a Disclosure of Interest Return which are now tabled to Council.
In addition to being publicly available on request, the returns are also published on Council’s website. A general redaction of applicable private details which may include things like signatures, primary residing addresses, specific financial information or family member details has been applied to these forms, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications in relation to the tabling of the Disclosure of Interest Returns.
|
1.⇩ |
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Return - Designated Person, Illona Meyer |
|
2.⇩ |
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Return - Designated Person, Mark Sercombe |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Review Inner West Aquatic Centre Fees
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
|
MOTION
That Council receive a report on the review of 5 Aquatic Centre charges and fees in time for adoption of new fees on 1 July 2024. The Terms of Reference, for the review, to include:
a) direct debit and credit card charges; b) costs and sources of Income for each of the 5 aquatic centres; c) training of lifeguards and other staff such as personal trainers and nutritionists; d) fees for school carnivals; e) fees for squad training; f) minimum and maximum adult and children annual costs to swim, use the gym and other facilities based on weekly use for six months -including actual use, income and days/hours open 1 July – 31 Dec 2023; g) aqua aerobics fees for adults and seniors at each pool; h) access to each pool – public transport, population living within 400m, cycling and parking including transport for staff; i) how a seasonal fee could work; j) extending the hours and days each centre is available to the public or available for private use (self provision of Life Guards etc.); k) upgrades required to move away from gas (co-gen), costs and grants; l) operation of Moveable Floor at Ashfield; m) comparative costs at Pools within our LGA and adjacent LGAs; and n) consultation with the community and centre users.
|
Background
Two writers, to all Councillors, have independently highlighted that the fees charged for Squad and Carnival use of our Aquatic Centres are stopping children from enjoying activities at our pools.
· “Ashfield Aquatic Centre—pool hire = $730.00
School carnival students' entry fees = $1,344.00 (seeking a waiver on entry fees only). This has been increased for 2024 to $1,820 based on 350 students.”
In addition to these costs to our, and other local public schools, is that of the bus hire fees.“
· “The reasons given too for not being able to incl. swim lessons on a Friday from 1-2 pm in summer was that other people used the pool.
Needless to say, I've checked and there's rarely a person, and certainly not enough in numbers, to prevent school use of a few lanes.
It's ridiculous that local public schools must go to pools outside their LGA to have swim. lessons, which is currently the case.
Council can give free use of some facilities to applicants who may or may not be residents and pay for murals etc but cannot support free entry to a pool once a year!
And worse still, to price gouge. It's why some schools now only send swimmers to carnivals which is a shame as it breaks down the fun, the house support system and a sense of belonging—the latter to which IWC pays lip service!!“
· Others have raised issues with direct debit transaction failure fees.
In the light of this correspondence, I have looked over the Charges and Fees Council adopted
last June in more detail. It seems there are a myriad of fees and we may have lost the plot.
Fees are listed against each pool even though they may be the same across pools. Such
repetition is prone to errors.
· Adult entry to Ashfield, Leichhardt an Annette Kellerman is $9.80 (but is listed three times)
· Adult Entry to Fanny Durack is $6.80 and
· Adult entry to Dawn Fraser $6.60.
According to webpage for each pool and the Fees and Charges Document. There has not been a check or advice on fees actually charged and collected online and at the centres themselves.
If these fees reflect costs, they should be seasonal making the pools more accessible in
summer.
Direct Debit Charges
Review of the Fees & Charges 2023/24 adopted June 2023 says a Direct Debit Transaction
Fee will apply. This is not unusual except that the Australian Consume and Competition
Commission (ACCC) provides the following guidance on such fees.
ACCC: Card surcharges
· Businesses can charge a surcharge for paying by card, but the surcharge must not be more than what it costs the business to use that payment type.
· If a business charges a payment surcharge, it must be able to prove the costs it is based on.
· If there is no way for a consumer to pay without paying a surcharge, the business must include the surcharge in the displayed price.
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/pricing/card-surcharges viewed 31 Jan 2024
“Do you charge customers a surcharge on transactions? This is a quick guide to what you can
and can’t include when working out your surcharge. From 1 September 2017, all businesses
that impose payment surcharges on card transactions need to comply with the new law that
bans excessive payment surcharge”..- A guide for business Payment surcharges – only charge what it costs you January 2018 www.accc.gov.au source:
https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/1193_Payment%20surcharges_FA_web03.pdf
viewed 1 Feb 2024
The Direct Debit Transation Fee is referred to in relation to various charges such as Membership on page 43.
Credit Card Charges are shown on page 101 of fees and charges at 0.75%.
However Fanny Durack webpage says “A Credit card transaction fee of 0.8% applies on all
credit card payments” and “Adult (17 yrs and over)$6.80” defing an adult at 17.
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/aquatic-centres/fanny-durack aquaticcentre/pricesand-memberships viewed 2 Feb 2023
A few other anomalies jumped out of the fees and charges:
· There is a reference to the “Leichhardt Municipality” and surprisingly the “Olympic” pool and is shown as the same fee as the diving pool (Sporting Clubs/school swimming)
· There is a statement “A parent accompanying a non-paying child (under 5 years) is required to purchase an adult entry for safety reasons.” at https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/aquatic-centres/ashfield-aquatic-centre/prices-and-membership
· There is minimal incentive to buy 20 passes instead of 10 (so, why have 20pack) https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/aquatic-centres/ashfield-aquatic-centre/prices-and-membership Viewed 30 Jan 2024
· Annette Kellerman shows a Spectator 10 and 10 pack on page 37 of fees and charges.
· Does this allow grandparents to take join up for a family pass? “Family 4 persons (max 2 adults)”..”Family entry terms and conditions: Family pool entry or family swim passes. To be eligible for pool entry, adults must be parents or guardians of the children, or alternatively, they must be adults who live with the children in the same domestic dwelling.” https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/aquatic-centres/ashfield-aquatic-centre/prices-and-membership
· “Family 4 persons (max 2 adults)”..”Family entry terms and conditions: Family pool entry or family swim passes. To be eligible for pool entry, adults must be parents or guardians of the children, or alternatively, they must be adults who live with the children in the same domestic dwelling.” Does this allow grandparents? https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/aquatic-centres/ashfield-aquatic-centre/prices-and-membership
Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre accepts Fitness Passport for pool entry but does not have
consistant ages with the other pool.“...“A Credit card transaction fee of 0.8% applies on all credit card payments” -”
|
Adult (17 yrs and over) |
$6.80 |
|
Child (5 - 16 yrs - children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult) |
$3.90 |
|
Child under 5yrs (with paying adult) |
FREE |
Charged as fortnightly direct debits
|
Mini squad - 1 visit per week* |
$41.28 |
|
Junior squad - 1 visit per week* |
$45.40 |
*Second child enrolled receives a 7% discount, third and subsequent children receive a 14% discount.
Note:
1. The upgrade of LPAC is being planned currently and such a review would inform this planning.
2. A T-Corp (NSW Gov) loan over 20 year was taken out to pay for Ashfield Aquatic Centre Upgrade. The 15/6 Ashfield LGA SRV included the upgrade of the Pool. “The increases would generate an additional $11.9 million above the rate peg over the 4-year period which will be used to accelerate the redevelopment of its Aquatic Centre, renew other assets and improve its financial sustainability” https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Local-Government/Reviews/Special-Variations-Minimum-Rates/Special-Variations-Minimum-Rates-2015-16
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Review Domestic Waste Charge
From: Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz
|
MOTION
1. That Council notes the considerable dissatisfaction in the community about the rollout of FOGO.
2. That Council review the Domestic Waste Charge in time for adoption of new fees on 1 July 2024. |
Background
The following domestic waste management charges are current [for the Inner West Council] from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024:
· Small garbage bin (less than 120 litres): $377.00 p.a.
· Standard garbage bin (120 litres): $502.00 p.a.
· Large garbage bin (240 litres): $753.00 p.a.
· Vacant/availability: $251.00 p.a.
However, due to the implementation of the new FOGO service on 9 October 2023, Council has delegated the General Manager the 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.
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/information-for-residents/rates/domestic-waste-management-charges viewed 1 Feb 2024
IPART Review Domestic waste management annual charges: “In line with OLG’s planned regulatory approach for DWM annual charges, we have decided that no limit is to apply to the amount by which councils may vary their DWM annual charges for the period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.”
https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/domestic-waste-management-annual-charges
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: More Support for Food Recycling in the Inner West
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne and Councillor Mathew Howard
|
MOTION
1. That Council note that the new food recycling service has resulted in 5900 tonnes of organic material being converted to compost, instead of being dumped at landfill, which has resulted in a reduction of approximately 12,358 tonnes of carbon (Co2) emissions.
2. That Council Provide a new opt-in weekly red bin collection service for households that wish to access it. This service is to be provided on the following terms: a) households are able to register for the service once and then receive the collection on an ongoing basis; b) no fee is to be charged for the service for a period of 2 years with the necessity of the service to be reviewed in 2026; and c) commencement of the new service is to be as soon as possible.
3. That Council authorise funding for the service to be drawn from Council’s waste reserve, with authority delegated to the General Manager to enter into any necessary contract with an external provider, to ensure expedited commencement of the service.
4. That Council receive a report to the March 2024 Ordinary meeting on the commencement of the opt-in weekly red bin service and the outcome of any procurement process. |
Background
Food recycling in the Inner West is proving to be huge success with large-scale uptake across the community leading to very high tonnages of organic waste being recycled and the carbon emissions of the Inner West community being massively reduced.
Since the start of the new service in October we have diverted 5900 tonnes of organic waste to compost, instead of rotting in landfill.
The methane and carbon emissions saved from this is the equivalent of having taken more than 7000 cars off the road for one year.
This represents the single biggest contribution the Inner West community has ever made to reducing emissions and combating climate change.
Together, Inner West citizens have made this effort, to change the way we deal with waste, and the vast majority of households have adapted to the new system. Many local people are reporting that they are proud to be making a difference for our environment through food recycling.
Assistance for residents has included offering a free, larger 240 litre red bin, which 3600 households have taken up, as well as a free, additional red bin collection which residents can book online.
We committed in October to assessing the support being provided to households after the initial roll-out and to taking a pragmatic approach to ensure the ongoing success of food recycling in the Inner West.
While most households have successfully made the transition to food recycling, the roll-out has demonstrated that some residents are still finding the change challenging.
In particular, families with small children who need to dispose of nappies, and larger households with larger volumes of waste, have reported difficulty with adjusting to the fortnightly red bin collection.
To ensure the ongoing success of Inner West food recycling and that all local residents are receiving the service and support they need, Council should now provide further support in the form of an opt-in weekly red bin collection for households that need it.
Council officers estimate that if 15 per cent of households take up this new, opt-in service, the cost would be approximately $1 million per annum.
There are currently 2 appropriate Council vehicles available to provide the additional service as well as some staffing capacity.
Inquiries by Council officers also indicate that, if needed, there is capacity from private providers to commence this service within a short timeframe.
Council should assess the demand for the additional, opt-in service and, if required due to capacity constraints, contract additional external provision, in order to make this support available to all residents who need it.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Queer Rights Street Rally 18 February 2024
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
|
MOTION
That Council endorse and publicise on social media the “Mardi Gras Street Rally” to be held on Sunday 18 February 2024 at 2pm at Pride Square.
|
Background
Pride in Protest, a collective of activists who campaign for social justice, including queer, refugee and indigenous rights, are holding a street rally for queer rights in Pride Square, Newtown at 2pm on 18 February 2024, the same day as Mardi Gras Fair Day. My understanding is that they plan to march from Pride Square to Fair Day.
The demands of the rally are as follows:
1. Pass the Equality bill: self-id, sex worker rights & gender affirmation leave now!
The Equality Bill is the bill introduced to the NSW Parliament by Alex Greenwich MP which will be debated in March. The call by the rally is to pass it in full. The Bill has broad support from the queer community.
2. No right to discriminate, no religious exceptions!
This refers to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act which is subject to review by the NSW Law Reform Commission and the removal of religious exceptions to the prohibition on discrimination, including for schools.
3. No pinkwashing of genocide, free Palestine!
Pinkwashing, or rainbow-washing, is the strategy of attempting to benefit from purported support for LGBTQIA+ rights, often as a way to profit or to distract from a separate agenda or promoting protection of those rights as evidence of liberalism and democracy, especially to distract from or legitimize violence against other countries or communities. For example, images of the Israeli Defence Force portraying themselves with Pride flags in Gaza or pictures of Israeli soldiers with their same sex partner with the message that because Islamic Palestinians supposedly don’t accept homosexuality they don’t deserve our support in calling for an end to Israel’s genocide.
4. Fund community, not cops, cops out of Pride & scrap the anti-protest laws!
This demand reflects the view that government spends too much money on police and punitive measures, and not enough on preventative measures like ensuring people are fed, housed and safe or more direct community safety programs.
The queer community is over-policed, both directly and through the application of drug laws and use of sniffer dogs to carry out stop-and-searches in queer spaces in particular, including at Pride marches, which results in under-reporting of violence and harassment. Historically the NSW Police Force’s attitude to the LGBTIQA+ community leaves a lot to be desired, and this continues, causing a significant lack of trust in NSWPF by the queer community. This is acknowledged in the report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes handed down in December 2023, particularly chapter 8 which refers not only to historical issues but contemporary attitudes to the LGBTIQA+ community https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-12/SCOI-LGBTIQ-Hate-Crimes-Volume-3-191223.pdf
Mardi Gras members recently voted to scrap the Police Accord which permits public decency inspections before the Parade and there are calls for the NSW Police Force to be excluded from having a float in the Parade, which is in part what this demand is about.
The demand also calls for the NSW anti-protest laws, which are some of the most draconian in Australia, to be scrapped.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: 26 January
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
|
MOTION
1. That Council note the distress and trauma caused to First Nations people when we celebrate on 26 January.
2. That Council consult Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee on their views about holding citizenship ceremonies on 26 January.
3. That Council receive a report on that consultation by the May 2024 meeting in order to make decision at that meeting whether citizenship ceremonies should be held on 26 January. |
Background
Commemorating Australia Day has been questioned from at least 1938 when Aboriginal leaders declared it a Day of Mourning.
At its 12 November 2019 meeting, Inner West Council voted to move its celebratory events away from 26 January, except for the citizenship ceremony. Since then, Inner West Council has promoted Yabun.
Until December 2022 it was not possible to move the citizenship ceremony. In December 2022 the federal government changed the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code to allow councils to conduct citizenship ceremonies three days before or after 26 January. It has been reported that since that change more than 80 councils across the country have moved citizenship ceremonies from 26 January.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Inner West Schools Active Travel
From: Councillor Kobi Shetty
|
MOTION
1. That Council acknowledges the mental, physical and environmental benefits of having more school students walking, cycling and scootering to school.
2. That Council notes the NSW Government’s recently announced Active Transport to School program offering an additional $10 million to councils to fund active travel to school projects.
3. That Council undertakes a report into establishing an Inner West Primary Schools Active Travel pilot program identifying primary schools in the LGA with potential to be involved in a multi-disciplinary education and pedestrian infrastructure improvement program to encourage more walking, cycling and scootering to school.
4. That Council investigates potential funding sources for the program, including external sources such as TfNSW’s Get NSW Active grant program.
|
Background
Currently only 25% of NSW school children walk or ride to and from school, down from 75% 40 years ago. This has had an impact on the mental wellbeing and physical health of children, increased the number of cars undertaking short trips to school, and has had a detrimental impact on the environment. The NSW Government has increased funding for an Active Transport to School program, that will be funded through councils, to make it easier and safer for children to walk, scoot or ride to school.
At the March 2022 meeting, Council unanimously resolved to work with local schools, P&Cs, and residents on measures to support safe walking and cycling to primary schools, and commence immediate planning work to identify and cost potential safety measures for implementation as part of the 2022-23 budget. Establishment of pilot program could make a positive step towards forward to progressing this work this work.
The new program can leverage schools active travel initiatives already undertaken by the GreenWay Place Management Program in 2017-2019 with the following public schools – Kegworth (Leichhardt), Summer Hill, Dulwich Hill, Petersham and Canterbury.
Feedback from Willoughby City Council which has undertaken a similar program to work with local schools to facilitate more active travel to school has reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from teachers, students, parents and council staff.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: A Great Inner West Walk
From: Councillor Timothy Stephens
|
MOTION
1. That Council investigate the development of a Great Inner West Walk, linking up key Inner West landmarks, communities, infrastructure and parks.
2. That Council request officers report back to Council in April 2024 on the feasibility of and opportunities to develop a Great Inner West Walk, including: a) potential routes, including opportunities to work with adjacent councils and to link up with other existing and proposed walking infrastructure including the GreenWay, Bay Run, Tom Uren Trail and proposed Great Harbour Walk; b) benefits for the Inner West community and economy; c) opportunities to strengthen existing pedestrian and cycling links as part of a broader Great Walk project and to amplify existing Council programs including the Perfect Match program; d) interaction with the Inner West Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan; and e) potential costs, funding sources and timeline for development.
|
Background
Great walks are major walking routes that encourage people to explore communities, showcase local landmarks, parks and natural features, and promote healthy and active living.
Notable Sydney examples include the Bondi to Manly Walk, the Great West Walk linking Parramatta and Penrith and the many great walks being developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Walks are signposted and incorporate new and existing infrastructure.
The development of a Great Inner West Walk could serve to improve local health, attract visitors and tourists and amplify existing council programs and initiatives.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Parking in Industrial and Residential Zones
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
|
MOTION
1. That Council note concerns from residents living in, or close to, industrial zones in the Inner West, about increasing parking pressures from local vehicular businesses including taxi and hire vehicle companies that park vehicles on residential streets.
2. That Council request officers report back to Council in May 2024 with options to mitigate and manage these concerns, including through the development application process, the Good Neighbour Policy, the unattended vehicle policy, and through compliance and enforcement.
|
Background
Industrial zones and employment lands are critical to the vitality, prosperity and liveability of our communities.
In streets and residential blocks adjoining industrial zones, there are increasing reports of vehicular companies including taxi and hire vehicle companies utilising parking on local streets, putting pressure on residential parking.
While registered vehicles are lawfully able to park on local streets, in some instances, businesses are reportedly parking a large number of vehicles, reducing the availability of parking for residents and intensifying the impact of operations on local communities.
The motion seeks to explore options to better balance the needs of residents and local vehicular businesses.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Update on Key Traffic Issues in Marrickville-Midjuburi Ward
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
|
MOTION
That Council request officers provide an update via report at the March 2024 Council meeting on key traffic issues in the Marrickville-Midjuburi Ward raised in this term of Council via councillor motion, including:
a) The dangerous intersection of Marrickville Road and Buckley Street, Marrickville and the installation of further pedestrian protection measures; b) The intersection of Sydenham Road and Fitzroy Street, Marrickville, and the potential installation of traffic lights as requested by the Marrickville Bowling and Recreation Club; and c) Pedestrian and other measures on Edinburgh Road and the streets surrounding the Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre.
|
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Thank You Father Phillip Zadro
From: Councillor Timothy Stephens
|
MOTION
That Council thank Fr. Phil Zadro for his years of service to St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Haberfield, and the broader Haberfield community, and recognises his work for social justice and Indigenous reconciliation.
|
Background
Father Phillip Zadro, who assumed the role of parish priest at St. Joan of Arc in Haberfield in 2016, has retired after seven years of dedicated service and leadership. Ordained in October 1973, he marked his 50th Anniversary Mass at St. Joan of Arc on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Throughout his tenure, Fr. Phil dedicated himself to the St. Joan of Arc Parish and the broader community, embodying a strong commitment to social justice and, notably, Indigenous reconciliation.
Active in the 2023 Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament, Fr. Phil played a pivotal role in various social justice initiatives. Under his guidance, St. Joan of Arc established a Social Justice Group, acquired property in a nearby suburb to offer affordable housing, instituted a scholarship for an Indigenous student at John Berne School in Lewisham, fostered connections with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Edmund Rice Centre, and the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese and organised an annual collection for Jesuit Social Services which coincides with the World Day of the Poor.
The transformation of St. Joan of Arc Parish under Fr. Phil's spiritual leadership has been profound. As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement after half a century of dedicated service, the Council extends our heartfelt wishes for a long, joyful, and blessed retirement.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Newtown Guardian Dog Removed from Pride Square
From: Councillor Dylan Griffiths
Background
The dog sculpture at Pride Square
in Newtown was created by Richard Byrnes and commissioned by the former
Marrickville Council.
It was one in a set of three canine statues, the two others residing at St
Peters station and on the corner of Enmore Road – collectively known as
the Guardian Dogs.
More than a year ago, the dog was removed by Council to facilitate works in the square. It’s time to bring our dog home to Newtown.
An update received in February 2023 stated that the dog was being stored in the Newtown Town Hall and that the Council planned to consult with the artist about sites for a permanent reinstallation.
Question
Where is the guardian dog now?
Answer
The dog is secured safely in Council offices.
Question
Has the artist been consulted about reinstallation sites? If so, what was the outcome of this consultation?
Answer
Yes, Council staff met with the artist, Richard Byrnes, on site in mid-2023 and agreed on a new location for the reinstallation of the sculpture. The new location is to the right of the Pride Beacon (if looking towards the station) in the position where the rubbish bin is located. Council staff have continued to engage with Richard to update him on the timeline for the installation and last corresponded with him earlier this month.
Question
What is the timeline for re-installation of the sculpture?
Answer
A new column has to be fabricated. A contractor has been approved to fabricate the column, which will closely replicate the existing column in shape and materials. A contract has been awarded to one of Council’s builders to install the statue once the column has been fabricated. We are awaiting dates from the column fabricator and once received, the builder will propose an install date.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Condition of Easton Park
From: Councillor John Stamolis
In 2023, Council opened Easton Park after major improvement works. Several months later Easton Park was again in poor condition.
Question
It would be appreciated if Council would summarise the improvement works?
Answer
The improvement works included:
· Regrading and turfing of the entire field surface
· New sub-surface drainage and swales
· Irrigation upgrades
· New tree root barriers along Burt Street
Question
What was the cost of these improvements?
Answer
$485,000.
Question
Who was the contractor?
Answer
Romba Pty Ltd.
Question
What were the problems that arose at Easton Park after the improvements were done?
Answer
The project experienced supply chain related issues pertaining to the sub surface drainage installation which ultimately delayed the project. As a consequence of this delay, there was limited time for the new turf to fully establish prior to it needing to be opened for the winter sports season.
There was also an army worm infestation which damaged a large portion of the new turf.
Question
Who rectified these 'new' problems?
Answer
The rectification work was based upon the contract.
Romba returfed approx 3,000m2 after the winter sports season was completed.
Council staff filled the drainage trenches with sand several times a week over the winter season to assist the situation.
Council staff top dressed the field late September 2023 and January 2024.
Question
How much did it cost to do these additional works?
Answer
In the order of $45,000.
Question
What condition is the field in now?
Answer
The field is in good condition and continues to improve.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: NSW Planning Reforms - Impact on the Inner West
From: Councillor John Stamolis
In November 2023, the NSW Premier announced extensive Planning Reforms. The potential impact of these reforms across the Inner West remains uncertain.
Is the Inner West Council now in a better position to advise on this? If so:
Question
What current action is Inner West Council taking to represent the community?
Answer
The proposed reforms are being exhibited publicly by the NSW Government and feedback is requested from the community directly through the NSW Government’s Your Say platform. Council officers have undertaken a thorough assessment of the implications of these reforms in the Inner West and its community, based on the publicly available information. This was presented to Councillors in the briefing on 6 February 2024 and a draft submission to the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure for Council’s review is Item 2 on the February Ordinary Agenda.
Question
What do Council see as the main impacts of these reforms in regard to the Inner West?
Answer
See Item 2 on the February 2024 Ordinary Agenda.
Question
How might the reforms impact or override Councils longstanding heritage controls; and which areas in the Inner West might be affected by this?
Answer
See Item 2 on the February 2024 Ordinary Agenda.
Question
What town centres and transport hubs in the Inner West might be affected by the planning reforms and how might this occur?
Answer
See Item 2 on the February 2024 Ordinary Agenda.
Question
How might these reforms impact around the new White Bay Metro station, in particular, on the surrounding heritage conservation areas?
Answer
These will apply to a 1.2km radius from the Bays West Metro station. Council is seeking clarity from the NSW Department of Planning regarding the applicability of these reforms in this radium and whether it would be restricted to Government-owned land only. Notwithstanding Council officers have concerns regarding the blanket application of these reforms which are un-tested and not supported with any evidence base and will override local place-based provisions. This is covered off in detail in the draft submission which forms part of Item 2 on the February Ordinary Agenda.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Management of contaminants in Inner West parks and open spaces
From: Councillor John Stamolis
The former Leichhardt Council implemented a Management Plan to ensure that fill materials historically placed at parks and open spaces remained covered. These fill materials included hazardous materials such as glass, sharp metal objects or asbestos.
The recent problems at the Rozelle Parklands highlights the need for all levels of government to maintain active and strong controls over asbestos and other contaminants in the local environment.
It would be appreciated if the following questions could be answered.
Question 1
Is the Management Plan for Leichhardt Council Parks and Open Spaces still active?
Answer
Yes. The former Leichhardt Council - Long Term Environmental Management Plan for Parks and Playgrounds was amended in 2020 to form the IWC Long Term Environmental Management Plan for Parks and Playgrounds (IWC LTEMP). This was adopted by Council in 2020.
Question 2
What sports fields or parks were identified as having contaminants in the management plan for Leichhardt Council?
Answer
All Parks and Playgrounds, including sporting fields, across the LGA are assumed to have contaminants.
Question 3
What action or works currently occur in response to this plan?
Answer
The Long-term Environmental Management Plan (LTEMP) has been prepared to set out the requirements for the management of the potential risks to human health associated with the presence and potential presence of contamination in fill materials used to establish parts of Council’s parks, playgrounds and other open space/recreational areas.
The LTEMP provides the control measures and procedures that are to be implemented by Council to ensure that the health of the users of the parks, playgrounds and other open space/recreational areas located within the Council area, including the public and maintenance or construction workers, are protected.
Under the current land use there is low to negligible risk of harm to the human health of users of Council’s parks, playgrounds and other open space/recreational areas due to the presence of materials beneath surface coverings that contain or may contain the above listed potential contaminants.
The surface coverings are required to be maintained for the lifetime of the LTEMP to ensure that this low to negligible risk of exposure is maintained.
The principal elements of this LTEMP are to:
· Describe appropriate surface coverings and detail the measures to be undertaken to ensure the integrity of these surface coverings;
· Assign responsibilities for implementation;
· Protect the health of users of these areas by ensuring maintenance of the surface coverings to prevent exposure to contaminants that may be present in the sub-surface environment; and
· Protect the health of maintenance workers if the surface coverings are disturbed by works.
Question 4
Did the Marrickville and Ashfield Councils have similar Management Plans?
Answer
Prior to amalgamation, no.
Question 5
Which fields or parks are were identified under these plans for Marrickville and Ashfield?
Answer
Refer question 2
Question 6
What works or actions currently occur in response to these plans (for the previous Ashfield and Marrickville councils)?
Answer
Refer Question 3.
Question 7
Does Inner West Council have a process that is implemented to ensure imported materials are not contaminated?
Answer
There is a quality control process which is governed by the LTEMP and any site specific plan developed for a project. Actions need to be consistent with safe work method statements.
Operational staff inspect materials upon receipt of delivery/ use. It should be noted that Council sources all materials from approved contractors on Local government procurement panels.
During capital projects, the process is determined by the type of material that may be imported. Clearance certificates may be required dependent upon the material.
Materials are checked as a part of regular ongoing inspections.
External environmental consultants are engaged as required.
Question 8
Does Inner West Council have a process that ensures material imported onto parks and open spaces under control of Council is not contaminated with asbestos?
Answer
Refer Question 7.
Question 9
How does Inner West Council manage quality control regarding the material that it purchases in order to mitigate the risk of these materials containing contaminants, including asbestos?
Answer
Refer Question 7.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report
Prepared By: Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and notes the minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee meetings held on 27 November 2023. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Livable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report outlines the Major Capital Projects Quarterly update including the minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee held in November 2023 and the project summary report.
Please note that there were no meetings in December 2023 or January 2024.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 8 March 2022, Council resolved to establish a Major Capital Projects Committee to oversee the larger Capital Projects being delivered by Council.
As of the June 2023 Council meeting members of the Major Capital Projects Committee are as follows:
• Councillor Philippa Scott (chair);
• Councillor Mark Drury;
• Councillor Jess D’Arienzo;
• Councillor Pauline Lockie;
• Councillor Kobi Shetty.
The meetings are also attended by the Director of Infrastructure and the Senior Manager Capital Works, and representatives from NSW Public Works Advisory (GreenWay assurance) and Turner and Townsend (LPAC & AKAC assurance) with additional internal or external attendees as required e.g. General Counsel.
DISCUSSION
Detailed meeting minutes are produced however not made public due to the nature of the discussions at the meetings to protect both the commercial position and confidentiality of commercial information of Council along with that of the Consultants, Suppliers and Contractors that are engaged to deliver these projects. As such a project summary report is provided to record each projects progression/position for public reference.
Minutes for the meeting held for November 2023 are attached. Please note that there were no meetings in December 2023 or January 2024. As a part of the governance structure for the committee, it is a requirement to table minutes of the meetings quarterly to Council.
|
No |
Description |
Budget |
Performance Status |
|
|
Budget |
Schedule |
|||
|
1 |
Callan Park Swim site |
$200,000 |
|
|
|
2 |
Newtown - Lord St Trunk drainage duplication |
$1,810,000 |
|
|
|
3 |
Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan - PAMP |
$8,000,000 |
|
|
|
4 |
Elkington Park Cottage restoration works |
$1,216,170 |
|
|
|
5 |
Not Used |
|
|
|
|
6 |
St Peters, Mary St to Sydenham Cycleway Westconnex |
$1,689,386 |
|
|
|
7 |
Marrickville Rd (East) Design and Implementation |
$3,475,000 |
|
|
|
8 |
Dulwich Hill Station Centre Upgrade |
$6,407,647 |
|
|
|
9 |
King George Park Amenities |
$1,700,000 |
|
|
|
10 |
Greenway capital budget |
$23,709,722 |
|
|
|
11 |
Greenway Central Links Construction |
$19,569,020 |
|
|
|
12 |
HJ Mahoney Reserve Sporting Ground Upgrade |
$2,158,452 |
|
|
|
13 |
HJ Mahoney Amenities Refurbishment |
$1,180,000 |
|
|
|
14 |
Lambert Park synthetic field replacement |
$2,000,000 |
|
|
|
15 |
Not Used |
|
|
|
|
16 |
Main Street Local Placemaking |
$1,180,000 |
|
|
|
17 |
Camdenville Park Upgrade |
$4,715,000 |
|
|
|
18 |
Not used |
|
|
|
|
19 |
Petersham Town Hall upgrade works |
$2,012,000 |
|
|
|
20 |
Newtown Town Hall renewal works |
$3,220,000 |
|
|
|
21 |
Inclusive Playgrounds |
$8,050,000 |
|
|
|
22 |
Marrickville Town hall internal refurbishment |
$2,600,000 |
|
|
|
23 |
Annandale Town Hall Community Centre refurbishment |
$1,508,000 |
|
|
|
24 |
AKAC Upgrade Works |
$8,364,515 |
|
|
|
25 |
LPAC Major Project |
$40,545,000 |
|
|
|
26 |
Birchgrove Park renewal works |
$1,590,000 |
|
|
|
27 |
Mackey Park Sporting Ground Upgrade |
$2,150,000 |
|
|
|
28 |
Tempe Reserve Amenities Building |
$2,750,000 |
|
|
|
29 |
Balmain Town Hall Site renewal works |
$3,970,000 |
|
|
|
30 |
Henson Park Grandstand Upgrade |
$1,000,000 |
|
|
|
31 |
Dawn Fraser Bath Northern Pavilion Upgrade |
$2,000,000 |
|
|
|
32 |
Herb Greedy Hall Renewal |
$1,170,000 |
|
|
|
33 |
Pyrmont Bridge Road (PRUAIP) |
$5,625,924 |
|
|
|
34 |
Main Street Revitalisation |
$7,500,000 |
|
|
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting - Minutes - 27 November 2023 - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (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. |
|
|
2.⇩ |
Major Capital Projects Committee Project Summary Report as at January 2023 |
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Community Batteries
Prepared By: Jon Stiebel - Urban Sustainability Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into a closed session to deal with the Community Batteries, as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(di) and of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature, that would, if disclosed, and prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Report - Community Batteries - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
|
|
Media Release ARENA Community Battery EOIs - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: King George Park Inclusive Playground Construction Tender
Prepared By: Michael Craven - Capital Projects Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council is undertaking an upgrade of the existing King George Park Playground to deliver an
inclusive playground aimed to address best practice outcomes for inclusive playgrounds,
including alignment with NSW Everyone Can Play guidelines that incorporates equitable and
inclusive play opportunities to meet the overall community’s needs.
Council will move into closed session to deal with the King George Park Inclusive Playground Construction Tender, for information which is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) (of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
King George Park Inclusive Playground Confidential Tender Report - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Sale of part of Yeend Street, Birchgrove
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council approve closing the part of Yeend Street, Birchgrove noted in this report (subject to survey) by notice published in the NSW Government Gazette, in accordance with Section 38D of the Roads Act 1993.
2. That Council authorise the placing of a Notice of partial road closure in the Government Gazette.
3. That Council note the land formerly part of Yeend St will be classified as operational land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993.
4. That Council authorise the sale of the land to the adjoining landholder, as detailed in Confidential Attachment 1.
5. That Council delegate Authority to the General Manager to sign all associated documents for the survey, road closure and sale of this land.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
A request was received from the owner of 18 Ballast Point Road, Birchgrove to purchase a portion of the road reserve of Yeend Street adjoining their property following their purchase of that property in 2021. A similar transaction occurred previously with the neighbour at 16 Ballast Point Road, Birchgrove who purchased from Council the section of Yeend Street adjoining their property.
At the Council meeting held on 25 October 2022 (Attachment 1), Council resolved the following:
That Council provides its ‘in principle’ support to consider the partial road closure of Yeend Street, Birchgrove and subsequent sale to the adjoining owner.
Council subsequently acted under Section 38A of the Roads Act 1993 issuing all required notifications, with no objections received.
Council can now consider approving the closure of the subject part of Yeend Street, Birchgrove, and approving the sale of the land parcel to the adjoining owner.
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Sale of part of Yeend Street, Birchgrove, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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Confidential report - Sale of part of Yeend Street, Birchgrove - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. |
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Council Report 25 October 2022 - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. |
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Draft Sub Division Plan - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. |
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Council Meeting 13 February 2024 |
Subject: Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report – January 2024
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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DISCUSSION
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report – January 2024, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report – January 2024 - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. |
