Agenda of Council - Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 9 April 2024 at
Ashfield Service Centre

Meeting commenced at 6.32pm

Present:

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

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor (6.42pm)

Councillor

Councillor (attended via audio-visual link)

Councillor

Councillor (attended via audio-visual link)

Councillor

General Manager

Director Planning

Ryann Midei

Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Kelly Loveridge

Beau-Jane De Costa

Matthew Pearce

Chris Sleiman

Daniel East

Manod Wickramasinghe

Scott Mullen

Helen Bradley

Jonny Browne

Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Acting Chief Financial Officer

Acting Senior Manager Strategic Planning

Traffic and Transport Planning Manager

Strategic Investments and Property Manager

Resource Recover Planning Manager

Strategic and Corporate Communication Manager

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That apologies from Councillor Stephens be accepted and leave of absence be granted.

2. That Council accept Councillor Langford’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to personal reasons.

3. That Council accept Councillor Shetty’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, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:

Councillor Lockie declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 15 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 March 2024 as Item 1 within this report is the Newtown South LATM Study and she lives within the area that is covered by this Study. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting.

Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 - E-Scooter Trial - T3 Rail Line Closure as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport, and in that capacity has been directly engaged in work around the Temporary Transport Plan. Out of an abundance of caution, he will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.

Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 15 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 March 2024 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 Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Post Exhibition - Establishing an Alcohol Free Zone - Loyalty Square Balmain as the report background mentions her in her capacity as the State Member for Balmain. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting.

Councillor Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 15 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 March 2024 as she is the State Member for Balmain and has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.

Motion: (Smith/Da Cruz)

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Stamolis/Scott)

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

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

Councillor Griffiths entered the meeting at 6:42pm.

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the meeting at 6:53pm and vacated the Chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, assumed the Chair.

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the meeting at 7:33pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the Chair.

Councillor Griffiths left the meeting at 7:35pm.

Councillor Griffiths returned to the meeting at 7:41pm.

C0424(1) Item 1 Condolence Motion: Christopher Hugh Pratten OAM (1934-2024)

Motion: (Drury/Byrne)

That the Inner West Council acknowledges the life and passing of Christopher Hugh Pratten OAM (1934-2024). Chris made a significant contribution to our understanding of the Ashfield district. We are indebted to the fruits of his passion for the conservation of natural and built heritage. We will convey this and our condolences to his family and work with the Ashfield & District Historical Society to determine a suitable way of memorialising him.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 57 Mayoral Minute: Condolence Motion: Vale Keith Barnes

Motion: (Byrne)

1. That Council write to the family of Keith Barnes to express our gratitude for the contribution he made throughout his life to our local community, the Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers, and rugby league in Australia.

2. That Council offer to the Barnes family and Wests Tigers the use of Leichhardt Oval for a service to commemorate and celebrate Mr Barnes’ incredible lifelong contribution to Australian sport and the Balmain Tigers.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 58 Mayoral Minute: Tree Safety in the Inner West

Motion: (Byrne)

1. That Council receive a report to the May 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting identifying the schedule of inspections and assessments made on all trees on public land that have recently dropped large branches, been uprooted, or collapsed.

2. That Council procure an external review of Council’s safety procedures for the maintenance of large trees on public land. This is to be undertaken at arm’s length from Council officers to ensure an independent assessment of Council’s processes and whether they need to be strengthened or improved. The funding for this review is to be identified in the Quarterly Budget Review.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 59 Mayoral Minute: Rozelle Parklands Update

Motion: (Byrne)

1. That Council delegate the General Manager to enter into a Temporary Licence Agreement with Transport for NSW to manage the sporting fields in Rozelle Parklands until a permanent arrangement is in place and that any temporary arrangement be reviewed after 12 months. The temporary arrangement will manage bookings, undertake field maintenance, line marking, mowing and installation of goal posts.

2. That Council receive a report to the May 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting on the progress of the Rozelle Parklands Masterplan.

3. That Council reserve the $20 million funding envelope received from the Minister of Transport until the Rozelle Parklands Masterplan has been finalised.

4. That Council consult with local sporting clubs to understand their future needs and possible requests for access to the fields.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 60 Mayoral Minute: Ship to Shore Power at White Bay Cruise
Passenger Terminal

Motion: (Byrne)

That Council write to Transport for NSW seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the implementation of shore to ship power at White Bay Cruise Passenger Terminal and propose the following:

a) the provision of shore to ship power at all berths that host cruise ships, including berths 4 and 5; and

b) the mandating of the use of shore to ship power by all cruise ships docked at White Bay.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Griffiths)

That the meeting be adjourned for 7 minutes.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

The meeting was adjourned at 8.23pm

The meeting recommenced at 8:31pm

Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)

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

Item 8 Post Exhibition - Land and Property Policy
Item 11 Leichhardt Oval public access post-trial and consultation outcomes
Item 16 Minutes of the Flood Advisory Committee held on 29 February 2024, and the Exhibition of the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan
Item 17 Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting - 20 March 2024
Item 25 Council assistance to First Nations families accessing Early Learning
Item 29 Notice of Motion: Vilification Laws (Motion for National General Assembly)
Item 30 Notice of Motion: Electrify homes (Motion for National General Assembly)
Item 36 Notice of Motion: Naturalising the Cooks River
Item 40 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Oval food and beverage service
Item 41 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Oval Women’s Amenities
Item 43 Notice of Motion: Action on Illegal Dumping
Item 45 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety at Cardinal Freeman Village
Item 53 Insurance obligations

Motion Carried

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

Item 8 Post Exhibition - Land and Property Policy
Item 11 Leichhardt Oval public access post-trial and consultation outcomes
Item 16 Minutes of the Flood Advisory Committee held on 29 February 2024, and the Exhibition of the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan
Item 17 Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting - 20 March 2024
Item 25 Council assistance to First Nations families accessing Early Learning
Item 29 Notice of Motion: Vilification Laws (Motion for National General Assembly)
Item 30 Notice of Motion: Electrify homes (Motion for National General Assembly)
Item 36 Notice of Motion: Naturalising the Cooks River
Item 40 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Oval food and beverage service
Item 41 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Oval Women’s Amenities
Item 43 Notice of Motion: Action on Illegal Dumping
Item 45 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety at Cardinal Freeman Village
Item 53 Insurance obligations

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 8 Post Exhibition - Land And Property Policy

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council adopt the Land and Property Policy.

2. The Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Land and Property Policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 11 Leichhardt Oval public access post-trial and consultation
outcomes

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council endorse to continue public access to the Wayne Pearce Hill for passive recreation providing weekday access, from dawn to dusk.

2. That a review be undertaken in six months’ time on the utilisation of the Wayne Pearce Hill and a report brought back to Council.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 16       Minutes of the Flood Advisory Committee held on 29 February
         2024, and the Exhibition of the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk
         Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and
        Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Flood Management Advisory Committee meeting held on 29 February 2024.

2. That Council adopt the updated Flood Management Advisory Committee Terms of Reference dated 20 March 2024.

3. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on it.

4. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on it.

5. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and 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 and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 17 Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting - 20
March 2024

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) meeting held on 20 March 2024.

2. That Council adopt the draft Internal Audit Charter as endorsed by the ARIC at its meeting on 20 March 2024.

3. That Council adopt the draft ARIC Terms of Reference, as endorsed by the ARIC at its meeting on 20 March 2024, to take effect from 1 July 2024.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 25 Council assistance to First Nations families accessing Early
Learning

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

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 and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Vilification Laws (Motion for National General
Assembly)

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council endorse the following motion for submission to the 2024 National General Assembly for Local Government:

'This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to introduce anti-vilification laws to protect the community from hate and ensure that every individual in Australia feels safe and protected under law irrespective of their age, disability, gender identity, intersex status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.’

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: Electrify homes (Motion for National General
Assembly)

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council endorse the following motion for submission to the 2024 National General Assembly for Local Government:

‘This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to:

1. note the multiple reports by energy analysts demonstrating that all-electric homes are cheaper to run than those connected to gas;

2. provide cost-living-relief to households by requiring newly built homes to be fully electric by updating the National Construction Code; and

3. coordinate and assist states and territories to implement these changes via their respective planning and building regulations.’

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 36 Notice of Motion: Naturalising the Cooks River

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council writes to the NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, as well as State Members of Parliament for Heffron, Rockdale, Summer Hill, Canterbury and Strathfield, to urge the NSW Government to commit resources to naturalise the Cooks River and mitigate ongoing stormwater issues.

2. That Council writes to the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water seek advice as to the release of funding for Council’s Camdenville Wetlands project which is within the Cooks River catchment and will improve biodiversity, urban runoff and stormwater in the catchment.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 40 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Oval food and beverage service

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council officers provide a report to the May 2024 Council meeting on:

a) the current contractual arrangements for food and beverage services at Leichhardt Oval;

b) advice on the procurement process including the timing and next opportunity to enter into a new contract; and

c) recommendations to improve the service delivered in the short term under the current and future contracts, before any long term changes are made under the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan.

2. That the report explore all possible opportunities to improve the Leichhardt Oval experience including specific food and beverage staffing and infrastructure recommendations; and advice on the possibility of supporting the local brewery and hospitality industry by inviting them to have pop-up outlets at Leichhardt Oval under future contracts.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 41 Notice of Motion: Leichhardt Oval Women's Amenities

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council submit an application under the Federal Government's Play Our Way grant scheme to build new women's amenities at Leichhardt Oval and secure its future as a women's sports hub.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 43 Notice of Motion: Action on Illegal Dumping

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council receive a report no later than June 2024:

a) acknowledging the ongoing social, environmental and health impacts of illegal dumping;

b) detailing Council’s actions to respond to illegal dumping across the Inner West, with particular reference to the actions taken after the resolution on illegal dumping passed in May 2022;

c) reporting relevant statistics on illegal dumping in the local government area; and

d) noting the passing of the Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill 2024 in the State Parliament in March 2024 and clarifying the powers of councils in respect to illegal dumping.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 45 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety at Cardinal Freeman Village

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council host a community workshop by July 2024 with Better Streets to identify user needs and workshop design solutions of the new, approved crossings surrounding Cardinal Freeman Village to explore ‘Walkability’ and suit all users.

2. That Council invite to the workshop: IWC traffic engineers, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Vision Australia, Wheelchair Users’ association and other disability groups, health professionals, local schools, Access Committee, and other stakeholders with an interest in inclusive design for walkability.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 53 Insurance obligations

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council undertake a request for tender, in relation to Council’s general insurance (excluding workers compensation) cover.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Howard/Byrne)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 2        Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 3), Operational Plan and Budget
         2024-25, and Long Term Financial Plan 2024-34 - Drafts for
         Public Exhibition

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

1. That Council endorse for public exhibition the:

a) Draft Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 3), Operational Plan and Budget 2024-2025 (including fees and charges 2024-25); and

b) Draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2024-2034

2. That Council receive a report of the public exhibition outcomes and the final draft plans for adoption at the June 2024 Council meeting.

3. That Council exhibit with the documents referred to in 1, a list of fees and charges that vary by more than 5% and an explanation of the reasons for the increase.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 3 Post Exhibition - Haberfield Development Control Plan

Motion: (Griffiths/Atkins)

1. That Council defer consideration of the amendments to the Comprehensive Inner West Control Plan 2016 for Ashbury, Ashfield, Croydon, Croydon Park, Haberfield, Hurlstone Park, and Summer Hill.

2. That Council advocate against the privatisation of Haberfield Army land by writing to the Minister of Defence, Minister for Finance, and the Federal member for Grayndler calling on them to make the land available for public housing.

3. That Council engage National Shelter to assist with our advocacy in making this land available for public housing.

4. That Council undertake public consultation on points 2 and 3.

Motion Lost

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

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

Foreshadowed Motion (Scott/Da Cruz)

1. That Council endorse the amendments to the Comprehensive Inner West Control Plan 2016 for Ashbury, Ashfield, Croydon, Croydon Park, Haberfield, Hurlstone Park, and Summer Hill as outlined in Attachment 2 for Haberfield to commence 30 April 2024.

2. That Council officers be authorised to make any minor correction amendments, including any minor errors, omissions, or inconsistencies prior to finalisation of the (Development Control Plan) DCP amendment.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)

That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 4.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 4 Post Exhibition - Good Neighbour Policy

Motion: (Scott/Byrne)

That Council adopt the Good Neighbour Policy, subject to the following amendments:

a) 1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to support the community’s live music venues, licensed premises, creative spaces, sporting clubs and commercial businesses by providing them with assurance that the Council takes a balanced approach to the coexistence of residents and businesses and will seek to keep premises operating wherever possible.

The policy specifically excludes construction businesses and the Development Assessment process as these have their own legal mechanisms and requirements that sit outside this policy.

The policy identifies the role of all stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, Council, and the Police in managing sound and activity in an urban environment as well as outline Council’s approach to amicably resolving these matters prior to taking any formal regulatory action.

b) 5. Objectives

Objective 3 – Compliance

Implement a consistent and adaptable regulatory response ~~to complaints~~ to manage amenity expectations

c) 6.1 Steps to take before lodging a formal complaint

2. Resolutions may involve minor changes to the premises operation such as closing certain windows and doors, lowering volume or advising a resident of when the entertainment is due to cease.

d) 6.2, as paragraph 3 add

If in the course of resolving a sound and activity management matter, Council officers become aware of other compliance issues the premises should be supported to keep operating as normal with a view to a coordinated approach in resolving all matters.

e) Replace all references to “noise disturbance”, “complaints” and “complaint handling” with language that references “sound and activity management” and note that the Director, Planning has delegated authority under clause 8 to make administrative changes to the policy that would make this language grammatically consistent and readable.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Crs Langford and Stamolis

C0424(1) Item 5 Post Exhibition - Iron Cove Creek Masterplan

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

1. That Council endorse the Iron Cove Creek Masterplan.

2. That Council endorse the preparation of grant funding submissions to upcoming external grant funding opportunities from State and Federal Government agencies for the Iron Cove Creek Masterplan.

3. That Council determine to spend $500k on designing aspects of the Iron Cove Creek way in the 2024-2025 budget.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Councillor Griffiths left the meeting at 9:27pm.

C0424(1) Item 6 Post Exhibition - Establishing an Alcohol Free Zone - Loyalty
Square Balmain

Motion: (Byrne/Drury)

1. That Council approve the establishment of an alcohol-free zone at Loyalty Square, Balmain for 1 year pursuant to Sections 642-648 of the Local Government Act 1993.

2. That Council receive a report back within 6 months on the alcohol-free zone established at Loyalty Square, Balmain.

3. That Council, in consultation with Woolworths, investigate options for redesign and placemaking interventions for the public space surrounding the memorial at Loyalty Square that could promote community pride in the area and discourage antisocial behaviour.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Griffiths

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the meeting at 9:29pm and vacated the chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith assumed the chair.

Councillor Griffiths returned to the meeting at 9:31pm.

C0424(1) Item 7 Post Exhibition - Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee
Scale Policy

Motion: (Smith/Scott)

1. That Council adopt the Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy.

2. That Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally and externally the adopted Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy.

3. That Council investigate the option to provide lockboxes for key collection and return at each venue for hire, and at a minimum ensure that keys for venue hire are available for collection and return at the nearest Council facility.

4. That a report be provided to Council on a 6-monthly basis detailing the utilisation of Council venues.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Byrne

C0424(1) Item 9 A Great Inner West Walk

Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

1. That Council endorse ‘A Great Inner West Walk’ in principle.

2. That Council convene a stakeholder meeting of external community active transport, pedestrian and environmental groups and Council’s Transport Advisory Committee, Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Environment Advisory Committee for their input to ‘A Great Inner West Walk’.

3. That Council convene an internal Project Control Group combining key staff from the traffic, transport, environment and communities directorates to manage the design and implementation of the walk.

4. That Council allocate the recommended funding in the 2024/25 budgeting planning process to studies and design work for the walk.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Byrne

Councillor Howard left the meeting at 9:42pm as he declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 - E-Scooter Trial - T3 Rail Line Closure as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport, and in that capacity has been directly engaged in work around the Temporary Transport Plan.

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, returned to the meeting at 9:42pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the Chair.

Procedural Motion (Atkins/Byrne)

That Council allow Clr Griffiths to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 10.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Howard

C0424(1) Item 10 E-Scooter Trial - T3 Rail Line Closure

Procedural Motion (Scott/Byrne)

That the Motion be put.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Crs Shetty and Stamolis

Absent: Cr Howard

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Lockie)

That Council defer consideration of the e-scooter trial pending a comprehensive temporary transport plan from Transport for NSW to support the final conversion phase, to be provided to the Council at the May 2024 meeting with Councillors to be briefed ahead of that meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Howard

Amendment (Griffiths/Atkins)

1. That in preparation for the rail closure, call on TfNSW to fund active transport and pedestrian safety measures including pop-up cycle ways.

2. That any future consideration of a e-scooter trial should have a catchment area that links the closed Dulwich Hill and Marrickville stations to both the T2 and T4 lines

Motion Lost

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

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stamolis and Tsardoulias

Absent: Cr Howard

Councillor Howard returned to the meeting at 9:51pm.

Councillor Smith left the meeting at 9:51pm.

Councillor Smith returned to the meeting at 9:57pm.

C0424(1) Item 12 Update - Main street Revitalisation Fund

Motion: (Scott/Byrne)

That Council endorse the following projects as recommended by the independent expert panel for the Main Street Revitalisation Fund for further refinement and engagement with the submitters of the projects:

a) All weather outdoor dining coverage in Marrickville and Leichhardt wards

b) Footpath Plaques in Marrickville and Balmain wards

c) Parklet Destinations across the LGA

d) Shopfront awnings in Balmain ward

e) Verge Greening across the LGA

f) Lighting Design Strategy across the LGA

g) May Street Upgrades, St Peters Triangle in Marrickville ward.

That work on all projects begin immediately commencing with an immediate activation workshop with the submitters.

That a detailed timeline for completion be provided to the May 2024 meeting.

That a public communication strategy about the projects be immediately developed and implemented, that promotes the projects with submitters and community business groups, and which includes a public announcement on final design approval and a public launch of each project.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment (Griffiths)

To replace point 1a with the following wording:

That ‘all weather outdoor dining coverage’, which is designed for private use by specific businesses, is not pursued at this stage and can be revisited alongside contribution arrangements to apply to relevant businesses. Alternatively, the earmarked funding can be contributed to other aspects of the Main Streets Revitalisation Fund.

The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder.

Amendment (Da Cruz/Atkins)

That Council ensure parklets have shade, shelter from rain and the installation incorporate bicycle racks.

Motion Lost

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

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

Amendment (Shetty/Stamolis)

That all Councillors be invited.

Motion Tied

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

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

The Chairperson used his Casting Vote against the MOTION and the MOTION was lost.

C0424(1) Item 13 FOGO Service - Monthly Update

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council allocate $30,000 from the domestic waste reserve to continue the sanitary items rebate in the 2024/25 budget.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 14 Options to Promote use of Town Halls

Motion: (Smith/Byrne)

1. That Council promote the use of Town Halls as creative spaces via social media, Council newsletter and banners on town halls.

2. That Council also directly write to the groups, organisations or individuals outlined below to promote the use of town halls as creative spaces and advise them of the new Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy:

a) creative, cultural and artistic groups, organisations, and networks based in the Inner West and neighbouring LGAs, including the Inner West Creative Network and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance;

b) groups and individuals who have previously hired a town hall for creative uses, participated in the pilot program, or attended the Arts and Live Music Recovery Summit; and

c) other creative, cultural and artistic groups and individuals who have performed at Council festivals and other events.

3. That the proposed total cost of $7,900 be allocated to this project through the third quarter budget review process.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Scott/Howard)

That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 15.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 15 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 March 2024

Motion: (Smith/Atkins)

That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 18 March 2024, subject to the following amendments:

a) London Street and Simmons Street, Enmore – Proposed Temporary Road Closure and Partial Road Closure to be deferred until the approval of a Traffic Management Plan by TfNSW, that this Plan address the potential increase to traffic in neighbouring residential streets and associated safety concerns, and that communication regarding the trial period and a contact for residents to provide feedback directly to council be letterboxed and displayed on the council website;

b) Amendment to signposted Car Share Vehicles spaces in the Inner West to be deferred pending further review of the signage especially the use of abbreviations; and

c) That Council defer the item 2 on Jaggers Lane, pending the outcome of the Land and Environment Court matter.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Drury/Byrne)

That Council allow Clr Scott to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 18.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion: (Drury/Howard)

That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 18.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 18 Outcome of Inner West Council's De-Amalgamation Business
Case

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council receive and note the report, and note:

1. On 9 December 2021 an optional, non-binding poll of inner west residents was conducted in conjunction with the 2021 local government elections, with a majority of respondents voting to agree that Inner West Council should be “de-amalgamated”.

2. On 8 May 2022 the newly elected Inner West Council committed to prepare a business case proposal for de-amalgamation.

3. A business case was prepared by an independent consultant, Morrison Low, and considered in draft and final form at the 13 September and 6 December 2022 Council Meetings.

4. The business case was approved by Council at the 6 December 2022 meeting and submitted to the Minister for Local Government with an additional independent risk report prepared by Ernst and Young, requested by Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, on 12 December 2022.

5. The covering letter to the business case clearly stated that if approved, the independently estimated costs of between $178m and $190m must be paid in full by the NSW Government.

6. The business case was referred by the Minister to the Boundaries Commission for review and recommendation on 16 January 2023.

7. The Boundaries Commission’s review included an independent analysis of the estimated costs, and the underlying data sources informing those costs, which was conducted by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and found that the costs would likely be even higher than the initial estimate at up to $200m, and would be borne by ratepayers through rate increases of between $224 and $471 per household per annum, or service cuts.

8. The Boundaries Commission recommended that the Minister not approve the business case.

9. The Minister wrote to the Mayor on 15 March 2024 advising that he has exercised his decision making powers under section 218CC(5) of the Local Government Act 1993 and determined to not approve the proposal put forward by Inner West Council for de-amalgamation on the basis that:

a) He is “not satisfied the Proposal creates three financially sustainable councils.”

b) “There is a community benefit in the existing Council continuing to provide local government services”.

c) The proposal “would likely reduce services, and would result in a significant financial burden on ratepayers”.

10. The Minister’s determination is final.

11. The Mayor released a public statement on 19 March 2024 accepting the Boundaries Commission’s recommendation and the Minister’s decision and inviting “all Inner West councillors to come together and commit to working to make the Inner West Council even more effective and progressive”.

Motion Carried

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

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

Confidential session

Procedural Motion: (Scott/Drury)

That Council Suspend Standing Orders and bring forward items 52, 54, 55 and 56 to be dealt with at this time and enter into Confidential Session.

Motion Carried

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

C0424(1) Item 52 RFT 22-23 - IWC Plumbing Contractors Panel 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.

C0424(1) Item 54 Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) Member (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.

C0424(1) Item 55 Licence to Wests Tigers for use of Leichhardt Oval (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.

C0424(1) Item 56 Update on the development of Affordable Housing on Council land (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.

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Lockie)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

resolutions passed during closed session

C0424(1) Item 52 RFT 22-23 - IWC Plumbing Contractors Panel

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

1. That Council accepts the preferred contractors/suppliers listed below as the successful tender respondents for the Plumbing Contractors Panel in the Inner West Council area, for a period of 3 years with an option for 1 + 1 extensions:

Tenderer

a) Flash Plumbing Services

b) Chips Property Trade Services

c) Aquest Plumbing Pty Ltd

d) Burn Plumbing Pty Ltd

2. That Council inform the unsuccessful tenderers of the resolution to decline to accept those tenders.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 54 Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement
Committee (ARIC) Member

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

That Council defer this matter to receive a Councillor briefing on the recruitment and appointment of members to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Smith)

That Council Suspend Standing Orders and bring forward Item 56 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 and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 56 Update on the development of Affordable Housing on Council
land

Motion: (Smith/Griffiths)

1. That Council approves the preparation and launch to the open market of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to review, and potentially select and enter into contracts with suitably qualified, experienced and capable Community Housing Providers (CHPs) to finance, develop, operate and manage affordable housing on up to three shortlisted Council-owned car park sites.

2. That the EOI for the development of affordable housing on shortlisted Council-owned car park sites include an obligation to maintain public car parking on site, to reflect current utilisation, in accordance with car park studies that have been undertaken.

3. That following the evaluation of the EOI for development of affordable housing on Council-owned car park sites, a report be brought back to Council detailing the outcomes of the process.

4. That Council notes the update on the development of affordable housing at Hay Street.

5. That Council approve the additional recommendations contained within Confidential Attachment 1.

6. That Council’s executive staff update the Council in confidential session every month on the progress of negotiations with Community Housing Providers and adjustment of any or all of the below development levers.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 55 Licence to Wests Tigers for use of Leichhardt Oval

Motion: (Byrne/Drury)

1. That Council as the Crown land manager of Leichhardt Park (D500207):

a) resolves to grant a licence of Leichhardt Park Oval No.1 to Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Pty Ltd (the Wests Tigers) for rugby league matches and training; and

b) authorises the General Manager or delegate to execute the licence.

2. That Council note the licence fee for the hiring of Leichhardt Oval on game day for the men's NRL team has been determined to cover the cleaning costs and other match day costs incurred by Inner West Council.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)

That Council Suspend Standing Orders and bring forward Item 23 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 and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 23 Mandatory Reporting to Council of Reports Received from
FRNSW

Motion: (Griffiths/Scott)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C0424(1) Item 19 Investment Report at 29 February 2024

Motion: Scott/Stamolis)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Smith)

That Council defer Items 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42 and 44 to the next Ordinary Council meeting on 21 May 2024.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Meeting closed 11:00pm

Public Speakers:

Item #	Speaker	Suburb
Item 1:	Alex Lofts	Summer Hill
Item 2:	Yashmin Lance	Marrickville
Item 3:	Emily Lockwood Brett Burton	Summer Hill Haberfield
Item 5:	Sarah Low Mareike Riedel Dr David K Wood	Croydon Croydon Ashfield
Item 15:	Edward Walsh Doug Rosser Martin Ellis Stephen Cheshire Huw Davies John Cox Rory Steinle-Davies Despina Langella	Balmain Enmore Enmore Balmain Balmain Enmore Birchgrove Enmore
Item 18:	Pip Hinman	Newtown
Item 29:	Sean Mulcahy Alastair Lawrie	St Kilda West Wollongong
Item 32:	Cynthia Nadai	Lilyfield
Item 37:	Brian Halstead Daniel Lahood Michele Hacking	Spit Junction Ashfield Rozelle
Item 39:	Brian Halstead Michele Hacking Pip Hinman	Spit Junction Rozelle Newtown
Item 45:	Gisele Mesnage	Ashfield
Item 51:	Cynthia Nadai	Lilyfield
Item 56:	John Engeler	Darlinghurst

Unconfirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 9 April 2024.

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 3

Subject: Public Exhibition - Draft Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2026

Prepared By: Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning Manager

Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council publicly exhibit the Draft Anti-Racism Strategy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Strategy.

2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Strategy 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:

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Development of the Strategy has been guided closely by the Reference Group appointed by Council which has met five times, three in 2023 and twice in 2024. It has also benefitted from input from Council’s Multicultural Advisory Committee, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee and the Inner West Multicultural Network. Feedback, requests and discussions with community and sector representatives have closely informed the design of the desk research, community engagement, survey and focus groups with a diverse range of residents and organisations: the key objective was to explore the lived experience of racism.

Secondly, Council undertook extensive research on the literature on reducing racism and addressing discrimination. It also consulted with experts at the Victorian Government and Victorian councils that had previous experience with developing such strategies, with the University of Western Sydney and the Australian Human Rights Commission, and with the Canadian experience in developing a national approach. The Australian Human Rights Commission engaged very supportively with Council’s development process, noting that Inner West is the only Council in Australia working on such a strategy.

The engagement on the lived experience of racism and research both support Council’s approach in the proposed draft strategy.

The draft strategy has been prepared with the input of more than 270 people through focus groups, and a survey completed by 120 people. The respondents are recommending initiatives and actions in four areas for inclusion in the Strategy:

1. Building social inclusion and contact: intergroup contact is an anti-racism approach that has been widely implemented and can occur directly in an individual’s social network, typically within a school, college, or university, and in workplaces and organisations.

2. Training and education: anti-racism training that aims to challenge racist behaviours and provides people with practical strategies and tools to identify and address bias, and structural inequality.

3. Communication and media campaigns: aimed at highlighting and addressing racist behaviour, promoted through media and online platforms, have been widespread. However, anti-racism campaigns demonstrate mixed results. Research and lived experience indicate that campaigns are effective when they highlight beliefs that underlie expressions of racism, challenge racism and promote anti-racism measures. Their effectiveness is usually over the long term.

4. Organisational development: Promoting practices that address discrimination and promote diversity include reviewing existing policies, plans, frameworks and recruitment processes, and creating a shared organisational vision, clear goals, measurable outcomes, and organisational accountability.

The Draft Anti-Racism Strategy attached is proposed for exhibition and is focused around the four themes outlined above. It has over 30 specific actions, including:

· Development of a customised training program to be delivered and evaluated over two years in collaboration with the University of Western Sydney based on the findings of the University’s Challenging Racism project

· Allocation of grant funding of $15,000 each year to local community organisations to commemorate the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination through self-determined activities and projects that support the objectives of the Anti-Racism Strategy.

· Establish Cultural Connections as an annual grants program for creatives from diverse backgrounds. This follows the successful pilot program during 2023/2024.

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 8 March 2022, Council resolved the following:

That Council:

1. Acknowledges racism exists in all communities and that councils have a role and responsibility to confront and eliminate it;

2. Develop a local Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy; and

3. Continues to host and/or support events on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

At the Council meeting held on 6 December 202, Council resolved the following:

That Council:

1. Work with the Inner West Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, Multicultural Advisory Committee, Inner West Multicultural Network and other Aboriginal and multicultural organisations within the LGA to develop the local Inner West Anti-Racism Strategy;

2. Convene a reference group to support development of the Strategy and ensure that lived experience of the people of the Inner West is reflected in its development. The Reference Group should include representatives from the following:

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee

· Multicultural Advisory Committee

· Inner West Multicultural Network

· Greek Welfare Centre Community Services

· Vietnamese Seniors Association

· Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council

· Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS)

· Italian Association of Assistance (Co.As.It)

3. Report back to Council in April 2023 on establishment of the Reference Group, it’s membership and progress on developing the Anti-Racism Strategy.

The development of the Anti-Racism Strategy aims to raise awareness of racism; to identify, support and foster programs to help reduce racism and promote inclusion; and to further empower our community to address and eliminate racism.

As requested by key stakeholders and resolved by Council, staff have engaged directly with people throughout the LGA to understand their lived experience of racism. Focus groups were held drawn from organisations represented on the Reference Group including people from Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese and Italian backgrounds, along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The focus groups involved up to thirty people each and where required several interpreters per group were utilised. These groups involved wide ranging discussions about the experience of racism for focus group members over the long period of their residence in Australia. This rich resource contributed particularly to the initial drafting of the online survey.

This initial engagement and Council’s online survey responses have demonstrated that the most common lived experience of racism in the Inner West is hate speech and verbal abuse. People report experiencing themselves or witnessing hate speech and verbal abuse very frequently and in some cases every day. People also experience discrimination based on their perceived race, threats or intimidation, bullying, negative attitudes and stereotyping, institutional racism, and property damage and vandalism. These experiences are all consistent with the lived experience reported by anti-discrimination agencies in their complaints data.

DISCUSSION

Who experiences racism?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a unique experience of racism, based on colonisation, dispossession, frontier violence and genocide. The Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at University of Technology Sydney is leading the Call it Out register that enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their friends to document their experience of racism. The picture that emerges is one of racism that is pervasive in every part of the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

People from diverse backgrounds also experience racism at high levels. The Australian Human Rights Commission 2022 National Anti-Racism Framework Scoping Report reported that 34% of people from diverse backgrounds had experienced racism based on complexion, ethnic origin, or religious belief within the last 12 months.

In summary, Inner West residents are experiencing racism on a regular basis, and these numbers suggest that strategies that approach the issue with greater care and focus are necessary to begin to address this insidious social issue in new or improved ways.

How the Anti-Racism Strategy was developed

Council appointed an Anti-Racism Strategy Reference Group to guide the development of this Strategy. The Reference Group has met four times and adopted an engagement plan that endorsed interviews and focus groups with individuals and representative residents, and of large-scale digital engagement and an online survey.

In its February 2024 meeting the Reference Group recommended that Council expand the focus groups and interviews with younger people, and this engagement has occurred with local high schools and at the Marrickville Youth Resource Centre.

In addition, Council engaged with expert respondents through its own Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Inner West Multicultural Network. Through the Multicultural Advisory Committee, the issue of caste related racism was raised, and included in the online survey.

Council also conducted focus groups with its own staff on their experience of racism in front line service delivery in its call centres, service centres and libraries.

More than 270 individuals participated in focus groups. Focus groups were held with more than 125 people from Chinese, Greek, Italian, and Vietnamese backgrounds, along with 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Focus groups for an additional 100 people younger people were held in two local high schools and among those attending Marrickville Police Citizens Youth Club.

These focus groups enabled staff to identify the themes that were included for the online survey. The survey was then piloted in written Cantonese and Mandarin and final changes made to ensure the clearest and most accessible questions. The survey was launched in late 2023 and closed on 29 March 2024. More than 120 people have responded. Overwhelmingly, respondents highlighted the importance of building and maintaining respect and equality as antidotes to racism.

In addition to targeted consultation via focus groups and survey, the social media engagement reached over 22,300 hit/views. More than 13,000 people viewed Council Facebook posts about development of the Anti-Racism Strategy and more than 2,000 people engaged with comments on these posts. 500 people clicked through to the online survey. More than 6,500 people viewed Council Instagram posts and 386 people engaged, including 160 people who were not following Council on the application.

Council also conducted focus groups with 27 of its own staff, from libraries, service centres and call centre. The most common experience of racism among these staff was observing racist exchanges between members of the public, followed by racism directed at Council’s own staff.

What Council has heard about the lived experience of racism?

A sample of the lived experience of racism being reported through this engagement includes:

· “After thirty years of not talking and being abusive our neighbors have recently become more friendly. This happened after I repeatedly invited them to my house and offered meals and a share in moments of celebration”.

· “I was walking my son to school. At the traffic lights he pressed the pedestrian crossing button. Some Caucasian ladies came up next to us and said we were dirty and shouldn't have touched the button. I didn't understand, but my young son did, and he translated for me.”

· “Several times on the footpath I have seen people change their path when walking towards me to avoid walking past me”.

· “I was in the lift with some staff, and we were talking in Vietnamese. I was yelled at by a woman who said ''speak in English" which I did and surprised her”.

In terms of the impact of racism in the lives of these respondents, they reported the following feelings:

· I have feelings of anger and anxiety

· I avoid crowds or places where I have had a bad experience

· I feel sad and hurt

· I feel it is best not to learn English, so I don't understand the insults.

Other respondents were confident in their rights and the protections offered in Australia. There was a recognition among respondents of the established legal framework for ensuring equality in Australia, including national and State anti-discrimination law and other legal protections against hate speech and vilification. There was also a confidence in the fact that Australia is an open multicultural society in which institutions, organisations, and schools play an important role in enacting equality and respect.

Council also continues to work closely with the Australian Human Rights Commission on its development of an Anti-Racism Framework for Australia.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There may be some financial implications of up to $120,000 associated with the implementation of some new actions proposed in the Strategy. Should the Strategy be adopted, these will be costed and considered during the 2024/25 budget process.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Draft Anti Racism Strategy 2024-2026
2.⇩	Engagement Outcomes Report

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 6

Subject: Policy Harmonisation and Local Democracy Group Terms of Reference Review

Prepared By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council adopt the draft Terms of Reference for Local Democracy Groups in Attachment 1.

2. That Council rescind the Community Engagement Policy and the Impounding Policy (Shopping Trolleys) in Attachments 3 and 4.

3. That Council endorse the review of the:

a) Busking Policy, with no required changes; and

b) Assessment of Proposals for Outdoor Advertising and Signage in Transport Corridors Policy, with minor administrative changes, in Attachment 6.

4. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Naming Policy and the draft Sponsorship Policy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Policies.

5. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Naming Policy and the draft Sponsorship 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

As part of the Policy Harmonisation Project, various Governance mechanisms/frameworks have also been reviewed, one being the Terms of Reference (ToR) for Local Democracy Groups (LDGs). Based on feedback from current external advisory groups of Council and consultation with internal stakeholders the ToR have been redrafted to encompass the current operating landscape of LDG’s and also include additional governance controls. It is recommended that the draft LDGs Terms of Reference be adopted.

The report also submits six policies to Council as part of Council’s Policy Harmonisation Project for consideration.

The following two Policies are recommended to be rescinded due to new legislation, being the:

· Community Engagement Policy; and

· Impounding Policy (Shopping Trolleys),

The following two policies are recommended for endorsement to remain the same with only minor administrative changes, being the:

· Assessment of proposals for outdoor advertising and signage in transport corridors Policy (minor administrative change); and

· Busking Policy (no changes).

Lastly the following two Policies have also been reviewed and redeveloped and are recommended to be placed on public exhibition being the:

· Naming Policy; and

· Sponsorship Policy.

BACKGROUND

Local Democracy Groups

The Inner West community has a strong desire for participation in Council’s decision-making. Council recognises that local knowledge, ideas and input from the community are essential to ensure Council’s decisions and actions improve community wellbeing and long-term sustainability. Council’s Community Engagement Strategy guides how Council engages with the community.

LDGs are part of Council’s Community Engagement Strategy. They consist of community members with subject matter expertise or lived experience, who are selected through an Expression of Interest process to provide input to support Council’s decision–making and actions. LDGs do not have delegation or decision-making powers, and membership is on a voluntary basis.

Policies

To date the policy Harmonisation Project has required an analysis of the last 6 years of Council Meeting records to find the formal adoptions and subsequent versions of policies; the sourcing of the correct versions of said documents and the development of new Council templates that provide appropriate Governance requirements moving forward. These incorporate, for example, version control history tables, standard and consistent administration and breaches clauses and consistent formatting/styles.

During 2023 and 2024, Policies have been and are being submitted to Council for review, exhibition or adoption. As a result of that review, the following Policies have been identified as either requiring no or minor administrative changes or are no longer relevant due to new legislation or being captured elsewhere.

DISCUSSION

Local Democracy Groups

LDGs provide advice and input to support Council’s decision-making and actions. Members, who are part of the Inner West community, volunteer their time to provide subject matter expertise and lived experience. These groups are facilitated by staff convenors, and Councillors and staff often attend meetings.

All LDGs support the development and implementation of Council’s key plans. Their role is to provide advice and input to support Council’s decision-making and actions. Their purpose is to support Council to implement the Community Strategic Plan through actions outlined in Council’s Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan.

The Terms of Reference for LDGs have been redrafted to encompass additional governance mechanisms, with a template that can be used moving forward for all our groups across Council.

The Terms of Reference now has headings around maintaining the integrity of the committees, channels of communication, available training, Conflicts of Interest and Model Code of Conduct requirements. Also included are acts of disorder and mutual respect clauses to align with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice and with Council’s values and mutual respect stance.

Lastly, some structure has been created regarding the appointment of members and filling vacancies, and also the appointment of Convenors and Chairs and the requirement that all Committees will have an identified Director (who may not be in attendance all of the time but takes ownership for the group). This is to provide Convenors with the appropriate support, in addition to Delegated Officers (General Manager and Senior Manager Governance and Risk) to manage any complaints, concerns and feedback providing all stakeholders with various channels to go to if assistance is required.

The below table outlines the key proposed changes in LDGs ToRs.

*Due to the changes made throughout the entire document, both documents (draft and original) have been provided with the specific changes identified in the table as opposed to via track changes due to readability.

Key proposed changes in LDG ToR
Current ToR	New draft ToR
Advisory Committees and Working Groups	All groups are called LDGs (no committees or working groups) removing confusion
No avenue for complaints or concerns escalation	Added delegated officers – Senior Manager Governance & Risk and General Manager
Term aligns with Integrated Planning & Reporting cycle	Term aligns with Council term
Purpose unclear about how recommendations go to Council Terms include input, advice and recommendations	Clarifies that input directly to a Council meeting is when Council resolves to receive such input The word ‘input’ replaces recommendations and advice
Model code of conduct applies to members	Model code of conduct strengthened for breaches
Timing of meetings - Usually meet 4-6 times - Held face to face or online as determined by each group - Meetings are not to be held on Tuesday nights to avoid clash with Clr briefings/meetings	Timing of meetings clarified - Minimum four annually and others as determined by members or Council - Clarifies hybrid attendance is also required - Tuesday night condition removed but will be managed internally with convenors
Selection process specifies selection by panel including three councillors and relevant Directors following EOI process; vacancies recruited ad hoc as required and approved by relevant Director	Selection process clarified and includes creation of an eligibility list to replace vacancies when a member resigns, and an annual recruitment drive for all LDGs with original panel reconvened (ensuring Councillor involvement is always included)
Number of members 8-15	Number of members – up to 10 and aiming for minimum one from each ward, where possible and appropriate to try to have whole of LGA representation
Roles – included Chairperson, Convenor, Member and Councillor	Role of Chairperson strengthened. No rotating chairs allowed. Process for documenting resignations and replacements clarified. Councillors – added that they should rsvp to Outlook invitation if they are attending, Convenor – amended to remove reference to recommendations Added roles for Council staff, External Participants and Delegated Officers
Meeting principles - Included general provisions	Meeting principles - Strengthened, particularly role of chair and clearly sets out LDG members and Council officers roles - New section on acts of disorder
Conflicts of interest - Required to declare	Conflicts of interest - New whole section on this and template for declaration
Voting process - Quorum was 50% + 1 or a set number of members	Voting process - By consensus of members or Chairperson has casting vote if needed - Quorum removed
Minutes - Published on Council’s website within 7 days of meeting	Minutes - Clarifies they must use minutes template provided, use contemporary minute-taking practice and be published on website 10 days after the minutes are confirmed through an out-of-session email circulated by the convenor and approved unanimously by all LDG members in attendance
Reporting - Quarterly to Council (in practice this has not occurred and been less frequent)	Reporting - Six monthly to Council
	New sections - Training - Communication - Complaints or Concerns - Breaches

Policies reviewed and recommended to be rescinded

Community Engagement Policy

It is recommended that the Community Engagement Policy be rescinded as Council’s commitment and approach to community engagement is set out in Council’s Community Engagement Strategy as required in Section 402A of the Local Government Act 1993. The current strategy was adopted in December 2022 and in accordance with the legislated timeframe is required to be reviewed by December 2024 following the local government election.

It is recommended that the Community Engagement Policy be rescinded as it is superseded by the aforementioned strategy.

Impounding Policy (Shopping Trolleys)

Inner West Council’s Impounding Policy (Shopping Trolleys) was developed in line with the legislative requirements of the Impounding Act 1993.

On November 1 2022, the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (Act) came into effect replacing the Impounding Act 1993, which was repealed on the same date.

Following the repeal of the Impounding Act 1993, the Policy was not aligned to the new legislation and it is recommended that the Policy be rescinded.

The reasons for recommending that the Policy be rescinded is that the scope of this Policy is limited to shopping trolleys. The areas of operation and complaints from the community within the Inner West is more weighted towards dealing with unattended motor vehicles. Therefore, it is believed that the Policy should be rescinded as the current legislation has the broader aspects itemised and with appropriate timeframes outlined.

The stated aims of the new Act are:

· stronger regulatory and enforcement powers to deal with property left unattended in public

· higher penalties for offences

· greater ability to recover regulatory costs from those responsible

· greater flexibility to temporarily store or care for unattended items and animals

· reduced costs for compliance and storage

· easier way to work with other authorities across jurisdictional boundaries

Summary of Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021

The Act classifies items that may be possessed by a person into three classes. Specific rules apply to each when determining whether they are ‘unattended’ under the Act.

Class 1 items – small to medium sized capable of ownership that can be ordinarily collected by one or two persons without the need for machinery to lift, tow or move them (e.g. baggage, personal equipment such as surfboards or kayaks that are not available for hire).

Class 2 items – items available for use by the public at large, whether or not on payment of a fee or other benefit, including as part of a sharing service (e.g. share-bikes and shopping trolleys).

Class 3 items – motor vehicles, including hire cars, caravans, trailers and boat trailers.

The NSW Government prepared infographics for each class of “Item’ which provide a comprehensive high-level overview of the powers and operation of the new Act, including penalties.

To assist Council in keeping the public domain free from obstruction the State Government has also established a Code of Practice for operators of shared services (Class 2 items) requiring that items be branded with Name and contact details and be in good working condition.

Policies reviewed with no significant changes required

Busking Policy

The Busking Policy has been reviewed by the Community Directorate who have determined that no changes are required, other than the transition into Councils new Policy template that provides the appropriate governance controls including version control history table, standard and consistent administration and breaches clauses, and consistent formatting styles. There has been no changes to the content of the Busking Policy outside of the template.

The Busking Policy has been reviewed and remains fit for purpose and in everyday use for issuing permits.

The Policy is attached, and it is recommended that Council endorse that it remains current with no changes required.

Assessment of proposals for outdoor advertising and signage in transport corridors Policy

The above Policy has been reviewed by the Planning Directorate and two minor administrative changes have been made.

The first is updated references from SEPP 64 to SEPP (Industry and Employment), and the second change is to combine maps in Appendix 2 to reflect Inner West as a whole (rather than a map for each of the legacy Councils). These changes are administrative in nature.

The Policy is attached and it is recommended that Council endorse that it remains current with the minor administrative changes implemented

Policies reviewed and recommended to be publicly exhibited

Draft Naming Policy

The purpose of this draft policy is to provide guidance and direction for the unambiguous, unique, and official naming of the following:

· buildings, facilities, and rooms

· parks and reserves

· public open spaces

· streets, roads, and laneways under its ownership or care and control of Inner West Council.

Names are important for navigation and wayfinding and are critical reference tools for the community. Names serve to identify historical and local significance and to reflect the Inner West’s aspirations, history, and values and to mark the important relationships between people and place. Names are most effective when they are unique. The draft policy serves to bring flexibility, pragmatism, and common sense to what can be a complex or challenging process. The draft policy seeks to strike the balance between being responsive to local need, while avoiding confusion and ambiguity.

This draft policy (Attachment 7) is intended to create policy harmonisation and to supersede the following policy documents (Attachments 8-12):

· Ashfield Council: Naming of Public Reserves 1998  

· Leichhardt Council: Naming of Roads, Parks, Reserves and Public Spaces 2014 and Naming of Public Places Aboriginal Names 1996 

· Marrickville Council: Aboriginal Naming Policy 2016 and Naming of Roads and Lanes Policy 2016.

The draft Naming Policy outlines Council’s approach to naming, renaming or dual naming Council owned or controlled:

· buildings, facilities and rooms

· parks and reserves

· public open spaces

· streets, roads, and laneways.

The draft policy describes principles for proposing, agreeing, and approving a new name; for changing a name; for naming previously unnamed locations; for joining up separated streets; for correcting anomalies; or where dual naming of places and buildings is considered.

The draft policy confirms Council’s commitment to recognising the Traditional Custodians of the Inner West and celebrating the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the area. This includes the potential use of Aboriginal language names and the recognition of significant Aboriginal events and culture in the public domain. The draft policy also introduces greater gender equity in naming, along with new recognition of the diverse nature of local communities.

This draft policy is brought forward as part of Council’s Policy Harmonisation Project which is driving the revision of out of date policies, in accordance with Council’s obligations to the NSW Audit Office and Council’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee. The legal authority the draft policy arises from both the Geographic Names Act 1966 and Local Government Act 1993. The previous policies and their intent have largely been included in the proposed draft.

Key amendments are outlined below:

*Clause*	*Change*	*Reason*
The Ashfield Naming of Public Reserves policy affirms the use of Guideline 5 of the Geographic Names Board of NSW Policy on the Determination of Place Names.	Included in the draft Naming Policy	The Geographic Names Act 1966 and regulations
The Leichhardt Naming of Roads, Parks, Reserves and Public Spaces Policy establishes a process for Aboriginal and other (dual)naming of streets and locations, including commemorating deceased person (particularly acknowledging the outstanding achievements of women)	Included in the draft Naming Policy	Resolution of Inner West Council and the Geographic Names Act 1966
The Leichhardt Naming of Public Places Aboriginal Names Policy establishes a policy preference for Aboriginal names to be considered first	The process for including Aboriginal names is included in the draft Naming Policy, however the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee do not support the pervasive use of Aboriginal names. Their preference is for careful selection to ensure dignity and gravitas.	Resolution of Inner West Council and the Geographic Names Act 1966
The Marrickville Aboriginal Naming Policy outlines a method of (dual)naming of streets and locations with Aboriginal names	Included in the draft Naming Policy	Resolution of Inner West Council
The Marrickville Naming of Roads and Lanes Policy establishes a process for Aboriginal and other naming of streets and locations	Included in the draft Naming Policy	Resolution of Inner West Council and the Geographic Names Act 1966

Draft Sponsorship Policy

The current Sponsorship Policy was adopted by Council in 2018 and is overdue for a review.

The revised Sponsorship Policy outlines the steps to be followed by Council when seeking to obtain or provide sponsorship and provides Council staff and Councillors with clear guidelines on how best to manage sponsorship arrangements.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a consistent approach to managing sponsorship across all sections of Council. The proposed updated Sponsorship Policy intends to provide a clearer and more streamlined document for reference when undertaking sponsorship arrangements on behalf of Council. The operational review of this policy has removed wording that was repeated or duplicated in the document and simplified the language, so it is easier to apply to operational decision making.

The policy addresses both Council’s sponsorship support of community or business activities as well as the circumstance where Council receives sponsorship for support of Council delivered activities. It covers both cash and in-kind support and provides an agreement template that all staff must use when attaining or providing sponsorship. It also outlines who has authority to approve sponsorship under financial delegation and what the processes are for seeking or providing sponsorship. Additionally, it addresses what are acceptable types of sponsorships providing clear direction to Council staff.

An operational review was undertaken to update the Sponsorship Policy, with several sections within Council provided with the opportunity to input into the review.

This Sponsorship Policy has been significantly edited to produce a more coherent and easier to read document. Ensuring that Council staff have policy details that are straight forward and clear to understand when negotiating sponsorship arrangements.

Given the significant editing of this document to ensure ease of understanding and reading, both the previous policy document from 2018 (Attachment 14) and the proposed version (Attachment 13) have been provided as part of this report in the Attachments. Duplication of detail has been removed within the updated document.

It is proposed to place the updated draft Policy (Attachment 13) on public exhibition for 28 days and report back to Council for adoption, including any submissions received during the public exhibition period.

Key amendments are outlined below:

*Clause*	*Change*	Reason
6	Added	Excludes companies whose main business is the extraction or sale of coal, oil or gas, or sale of other socially harmful products – based on Council resolution 9 Sept 22
7	Amended Approvals Schedule	To reflect Staff financial delegations
8	Removal of need to advertise sponsorship opportunities	Opportunities of sponsorship are promoted through Council website
Attachments	Removal of documents referenced in Policy	No longer relevant to policy

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Draft Terms of Reference Local Democracy Groups
2.⇩	Current Local Democracy Group ToR Template
3.⇩	Community Engagement Policy
4.⇩	Impounding Policy - Shopping Trolleys
5.⇩	Draft Busking Policy
6.⇩	Draft Assessments of Proposals for Outdoor Advertising and Signage in Transport Corridors Policy
7.⇩	Draft Naming Policy
8.⇩	Aboriginal naming policy 2016 - Marrickville
9.⇩	Naming of roads and lanes policy 2016 - Marrickville
10.⇩	Naming of public reserves 1998 - Ashfield
11.⇩	Naming of public places aboriginal names 1996 - Leichhardt
12.⇩	Naming of roads parks reserves and public spaces policy 2014 - Leichhardt
13.⇩	Draft Sponsorship Policy
14.⇩	Current Sponsorship Policy

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 10

Subject: State of Local Manufacturing

Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning

Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council undertake a high-level review of the Employment and Retail Lands Strategy (EaRLS) to consider impacts of COVID, employment zones reforms, and recent changes to the strategic framework and policy settings.

2. That Council undertake preliminary engagement, including a RoundTable, with the community and businesses to:

a) better understand the on-ground challenges and opportunities for these business sectors

b) inform the implementation of the below EaRLS employment lands actions to:

i. retain a diversity of industrial land, urban services land and employment generating uses

ii. develop a monitoring system for the ongoing review and effective management of industrial land supply

iii. develop planning controls ensuring floorspace is flexible and adaptable

3. That Council investigate cost effective funding opportunities to celebrate the industrial history of Inner West and support local manufacturing as outlined in this report.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:

3: Creative communities and a strong economy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In December 2023, Council resolved to receive an update on the state of local manufacturing in the Inner West no later than May 2024. Council officers have prepared a Council report for 21 May 2024 meeting which responds to this Council resolution.

The findings highlight that there is a critical need to ensure that employment lands in the Inner West are appropriately managed and further work is required in the strategic planning and economic development areas of Council to better support our employment lands.

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following:

1. That Council request officers consider and report on the state of manufacturing in the Local Government Area (LGA), with a report coming back to Council no later than May 2024.

2. Council requests officers include the following information:

a) statistical data and trends on the number and diversity of registered manufacturers, manufacturing jobs and economic input to the local community from local manufacturers;

b) prevalence of light industrial and industrial zoning in the Inner West LGA and pressures on employment lands;

c) ways that Council supports local manufacturing and the protection of employment lands;

d) opportunities to deepen support for local manufacturing; and

e) opportunities to recognise and celebrate the industrial history of the Inner West.’

DISCUSSION

Inner West has over 300 hectares of employment zoned land which is highly concentrated in Marrickville, Sydenham, and Tempe, with Figure 1 below showing the distribution of key employment areas.

The employment lands in the Inner West are recognised in the State Government’s Eastern City District Plan as a key component for servicing the two ‘trade gateways’ of Sydney Airport and Port Botany. The larger employment precincts, such as Marrickville-Sydenham play a substantial role in supporting the cultural and creative production sector of the Inner West, serving both local and regional needs.

Industrial zoned land is required for more than manufacturing, with industrial and urban services playing an important role in providing relevant goods and services for the community. Industrial lands refer to areas zoned for uses like manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and other industrial purposes, while urban services refer to a range of industries that typically operate in employment precincts for the convenience of the local community. The different types of uses in industrial zoned land are discussed in the below Table 1.

Figure 1: Diversity of floorspace in employment precincts Inner West Employment and Retail Lands Strategy (EaRLS)

Statistical Data and Trends

The Inner West LGA supports 20,403 local businesses (ABS 2023) and provides 74,368 jobs (NIEIR 2022) of which 38,248 number of jobs are industrial and urban services. The most recent data demonstrates that the LGA has contributed to over $12 billion (economic.id) in Gross Regional Production (GRP) in 2021/22, which represents 1.83% of the Gross State Product (GSP).

The following graphs and tables provide a snapshot of data and trends on the number and diversity of jobs and economic input to the local community from the different types of industrial and urban service businesses.

Industry	Inner West 2021-22	Inner West 2021-22 (%)	Greater Sydney 2021-22 (%)	Change 2016/17-2021/22
Manufacturing	5,044	6.8	6.2	-813
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services	121	0.2	1.1	+13
Wholesale Trade	1,747	2.3	3.0	-955
Retail Trade	8,718	11.7	9.3	+512
Accommodation and Food Services	5,402	7.3	6.0	-740
Arts and Recreation Services	1,849	2.5	1.6	+62
Construction	6,776	9.1	8.9	-62
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services	1,364	1.8	1.8	-24
Transport, Postal and Warehousing	3,472	4.7	5.1	+299
Other Services	3,755	5.0	3.8	+103

Industry	Number of registered businesses
Manufacturing	759
Arts and Recreation Services	802
Construction	2,306
Retail Trade	1,408
Accommodation and Food Services	1,113
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services	2,410
Transport, Postal and Warehousing	962
Other Services	902

Table 2: Employment numbers in industrial and urban services (economid.id, 2023)

Table 3: Number of registered businesses in the Inner West (economid.id, 2023)

Figure 2: Inner West - Value Added by Employment lands (total) 2021-22

Figure 3: Inner West - Value added in Manufacturing (total) 2021-22

*Value added by industry (Figure 2 and 3) indicates business productivity in the Inner West Council area.

Target Industries

Inner West Council adopted the Employment and Retail Lands Strategy (EaRLS) in September 2020 which identifies the below specialist target industries for the Inner West employment lands:

1. Specialised Food Manufacturing

Specialised food manufacturing is identified as a target industry in the Inner West (Eastern City District Plan- Action 13: “Supporting growth of targeted industry sectors, including industries that support a circular economy”), especially in the Marrickville-Sydenham industrial area and Carrington Road Precinct.

2. Biotechnology: Camperdown Precinct

Camperdown is an industrial area that provides affordable employment options for industries, researchers and creatives. This area has been identified as the health and education precinct as part of Tech Central to support the adjacent Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney. It is identified as a potential location for med-tech and biotech start-up companies due to its proximity to the CBD, good arterial road access and large industrial floorplates.

3. The cultural and arts sector - Carrington Road Precinct

Clothing manufacturing is identified as the largest specialisation, with an employment rate of 3.6 times higher than the Sydney average in 2021/22 (economic.id). Visual arts and crafts professionals are the largest group in the creative and cultural sector with a share of employment 3.8 times higher than the Sydney average.

Over-represented Industries**	LQ*	Over-represented Occupations**	LQ
Clothing Manufacturing	3.6	Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals	3.8
Jewellery and Silverware Manufacturing	3.3	Music Professionals	3.2
Creative Artists, Musicians, Writers and Performers	3.3	Authors, and Book and Script Editors	3.1
Professional Photographic Services	2.1	Clothing Trades Workers	2.8
Watch and Jewellery Retailing	2	Fashion, Industrial and Jewellery Designers	2.3

Table 4: Local employment comparison to benchmark average (economic.id)

*LQ (Location Quotient) refers to how many times more the share of employment in that industry or occupation is locally compared to the benchmark average.

**Over-represented refers to industries or occupations with numbers that have exceeded expectations and infers a specialisation in the area

4. Urban Services

Most employment precincts in the Inner West provide urban services specifically for local residents. Larger employment precincts, such as Marrickville-Sydenham, Princes Highway Enterprise Corridor and the Parramatta Road Corridor, also have capacity to serve a broader regional economy.

5. Microbreweries

In recent years, microbreweries have gained steady attraction in the Inner West. Whilst they bring a vibrancy to the areas, particularly for the night-time economy, there is the potential that increased numbers of microbreweries can result in a shift from traditional industrial uses and manufacturing to retail and hospitality uses within certain precincts. This poses a challenge with regards to the management of employment lands.

Pressures on Employment Lands

There has been a loss of industrial and urban services land within the Inner West LGA in the past few decades. This is part of a wider trend occurring across Inner Sydney with industrial and urban services land being lost to commercial and residential development as well as major infrastructure projects such as WestConnex. This is likely to continue as a result of rezoning proposals which are at various stages in the approvals process.

The projected demand for industrial and urban floor space further compounds the supply constraints. The supply of floorspace in employment precincts is currently 1.77 million sqm with a projected demand of around 1.99 million sqm by 2036. This indicates a potential additional demand for 217,000 sqm to respond to population growth in the Inner West. Overall, the projections demonstrate that there is likely to be a shortfall in capacity in the Inner West LGA of around 432,540sqm by 2036.

Below points outline the pressures on employment lands in the Inner West:

· Current housing crisis poses a significant pressure on employment lands with a push to rezone these lands to residential uses. Examples of recent residential and commercial conversions in industrial zoned lands are:

- Flour Mills in Summer Hill transformed from industrial land to residential uses;

- Kolotex and Labelcraft sites in Leichhardt along George and Upward Street rezoned from industrial to residential uses

- Bays Area, previously industrial, transformed into Rozelle parklands

- Balmain Road site where residential uses have been introduced on industrial zoned site by the Department of Planning though Rezoning Review pathway

· Approval of rezoning and redevelopment of industrial and urban services land for incompatible uses can create instability for businesses as a result of business displacement, reduced floor space supply, and speculative behaviour by property owners who expect a future rezoning decision

· Rising inner city land values generate speculative development pressure, shortened lease terms and affordability issues

· Businesses on short lease terms or in locations close to land being rezoned have less confidence to invest or expand, due to the potential for displacement in the future

· Major infrastructure projects, such as the Sydenham to Bankstown Metro, threaten to reduce available employment lands

· Industrial lands within the Parramatta Road Corridor are expected to be rezoned to residential uses such as in Taverners Hill precinct (e.g. Lords Road, Best & Less sites)

· Bays West Precinct urban renewal will result in loss of some industrial zoned land

· Challenges in balancing the growth of microbrewery and artisan food production establishments which compete with the traditional manufacturing and industrial uses.

· Fragmentation of land reduces the diversity of parcels available to the market and the long-term ability to adapt to changing requirements.

EaRLS Actions to Support Industrial and Urban Services Land

Council’s EaRLS, as adopted in September 2020, includes a series of strategies and actions to ensure a vibrant, thriving and productive local economy. Some of these actions have already been implemented, whilst there is further strategic work required to implement other actions. The below strategies and actions are listed in EaRLS to encourage the growth and management of employment lands:

1. Industrial and urban services lands are protected and managed

Strategy 2.1: Build on the existing and evolving roles and functions of employment precincts to strengthen the local economy

Strategy 2.2: Protect employment lands from being eroded by conflicting and incompatible uses

Strategy 2.3: Retain a diversity of industrial land, urban services land and employment generating uses

· Sub-Action 2.3.1: Establish a minimum subdivision lot size of 10,000sqm (including restricting strata subdivision) in IN1 General Industrial zone (now E4 General Industrial) to reduce further fragmentation. This zone currently has a good diversity of lot sizes that provide opportunities for various sizes of businesses. Protecting the larger lots from further fragmentation, secures a pipeline of diverse land parcels to cater to changing industry needs.

· Sub-Action 2.3.2: Implement a Council monitoring system for the ongoing review and effective management of its industrial land supply

Strategy 2.4: Floor space is flexible and adaptable

· Action 2.4.1: Review development standards for land zoned IN1 - General Industrial and IN2 - Light Industrial (now E4 General Industrial and E3 Productivity Support) and consider the potential for increases in or removal of height and/or floor space standards where feasibility studies demonstrate that this is required for redevelopment for industrial purposes – locations where this might be appropriate having regard to the predominant uses, existing scale of development, feasibility of development. Noting that there will be urban design considerations.

Strategy 2.5: Maximise employment outcomes when negotiating outcomes from urban renewal/infrastructure projects

Strategy 2.6: Manage the growth of artisan food and drink industries

2. Spaces for business are suitable and available

Strategy 3.1: Key corridors are prioritised for urban services and industry clusters

Strategy 3.2: Strengthen employment role in mixed use development

Strategy 3.3: Support the transition of Camperdown into a health, education and innovation precinct including a biomedical and biotechnology hub

Strategy 3.4: Support innovation, culture and creative industries

3. The planning framework is clear

Strategy 4.1: Provide certainty and clarity to businesses

Strategy 4.2: Manage land use conflicts between employment and residential uses

Opportunities to Support Local Manufacturing, Employment Lands and Celebrating the Industrial History of Inner West

Council provides support to industry and local manufacturing sectors to be socially and environmentally conscious through partnering with government and industry to advise and support businesses for improved sustainability performance. This includes information on issues such as rainwater tank rebates and renewable energy. Nevertheless, businesses when looking at expanding their manufacturing spaces have advised anecdotally that they struggle to find a suitable property within the Inner West employment and industrial lands.

The local economy is still facing great uncertainties in this rapidly changing environment. The impacts of COVID-19 pandemic still linger. There are signs of global economic slowdown with businesses and industries being impacted across the LGA.

There are opportunities for Council to support local manufacturing and industries in strategic planning and economic development areas. However, this requires Council to better understand the current challenges and opportunities for different business groups, including workers, entrepreneurs, investors, consumers, visitors and other participants in our economy, face in this new economic environment.

It is noted that Council’s statistical data as included in EaRLS is out-of-date as it uses the 2016 census data and will have to be updated to consider the impacts of COVID which have resulted in major supply chain disruptions and consequential impacts on businesses. Investigation of better ways to collect relevant data (examples used by other Councils such as City of Sydney include floorspace and employment survey, business needs survey etc.) to build a strong ongoing evidence base which will help further support these sectors is underway.

The following summarises a project plan for the review of the Employment and Retail Lands Strategy;

· Undertake a high level review of EaRLS to consider COVID impacts, employment zones reforms, and recent changes to the strategic framework and policy settings

· Prepare a discussion paper regarding the status of employment lands in the LGA and the opportunities to support local manufacturing and industries

· The discussion paper to include Council’s intention to implement EaRLS actions 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.4.1 regarding retaining diversity of employment land and providing flexible and adaptable employment floorspace. This work will require a planning proposal in the future to implement any associated LEP and DCP changes.

· Undertake preliminary consultation with the community and businesses on this discussion paper to collect data which will help better understand the challenges and opportunities for these business sectors

· Preliminary community engagement include a Roundtable with this sector to engage on what Council could work on to better support them

Additional opportunities to recognise and celebrate industrial history of the Inner West:

The following are being explored to create an opportunity to celebrate Inner West industrial history:

· Production of a short video that highlights icon manufacturers that have been operating in the LGA. This can be used on a range of social media platforms to celebrate the sector.

· Design of a certificate of recognition to be given to manufactures that have been operating in the LGA for over 25 years.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The strategic review of EaRLs can be accommodated within the existing resources of the Planning Directorate.

Additional opportunities to recognise and celebrate industrial history of the Inner West are being appropriately costed and will be put forward as part of the budget planning process as they are finalised.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 14

Subject: Review of Youth Library Engagement

Council at its meeting on 09 April 2024 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 21 May 2024.

Prepared By: Caroline McLeod - Senior Manager Libraries

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:

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In November 2023, Council resolved that Officers survey young people about their interactions with the library and a report be provided to Council on the number of young people that engage with Council’s libraries, the way young people engage with Council’s libraries and opportunities to strengthen engagement with young people.

Inner West Libraries engage with children and youth via the provision of physical and on-line collections, programs and events, Wi-Fi, public computers and safe spaces. Since amalgamation, the number of programs with a youth focus has increased by 155% and participation in regular programs by young people continues to increase.

Since 2022, over 200 young people have been formally surveyed on-line and face to face about their interactions with the library. The survey results reveal that young people visit the libraries to read and study, borrow from the physical and online collection, use the space to meet with friends and attend a program. Survey responses emphasised the provision of group study space as a key priority for young people in our community, particularly during the peak exam periods like the HSC. Whilst the physical space cannot be increased, library staff now open more spaces specifically for study during the periods and this has been very successful.

The survey results have also informed the delivery of expanded youth programming. At the end of each program, young people are now invited to provide feedback and make suggestions for future programming themes and activities so that staff can better target their specific interests.

Library staff are using this evaluation data to identify opportunities to strengthen programs for young people. This includes the success and significant increase in participation in Young

Creatives and other co-designed programs over the past year.

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 21 November 2023 (C1123(1) Item 34), Council resolved the following:

1. That Council review existing ways our libraries engage young people in our community, particularly those aged 10-19, and consider ways to deepen this engagement through:

a) Library events and programming;

b) Accessibility of community spaces;

c) The diversity of book and printed collections;

d) Availability of digital and other materials, including films, music and video games;

e) The process of obtaining a library card and whether it presents barriers to young people accessing our libraries;

f) Connecting with other council services to establish integrated programs for young people, including community nurseries, community centres and aquatic centres;

g) Investigating opportunities for intergenerational programming;

h) Examining ways our libraries specifically engage young people from marginalised communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the LGBTIQA+ community, and young people with disability; and

i) Collaboration with schools, youth organisations and other services targeting young people in our local community.

2. That Council undertake detailed consultation with young people in our community, especially those aged 10-19, on ways we can make our libraries more responsive to their needs and interests, including on the matters raised in point 1.

3. That as part of this consultation:

a) Conduct a survey of young people aged 10-19 on ways to improve engagement with our libraries, including surveying existing young library users and young people through schools and local youth organisations;

b) Widely publicise the survey through social media, printed posters and flyers, and through inclusion in the Inner West Community News;

c) Consult with local organisations working with young people, including schools, the PCYC, sports clubs, arts organisations and others; and

d) Consult with the Young Leaders Working Group.

4. That Council report to Council no later than April 2024 on:

a) Existing ways our libraries engage with young people;

b) Data on the number of young people engaging with our local libraries; and

c) Opportunities to strengthen the engagement with young people through our libraries, including but not limited to the matters raised in point 1.

DISCUSSION

Inner West Libraries engage with children and young people through the provision of physical and on-line collections, customised and age-appropriate programs and events, Wi-Fi, public computers and safe spaces.

The provision of library programs is categorised by age to ensure developmentally appropriate delivery, as well as co-design with young people themselves wherever possible.

The library service has two full time librarians dedicated to working with children and young people. They are responsible for the development and delivery of programs, with additional support provided by the programming and operational teams. The Youth Librarian’s role encompasses library programming for the ages of 12-24 years and the Children’s Librarian is responsible for ages of 0-14 years. The librarians consult with children and young people in developing their programs via ongoing evaluations of library programs, the analysis of survey results and face to face engagement.

The Council resolution requests information about engaging with and service delivery for young people from the ages of 10-19. Based on available data and current work practices, this report will focus on the delivery of programs and services for primary school and high school children as:

· Library programs are grouped into the following age categories: 0-5 years, 5-12 years and 12-24 years, with further breakdowns in age categories depending on the activity eg some activities may be suitable for ages 12-14 years or 15+ years etc to ensure that programming is developmentally appropriate and meets the interests of children and young people;

· the Library Management System breaks down the membership into three categories junior 0-12 years, youth 13-17 years and adult 18+ years.

Library membership

The table below provides a breakdown of library membership by age categories and compares this with the 2021 Census data for the Inner West LGA, as well as the percentage of library members. This data indicates that as part of the upcoming membership drive, the plan should include a focus on targeting and encouraging primary and high school children to join the library.

Census data categories	IWC Census data 2021	Library Membership categories	Library Membership categories and percentage of total members	Percentage of library members against the IWC population*
Babies and pre-schoolers (0-4)	9,148 (5%)	Junior (0-12) Including Schools & Child Care Centres	6,217 (7.5%)	28.7%
Primary schoolers (5-11)	12,454 (6.8%)	Junior (0-12) Including Schools & Child Care Centres	6,217 (7.5%)	28.7%
Secondary schoolers (12-17)	9,624 (5.3%)	Youth (13-17)	3,912 (4.7%)	40.6%
Tertiary education and independence (18-24)	14,187 (7.8%)	Adult (18-24)	6,341 (7.6%)	45.6%

Library events and programming

1a) Programs for Children (aged 5-12)

In 2022/23 the library service delivered 81 regular programs or special events to 2,224 children.

The children’s activities are designed to promote an enjoyment of libraries and link to the library’s collection. The activities are inclusive, recreational and/or educational in nature, promote lifelong learning and are appropriate for age and abilities. Activities include:

· after school, weekend and school activities for ages 5-12 (depending on the program these may be further broken down into age categories such as 5-8 years)

· online school webinars for local primary school students

· Book Week competitions, including short story writing competition for children in Year 3-6. In 2023, the library received 1,500 entries into the book week competition

· reading literacy programs.

1b) Youth programs and events

In 2023/23, the library service delivered 102 youth programs to 2,332 young people.

The number of youth programs has increased 155% since amalgamation. For example, in 2017 / 2018 the library service delivered 40 youth programs. This increase is the result of an internal review that identified that there was a disproportionate number of programs/activities delivered to children under aged five, and very little for the youth audience. The Public Library Statistics 2021–22, Public Library Services NSW indicate that in comparison to other NSW councils, Inner West delivers the second highest number of youth focused programs and has the highest number of attendees. Council staff continue to benchmark against other Councils in improving services.

Youth programs reflect rich internal and external partnerships and have a focus on original programming that responds to and reflects our diverse community. The library programming team adopts a “nothing about us without us” approach when developing and delivering programming for young people from marginalised communities, working closely and consulting with appropriate Council officers, advisory and advocacy organisations, and relevant community representatives to ensure authentic perspectives are incorporated.

Since 2017, a main engagement the library uses to collaborate with Youth is the Young Creatives, an annual competition in art, writing and filmmaking that engages youth 12-24 years across all Councils’ libraries. The program connects young people to library collections, provides opportunities to develop creative skills in a competitive environment and identifies and connects young people to develop as content creators and access paid employment opportunities (winners in the 19-24 category return to run peer to peer workshops.

Young Creatives experienced a period of rapid growth and change in 2023. With a view of increasing engagement with young people, there was an internal budget adjustment (within Community Services) that resulted in the introduction of the additional film category and resulted in the library receiving a record 421 overall entries in 2023, a 75% increase on entries from 2022. Further opportunities to extend the content and reach of this Award-winning Council initiative will continue in 2024.

The process of obtaining a library card and whether it presents barriers to young people accessing our libraries

Joining an Inner West Library is free to all residents in Australia and there is no minimum age for joining. There is a potential barrier for young people joining the library for access to the physical collection, as young people under the age of 16 years require the authorisation of a parent or guardian in person. To collect a library card, the parent is required to visit the library so that identification can be viewed (this is the case with all library memberships). Parental consent is also required as the library’s collection contains adult content and monitoring the reading, listening and viewing of young people under 18 rests with parents and guardians. To ensure that there are minimal financial barriers to membership, there are no fines for the return of late items. Members are required to pay for lost or damaged items. There is also a free library app that makes the borrowing and reserving of book titles easy and convenient, and the app is slowly replacing the physical library card, particularly as a preference for young people.

In 2022, Council engaged with young people to gain insights into their use of the library and the service. One hundred and fifty young people responded to the survey who advised the following:

· weekends are the most popular time to visit the library (33%), followed by school holidays (23%) and weekday evenings (19%)

· young people visit the library to conduct homework or research (24%), to enjoy the space (17%) and borrow materials (17%)

· 33% had attended a library program

· young people are interested in activities / events that relate to creative writing / art workshops (24%), followed by study support (20%) and life skills (14%) and book / comic clubs (14%)

· young people like to read youth fiction (13%), fantasy (10%), graphic novels (10%) and non-fiction (10%).

Another example of a recent engagement tool was held in March 2024 where a group of young people were invited to a young creatives “takeover meeting’”. This was a brainstorming / dreaming session where the group suggested programs to run in the library for the July 2024 school holidays. The group designed the programs and in some instances, it was proposed the attendees would deliver the program they suggested. These ideas from the session are being implemented.

The youth librarian often attends or liaises with Council’s Youth Advisory Group to discuss or seek their feedback on upcoming initiatives. For example, as part of the development of the Children and Youth Strategy, Council’s Social and Cultural planning team have recently engaged with 300 young people. The preliminary data assessment indicates a positive sentiment towards Inner West Council and many highlighted libraries as valuable for both academic support and social interaction amount young people.

Opportunities to strengthen the engagement with young people through our libraries.

Council’s investment in library infrastructure combined with the increase in library programming and allocation of library funds to youth programs has resulted in a significant increase in the library’s engagement with young people since 2023.

The delivery of a successful library service is a universal challenge as there are often conflicting priorities when servicing diverse community need and demographics eg quiet space vs spaces for group study, the allocation of space for shelving and the collection vs programming space vs a dedicated youth area. The library service has prioritised flexibility in its design and programming themes to enhance services for young people. The most prominent example of this flexibility in practice is the annual allocation of all available library programming spaces for group study use during the peak HSC period (Sept-Nov), when study space is at capacity. Marrickville library alone receives up to 13,000 visits a week.

Communicating with young people is an ongoing challenge and an opportunity for improvement. Young people’s preferred method of communication/social media is TikTok. In keeping with other government agencies, Council does not post on TikTok. The library currently uses Instagram, Facebook, digital screens in the library and across Council services, the library e-newsletters and posters in schools to promote the services of the community.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with this report. All current programs for children and young people are delivered consistent with the adopted 2023/2024 budget.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 17

Subject: Rozelle Parklands - Master Planning Update and Asset and Long Term Financial Estimate

Prepared By: David Paton - Engineering Services Manager and Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology 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

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report provides Council with an overview on progress and activities with respect to the Rozelle Parklands. Planning and design works are required for ancillary support facilities, notably car parking, traffic calming, cycle facility planning and pedestrian safety and an Expression of Interest is in preparation for management of the sporting uses in the Parklands.

This report also provides an outline of the ongoing annual cost to Council of taking on care, control and management of the Rozelle Parklands, prior to accepting the $20 million investment being offered by the State Government and committing to take on this asset.

Upon Council taking on the care, control and management of these open space assets in Rozelle Parklands, Council is responsible for the operational maintenance and capital renewal of the parkland. On the basis that only the two sports fields are handed over to Council in Year 1, the required budget for Year 1 has been determined to be $119,617. The average budget from Year 2 onwards has been determined as $656,069, which incorporates the relevant elements of the parkland.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of recent Council resolutions which provide the key background and direction for this report.

At the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following in part:

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.

4. That as part of the Plan of Management process, the following key considerations are included in the project brief: a) the provision of adequate car parking facilities around the perimeter of the Rozelle Parklands on Lilyfield Road, including the provision of bus bays to support ongoing school sport and access; b) a review of accessibility provision to both parklands; c) consideration of the need for accessible and safe connections with Easton Park; d) consideration of an all-weather playing surface at either Easton Park or the Rozelle Parklands; e) provision of dedicated dog off leash spaces in both Easton Park and the Rozelle Parklands; and f) Integration of the masterplan with the Lilyfield Road cycleway.

8. That Councilors 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.

At the Council meeting held on 12 February 2024, Council resolved the following in part:

4. That Council commit to delivering a new all-weather surface for the benefit of local sporting clubs, at one of the four locations previously resolved, using the funding provided by the NSW Government as compensation for the removal of such a facility from the final adopted plans for Rozelle Parklands.

At the Council meeting held on 9 April 2024, Council resolved the following:

2. That Council receive a report to the May 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting on the progress of the Rozelle Parklands Masterplan.

3. That Council reserve the $20 million funding envelope received from the Minister of Transport until the Rozelle Parklands Masterplan has been finalised.

4. That Council consult with local sporting clubs to understand their future needs and possible requests for access to the fields.

DISCUSSION

Plan of Management and Master Planning Works

The development of Plans of Management, master planning and community engagement for both Easton Park and the Rozelle Parklands is planned to commence in May 2024. External Landscape master planning services have been commissioned to assist with the master planning and plan of management preparation for both Easton Park and the new Rozelle Parklands. The draft masterplan will be brought to Council in August and pending the decision of Council will then be formally exhibited. It is anticipated that the masterplan will be brought to Council for adoption by the end of 2024.

In accordance with the previous Council resolution the following key considerations will be included in the project brief:

· The provision of adequate car parking facilities around the perimeter of the Rozelle Parklands on Lilyfield Road, including the provision of bus bays to support ongoing school sport and access;

· A review of accessibility provision to both parklands;

· Consideration of the need for accessible and safe connections with Easton Park;

· Consideration of an all-weather playing surface at either Easton Park or the Rozelle Parklands;

· Provision of dedicated dog off leash spaces in both Easton Park and the Rozelle Parklands; and

· Integration of the masterplan with the Lilyfield Road cycleway.

Community feedback to date has been positive with significant support for the new parkland facilities and constructive feedback on future projects. Key themes which emerged as part of the engagement process include:

· Better connections (improved pedestrian and cycling linkages into, through and around the Parklands)

· Improved amenities (suggestions for new, more or higher-quality items in the Parklands)

· Shade (suggestions including trees and shade structures)

· Playground (suggestions for improvements, particularly water play and shade)

Council has recently written to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) in relation to the cycle link in the vicinity of the Parklands and the Iron Cove Bay Run. Council has also corresponded with TfNSW indicating acceptance of a funding grant under Get NSW Active 2023/24 Program. This grant will assist in progressing the design of the Lilyfield Road Cycleway. The cycleway concept was originally challenged by Council due to the lack of holistic planning by TfNSW in the vicinity of the Parklands. Subject to the outcomes associated with master planning for the parklands, this project can then be progressed commencing with an appropriate detailed design.

Rozelle Parkland Sporting Ground Use

Council is currently negotiating a license agreement with TfNSW for community access to the sports fields within the parklands. Noting that lighting of the sports fields to facilitate winter training needs has yet to be completed, access for community sports will be limited to competition use only. To facilitate winter competition and use by local sporting clubs it is proposed to undertake the following initial works:

1. Rozelle Parkland-Rectangle Sports Field -Install Soccer goal and permit winter soccer only.

2. Oval Sports Field - Install Dual posts for AFL and Rugby Union/league as required.

In addition to the above Council officers will also commence work on an advertised Expression of Interest Process to enable future summer and winter use of the two new sports fields. Upon the completion of the Expression Of Interest process applications for seasonal sporting use will be assessed and future allocations issued on an evidence-based needs approach and in line with Council’s adopted Sporting Grounds Allocations Policy.

Cost of care, control and management of the parklands

Consultants were engaged to prepare a lifecycle funding plan to provide Council with an understanding of the future funding needs associated with accepting responsibility of the open space park assets, in Rozelle Park.

The lifecycle funding plan aims to forecast future funding needs to address the costs of maintaining, operating, renewing, and replacing these park assets over their expected lifecycle; and highlight ongoing liabilities of maintenance, repair, and replacement. Budgeting for these expenses avoids asset deterioration and service disruptions.

The plan has been prepared on the basis that Council only takes on care, control and management of the two sports fields in Year 1, with the remainder of the open space added from Year 2 onwards.

Council will need to negotiate a care, control and management agreement with TfNSW, to determine exactly which areas and assets will become the responsibility of Council from Year 2.

The key assets that are expected to be included in the agreement are the two sports fields, open space areas, amenities building and change rooms (not yet constructed), pathways and playground.

The key assets that are expected to be excluded from the agreement are the pedestrian bridges over City West Link, buildings and structures related to the motorways, wetland, open stormwater channel along City West Link and the boundary fencing.

The cost of construction for each of the assets being handed over was not available from TfNSW and hence it was necessary to calculate the asset replacement cost, by developing asset unit rates.

The unit rates were developed using the 'first principles' approach. The ‘first principles’ method of calculating unit rates involves identifying all costs associated with constructing the various assets such as the asset design profiles, asset use/location, excavation and reinstatement costs, design, and supervision. Some data sources have included published rates such the Rawlinson’s Construction Handbook, actual rates for similar work undertaken by Council’s Operations team and/or actual rates for similar work undertaken by contactors for Council.

Operational Costs

Operational activities include service delivery items such as, utilities expenses, watering and mowing sports fields and park areas. Some of these activities require plant and equipment to deliver the service, which are either purchased via the capital program or leased. Operational activities also include proactive and reactive inspections, undertaken by in-house technical staff and/or specialist contractors.

Operational costs have been sourced from Council staff who manage like activities. These costs have been reviewed by the consultant (as per Attachment 1) and are within benchmark ranges for similar like councils who provide similar services. The operational service and costs are proposed are as follows;

Sports Fields Level of Service

The oval shaped sports fields is planned to be serviced as follow:

· Mowing – 70 times a year (as per sports field standard)

· Line marking application and paint – 30 times a year (as needed for sporting use)

· Fertiliser program (minimum once a season) – as needed for pending hours of use

· Cover and uncovering wicket – seasonal change over

· Topdressing (minimum once a year)

· Goals post removal and installation (sporting changeovers – twice a year)

The rectangular sports field is planned to be serviced as follow:

· Mowing – 70 times a year (as per sports field standard)

· Line marking application and paint – 30 times a year (as needed for sporting use)

· Fertiliser program (minimum once a season)

· Topdressing (minimum once a year)

· Goals post removal and installation (sporting changeovers – twice a year)

· Open space and Landscape Level of Service

This site holds significant maintenance scopes for open space grassed areas, path, playground and site surrounds cleaning and landscape/garden bed maintenance. This is planned to be serviced as follow:

· Ride on mowing – 26 times a year

· Detail mowing works – 17 times a year

· Litter collection and playground cleaning – minimum of 104 times a year (twice a week)

· Path cleaning (blow down) – 52 times a year – once a week minimum

· Mulching garden beds – twice a year

· Herbicide application in garden beds (weed spraying) –12 times year (monthly)

· Garden bed maintenance – 12 times a year (monthly)

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance is the broad description that encompasses the minor works necessary to keep assets on their expected life-cycle path. Failing to carry out necessary maintenance when it is required will result in assets deteriorating faster than expected.

The methodology applied to the Asset Lifecycle Plan to determine maintenance costs, considered the total replacement cost of each asset class at its present value, and allocated a percentage of the asset base replacement cost to maintain these assets, to ensure that they achieve their intended useful life design profiles. The percentage allocation applied is between 0.5% - 2% depending on the asset class, based on best practice.

Capital Costs

All assets within Rozelle Parklands were assumed to be in very good condition, as they were built in 2023, with useful life estimated for all assets.

Unit rates for renewal or replacement of assets were developed using “first principles”. Data sources included published rates such the Rawlinson’s Construction Handbook, actual rates for similar work undertaken by Council’s Depot and/or actual rates for similar work undertaken by contactors for Council.

Capital costs have also been identified to purchase plant and equipment to support the operational activities.

Annual Costs for Management of Rozelle Parklands

Item	Year 1 - Management of sports fields only	Annual Cost to Council (including year 1)
Operational Costs	$119,617	$449,784
Maintenance Costs	Nil	$72,295
Capital Costs	Nil	$133,990
Total	$119,617	$656,069

The NSW Government has set aside $250,000 for master planning for the Rozelle Parklands and a funding envelope of $20 million will be made available to Council for the delivery of items identified through the master plan.

Upon inheriting and assuming ownership of the open space assets in Rozelle Park, the estimated value is $10.22 million. The works undertaken as a result of preparing the comprehensive 20-Year Asset Lifecycle Management Plan reveals that a total allocation of $656,069 is required each year to effectively manage these assets over a 20-Year lifecycle.

The estimated costs to Council each year are included in the attached report (Attachment 1).

On the basis that only the two sports fields are handed over to Council in Year 1, the required budget for Year 1 has been determined to be $119,617. The average budget from Year 2 onwards has been determined as $656,069.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Upon transfer of this land the annual cost impact to Council will be on average $656,069 per annum. Council’s Long Term Financial Plan has sufficient surplus in future years to cover these costs.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩

Rozelle Park Asset Investment Planning report

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 29

Subject: Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Service

Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager

Authorised By: Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report details the current contractual arrangements for the provision of catering service of food and beverage for events held at Leichhardt Oval including Wests Tigers NRL matches.

In the short term, prior to the next NRL match to be held on the 15June 2024, a number of improvements are being implemented including increasing the number of service staff, bars and outlets and the provision of additional portable toilets.

Council is intending to launch a tender to market for Leichhardt Oval Catering Services in July 2024 to ensure a new contract is in place prior to the start of the 2025 NRL season.

The new contract is being developed in consultation with key stakeholders including West Tigers Rugby League Club and will include a Service Level Agreement with key performance indicators (KPI’s). These KPI’s will be used to monitor and manage the Contractors performance and ensure the catering services are delivered to an agreed standard.

The new contract will include a requirement to utilise local (Inner West) suppliers including breweries and food trucks.

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 9 April 2024, Council resolved the following:

1. That Council officers provide a report to the May Council meeting on:

a) the current contractual arrangements for food and beverage services at Leichhardt Oval.

b) advice on the procurement process including the timing and next opportunity to enter into a new contract; and

c) recommendations to improve the service delivered in the short term under the current and future contracts before any long-term changes are made under the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan.

2. That the report explores all possible opportunities to improve the Leichhardt Oval experience including specific food and beverage staffing and infrastructure recommendations; and advice on the possibility of supporting the local brewery and hospitality industry by inviting them to have pop-up outlets at Leichhardt Oval under future contracts.

DISCUSSION

Current contractual arrangements for catering services

Leichhardt Oval catering services were contracted to Total Event Management Services Pty Ltd (Contractor) through a competitive tender with the contract commencing 1 February 2016.

The Contractor continues to provide the catering services as per the terms and conditions of the contract whilst a request for a new contract for food and beverage services contract is being prepared to launch to market.

Under the terms and conditions of the contract, the Contractor shall:

· provide Catering Services at all Events at the Oval with a minimum expected crowd of 200 or more in the public area.

· have exclusive catering rights for the provision and sale of food and beverages (alcohol and non-alcoholic) to persons attending events at the Oval, both those in the public area and those in the corporate Area, and any associated services in accordance with the contract.

· provide and manage all the mobile public outlets, including kiosk, food trucks and temporary sale outlets, and manage the in situ Latchem Robinson Grandstand bar, Scoreboard bar and South Hill bar.

· provide all fridges and cooking equipment to the outlets and bars.

· provide Catering Services from Public Outlets for the attendees at Events, such services to be of a nature, quality, variety and quantity, at times (including before, during and after the Event) and at prices to patrons commensurate with the type of Event and commensurate with catering at similar functions, events, matches and other events at similar venues to the Oval, and as set out in the Contractor's Tender.

· hold a liquor licence issued by NSW Liquor and Gaming

Revenue share arrangement

As part of the terms and conditions of the contract with the Contractor, Council receives a percentage of the gross revenue from:

· sales of food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in public and corporate areas,

· satellite orders made by hirers i.e. match officials, team officials and their back of house staff.

· sublicence fee or site fee charged by the Contractor to the sub-licencees, holders or operators of all Concession stands (food trucks).

Liquor Licence

As part of the terms and conditions of the contract, the Contractor holds the liquor licence for Leichhardt Oval which is considered a licensed venue and is governed by NSW Liquor and Gaming. This includes:

· excluding patrons who BYO alcohol,

· the requirement to station Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Officers, provided by security, at each bar and ensuring bar staff have RSA accreditation.

· The provision of free water, light and mid strength alcoholic options, and

· monitoring the crowd’s behaviour, and in conjunction with security and police making decisions around reducing can limits.

Leichhardt Oval, unlike other sporting venues, through good Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) practices maintains the ability to sell full strength alcohol as canned beverages i.e. it is not required to transfer into plastic cups and a four can per person limit has continued to be maintained.

Tender process for new contractual arrangements for food and beverage services

Council is intending to go to tender in July 2024 for a new contract for Leichhardt Oval Catering Services to commence prior to the 2025 season.

Tendering documents are being prepared with the assistance of an external venue management and operations specialist consultant, who will also provide independent support for the evaluation of the submissions received.

Council is working with the Wests Tigers Rugby League Club and other regular users to ensure the standard of service and corporate offerings meets the individual users’ requirements and is benchmarked against that which is provided at comparable and bigger NRL stadiums.

The planned tender timing will ensure sufficiently time to prepare for the kick off of the 2025 NRL season.

The new contract will consider the opportunities for improved catering services as a result of lessons learned from previous major and minor events and feedback received from West Tigers and other users.

Opportunities for improved catering services

Impact of near capacity crowds on Match Day

On 23 March 2024, the NRL Wests Tigers played their Round 3 match at Leichhardt Oval during which time attending fans experience reduced service, including long queues for alcoholic drinks and to a lesser degree food.

Contributing factors to this reduced service experienced by fans included:

· a near capacity crowd (Wests Tigers announced 15,990), with restricted pedestrian flow throughout the venue and subsequently the ability to easily access F&B outlets;

· a late walk up, with the majority of spectators arriving 30 mins or less prior to kick off and a rush to the food and beverage outlets prior to the start of the game;

· insufficient crowd control barriers to manage queues at the outlets complicated by multiple food trucks and toilet queues competing with each other.

Following the match, a stakeholder debrief was undertaken with representatives from Council, catering, security, and Wests Tigers. This has resulted in further development of the Major Events Management Plan detailing how these issues will be resolved moving forward for the remaining matches in 2024.

It is noted that the level of service is not impacted for minor events with crowds of less than 10,000. Since round 3, Leichhardt Oval has hosted multiple matches including the Sydney FC semi-final (28 April 2024) with a crowd of 7,063 and significantly less outlets open and has not experienced any issues with the food and beverage service.

Short term actions

The following actions have been agreed and will be put in place by the Contractor including:

· the number of bar service points (square eftpos / cash registers) in bars and staff will be increased.

· The Contractor has purchased additional square registers to be utilised at the next NRL match in June increasing the number from 13 to 22

· Eftpos only lines to be added at bars to speed up service

· An additional bar will be installed at the south west and north west corners of Leichhardt Oval. All other remaining bars will have extra service points added.

· Additional catering staff and RSA officers will assist with directing queuing lines, and

· Multiple food trucks will continue to add food variety to NRL matches, including Japanese, American burgers, Pizza and Middle Eastern food trucks as well as donuts and ice-cream vans.

The following actions have been agreed and will be put in place by Council including:

· Additional council staff to assist with the management of the oval on the day

· Additional crowd control barriers positioned to assist with queuing

· Additional portable toilets to be provided to reduce lines for toilets

Opportunities for the new contract

Leichhardt Oval, particularly for those attendees on the hill, relies heavily on contractors supplying temporary and semi-permanent kiosks, bars and food trucks. It is considered that purpose built semi-permanent facilities, designed by a retail food consultant, that are focused on fast service and maximising space, would improve the patron experience, and this will be considered in the new tender process.

Service Level Agreement

To ensure an effective and efficient catering operation and service delivery for both parties, a Service Level Agreement is being developed to be included within the Catering Contract for Services.

The Service Level Agreement will used to manage the Contractors obligations and focus on continuous improvement by establishing performance measures, industry benchmarks and good governance framework.

Through the Service Level Agreement regular meetings will be held with the Contractor to discuss monthly reports and any identified issues or concerns raised by either party or the users.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) will be developed and used to evaluate the Caterer’s performance. KPI’s will include but not be limited to the following:

a) Patron and hirer satisfaction as measured by independent surveys.

b) Catering commissions exceeding projected commissions payable

c) Achievement of non-event day function targets and budgets

d) Compliance with Liquor Licensing laws and other statutory requirements

e) Responsible alcohol management with respect to patrons

f) Use of Local suppliers of Food and Beverage including availability

g) Efficiency in ensuring patrons are served in a timely manner

h) Development of, and provision of compliance documentation with, the site Food Safety Plan

i) Compliance with Electrical and Fire and Emergency Management Laws and Regulations

j) Standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the designated catering areas on an ongoing basis

k) Adherence to venue operational policies

l) Adherence to related industrial relations frameworks and legislation

m) Levels of consultation and co-operation with Council and Hirers

n) Maintenance of Caterer’s equipment

o) Meeting Council’s reporting frameworks and timelines, and

p) Availability of staff to meet event demand requirements.

Opportunities for local suppliers

Leichhardt Oval has a focus on providing opportunities for local providers including Inner West breweries.

As a response to the unique Inner West crowd, in recent years, craft beer and food trucks have been added to the food and beverage offerings. Patrons have been able to enjoy local craft beers including Young Henrys since 2020. At other times Wayward, Four Pines and Fat Yak has been sold to offer variety in the addition to the standard options. The new catering contract will include a provision to ensure this continues.

Leichhardt Oval also has the ability to provide patrons with food options with the placement of food trucks. In addition to the standard stadium food, food trucks can continue to provide Japanese, American style burgers, Pizza and Middle Eastern as well as donuts and ice-cream vans.

The new catering contract will contain provisions to include a minimum number of food trucks with a variety of offerings for major events, include a requirement to support the use of local suppliers for food and beverage supply.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

In addition to Council’s existing operational budget to support match day, Council will be providing additional portable toilets for the remaining 2024 NRL games at a cost of approximately $5,000.

The financial implications for a new contract for the Leichhardt Oval Catering Services will be tabled to Council for consideration when the procurement process has been undertaken later in 2024.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Council Meeting

21 May 2024

Item No: C0524(1) Item 66

Subject: Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report

Prepared By: Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works

Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Major Capital Projects Committee meetings held on 25 March 2024 and 22 April 2024.

2. That Council replace Councillor Shetty on the Major Capital Projects Committee with Councillor Atkins until September 2024.

3. The Major Capital Projects Committee Terms of Reference be updated to reflect the change in point 2 above.

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.

This report also updates membership.

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.

From May 2024 until September 2024, Councillor Shetty has requested that Councillor Atkins replace her on the committee.

DISCUSSION

To formalise the proposed change for Clr Atkins to be on the Committee rather than Clr Shetty, the following recommendations are made to this report:

- That Council replace Councillor Shetty on the Major Capital Projects Committee with Councillor Atkins until September 2024.

- The Major Capital Projects Committee Terms of Reference be updated to reflect the changes above.

Major Capital Projects Committee meetings are 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.

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 March 2024 and April 2024 are confidentially attached, there was no meeting held in February.

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
No	Description	Budget	Budget	Schedule
1	Callan Park Swim site	$200,000
2	Newtown - Lord St Trunk drainage duplication	$690,000
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	Not Used
13	Not Used
14	Lambert Park synthetic field replacement	$2,000,000
15	Not Used
16	Main Street Local Placemaking	$1,180,000
17	Camdenville Park Upgrade	$6,580,000
18	Not used
19	Petersham Town Hall upgrade works	$2,120,000
20	Newtown Town Hall renewal works	$3,315,315
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	Not Used
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.

ATTACHMENTS

Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting Minutes - 25 March 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; 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 April 2024

Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting Minutes - 22 April 2024 - Confidential

Support (Yes or No)	Public Exhibition Comment/Explanation	IWC Comment
Unsure	General complaint about the style in which the policy document is written	Feedback noted and considered. No changes are recommended to the Community Gardens Policy

Ward	Item
Baludarri (Balmain)	Jane Street, Balmain - Proposed Adjustment to ‘No Stopping’ Restriction
Baludarri (Balmain)	Alberto Street, Lilyfield - Proposed Kerb Extension
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Boomerang Street, Haberfield - Pedestrian Crossing Line Markings
Midjuburi (Marrickville)	Illawarra Road, Marrickville Near Thornley Street - Proposed Upgrade Of Existing Pedestrian Crossing
Midjuburi (Marrickville)	Wells Avenue, Tempe - Proposed Relocation Of Existing Marked Parking Bay
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Lewisham Street, Dulwich Hill - Proposed one-way (westbound) restriction
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Hercules Street, Fox's Lane & Drakes Lane, Ashfield-Temporary Full Road closures (ENRC/2024/0016) 'Culture X Ashfield Music Festival' - Sunday 8 September 2024
Damun (Stanmore)	Nil.
All Wards	Nil.

Retailer
Supermarkets	3 external patrols daily	7 days a week between 9am -7pm
Major Fruit & Veg retailer	1 external patrol daily	7 days a week between 9am-7pm
Lifestyle Superstore	1 external patrol daily	7 days a week between 10-4pm

Incident	Location	Species	Inspection pre incident	Type	Assessment/ Action on incident
Dec 2023	Simpson Park, St Peters	Hills Fig	December 2021	Whole Tree	Tree removed within 2 days. Inspection of adjacent trees found no further works were required.
Dec 2023	Leichardt Bay Run, Lilyfield	Grey Gum	July 2019	Branch	Tree removed, with all other trees along the pathway inspected resulting in 16 dead hazardous trees being removed.
Jan 2024	Lambert Park, Leichhardt	Podocarpus	July 2019	Whole Tree	Council removed the tree and inspected all adjacent trees to determine if any others posed a risk. No other trees were removed at that time.
Feb 2024	Easton Park, Rozelle	Hills Fig	December 2021	Branch	Tree and all others in the row inspected and deadwood removed. Works completed in April 2024.
Apr 2024	Darling Street, Balmain	Eucalyptus	January 2024	Whole tree	Pre-failure inspection observed that the tree was on a lean, however, saw no evidence of root plate instability. The SES and Council attended immediately and removed tree.

Key Process Steps	Customer Experience KPI	Data collection to report against KPI	Financial Year 23/24 Jul to March
Pre DA Minutes	Letter sent within 10 days of meeting	System configuration to report on this is underway	-
Submit DA on Planning Portal to Lodgement in T1	100% Within 10 days (Maintain current average of 7.5 calendar days)	Reporting available	83% within 10 days Average 6 days *The above figure includes the time waiting for additional information for applications where requested by Council.
Call Applicant and/or Property Owner to advise responsible officer for the DA	100% Within 10 days of allocation. Introduction, explain process, answer questions and case manage the process	This practice has been implemented and is the subject of individual staff 1:1 with their team leader– a reporting tool is being configured
Neighbour Notification posted	100% Within 7 days following payment of all fees	Configuration changes as part of the DA Process Improvement and technology configuration changes to amend the DA process to enable the KPI to be achieved (March 2024)	70% within 14 days 25% within 10 days 13% within 7 days
Internal referrals obtained	80% response within 14 days	New dashboard has been rolled out – reporting is now available	76% within 26 days 52% within 14 days
Site inspection	100% inspections are recorded on the council record. Site inspections are a legislative requirement, (exceptions are modifications or following a pre-DA as a site visit has already been conducted) – so site inspections are occurring.	Improved data collection and reporting is in development – system configuration required	Site inspections occur 100% of the time however 78% recorded in system Technology solution is underway now that the revised business process is complete
Acknowledgment of receipt of submissions	100% of submissions received are acknowledged in writing Current process exists - automated	Completed	Automated response - 100% of submissions acknowledged
Automation of progress update of significant milestones	Change in assessment officer (within 5 days)	This is currently occurring however there are no reporting mechanisms and is reliant on manual advice by new officer or Team Leader	Automation of this step is a new project not yet commenced
	Following the outcome of the acceleration panel (within 5 days)	A new step – not automated – reliant on manual advice by assessment officer	Automation of this step is a new project not yet commenced
	Upon completion of a reassessment of amended plans (within 5 days)	A new step – not automated – reliant on manual advice by assessment officer	Automation of this step is a new project not yet commenced
	Application exceeds 85 days (within 5 days)	A new step – not automated – reliant on manual advice by assessment officer	Automation of this step is a new project not yet commenced
Determination	Median within 85 days	Based on current KPI	85 days

1.⇩	Quarter 3 progress report on Operational Plan 2023/24
2.⇩	March Quarterly Budget Review Statement

1.⇩	Inner West Council Community Gardens Policy
2.⇩	Inner West Council Community Gardens Guidelines

1.⇩	Approximate electronic boundary for Trolleys map 1
2.⇩	Infographic for shared services

1.⇩	Main Street Revitalisation Project Plan
2.⇩	Main Street Revitalisation Communication Strategy

1.⇩	Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - March 2024
2.⇩	Inner West Council Investment Report - March 2024

Sources and tonnes of CO₂^-e 2022/23
Sources of Emissions	Scope 1	Scope 2	Scope 3	Total tonnes CO₂^-e
Refrigerants	153.18			153.18
Natural Gas	1,465.97		372.68	1838.65
Fleet Vehicles Diesel	1,375.62		337.52	1,713.15
Fleet Vehicles Petrol	700.23		178.11	878.34
Fleet Vehicles Ethanol	0.12			0.12
Fleet Vehicles Biodiesel	3.37			3.37
Electricity	0	0	0	0
Water			67.10	67.10
Paper			16.29	16.29
Equipment			48.92	48.92
Food and catering			908.83	908.83
Postage			72.52	72.52
Taxis, Uber and Community Bus			3.44	3.44
Waste to landfill			283.24	283.24
Green waste			12.76	12.76
Air travel			4.58	4.58
Total tonnes CO₂^-e	3,698.49	0	2,305.99	6,004

Year	No. VPAs	Cash Value $m	Non-Cash Value $m	Total Year $m	Notes
2017-2018	Nil	-		-
2018-2019	6	$5.35m	$21.3m	$26.65m
2019-2020	1	$1.045m	$1.95m	$2.995m
2020-2021	2	$2.01m	$3.5m	$5.51m
2021-2022	Nil	-	-	-
2022-2023	3	$0.17m	$2.338m	$2.508m
TOTAL	12	$8.575m	$29,088m	$37,663m