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AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2024
6:30 PM
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Live Streaming of Council Meeting
In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. By speaking at a Council meeting, members of the public agree to being recorded and must ensure their speech to the Council is respectful and use appropriate language. A person who uses defamatory, discriminatory or offensive language may be exposed to liability for which Council takes no responsibility. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded.
Council meetings are streamed live on Council’s website. This allows our community greater access to Council proceedings, decisions and debate.
Pre-Registration to Speak at Council Meetings
Members of the public must register by 2pm of the day of the Meeting to speak at Council Meetings. If you wish to register to speak please fill in a Register to Speak Form, available from the Inner West Council website, including:
Are there any rules for speaking at a Council Meeting?
The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:
What happens after I submit the form?
You will be contacted by Governance Staff to confirm your registration. If you indicated that you will speak online, you will be provided with a link to the online meeting. Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Chairperson on the night of the meeting.
Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.
Accessibility
Inner West Council is committed to ensuring people with a disability have equal opportunity to take part in Council and Committee Meetings. At the Council Chambers at Ashfield, there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5536.
Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.
Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.
“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.
An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.
Statement of Ethical Obligations
The Mayor and Councillors are bound by the Oath/ Affirmation of Office made at the start of the Council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Inner West Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.
It is also a requirement that the Mayor and Councillors disclose conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
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AGENDA |
Volume 1 of 2
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies and Request for Remote Attendance
3 Notice of Webcasting
4 Statement of Ethical Obligations
5 Disclosures of Interest (Part 4 (Pecuniary Interests) and Part 5 (non-pecuniary conflicts of interest) of Council’s Code of Conduct)
6 Moment
of Quiet Contemplation
7 Confirmation of Minutes Page
Minutes
of 25 June 2024 Council 7
8 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
9 Condolence Motions
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
11 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C0824(1) Item 1 Draft Council Submission - Greater Sydney Parklands and Callan Park Plan of Management 34
C0824(1) Item 2 Public Exhibition - Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036 44
C0824(1) Item 3 Post Exhibition - Naming Policy 107
C0824(1) Item 4 Post Exhibition - Anti-Racism Strategy 120
C0824(1) Item 5 2024 Inner West Council Annual Grants 148
C0824(1) Item 6 Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations Proposed Program 182
C0824(1) Item 7 Arts and Music Recovery Plan - Bi-Monthly Update 184
C0824(1) Item 8 EV Public Charging Infrastructure - Bi-Monthly Report 187
C0824(1) Item 9 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024 192
C0824(1) Item 10 Customer Service in Development Assessments - Bi-Monthly Report 231
C0824(1) Item 11 Sustainability support for Inner West schools 258
12 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C0824(1) Item 12 Quarter four - Progress report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023/24 260
C0824(1) Item 13 Investment Report at 30 June 2024 352
C0824(1) Item 14 SXSW Sydney 411
C0824(1) Item 15 Inner West Cycling Update 413
C0824(1) Item 16 Pathway to a Safer Cooks River Walking and Cycling Trail 421
C0824(1) Item 17 Rezoning of Leichhardt Bowling Club 430
C0824(1) Item 18 FOGO Monthly Update - August 2024 432
C0824(1) Item 19 Stopping the Spread of Tobacconist and Vape Stores 437
C0824(1) Item 20 Direct Employment of people with a disability - Bi-monthly Report 482
C0824(1) Item 21 Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 487
C0824(1) Item 22 2023-2024 Annual Disclosures of Interest and Designated Persons Disclosures of Interest 489
Volume 2 of 2
13 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0824(1) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Invasion of Gaza and illegal occupation of Westbank - Council’s investments and procurement relationships in relation to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign 612
C0824(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: No Net Dwelling Loss Rules 616
C0824(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Electric Vehicle Charging Locations 617
C0824(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Railway Parade, Annandale 619
C0824(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: St Peters Interchange Contamination 620
C0824(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: Sister City Relationship with Bethlehem 668
C0824(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Gambling Harm Minimisation 670
C0824(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: Proposed Callan Park Swim Site Water Quality and Public Safety 675
C0824(1) Item 31 Notice of Motion: Supporting and Growing Reuse and the Inner West Circular Economy 677
C0824(1) Item 32 Notice of Motion: Supporting Visual Artists and Writers to find Affordable Spaces to Work in the Inner West 680
C0824(1) Item 33 Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility 683
C0824(1) Item 34 Notice of Motion: Two New all-weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park 684
C0824(1) Item 35 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety on Brighton Street, Petersham 686
C0824(1) Item 36 Notice of Motion: West Street and Railway Terrace Intersection 688
C0824(1) Item 37 Notice of Motion: Lewisham Town Centre Upgrade 689
C0824(1) Item 38 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossings on Marrickville Road 690
C0824(1) Item 39 Notice of Motion: Pollys Club 691
C0824(1) Item 40 Notice of Motion: Taxis and abandoned vehicles in South Marrickville 692
C0824(1) Item 41 Notice of Motion: Rubbish in Tempe Reserve, Tempe; Peace Park, Marrickville; Sydenham Green and the Amy Street Playground, Marrickville (Henson Park) 693
C0824(1) Item 42 Notice of Motion: Callan Park Playing Fields 694
C0824(1) Item 43 Notice of Motion: Hinsby Park and Piper Street North and South 696
14 Questions From Councillors
ITEM Page
C0824(1) Item 44 Question on Notice: Relationship with HP/ Hewlett Packard 697
C0824(1) Item 45 Question on Notice: Housing Reforms and Impact on Council Revenue 699
C0824(1) Item 46 Question on Notice: Development Application Update 702
C0824(1) Item 47 Question on Notice: InnerWest@40 704
C0824(1) Item 48 Question on Notice: Safer Cities Program 707
C0824(1) Item 49 Question on Notice: Early Childhood Education & Care 708
C0824(1) Item 50 Question on Notice: Playing fields 710
C0824(1) Item 51 Question on Notice: Inner West Heritage Listings 712
C0824(1) Item 52 Question on Notice: Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022 713
C0824(1) Item 53 Question on Notice: Tree Canopy 714
15 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C0824(1) Item 54 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report 715
C0824(1) Item 55 Inner West Council Cleaning Contract Extensions 749
C0824(1) Item 56 Bridgewater Park - Construction Lease to Transport for NSW 750
C0824(1) Item 57 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report 751
C0824(1) Item 58 Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Members 755
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 25 June 2024 at Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6:33pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Chloe Smith Liz Atkins Marghanita Da Cruz Jessica D’Arienzo Mark Drury Dylan Griffiths Mathew Howard Justine Langford Pauline Lockie Philippa Scott Kobi Shetty John Stamolis Timothy Stephens Ruth Callaghan Simone Plummer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor (attended via audio-visual link) Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (attended via audio-visual link) Councillor (attended via audio-visual link) Councillor Councillor Councillor Acting General Manager Director Planning |
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Ryann Midei |
Director Infrastructure |
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Caroline McLeod Beau-Jane De Costa Julian Sakarai Matthew Pearce Scott Mullen Chris Sleiman Daniel East Melanie Gurney Erin White Helen Bradley Luke Murtas Manod Wickramasinghe |
Acting Director Community Acting Director Corporate Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk General Counsel Strategic Investments and Property Manager Chief Financial Officer Senior Manager Strategic Planning Senior Manager Customer Experience and Service Transformation Resource Recovery and Fleet Services Manager Resource Recovery Planning Manager Senior Manager Environment and Sustainability Traffic and Transport Planning Manager |
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Katherine Paixao Darcie Huisman |
Business Paper Coordinator Business Paper Officer |
APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
Motion: (Drury/Stephens)
1. That apologies from Councillor Tsardoulias be accepted and leave of absence be granted.
2. That Council accept Councillor Scott’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to being interstate for work.
3. That Council accept Councillor Lockie request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to personal reasons.
4. That Council accept Councillor Atkins request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to personal reasons.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Councillor Shetty entered the meeting at 6:34pm
DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:
Councillor Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 8 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 20 May 2024 and 3 June 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.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 8 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 20 May 2024 and 3 June 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 Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 23 - Notice of Motion: Improving and Connecting the Cooks River Walking and Cycling Trails as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport who, in her capacity as the Member for Summer Hill is responsible for the T3 Bankstown Line closure and temporary transport plan. As this item references the closure but does not substantively regard the matter, he will remain in the meeting for discussion and voting.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 32 - Notice of Motion: Safer Walking around Mackey Park to Tempe Station as as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport who, in her capacity as the Member for Summer Hill is responsible for the T3 Bankstown Line closure and temporary transport plan. As this item references the closure but does not substantively regard the matter, he will remain in the meeting for discussion and voting.
**Councillor Howard made a disclosure of interest later in the meeting.
**Councillor Drury made a disclosure of interest later in the meeting.
Motion: (D’Arienzo/Langford)
That Council note the disclosures of interest.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on Tuesday, 21 May 2024 and Extraordinary Council meeting held on Tuesday, 4 June 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
PUBLIC FORUM
The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, left the meeting at 7:26pm and vacated the Chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, assumed the Chair.
Councillor Shetty left the meeting at 7:29pm
Councillor Shetty returned to the meeting at 7:31pm
Councillor Griffiths left the meeting at 7:31pm
Councillor Griffiths returned to the meeting at 7:34pm
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, returned to the meeting at 7:35pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the Chair.
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1. That Council writes to the Prime Minister thanking the Federal Government for the $20 million funding contribution for the renovation of Leichhardt Oval.
2. That Council writes to the NSW Premier and Sports Minister, thanking the State Government for the $10 million funding contribution for the renovation of Leichhardt Oval.
3. That Council establish a design panel of relevant stakeholders to provide advice on the development of the design of the renovation of Leichhardt Oval. The CEO of Wests Tigers and the CEO of Sydney FC are to be invited to join the panel.
4. That Council immediately begin engagement with stakeholders as the first stage of the renovation, that will see Leichhardt Oval become a hub for women’s sport and a facility fit for elite sporting teams.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Smith/D’Arienzo)
That Council allow Councillor Drury to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 1.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Scott/Langford)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time:
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Scott/Langford)
That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report be adopted:
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council request staff undertake a review of safety on Unwins Bridge Road from Tempe, through Sydenham to St Peters and in particular report on: a) the adequacy of safety measures at existing pedestrian crossings, pedestrian islands and signalised crossings; b) improvements for the pedestrian crossing over Unwins Bridge Road at Hillcrest Street; c) options to restore the “Keep clear” zone on Unwins Bridge Road and Tramway Street, enabling residents to turn right from Tramway Street; d) safety on local roads surrounding Tempe Public School and Tempe High School; e) future opportunities for cycling infrastructure to support active transport; f) the state of footpaths along the length of the road; g) the adequacy of lighting and signage along Unwins Bridge Road; h) the adequacy of lighting under the railway bridge at Tillman Park; i) the installation of a right turn arrow from Gleeson Ave onto Unwins Bridge Road; j) the state of the pedestrian crossings and footpaths at the intersection of Gleeson Ave and Unwins Bridge Road; k) options to better monitor and enforce restrictions on cars travelling the wrong direction down partially closed streets from the Princes Highway including Terry Street; l) options to further slow traffic on Unwins Bridge Road; m) options to better support residents with driveways opening directly onto Unwins Bridge Road, balanced with the need to support local on-street parking; and n) opportunities to refresh line markings and other minor works to improve safety.
2. That Council receive a report via the August Local Traffic Committee on the above and any other matters relevant to pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety on Unwins Bridge Road.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council write to the Chief Executive Officer of Westpac Bank Group, Mr Peter King, seeking: a) confirmation whether he intends to close the Westpac Branch on the corner of Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road, and merging it with the St George branch in Marrickville Metro; b) assurance that the bank understands the critical importance of face to face branch services for local residents, especially older residents, residents from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and other vulnerable residents; c) noting the significant impact any branch closure would have on local Marrickville businesses, who both rely on branch services and the foot traffic branches bring to our high street; and d) a commitment to put people before profits and to retain the Westpac Branch on the corner of Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council undertake a 6-month trial of measures to improve the state of designated laneways off Enmore Road. The trial will include the following: a) Increasing the street sweeping/cleaning cycle to ensure no laneway is cleaned less frequently than a 14-day cycle; b) Increasing council inspections of laneways to no fewer than a weekly cycle to identify and manage illegal dumping; c) Increasing inspections to check for correct storage of bins and waste by businesses; d) Targeted outreach to businesses on Enmore Road to inform them of their obligations regarding bin storage on property and penalties for incorrect storage; e) Where repeat offenders are identified, targeted follow up with businesses and relevant waste management companies; and f) Writing to residents in neighbouring streets informing them about relevant waste collection and recycling services and penalties for illegal dumping.
2. That Council undertake an audit of lighting in laneways to identify areas with no or poor lighting and options to install additional lighting in these areas.
3. That following the trial period, a report be provided to council on the outcomes of the trial and audit and potential financial implications of implementing these measures Local Government Area wide in identified laneways near main streets.
4. That the report also consider additional opportunities and costs to beautify laneways, including but not limited to street art, street furniture, and planter boxes.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council endorse the supply and use of Mood tea across Council for staff consumption, as outlined in the Council report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Smith)
That the meeting be adjourned for 10 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37pm
The meeting recommenced at 8:47pm
Procedural motion (Byrne/Smith)
That Council allow Clr D’Arienzo to speak for an additional 1 minute on Item 2.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural motion (Byrne/D’Arienzo)
That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for an additional 1 minute on Item 3.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Councillor Stamolis left the meeting at 8:55pm
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1. That Council adopt the Inner West Brewers and Distillers Implementation Action Plan.
2. That Council commence development of an Inner West Tourism Action Plan to help guide and support local economic growth and enhanced vibrancy and amenity, with a draft Plan to be presented to Council at or by the December 2024 meeting.
3. That the Plan is to be developed through engagement with local residents, business chambers and industry associations, and the Inner West Creative Network.
4. That the Plan include a specific focus on the Inner West Ale Trail, existing and proposed Special Entertainment Precincts, opportunities to identify breweries as standalone venues under the SEPs, and opportunities to support more live music and cultural events.
5. That, as part of the Plan, $200,000 be allocated to an Inner West Tourism Fund out of the 2024-25 budget to fund implementation of action items developed through the Plan.
6. That Council receive a bi-monthly report on progress of the Inner West Brewers and Distillers Implementation Action Plan.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith and Stephens Against Motion: Cr Da Cruz Absent: Cr Stamolis |
Councillor Stamolis returned to the meeting at 8:55pm
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Urgency Motion: Upgrades to Tempe Train Station as as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport and out of an abundance of caution he will leave the meeting during discussion and voting.
Councillor Howard left the meeting at 9:00pm
Procedural Motion (Langford/Byrne)
That an Urgency Motion on Urgent Safety Upgrades to Tempe Train Station be considered at this Council meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Howard
The Chairperson ruled this matter urgent.
Councillor Howard returned to the meeting at 9:00pm
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C0624(2) Item 4 Live Entertainment at White Bay Power Station |
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That Council write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, and the Minister for the Night Time Economy and Music, stating Council’s support for the use of White Bay Power Station as a cultural venue / live performance and concert venue, and request that the site also be designated as a Special Entertainment Precinct by the Minister Planning and Public Spaces.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Drury declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Urgency Motion: Investment Property - Lease, as his wife is the deputy chair of an organisation mentioned in the motion. He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting.
Councillor Drury left the Meeting at 9:04pm
Procedural Motion (Howard/Da Cruz)
That an Urgency motion on Investment Property - Lease be considered at this Council meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Drury
The Chairperson ruled this matter urgent.
Councillor Drury returned to the Meeting at 9:05pm
Procedural Motion (D’Arienzo/Stephens)
That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 5.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Councillor Griffiths left the meeting at 9:24pm
Procedural motion (Shetty/Langford)
That Council allow Clr Shetty to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 6.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Griffiths
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1. That Council approve the updated concept design version 3 dated June 2024.
2. That Council continue working with Greater Sydney Parklands on setting up a governance structure and associated agreement to facilitate collaboration on this project, and delegate authority to the General Manager to enter into any required agreement between the parties.
3. That Council invite Rowing NSW and Leichhardt Rowing Club to participate on a design panel for the swim site.
4. That Councillors be provided with all relevant information and data about water and sediment testing.
5. That staff ensure that the Access Advisory Committee be consulted on the design.
6. That Council undertake a swimming safety assessment of the new pool.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil
**Councillor Griffiths was present to vote on the primary motion, but as the amendment was voted on prior to the primary motion, he was absent for the vote on the amendment.**
Amendment (Stamolis/Shetty)
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith and Stephens Absent: Cr Griffiths |
Councillor Griffiths returned to the meeting at 9:42pm
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Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)
1. That Council endorse continuing the Ending Period Poverty program for 2024/2025 with operational adjustments made to respond to demand across the 10 sites.
2. That the additional trial sites identified below be included in the 2024/2025 program, funded through the Budget: a) the Inner West Pride Centre at Newtown Town Hall, following consultation with Twenty10; b) St Peters Library; c) Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre; and d) Dawn Fraser Baths.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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C0624(2)
Item 10 Customer Service in Development
Assessments - External |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That recognising the planning work needed to support increased housing supply in line with the LEP to be developed to facilitate transit oriented development, Council officers develop a customer service plan that sits alongside this planning work and supports stakeholders in the development process.
3. That Council note the recommendations provided in the review especially the need to develop organisational capabilities, in particular systems and technology, to ensure we are meeting our regulatory obligations.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That where Customer Service Stalls are held in parks with designated on and off-leash areas, the stall is co-hosted with the Companion Animals Team.
3. That Council add Lambert Park to the list of Customer Service stall venues in the Leichhardt Ward, and do so with the Companion Animals Team.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council commit to delivering two packets of 75 compostable bin liners each financial year to every household, funded through the Domestic Waste Reserve, as well as being offered for free through libraries and customer service centres.
3. That Council staff develop an opt-out process for households that do not wish to receive a compostable bag.
4. That Council review this delivery cycle at the end of the 2024-2025 financial year to ensure it is sufficient and fit for purpose.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, left the meeting at 9:56pm and vacated the Chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, assumed the Chair.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the meeting at 9:58pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith, vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the Chair.
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council publish and distribute a fridge magnet promoting Inner West Council's booked collection service and waste calendar to every household, included with an edition of the Inner West Community News distributed in Q4, 2024, funded through the Domestic Waste Reserve or the Budget Review process.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Griffiths retired from the meeting at 10:04pm
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C0624(2) Item 17 Climate Change Risk Assessment Outcomes Report |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Griffiths
Amendment (Smith/Drury) That point 2 of the primary motion be deleted, being “That Council incorporate the greenhouse effect on vulnerable people, plants and animals across our Local Government Area especially sea level rise increasing inundation”.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Cr Da Cruz Absent: Cr Griffiths
As this amendment was carried, point 2 of the primary motion was deleted. |
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That noting the need for a minor amount of additional funds to ensure the most impactful energy efficiency strategy, the budget for the pilot be increased with an additional $2,000.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Griffiths |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, and Stephens Against Motion: Stamolis Absent: Cr Griffiths
Amendment (Atkins/Da Cruz) That Council publicly exhibit the draft Sponsorship Policy with the following amendment: a) Replace the fourth dot point on pg7 of the Policy with: · Derive their principal source of revenue from gambling activities.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith and Stephens Absent: Cr Griffiths |
Councillor Shetty left the meeting at 10:15pm
Councillor Shetty returned to the meeting at 10:17pm
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1. That Council note that the process of undertaking a new Plan of Management for Wicks Park is due to commence in July or August 2024 and asks that the following information be provided via councillor briefing note in July 2024: a) The total amount expended for each upgrade undertaken in the life of the existing plan of management; b) Commonly reported concerns and complaints at Wicks Park; c) Any projected intensification of uses at the park given the completion of the Wicks Park development; d) Other proposals that would impact the park.
2. That Council install an additional street bin on the Western side of Victoria Road between Marrickville Road and Sydenham Road.
3. That Council urgently assess whether allowing a right-hand turn into the Wicks Place driveway from Victoria Road is causing significant congestion on Victoria and Sydenham roads and is leading to risky and dangerous behaviour and take urgent action to prohibit right-hand turns into the driveway as appropriate, and whether a right hand green arrow from Sydenham Road onto Victoria Road would also assist traffic.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Griffiths |
Procedural Motion: (Howard/Smith)
That Council enter into Confidential session.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Griffiths
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:
C0624(2) Item 38 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) Appointment, Composition and Minutes contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors) (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993).
C0624(2) Item 40 Dynamo Building (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
resolutions passed during closed session
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1. That Council defer consideration of the matter until such a time as Council receives a Draft Agreement.
2. That Council officers write to the Minister for Roads requesting an extension of time to determine whether Council is willing to accept the care, control and management of the Dynamo site.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Griffiths |
Councillor Drury left the meeting at 10:30pm as he declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Urgency Motion: Investment Property - Lease, as his wife is the deputy chair of an organisation mentioned in the motion.
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That Council authorise the General Manager to negotiate and finalise terms for a lease within the confines of the valuation advice provided by Preston Rowe Patterson, and as outlined within the confidential session of Council.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens Against Motion: Nil Absent: Crs Drury and Griffiths |
Procedural motion: (Byrne/Smith)
That Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis and Stephens
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Crs Drury and Griffiths
Councillor Howard retired from the meeting at 10:31pm as he declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Urgency Motion: Upgrades to Tempe Train Station, as as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport.
Councillor Drury returned to the meeting at 10:32pm
Meeting closed at 10:32pm
Public Speakers:
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Item #
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Speaker |
Suburb |
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Item 5: |
Richard Keough Penny Hewlett Michaelean O'Donnell |
Rozelle Enmore Newtown |
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Item 6: |
Louise Appel Paul Power Frank McHugh |
Lilyfield Rozelle Leichhardt |
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Item 8: |
Gisele Mesnage Jennifer Moon |
Ashfield Petersham |
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Item 22: |
Therese Skinner Donyale Harrison Alison Vicary |
Marrickville Marrickville Marrickville |
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Item 23: |
Andrew Thomas Brian Keogh Neil Tonkin |
Campsie Earlwood Lilyfield |
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Item 30: |
Karen Manning |
Ashfield |
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Item 31: |
Adam Majsay |
Stanmore |
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Item 32: |
Neil Mackenzie Keira Mackenzie |
Marrickville Marrickville |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Draft Council Submission - Greater Sydney Parklands and Callan Park Plan of Management
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the draft Council officer submission on the Draft Plan of Management for Callan Park and submit this to the Greater Sydney Parklands for consideration.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 3: Creative communities and a strong economy 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On 31 May 2024, Council received notification from the Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP) of its intention to prepare a Plan of Management for Callan Park (Attachment 1). A submission on the development of a Plan of Management for the parklands has been prepared by Council officers for Council consideration. Subject to approval, this submission will be submitted to the GSP for consideration.
BACKGROUND
The preparation of the plan of management is required by the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 (GSPT Act) and will include:
· information about the strategic direction for the management of the park
· the activities and uses of land permitted in the park
· the maximum amount of land to be used for each activity and use of land permitted in the park
· principles that will be applied in deciding whether a proposed lease, licence or easement over land within the park is consistent with the objects of the GSPT Act.
The GSPT Act also requires that the plan covers the whole Callan Park site, including sections managed by both Greater Sydney Parklands and NSW Health (refer to Fig 1.0).
Greater Sydney Parklands consultation framework for the development of a draft plan of management was open until Sunday 30 June 2024. Council requested an extension for its submission until the 16 August 2024.
DISCUSSION
This submission has been prepared by the staff of Inner West Council following a workshop event which was held with staff from the Greater Sydney Parklands and Canada Bay Council on 12 June 2024.
An Introduction to Callan Park
Callan Park was acquired in the 1870’s for the specific purpose of constructing a mental asylum that later became Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital. The hospital closed in April 2008 and its services were relocated to Concord Hospital in Canada Bay. Many buildings on the site are vacant and in various states of disrepair. The public ownership of the site is in the custody of NSW Health with Inner West Council being the planning consent authority.
Areas of the site are currently managed by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces (Greater Sydney Parklands) and NSW Health with the management divided according to precincts.
Key features of Callan Park include:
· Its location on Iron Cove and Sydney Harbour.
· Its role as a regionally significant open space, being the third largest open space in inner Sydney behind Centennial and Moore Parklands (320 hectares) and the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain (64 hectares).
· The whole of the site being listed on the State Heritage Register.
· The exceptional heritage landscape buildings of the former Rozelle Hospital located on the site.
· The cultural heritage value of the site in relation to the history of mental health in Australia.
· The landscape values of the site including the waterfront public open spaces, landscaping and gardens. remnants of natural bushland and wildlife habitat – one of the few remaining in the inner west of Sydney.
· Aboriginal middens at Callan Point.
· The Iron Cove Bay Run foreshore walking/cycling path.
· One of the few remaining beaches in the inner west (Callan Point).
· Ongoing use by State-significant tenants the NSW headquarters of the NSW Ambulance Service, and several non-government organisations (NGOs).
· Kirkbride Precinct- noting the departure of the Sydney College of the Arts (in 2020).
· Callan Point is considered to be the most important Aboriginal archaeological site remaining on the southern shores of Sydney Harbour (Tanner and Associates Pty Ltd, 2002). It is one of few publicly accessible occupation sites with remnants of middens testifying to the tenancy of the Wangal people on this land dating back at least 4,500 years.
· Ongoing use by State-significant tenants including the NSW headquarters of the NSW Ambulance Service, and several non-government organisations (NGOs). Figure1.0 (below) highlights Callan Park (in its current format) noting the current management zones which GSP manages approximately 62% of the site with the remaining 38% of the site notes as key health and NGO precincts are managed by NSW Health.
Fig 1.0 Management Zones Callan Park (Precinct 1- Greater Sydney Parklands Management. Precincts 2,3,4 5&6 Health Administration Corporation)
Significant History
Callan Park has a rich and significant heritage and a complex history. At just over sixty hectares it is one of the largest open spaces in the centre of Sydney. The park has many qualities such as an extensive foreshore, fine heritage buildings, a rich cultural landscape and history of mental health care. The parkland is a site of exceptional architectural and landscape significance. It contains the remains of three highly significant phases of historical development. Three Gentlemens’ Estates from the early 1800s were located on the site, as was the largest purpose-built asylum in New South Wales, Callan Park, and the later Broughton Hall Clinic where self-admission mental health treatment was pioneered.
Recognition of the Parklands as a Modern Wellness Sanctuary
Callan Park as a regional parkland can also be viewed as a modern wellness sanctuary. The whole of Callan Park is listed as a State Heritage item. The State register notes high levels of social and built significance and the park has a number of significant heritage buildings which are of state and national importance. Callan Park is an iconic urban parkland which has special associations for the local and the broader community, both as an open space resource and for its cultural, heritage and aesthetic value, associations which Council is committed to working with the Greater Sydney Parklands Authority and Trust for safeguarding now and for future generations. Critically, the Plan of Management for Callan Park should reinforce the key principle that the parklands will remain in public ownership in perpetuity and provide cultural and Indigenous recognition.
Council Investment in Community Access
Over the past several decades, Council has consulted the community and significantly invested millions of dollars in a number of community, recreation and open space access projects. This has included activating five sporting grounds within the parkland estate and activating a Community Refugee Welcome Centre (CRWC). In addition Council has also invested in restoring key heritage items including the Douglas Grant War Memorial. Council has invested significantly in park infrastructure to ensure that the Inner West community has access to modern outdoor recreation facilities.
The Plan of Management for the parklands should resolve certainty on the future of these facilities and their continued availability for community recreation and wellness. In addition, unstructured recreation activities including companion animal walking, picnicking and heritage appreciation also need to be safeguarded.
A fully developed and costed master plan should be prepared for the entire parkland. A master plan should include a long-term design vision for the which balances a range of environmental, heritage, community recreation and wellbeing needs. This should also include the community wellness benefits which are derived from the NGO precinct and the continued support of these health facilities.
A holistic management framework for the parklands governed by the Trust is required. Critical linkages and connections with adjacent parklands should also be recognised and enhanced. This includes connections to the wider Iron Cove Bay Run, King George Park and Leichhardt Park.
Community Recreation and Wellness Projects
The Plan of Management and a future Callan Park Master Plan for Callan Park should include the following community recreation and wellbeing projects:
· The Callan Point Tidal Baths (which are identified in the formally adopted Landscape Structure Plan for Callan Park)
· The Leichhardt Men’s Shed
· Provision of an All-weather Sporting Ground on either Waterfront Drive or Balmain Road to support community sport and all abilities access.
· Opportunities for additional sporting and outdoor recreation facilities on the footprint of buildings which are to be demolished - including the opportunity for synthetic sporting surfaces on the footprint of buildings which have been demolished.
· New park connections to replace roads which are removed from the parklands
· Adaptive reuse options for heritage buildings.
· Removal of intrusive buildings from the parklands in particular those buildings which have previous been identified in Heritage studies as being intrusive to the parkland setting
· Future options for naturalisation of the watercourse which runs adjacent to the Waterfront Oval.
· Formalised recognition of the Callan Point coastal middens and Connection to Country for the Gadigal and Wangal people.
· An Interpretation plan which highlights the importance of the landscape values of the park and its “therapeutic environment.” This should include a key focus on the relationship between the park and its landscape linkage to heritage buildings and their former use for mental health.
· A landscape and interpretation plan for ongoing management and care of the “Wonder Gardens”
· Security of tenure for the Glover Street Community Gardens (established in 1985).
· Partnering with the Sydney College of the Arts to ensure young artistic talent is showcased in the park, including the development of a public art strategy for the site which identifies key locations and opportunities with a focus on local artists, place making and landscape interventions.
· Removal of the former intrusive swimming pool and embellishment of open space.
· Development of the Callan Park Event Management Plan to enable wider community use of the parklands, including for live music events and events which bring families and younger people into the parklands.
· Recognition and ongoing security of tenure for the Community Refugee Welcome Centre (CRWC).
· Partnering with Inner West Council on opportunities for the enhancement and protection of existing natural areas within the parkland, including Callan Point and new opportunities for establishing biodiversity and habitat restoration areas.
Traffic Management
Traffic Management within Callan Park needs to be addressed through the development of an integrated traffic management plan which resolves long term traffic management issues, while also planning for improved opportunities for open space embellishment into the future. Callan Park supports a range of uses from key workers in the Health and NGO precincts through to community and recreation uses, including regular sporting and community events. The NSW Writers Centre is also a major stakeholder which is located centrally within the parklands. Maintenance access to the parklands for parkland service vehicles is an important element in the mix of traffic uses which the parkland experiences.
In its current format the park is dominated by roads that transect the park and provide little connection with the key landscape features. Modern parklands place the movement of pedestrians and cyclists as a key overarching principal with car and service vehicle access limited to key drop of and parking points which support overall use of the park as a whole. The current road network as it currently stands is intrusive to the site as a whole.
The re-organisation of the road network should be a key priority, provided that new infrastructure to support park users with disabilities and the elderly is also carefully considered and provided for. The reorientation of the road network should address broader objectives of reducing car use, promoting cycling and public transport, improving environmental sustainability and stewardship and significantly increasing open space values. Critically, the re-organisation of the Iron Cove Bay Run section within the Waterfront precinct will address long standing safety concerns associated with recreational conflict between cyclists, walkers and joggers and cars.
Noting that emergency access to the Iron Cove Bay Run and the Waterfront will be maintained, some small-scale parking arrangements adjacent to the Waterfront sporting ground should also be incorporated to support disability user parking and for the elderly to enjoy spectator viewing of local sporting games, as well as facilitating disability access to the planned Callan Point Tidal Baths.
Future circulation within the parkland should be planned and designed to direct visitors to key designations. Where roads are planned to be removed these should be replaced with accessible pathways with dedicated and universal way finding and lighting which is consistent throughout the park. Planting to complement the new pathways needs to be carefully considered with new circulation and access routes. Landscape design work should focus on the key concept of a unified parkland with landscape qualities which provide shade, habitat and interest. Car parking should be rationalised and intrude into the landscape as little as possible, with the existing Kirkbride Car Park available for public weekend use and sports training. An integrated traffic management plan should carefully consider current uses while also planning for enhanced visitor experiences to the parklands.
Cycling Improvements and Opportunities
The following inclusions be considered in a Plan of Management and future Master Plan for the Parklands:
· Examine the opportunity for a separated cycleway running parallel to Darling Street, between the existing heritage stone fence and the line of trees. The path may need to be elevated at some locations (or for its full length) to avoid damaging tree roots. This cycleway would fill in a critical gap in the network without jeopardising kerbside parking, which has been a key consideration along Darling Street.
· Re-profile all driveways within the park and at access points to remove high driveway lips where a layback meets the road/gutter.
· Resurface roadways within the park with priority given to roads with steep inclines.
· Re-organise the road network to support people with disabilities and the elderly.
· Re-organise the Bay Run section on the Waterfront to address long standing safety concerns - safety concerns and management of the Iron Cove Bay Run should be included in the development of an integrated traffic management Plan for Callan Park.
· Consider small-scale parking arrangements adjacent to the Waterfront sporting ground/ new pavilion facility to support user parking for people with disabilities and the elderly.
· The new path network outlined in the LSP should be developed and implemented as a priority and before removing car parking on the Waterfront Drive area.
· 30km per hour speed limits (consistent with Centennial Parklands) should be installed.
· Car free days should be considered, similar to Centennial Parklands.
Signage, Lighting and Wayfinding
Current signage within the parkland is confusing and inconsistent. A wayfinding and signage strategy needs to be developed for the parklands which is consistent in both palette and ownership. This includes, placemaking signage, wayfinding signage and park navigation signage. A lighting strategy is also required for the parklands which has a key focus on safety, place-making, site activation, accessibility and preservation of night-time fauna.
Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings and Removal of Intrusive Parkland Buildings
The Broughton Hall Precinct and the Kirkbride Precinct are two key areas which have significant heritage value to the parklands, The adaptive reuse of these facilities is a significant concern especially given the neglected status of Broughton Hall and the recent departure of the College of the Arts from the Kirkbride building. Finding appropriate tenants for the Kirkbride Building should be a key priority as should the restoration of Broughton Hall which is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Rozelle and has strong associations with the early development and history of the Rozelle area. It is strongly recommended that these two priorities are a key feature of the Plan of Management along with the need for an overall conservation and maintenance program which respects the cultural significance of individual buildings, their precincts and the landscape settings.
Buildings which have formally been identified previously as intrusive to the parklands in both the Tanner Architects 2011 Conservation Management Plan and the NSW Government’s Landscape Structure Plan should be identified in a future master plan and funded by Government for removal. A remedial plan for sites where buildings are removed should be prepared.
Urban Ecology, Biodiversity and Sustainability
The development of a Plan of Management for Callan Park is an important opportunity to enhance the regional significance of this site. The Plan of Management needs to recognise the importance of the parkland as a biodiversity refuge and as a key part of the urban tree canopy in the Inner West Council area. Biodiversity issues should be considered as a key planning principal and have connection to Council’s (currently draft) Biodiversity Strategy.
The site’s biodiversity values are not reflected strongly in the plan. Callan Park is likely to provide important habitat for microbats, some of which may be threatened species, and also there are numerous hollow bearing trees within the park, which must be protected. The loss of hollow bearing trees is identified as a key threatening process under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. The Plan of Management should consider measures to create habitat for terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, such as waterway and stream bank naturalisation, additional bush regeneration areas and the introduction of more structural diversity in vegetation. Callan Park also offers one of the last and most significant Dark Sky Zones in the Inner West (and central Sydney) which offer sanctuary to nocturnal animals and birds and any lighting upgrades within the masterplan should be respectful of this key biodiversity asset.
The introduction of a Wires Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service within Callan Park should be considered as a priority as part of the adaptive reuse of a building within the parkland. In addition, the establishment of a local provenance Nursery to complement current and future plantings at Callan Park and Ballast Point Reserve, as well as provide educational opportunities for the community should also be considered. Opportunities for partnering with Inner West Council should be considered in this regard.
Importantly, the significance of the Callan Park foreshore areas are significant as rare open space elements. Callan Point is considered as one of the most important Aboriginal archaeological sites remaining on the southern shores of Sydney Harbour. Callan Point also contains rare examples of pre-European vegetation and culturally important rock carvings.
A vegetation management plan should also be developed for the parklands to provide improved management of the park’s urban forest. The management plan should provide a commitment and a strategic direction for tree plantings, protection, maintenance and importantly tree replacements within the park’s urban forest as well as mid- and understorey native vegetation which makes a significant contribution to local biodiversity.
In addition to key biodiversity values, Council officers also support the concept of developing areas of the parkland as an outdoor learning precinct with a focus on history, landscape, geology and climate change that can actively be used by the community (i.e. a system of outdoor gathering places including furniture, tree species markers, geological and landscape indicators.) In this respect, hard stand elements should be minimised by incorporating permeable surfaces, landscaping and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) wherever possible to soften the visual elements and reduce heat island impact. It is recommended that WSUD and other “smart” stormwater treatment devices are installed at the substantial discharge points into Iron Cove to minimise the impacts of urban runoff and litter on the water quality of the Parramatta River.
Opportunities for promoting sustainable design and recycling and restoring deteriorating elements of the Parklands should also be championed. In this respect a partnership with the Leichhardt Men’s Shed is also promoted within the parklands. Where intrusive buildings are identified for demolition, good quality materials should be salvaged and re-used or made available for future projects within the parkland or nearby.
Companion Animal Management
The current 2022 Companion Animal Management Plan for the parklands is supported. The importance of Callan Park to the community as a key destination for local companion animal walkers is acknowledged, as are the health and wellbeing benefits that companion animal access bring to the park. It is well recognised that in urban parklands pets play a vital role in improving a person’s mental and physical health, reducing stress, facilitating social interaction and assisting in the creation of a sense of community. Companion Animal owners are an important asset to the park and play an important role in terms of their passive surveillance and knowledge of the different spaces within the parklands.
Financial Sustainability
The Plan of Management and a future master plan for the parklands should also include a long-term vision which includes opportunities for improving the financial sustainability of Callan Park. These opportunities must be balanced with the need to protect the fabric of the parklands, not only its special landscape characteristics but also the significant heritage elements and buildings which the parkland supports. The Plan of Management should identify the cultural and naturals values of the parkland and include a long-term financial plan of how these values can be preserved and enhanced for future generations of park users.
Finally, planning for the future of Callan Park through the development of a Plan of Management should include the opportunity for a ten-year annual review to ensure that the management framework is one which responds to the changing and diverse recreational requirements of visitors to Callan Park into the future. This is an important consideration, noting the value and competing needs which the community place on the parklands as well as the need to ensure that the parklands is responsive and can support growing population needs.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications to Council associated with this submission to Greater Sydney Parklands.
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Greater Sydney Parklands - Plan of Management Notification Callan Park |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Public Exhibition - Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Inner West Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036 (Attachment 1) 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 Inner West Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036 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:
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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 |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The draft Inner West Biodiversity Strategy provides the Inner West Community with an achievable and measurable plan to improve biodiversity within our local government area. The Strategy seeks to cement existing and build new partnerships with the community, and identify opportunities for improving the state of the natural environment in the Inner West. The Strategy also sets out a formal plan to incorporate First Nations principles including Caring for Country into Council’s Environment program for the first time.
The Strategy has been prepared with the cooperation of a Technical Working Group comprised of staff from teams across Council which manage parks, open spaces, waterways, stormwater and other services which impact biodiversity. Importantly, this plan has also been developed in consultation with our community and the volunteers which support Council’s ongoing efforts to improve and care for the environment.
This plan has been developed in two parts – firstly an overarching Strategy which establishes the importance of the Inner West’s environmental biodiversity and provides the context for Council's strategic approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Secondly, the Actions framework sets out short, medium and long term measurable actions to achieve our strategic priorities including those key actions highlighted by Council and stakeholders such as the Environment Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council notes that Inner West Council's Biodiversity Strategy was due to be developed by June 2023, however staff shortages have meant the Strategy's development has been delayed to June 2024.
2. That Council notes that protecting, enhancing, and managing biodiversity is a key priority of Council's Community Strategic Plan.
3. That Council notes that baseline data exists for biodiversity in the former Marrickville and Leichhardt Local Government Areas (LGA), but a full mapping is yet to be undertaken for the Inner West LGA.
4. That Council affirms that all adopted Council reports and plans of management for parks, green spaces, foreshores, and waterways should include a strategy for protecting, enhancing, and managing biodiversity in those areas.
5. That Council commits to undertaking a full and comprehensive mapping of biodiversity data for green spaces, waterways, and foreshores for the Inner West LGA.
6. That Council commits to working in partnership with local environmental and bushcare groups on collection and use of biodiversity data.
7. That Council recommits to development of the Biodiversity Strategy by June 2024.
A key priority of Council’s Community Strategic Plan is the protection, connection and enhancement of biodiversity corridors and sensitive habitat across the local government area. The draft Biodiversity Strategy has been developed to support Council and community efforts in not only protecting our natural environment but also placing biodiversity at the forefront of our broader planning and organisational considerations. Council’s Environment Advisory Committee and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Advisory Committee have reviewed and provided feedback on the draft Strategy.
The vision for the Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036 is to protect, repair, and Care for Country to secure a future where people and nature thrive together. Once adopted the Strategy will assist Council in working alongside the community, experts and industry to achieve better biodiversity outcomes for our community, now and into the future.
DISCUSSION
Biodiversity is short for biological diversity. In urban areas, such as the Inner West, biodiversity depends on the quantity and quality of habitat provided by blue-green infrastructure. The Inner West’s waterway corridors, for example, provide roosting and foraging habitat for threatened species like the Powerful Owl and Grey-headed Flying Fox. Even small-scale, urban greening initiatives that add native shrubs and groundcovers such as Council’s bushcare or verge gardening programs can have positive biodiversity benefits.
Urban development, while providing housing and employment, is leading to the dramatic loss of biodiversity in NSW. Land clearing, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and changes to microclimate, lighting, and hydrology are some of the major pressures leading to a decline in diversity and abundance of urban wildlife.
To protect biodiversity, land managers including Council need to conserve existing habitat and develop measures to reduce the ecological impact of new development. To support Council’s efforts in protecting, conserving and restoring biodiversity, the draft Inner West Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036 (Attachment 1) has been prepared for public exhibition. Part 1 of the strategy establishes the context of the Inner West’s environmental biodiversity and provides the framework for Council's strategic approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Part 2 of the Strategy, the Draft Actions, set out short, medium and long term measurable actions to achieve our strategic priorities.
Through the development of the Draft Biodiversity Strategy, Council further acknowledges the significant contribution that biodiversity makes to the health, livability, and sustainability the Inner West. The Draft Actions framework provides a strategic framework for stewardship of our local environment which, once implemented, will enhance connections to the Gadigal and Wangal Country in which we live, work and play.
While this strategy is focused on how Council will improve and enhance biodiversity, it is also hoped that the many actions and programs which are advocated will serve to engage, educate and support the community in its awareness of the threats to biodiversity and importantly, the opportunities for improvements and enhanced stewardship of the environment.
Community Engagement
Significant engagement has been undertaken for the development of this strategy, based on presentations and engagement with Council’s local democracy groups/ advisory committees and various Council service units - including:
· Social Strategy Advisory Community (10 April 2024)
· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee (16 April 2024)
· Young Leaders Working Group (29 April 2024)
· Environment Advisory Committee (20 June 2024)
· Biodiversi-Tea All Environmental Volunteers (8 May 2024)
· Biodiversi-Tea All Environmental Volunteers (10 May 2024)
· Biodiversi-Tea Greenway Forum (20 May 2024)
Upon endorsement, the Draft Biodiversity Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. Community consultation will include notification to the previous contributors to the engagement process as well as consultation with regional environment partners such as the Cooks River Alliance and the Parramatta River Catchment Group. Following the conclusion of the community engagement period the Biodiversity Strategy will be brought back to Council for further consideration and adoption.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Future projects associated with the implementation of an adopted Biodiversity Strategy will be subject to consideration in Council’s forward Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget. Those actions identified in the draft framework which form part of Council’s Ecology or Sustainability programs have an existing budget in place.
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1.⇩ |
Draft IWC Biodiversity Strategy |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Naming Policy
Prepared By: Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the Naming Policy.
2. That Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Naming Policy.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive, and effective civic leadership 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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 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 the ownership or care and control of Inner West Council.
The draft Naming Policy was placed on public exhibition from 27 May 2024 to 24 June 2024. There were 237 visits to the Your Say Inner West project page and 66 downloads of the document during public exhibition. There were 9 submissions received during the public exhibition period regarding the draft Naming Policy (five opposed, 2 unsure and 2 in support). Two typical responses are provided below:
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Support (Yes or No) |
Public Exhibition Comment/Explanation |
IWC Comment |
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No |
Honour WWI and WWII heroes Too much focus on Aboriginal placenames Names will be confusing and difficult to spell |
No proposed changes to the draft Policy are recommended.
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Yes |
Further consultation with ATSI community about whether there are any current names they consider to be inappropriate
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No proposed changes to the draft Policy are recommended. The initial list of Aboriginal names for use under the Policy have been agreed with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
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After reviewing the feedback provided during the public exhibition period it is proposed to adopt the publicly exhibited Policy, with no changes. Noting the comments provided have been addressed as outlined in the table above. There have been a number of Council resolutions in support of Aboriginal place naming and there are relevant initiatives included in Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 12 May 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council place the draft Naming Policy on public exhibition for 28 days prior to adoption.
2. That Council consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting the final Naming Policy.
The draft Naming Policy was subsequently placed on public exhibition from 27 May 2024 to 24 June 2024.
The legal authority for 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.
This draft policy is intended to create policy harmonisation and to supersede the following policy documents:
· 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; and
· Marrickville Council: Aboriginal Naming Policy 2016 and Naming of Roads and Lanes Policy 2016.
DISCUSSION
Names are important for navigation and wayfinding and are critical reference tools for the community. Names serve to identify places of 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.
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 recognition of the Traditional Custodians of the Inner West and celebrates the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the area. This includes the 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.
The draft Naming Policy was placed on public exhibition from 27 May 2024 to 24 June 2024.There were 237 visits to the Your Say Inner West project page and 66 downloads of the document during public exhibition. There were 9 submissions received during the public exhibition period regarding the draft Naming Policy (five opposed, 2 unsure and 2 in support). Two typical responses are provided below:
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Support (Yes or No) |
Public Exhibition Comment/Explanation |
IWC Comment |
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No |
Honour WWI and WWII heroes Too much focus on Aboriginal placenames Names will be confusing and difficult to spell |
No proposed changes to the draft Policy are recommended.
|
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Yes |
Further consultation with ATSI community about whether there are any current names they consider to be inappropriate
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No proposed changes to the draft Policy are recommended. Aboriginal names for use under the Policy have been agreed.
The initial list of Aboriginal names for use under the Policy have been agreed with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.
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After reviewing the feedback provided during the public exhibition period it is proposed to adopt the publicly exhibited Policy, with no changes. Noting the comments provided have been addressed as outlined in the table above.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Draft Naming Policy |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Anti-Racism Strategy
Prepared By: Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the Anti-Racism Strategy.
2. That Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Anti-Racism Strategy.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council exhibited the draft Anti-Racism Strategy from 4 June to 12 July 2024. Individual residents, officers of the Australian Human Rights Commission, and the Inner West Multicultural Network provided feedback and positive critical review. Council received direct feedback from 21 people (9 supportive, 10 not supportive, 2 unsure). Those who did not support the Strategy argued that it was not Council’s business, that it was divisive and that there was nothing to be done about racism. The Inner West Multicultural Network did not give its support but recommended some changes to the Strategy. Several of these have been included as set out below. A summary of the feedback and Council’s responses is provided in the table below.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 21 May 2024 Council resolved the following:
1. That Council publicly exhibit the Draft Anti-Racism Strategy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Strategy, subject to the Organisational Development section of the Anti-Racism Strategy Action Plan being amended to include the following initiatives:
a) enhance data collection on employee diversity across the organisation, including (but not limited to) the Staff Engagement Survey for 2025, to provide benchmark data for future years;
b) develop targeted leadership programs and mentoring for employees from culturally diverse backgrounds; and
c) improve employment outcomes by increasing culturally diverse recruitment, retention and professional development.
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Strategy be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
DISCUSSION
The draft Anti-Racism Strategy was placed on public exhibition from 4 June to 12 July 2024, after inclusion of the additional initiatives from the Council resolution. There were 758 visits to the Your Say Inner West online project page during public exhibition. Twenty contributions were received from individuals through Your Say Inner West, and one supportive response received by email. The Inner West Multicultural Network provided a submission.
Council officers also met with officers of the Australian Human Rights Commission for feedback on the draft Anti-Racism Strategy and reviewed the Commission’s Stocktake of National Anti-Racism Practice, which was published in July 2024. Commission staff provided very positive feedback on Council’s Anti-Racism Strategy as part of the Stocktake, which notes that Inner West is the only Australian Council currently working on this issue and that local government leadership is critical to addressing racism. As the Stocktake report notes:
“Anti-racism is an active process, unlike the passive stance of ‘nonracism’. Therefore, anti-racism work requires consistent, committed and targeted action and attention.
Anti-racism involves actively attempting to combat racist policies, practices, culture and ideas. Anti-racism is about more than being ‘not racist’. It involves active decisions that seek to combat injustice and promote racial equity. It can be helpful to think of anti-racism as a skill set that we can all develop and use to promote a better, more equitable society”.
The Anti-Racism Strategy provided for adoption by Council adopts this approach to anti-racism as an active activity that requires a holistic response across all levels of government working with citizens, those with lived experience and community advocates and organisations. It should be noted that the Australian Human Rights Commission’s national work includes development of a National Anti-Racism Framework. The National Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman has stated that there must be a clear, whole of government strategic approach to addressing racism. As the tier of government closest to the community, local government has an important role in combating racism.
In its submission during the community engagement on Council’s Strategy, the Inner West Multicultural Network wrote that “[T]o fulfill the strategy’s objectives effectively, we must explicitly incorporate Anti-Racism principles and frameworks”. Council agrees with this sentiment. Council’s work on anti-racism is innovative at local government level and this has been recognised by the Human Rights Commission as the national lead for all levels of government policy and practice.
Council will actively participate in the development of the National Framework – which is not yet in place. Once Council has adopted its own Anti-Racism Strategy, work will continue within the organisation and local inner west community whilst the national work progresses. This will enable Council to continue to be a leader at local government level in this work, whilst participating in national developments.
To ensure that Council’s Anti-Racism Strategy remains current with leading practice and policy, it is proposed that once the National Anti-Racism Strategy and Framework are available, Council’s adopted Anti-Racism Strategy is reviewed, updated to ensure consistency with the National Framework and principles and brought back to Council for endorsement. It is anticipated that the Commission will complete its work in 2025 and this should not delay Council’s progress.
A summary of the feedback from the public exhibition and the Council officer response is included in the table below. A fuller version reporting every response is included in the Engagement Outcomes Report on Council’s website (link below). The Inner West Multicultural Network made some recommendations and a number of these have been included in the final Strategy and Action Plan attached for endorsement by Council. They are identified in the table below.
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Proposed amendment |
Council response |
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Review Inner West Council's Multicultural Policy. |
New action included at 4.15. |
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Include a definition of Anti-Racism and a framework (Inner West Multicultural Network IWMN). |
A definition is added to section 2. The Australia Human Rights Commission is recommending further national work on definitions and a framework Incorporate the framework as national work proceeds. |
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Anti-Racism training for Council staff (IWMN) |
New action included at 4.1. |
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Acknowledgement and support for staff experiences of racism (IWMN). |
New actions included at 4.1 and 4.2 Existing actions address this need (4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14) In addition, Council provides a confidential and free Employee Assistance Program for all employees. |
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Recognise intersectionality (IWMN).
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Action 1.2 amended. Training and resources to include intersectionality. |
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Emphasise importance of strong community partnerships and active involvement in decision making. |
Included in action 2.1 and other actions, no change recommended. |
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A section that includes the history and impacts of colonisation. |
Included in section 3 and reviewed by Aboriginal Advisory Committee, no change recommended. |
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Set measurable goals. |
Included for each action, no change recommended. |
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Establish accountability mechanisms including IP&R (IWMN). |
Included for each action, no change recommended. Quarterly reports to Council for IP&R will include Anti-Racism Strategy. |
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Additional resources and funding be allocated (IWMN). |
Actions include new programs and projects to the value of approx. $250,000 in addition to current budget allocations for 2024/2025. No change recommended. |
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Excited to see this draft strategy, important work. -Should mention UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) -How Council will address systemic racism - especially internally within council? |
Australian human rights law gives effect to the international conventions, no change recommended New action included at 4.1 on mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff Council will review and update its relevant policies (Actions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15).
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FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are a number of new initiatives identified in the Action Plan (such as the design and delivery of bespoke “Bystander Training” with the University of Western Sydney) that require the allocation of new financial resources. The total value of all new initiatives will not exceed $250,000. Detailed costings and budget allocations for all new initiatives in the Strategy will be part of the quarterly budget review process, as some will require quotes from expert providers.
Attachment 2 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
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1.⇩ |
Draft Anti-Racism Strategy |
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2.⇨ |
Engagement outcomes report - Published separately on Council’s website |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: 2024 Inner West Council Annual Grants
Prepared By: Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council approves the funding recommendations for the Inner West Council 2024 Annual Grant Program in Attachments 1-8.
2. That Council notes the second year of funding for the two-year 2023-2025 Community Wellbeing Grants in Attachment 9, which were approved by Council in September 2023.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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4: Healthy, resilient, and caring communities |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council has a range of grants to enable the community to develop projects and programs to address local needs.
In 2024, it is proposed to award the following amounts in these grant streams:
· Active Inner West - $70,000 (over two years)
· Arts: Professional Development - $43,195
· Arts: Arts Projects - $108,000
· Community History - $24,806
· Community Wellbeing - $47,796
· Community Wellbeing - $129,607 (over two years)
· Environment - $95,949 (over two years)
· Multicultural - $18,530
In addition, it should be noted that the amount of $56,856 is being allocated for 2024-2025 for the second year of funding for the pre-approved two-year 2023-2025 Community Wellbeing Grants.
BACKGROUND
Inner West Council offers annual grants to provide community benefits to the residents of the Inner West and to develop local community and not for profit organisations. The grants provide financial support to help achieve the objectives of the Community Strategic Plan including: an ecologically sustainable Inner West; liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport; creative communities and a strong economy; healthy, resilient, and caring communities; and progressive, responsive, and effective civic leadership.
DISCUSSION
Council approved offering the Annual Grant round in April 2023, consistent with the Grant Program Guidelines. This year, the round included the Active Inner West (formerly Recreation) two-year grants and the Environment two-year grants.
Assessment criteria
All applicants for grants address the following criteria in their proposals:
· consideration of the impact and quality of their project and contribution to Council’s Community Strategic Plan and grant objectives
· demonstrated capacity to deliver a well-planned project including relevant applicant experience and supporting material, skills, and time as well as a realistic budget
· benefit to the Inner West community.
Specific Arts grant criteria includes:
· ability to enhance community connection to art in the public domain and provide social and creative benefits to the community as well as excellence and innovation in arts and creative practice, engagement, and the delivery of arts projects.
The grants round process for 2024
The Annual Grant round was open between 15 April and 17 May 2024. Prospective applicants were offered one-on-one support to develop their applications in the stream in which they were applying. This support from Council officers provided the opportunity for grant applicants to clarify their ideas and develop their proposals.
The Annual Grant round was publicised via Council’s email networks, website, newsletters, social media channels and on FBi radio.
In 2024, $506,856 was available for the annual grants across the following categories:
· Active Inner West grants up to $10,000 (over two years)
· Arts grants: Professional development grants up to $5,000
· Arts grants: Arts project grants up to $10,000
· Community History grants up to $5,000
· Community Wellbeing grants up to $5,000
· Community Wellbeing grants up to $20,000 (over two years)
· Environment grants up to $10,000 (over two years)
· Multicultural grants up to $5,000.
This year there was a notable increase in the number of grant applications. A total of 225 applications were received, compared to 131 applications in 2023, seeking $1.7 million. Following detailed assessment against the grant guidelines, 65 projects are recommended for funding. A detailed summary of the 2024 Annual Grants round is at Attachment 10.
Evaluation and recommendation process
All applications underwent a three-stage evaluation to arrive at the funding recommendations being presented to Council. Each assessment panel included at least one external representative independent of Council.
Firstly, applications were evaluated against the published criteria by Council staff with subject matter expertise. A score against each of the evaluation criteria provides a total score for each application. Based on this total score, staff assessors rank each application from high to low priority. Staff assessments for each grant round were then reviewed by the appropriate senior staff of each unit to confirm the initial evaluations and ensure accuracy and completeness.
Secondly, an assessment panel comprised of different Council officers from the Community Directorate and an external representative reviewed all applications and the initial evaluations. The panel confirmed final rankings and developed funding recommendations. In this step, the panel reviewed project proposals, evaluations, amount requested, target audience, previous funding including from previous Council grants.
Thirdly, recommended applications were screened through an eligibility check to confirm legal eligibility requirements were met including administrative compliance details and acquittal of any previous applications.
Funding recommendations
Recommended applications for funding in each of the eight grant streams are provided in detail at Attachments 1-8.
Highlights of the recommended projects include:
· Summer Hill Lakers Netball Club plans to encourage and support adolescents, young adults, and parents to gain skills in netball coaching and umpiring and use these skills (Active Inner West).
· Creating a walking trail in Annandale and Lilyfield activating 40 sites with stenciled street art and an Aboriginal land stewardship workshop.
· A publication on the history of cycling in Sydney’s Inner West covering key areas of innovation and social development.
· Minus18 Foundation will host an event championing LGBTQIA+ Youth in the Inner West to provide a free, accessible, and safe space for attendees aged 12-19 at Marrickville Town Hall.
· Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre and an indigenous creative artist will facilitate a Weekly Girls' Yarning Circle for young Aboriginal women aged 12-17 with cultural activities, weaving and traditional dance to foster cultural connection.
· The Village Project Summer Hill Co-Operative will offer a re-fashioned textiles circular economy and recycling project to responsibly divert textiles from landfill as well as provide innovative ways for community members to participate.
· Cass Care will offer a Lunar New Year festival celebration at Ashfield Town Hall with inclusive cultural performance, music and sharing of traditional foods.
Successful recipients from the 2023 Grants Program now entering their second year of funding include:
· Addison Road Community Centre’s food security program provides nutritional literacy and education to local marginalised community members experiencing food insecurity and social isolation.
· Infants’ Home Ashfield in partnership with Sing&Grow Australia deliver four free six-week Music Therapy Playgroup programs for 12 children from birth to school age who are living in vulnerable circumstances and/or who are developmentally at risk.
· Mr Perfect (a mental health not for profit) will hold free community BBQ’s once a month on a Sunday morning to assist preventing social isolation and depression among men and making connections for social support.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The adopted budget for 2024/2025 includes the $506,856 for the recommended projects outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Active Inner West Grants |
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2.⇩ |
Arts-Professional Development Grants |
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3.⇩ |
Arts Projects Grants |
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4.⇩ |
Community History Grants |
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5.⇩ |
Community Wellbeing One-Year Grants |
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6.⇩ |
Community Wellbeing Two-Year Grants |
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7.⇩ |
Environment Grants |
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8.⇩ |
Multicultural Grants |
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9.⇩ |
2023-2025 Commnity Wellbeing 2Y - year two projects |
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10.⇩ |
Grants Summary |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations Proposed Program
Prepared By: Michael Daly - Creative Communities Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the expanded Lunar New Year Celebrations for 2025. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council will deliver an expanded program of Lunar New Year events in 2025 in response to Council’s resolution. This expanded program will offer an opportunity to cultural and community groups that celebrate Lunar New Year to deliver events within the Ashfield precinct through Council’s support. The program will consist of an Expression of Interest process, where groups can apply for support to deliver events as part of a festival umbrella program.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 9 September 2023, Council resolved the following in part;
4. That Council receive a report outlining options to create a program of events celebrating Lunar New Year in 2025, including opportunities to activate local laneways and the Esplanade in Ashfield;
6. That the report may include prospective costs and grant funding opportunities
At the Council meeting held on 12 September 2023, Council resolved the following in part;
2. That Council support Lunar new year activities in Ashfield and consider activations in the Council Courtyard, Hercules St and the Laneways around Ashfield and add ASHBIZ to the organisations consulted
DISCUSSION
It is proposed that Council deliver an expanded Lunar New Year program for 2025 (29 January – 12 February) in Ashfield, consisting of the following:
· Expression of Interest program of events - funding would be available to the diverse community that celebrate LNY via an Expression of Interest process leading to a program of different cultural groups delivering community events. Community events would need to be delivered through the LNY period.
· EOI delivered programmed activities would be required to take place in Ashfield or surrounds, and in alignment with the Council resolution, events will be encouraged to take place in local laneways, Hercules St and the Esplanade as well as the Ashfield Civic Centre plaza and Town Hall.
· In addition to the EOI model outlined above, Council would continue working with the Australian Federation of Chinese Organisations to deliver their Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Ashfield Town Hall as part of the program.
· Council would also provide Lunar New Year themed street decorations in the Ashfield precinct.
The Expression of Interest model is based on a tested and successful model implemented by Council previously in programs such as Inner West Fest, Live Music Activations, EDGE Sydenham and Community Festive grants. Once this approach is agreed, then local community and business groups will be consulted as per the Council resolution.
The EOI would be open to the community in October 2024. It is proposed that a pool of an additional $30,000 be allocated to this program development and delivery. Cultural and community groups will be able to apply for up to $5,000 each to deliver their event. The opportunity would be promoted directly to potential cultural and community groups as well as promoted through Council’s communications channels. Following an evaluation process, the final program for the Ashfield Lunar New Year 2025 celebrations would be determined and applicants informed of the outcome.
All communities that celebrate Lunar New Year would be encouraged to apply. Events would need to take place over the Lunar New Year period in 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
$30,000 in additional funds have been included in the Creative Communities budget for 2024/25 to cover the expanded Lunar New Year activities for 2025 outlined in this report.
Activities delivered by the Australian Federation of Chinese Organisations, are already covered by the approved 2024/25 budget.
Funding of LNY themed decorations will be covered by the Economic Development budget.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Arts and Music Recovery Plan - Bi-Monthly Update
Prepared By: Michael Daly - Creative Communities Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse that future updates regarding the Arts and Music Recovery Plan will be provided to Councillors, as required, noting that the implementation plan is being reported to Council quarterly via the operational plan.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This bi-monthly update provides an overview of the implementation of initiatives set out in the Arts and Music Recovery Plan since the report was endorsed by Council in May 2023. As resolved by Council, bi-monthly reports have been provided since then. Implementation of the Plan is being overseen by the Director Community and is included in quarterly reports on the Operational Plan to Council. For this reason, it is proposed that bi-monthly reports will not continue for the next term of Council. Additional updates will be provided as relevant.
This report covers the period of May - July 2024. Highlights within this reporting period include:
· Council received a Highly Commended Award at the 2024 Local Government Awards on 1 August for the Arts and Music Recovery Plan
· Launch of creative uses of town halls on 19 July
· An increase of 170% in applicants for annual Arts Development grants
· Cultural Connections
· Studio ARTES collaborative mural with young people living with disability
· Live Music Activations EOI
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 13 December 2022, Council resolved the following in part:
2. That Council receive a bi-monthly report on the Arts Summit - Update and Progress, commencing from the March 2023 Ordinary Council meeting
At the Council meeting held on 9 May 2023, Council resolved the following:
That Council endorse the Arts and Music Recovery Plan.
DISCUSSION
Creative Uses of Town Hall
As part of the Creative Use of Town Halls initiative, Council has, over the last two months, progressed with the fit out of micro studios in each town hall. Each micro studio includes an 8-channel sound mixer, four speakers with stands, three microphones with stands, a lighting rig and controller, and a portable, low-rise stage (four x 1m x 2m platforms).
Many creative individuals and organisations can now use Council venues for free as a result of the new fee policy which applies:
· Where there is evidence that payment of a fee for venue use will prevent the activity from occurring; or
· Where an event or activity by a creative individual or group in a town hall or associated space is not primarily a fundraising event; noting that a small or gold coin donation to cover ancillary costs does not constitute a “fundraising event”.
Banners were displayed across all of the town halls with a QR Code directing the community to Council’s website for more information along with a social media campaign.
On Friday 19 July, a public launch event in Petersham Town Hall, was delivered to promote the use of town halls for creative uses. The guest list included the Hon. John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for the Arts and representatives from arts and cultural organisations from across Sydney, with an emphasis on local organisations. There were performances from local creatives and Jonathon Biggins OAM was the guest speaker.
Audio Description
As previously reported audio descriptions for Perfect Match artworks have been introduced, with 20 works completed in the pilot roll-out. Audio description is an objective narration of the visual elements in an artwork and is designed to support people who are blind and low vision as well as people with print, learning and physical disabilities to access visual artworks and projects.
Work has commenced now on the audio description program on all Perfect Match projects for 2024-25.
Making Grants more accessible
Council’s Arts Grants were open in April 2024 and are currently being processed.
There was a significant increase in applications from 2023 to 2024 for Council’s Arts Grants program, in part, due to work undertaken to make the grants more accessible for creatives. For example, the Arts Professional Development grants increased from 16 applications to 43 applications (170%) and the Arts Project grants from 56 to 82 (46%).
Improvements to the process included:
· All grant application forms were updated and streamlined.
· 45 people attended an Arts Grant information session ‘Funding Fundamentals’ at Marrickville Pavilion – the session received extensive positive feedback from participants.
· Two previous grant recipients from each stream were filmed and a social media campaign was used to promote the grants and the types of projects that are funded.
· Each stream purpose was clearly outlined to try and make it clear which grant applicants should apply for.
· Staff offered phone consults for artists seeking to apply for this year’s funding rounds.
Cultural Connections
The Cultural Connections program has seen the delivery of:
Storytelling Through Camera on 16 April - a sold out series of school holiday workshops for children & teens delivered by Settlement Services International with First Nations Storyteller Brittany Jackson and Filmmaker / facilitator Ali Rezvani. Participants from the Inner West or from refugee background received hands on experience in storytelling and filming.
Connected, The Rhythm Lives Within, Calling Us Home by dancer and musician- Yacou Mbaye, took place as an open rehearsal at the Marrickville Pavilion, of an intercultural work in development comprising dance, storytelling, musical and theatre. The work was based on themes of migration to Australia, how stories and music are brought across oceans - how this keeps people connected to family, ancestors, history, and, how in a new place, people must create new stories, new connections, and learn the local stories.
Studio ARTES collaborative mural
Funded under Council’s Arts and Music Recovery plan, 24 artists from Studio ARTES worked in collaboration with Jeff McCann to produce a new Perfect Match Street Artwork titled Art Is Our Joy! (2024). The street artwork is a collaborative project between Jeff McCann and 24 artists from Studio ARTES Inner West, a creative studio supporting people living with disabilities and was initiated in response the Arts Recovery Plan and accessible for younger participates in the creative sector.
Creative Opportunities
Over the last two months, a number of opportunities have been provided by Council for local creatives including:
· Live Music Activations EOI
· Main Streets Artist EOI
· Marrickville Music Festival EOI
· Perfect Match applications
· Chrissie Cotter Gallery applications
· Cultural Connections applications
· Newtown ArtSeat applications
All the above opportunities are for projects to be delivered in 2024/25. These opportunities give preference to local creatives, consistent with Council’s policy.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
All projects and initiatives reported were funded from the adopted budget for 2023/24 or 2024/25 as relevant.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: EV Public Charging Infrastructure - Bi-Monthly Report
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse that future updates regarding the Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy will be provided to Councillors, as required, noting that the implementation plan is being reported to Council quarterly via the operational plan.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This bi-monthly update provides an overview of the implementation of initiatives set out in the Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy which was endorsed by Council in May 2023. As resolved by Council in March 2024, bi-monthly reports have been provided to update Council on progress.
Implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the Director Infrastructure and is included in quarterly reports on the Operational Plan to Council. For this reason, it is proposed that bi-monthly reports will not continue for the next term of Council. Additional updates will be provided as relevant.
Council has initiated a series of steps associated with this Strategy to establish public charging networks in the Inner West. This includes Expressions of Interest (EoI) and Requests for Quotation (RfQ) associated with the establishment of a public charging network across the Inner West LGA (LGA) in both kerbside locations and Council’s public car parks.
Council has been successful in gaining State Government grants to install 136 charging ports at kerbside locations across the Inner West LGA.
The RfQ for car park locations is planned to be finalised in August 2024.
Following the completion of this, there will be a substantial increase in public charging spaces available across the Inner West Council LGA.
It is also noted that chargers on private sites has increased 40% in the past four months.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 5 March 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
3. That Council receive a bi-monthly report on the progress of installing EV public charging infrastructure in the LGA, including at the two locations mentioned above, as well as other kerbside locations, council car parks, and depots.
This report provides the update on progress towards establishing an Inner West (EV) public charging network for electric vehicles (EVs).
DISCUSSION
Kerbside public charging
On 26 May 2024 it was announced that Council’s kerbside public charging partners were successful in gaining State Government Round 1 grants to install 136 charging ports across the Inner West LGA. The ports to be installed include 95 with marked kerbside spaces and 41 “opportunity” locations which will not have marked kerbside spaces.
The proposed locations for these charging ports are shown in Figure 1 (below).
The sites were selected by Council’s chosen charging providers, with site selection based on an assessment of:
· Capacity of the electrical grid
· Areas with high EV uptake and low access to off-street parking (as identified by the State Government and Council’s charging partners)
· Site selection criteria to minimise inconvenience for residents (e.g. avoiding placing ports outside houses wherever possible); and
· Safety and accessibility requirements.
The 136 charging ports are currently on exhibition, through Your Say Inner West with the exhibition closing on 11 August 2024. Once the exhibition has closed, submissions will be analysed and a report put to Local Traffic Committee, then Council.
It is anticipated that installation of these charging ports will commence before the end of 2024 and be completed by mid-2025.
Round Two of the State Government’s kerbside public charging grant program was launched on the 17 July 2024 and Council’s partner providers are currently considering opportunities to apply for this new round of funding. Initial review indicates that suburbs which received limited funding in Round 1 have been highlighted by the State Government as a higher priority.
Car park public charging
Council’s RfQ for the provision of public charging in Council car parks closed in May 2024. Initial review of responses indicated the need to clarify several key points as a part of RfQ’s evaluation.
The evaluation process is progressing with a view to appointing successful partners by the end of August 2024.
It is anticipated that this stage will include roll out of public charging in 13 of Council car parks over the next 12 months, and that additional car parks will be considered in the future.
Balmain Depot Public Charging Spaces
Council in October 2023 resolved to establish EV charging spaces at the Balmain Depot.
Following this, a separate line item was included in the Car Park RfQ, requesting respondents to show interest in partnering with Council to establish public charging spaces within Balmain Works Depot, accessed from Llewellyn Street.
Responses to this element of the RfQ will be evaluated as part of the overall RfQ, therefore, the evaluation process is progressing with a view to appointing successful partners by the end of August 2024. Preliminary review indicates that substantial electrical work would need to be undertaken at this site to provide chargers and hence delivery is anticipated in 2025/26.
Public Charging on Private Sites
In the past four months an additional 13 public charging ports have been provided on private sites the Inner West (including shopping centres, private retail establishments and several service stations).
This takes the total to 45 public charging ports on private sites (an increase of 40% in the past four months).
A full list of EV charging locations is available on the NSW electric vehicle charging map available via the following link:
Figure 1 – Kerbside EV public charging sites currently on exhibition
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meetings held on 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The June and July 2024 meetings of the Local Traffic Committee were held at the Ashfield Service Centre and have made recommendations for council consideration and adoption.
DISCUSSION
The June and July 2024 meetings of the Local Traffic Committee were held at the Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meetings are shown in Attachment 1 and 2.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.
ITEMS BY WARD – JUNE 2024
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain)
|
Robert Street, Rozelle - Installation of wheel stops |
|
College Street, Balmain - 'No Parking' Zone |
|
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)
|
Norton Street, Leichhardt - Temporary Road Closure - Italian Festa |
|
Mathieson Street, Annandale - Proposed Drop Off and Pick Up Zone |
|
|
Rawson Street, Haberfield - Proposed Kerb Blister Island |
|
|
Alt Street, Ashfield- Relocation of School part-time Bus Zone |
|
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville)
|
Smidmore Street, Marrickville – Temporary full road closures for Marrickville Metro Markets/Events 27 September to 30 September 2024, 25 October to 3 November 2024, 13 December to 16 December 2024 and 20 December to 24 December 2024 and related temporary changes to Victoria Road kerbside parking restrictions to accommodate relocation of community bus |
|
Holbeach Avenue, Tempe – Temporary Full Road Closure for MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride on Sunday 3 November 2024 |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)
|
Hanks Street at the intersection with Old Canterbury Road, Ashfield - Proposed New pedestrian refuge and kerb extension facilities |
|
Hanks Street and Holden Street intersection, Ashbury - Proposed new kerb blister islands |
|
|
Marrickville Road, Seaview Street and Caves Lane, Marrickville – Temporary full Road Closures for Dulwich Hill Village Fair – Sunday 29 September 2024 |
|
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
Petersham North LATM Final Report |
|
Albermarle Street and Baltic Street, Newtown - Proposed 'No Stopping' restrictions |
|
|
All Wards |
Nil. |
ITEMS BY WARD – JULY 2024
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain)
|
Mary Street, Lilyfield - Proposed Pedestrian Crossing |
|
Dawn Fraser Baths Vicinity, Balmain - Residential Parking Scheme |
|
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)
|
Mathieson Street, Annandale - Proposed Drop Off And Pick Up Zone |
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville)
|
Hospital Lane, Marrickville - Proposed installation of 'No Parking' restrictions |
|
Marrickville Road, Marrickville – Temporary full road closure for Marrickville Music Festival – Sunday 13 October 2024 |
|
|
May Street and May Lane, St Peters – Temporary full road closure for the ‘2044 Street Takeover’ event – Sunday 3 November 2024 |
|
|
Mary Street and Edith Street, St Peters – Precinct 75 redevelopment - DA20210799 and DA20210800 Consent conditions - Temporary parking changes |
|
|
Carrington Road at Cary Street, Marrickville - Proposed raised pedestrian crossing |
|
|
St Peters area – Request for a residential parking scheme in Silver Street – Resident Parking questionnaire survey results |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)
|
Holden Street at Park Avenue, Ashfield- Proposed Raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing adjacent to the Lewis Herman Reserve |
|
Wardell Road survey area, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville - Request for extension of existing M13 residential parking scheme – Resident Parking questionnaire survey results |
|
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
Percival Road and Temple Street, Stanmore – Temporary full road closure for Stanmore Music Festival – Saturday 16 November 2024 |
|
Morton Park Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Final Report |
|
|
All Wards |
Nil. |
|
1.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committee minutes - 17 June 2024 |
|
2.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committee minutes - 15 July 2024 |
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Customer Service in Development Assessments - Bi-Monthly Report
Prepared By: Rachel Josey - Operations and Special Projects Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse that future updates regarding the Development Assessment Customer Service Action Plan will be provided to Councillors, as required, noting that the implementation plan is being reported to Council quarterly via the operational plan.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This bi-monthly update provides an overview of the implementation of initiatives set out in the Development Assessment Customer Service Action Plan since the report was endorsed by Council in May 2023. As resolved by Council, bi-monthly reports have been provided since then. Implementation of the Plan is being overseen by the Director Planning and is included in quarterly reports on the Operational Plan to Council. For this reason, it is proposed that bi-monthly reports will not continue for the next term of Council. Additional updates will be provided as relevant.
Development Assessment Teams have developed a series of Key Performance Indicators that are reportable across key milestones in the assessment process. Success against these KPIs demonstrates a positive change in customer service.
Further to Key Performance
Indicator reporting, the Department of Planning, Housing and
Industry has released Leagues Tables to report on planning performance
according to a range of indicators recently released by Ministerial
Order. Inner West Council performance as per this Leagues Table is also
summarised in this report.
BACKGROUND
This report responds to a range of resolutions regarding DA performance including;
· That Council receive a bimonthly report, tabled at an Ordinary Council meeting, monitoring improvement in customer service within the development assessment system (Council meeting held on 9 May 2023);
· That Council staff add a “traffic light” or similar reporting measure to the bi-monthly report that tells Councillors if actions are on-track / off-track and actions to be taken to bring delayed actions on track. (Council Meeting held on 21 May 2024); and
· That Council note the recommendations provided in the Centium Service Review into DA performance - especially the need to develop organisational capabilities, in particular systems and technology, to ensure we are meeting our regulatory obligations. (Council Meeting held on 25 June 2024).
DISCUSSION
Council officers continue to work towards achieving the service improvements outlined in the Customer Service in Development Service – Action Plan. The action plan with comments as of June 2024 is attached.
Of particular note is the delivery of timely lodgement, improvements in neighbour notification posting and determination timeframes. These improvements have been supported by process changes rolled out in April 2024. Furthermore, the determination of applications within a median of 81.5 days in conjunction with process improvements and improvements in customer service is a significant achievement for the Development Assessment team.
As noted in the previous bi-monthly report, a completely revised business process for development applications was delivered at the beginning of April 2024. Now that the process has been implemented, officers are reviewing feedback and issues register to identify opportunities to fine tune and take any corrective action on the technology solution.
Performance against the KPI’s for the 2023-2024 financial year to date is outlined in the below table:
|
Key Process Steps |
Customer Experience KPI |
Data collection to report against KPI |
Financial Year 23/24 Jul to June |
|
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 |
76% within 10 days Average 7 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 delivered April 2024. |
77% within 14 days
*Note for the month of May 97% within 7 days. June 90% within 7 days |
|
Internal referrals obtained |
80% response within 14 days
|
New dashboard has been rolled out – reporting is now available |
72% within 26 days 51% 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 has been delivered which will enable an on-going improvement in the recording of site inspections. |
Site inspections occur 100% of the time however 84% recorded in system
|
|
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 |
81.5 days |
Further Workshop/ Survey
The Customer Service in Development Assessments Action Plan envisaged industry workshops on a 6 monthly basis. Given the significant amount of work that has been completed, is currently underway and planned, Council staff will first be seeking feedback via a survey to industry professionals. Before any further workshops take place this survey is recommended to obtain feedback from a larger selection of industry professionals, enable staff to concentrate on the current improvements underway, and especially given the decline in attendance numbers of the most recent workshop. Outcomes of this survey will be included in this bi-monthly report.
External Review
An external review of development assessments carried out by Centium was reported to Council meeting of 25 June 2024. The review made a number of recommendations which are currently the subject of staff review and scoping. It is anticipated that along with an updated action plan for 2024-2025 that the recommendations of the external review, as well as the Council resolutions from 25 June 2024 will form part of this revised action plan with deliverables identified.
Action Plan
Attached is a revised action plan which incorporates a ‘traffic light’ reporting measure that reflects the symbols used I Council’s Quarterly Report to easily identify if actions are on-track/off track and actions to be taken to bring delayed actions on track as per the May 2024 Council resolution.
Inner West performance via the Leagues Table and Ministerial Order
In early July this year the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces released a Ministerial Order set out a range of KPIs for planning– called Ministerial Statement of Expectations (see Attachment 2). Following this the Department of planning released the Leagues Table to provide a tool to allow local government to measure and benchmark performance against two main indicators
· time taken to lodge an application from the planning portal into the Council system – that is significant as it is critical to review each application thoroughly and with consistency to ensure adequate and appropriate information has been provided to enable to the application to commence its assessment journey and
· time taken to determine the application.
The League Tables dashboard can be accessed via the following link: Council league table | Planning (nsw.gov.au)
The Leagues Table provides data in averages. This means they differ from Council’s reporting as Council’s KPIs are collected and reported in medians which is a more meaningful measure of progress.
The League Table demonstrates Inner West Council’s strong commitment to effectively manage and assess development applications; particularly given the large number of applications we receive.
Lodgement – 2023-2024 - Sydney Region - by number of applications lodged
|
Council name |
Average lodgement days |
Number of applications lodged |
Total development cost |
|
Northern Beaches |
12 |
1,301 |
$1,095,322,249 |
|
Blacktown |
15 |
1,173 |
$1,478,531,444 |
|
The Hills |
14 |
1,144 |
$1,485,961,850 |
|
Sydney |
10 |
1,110 |
$3,395,948,758 |
|
Inner West |
8 |
1,070 |
$592,655,010 |
|
Wollondilly |
8 |
902 |
$423,167,933 |
The table above is an extract of the Councils in the Sydney Region that receive the highest number of applications and the timeframe taken for an application to be lodged. Lodgement is referring to the time taken between the submission of the application by the Applicant, for Council to review the documentation submitted to see if it is ‘assessment ready’ and for Council to accept the application. The ‘average lodgement days’ are gross figures, ie it includes any time taken by the Applicant to provide any additional information requested by Council.
This shows that of the six busiest Sydney region councils, in terms of applications lodged Inner West Council was equal fastest at processing the application into the Council system.
Lodgement – 2023-2024 - Sydney Region - by lodgement days
|
Council name |
Average lodgement days |
Number of applications lodged |
Total development cost |
|
Randwick |
5 |
491 |
$351,667,586 |
|
Campbelltown |
5 |
384 |
$897,196,829 |
|
Penrith |
6 |
606 |
$678,320,602 |
|
Camden |
6 |
626 |
$1,101,390,157 |
|
Inner West |
8 |
1,070 |
$592,655,010 |
|
Wollondilly |
8 |
902 |
$423,167,933 |
|
Woollahra |
8 |
467 |
$650,814,224 |
The above table shows an extract of the Councils in the Sydney Region sorted by the average lodgement days. The extract only shows the top 7 performing Councils. This shows that out of all Sydney Region Councils regardless of busyness, Inner West Council was equal third fastest at processing the application into the Council system.
As demonstrated by the above tables, Inner West Council on average takes 8 days. The average lodgement days for 2023-2024 for the Sydney Region was 16 days. For all Councils in NSW the average was 17 days.
Assessment Performance – 2023-2024 – Sydney Region – by number of applications
|
Council name |
Average assessment days |
Number of applications assessed |
Total development cost |
|
Northern Beaches |
100 |
1,265 |
$886,613,168 |
|
Blacktown |
96 |
1,183 |
$856,894,556 |
|
The Hills |
120 |
1,163 |
$815,825,507 |
|
Sydney |
119 |
1,079 |
$2,912,108,271 |
|
Inner West |
113 |
964 |
$374,311,257 |
|
Wollondilly |
72 |
865 |
$358,816,953 |
The above Assessment table shows that of the six busiest Councils, only three were faster in terms of determination time frames. The table is an extract of the Councils in the Sydney Region that assess the highest number of applications and the timeframe taken for an application to be assessed and determined. The ‘average assessment days’ are gross figures, in that if Council requests additional information or amendments, the time taken for the Applicant to provide such is included in the ‘assessment days’.
Assessment Performance – 2023-2024 – Sydney Region – by average days
|
Council name |
Average assessment days |
Number of applications assessed |
Total development cost |
|
Lane Cove |
62 |
124 |
$89,258,102 |
|
Wollondilly |
72 |
865 |
$358,816,953 |
|
Blue Mountains |
78 |
518 |
$136,794,747 |
|
Hornsby |
87 |
464 |
$288,203,254 |
|
Camden |
89 |
554 |
$603,087,248 |
|
Blacktown |
96 |
1,183 |
$856,894,556 |
|
Northern Beaches |
100 |
1,265 |
$886,613,168 |
|
Penrith |
104 |
489 |
$313,717,711 |
|
Fairfield |
107 |
270 |
$211,554,622 |
|
Inner West |
113 |
964 |
$374,311,257 |
This table shows that regardless of number of applications processed, of the 10 fastest Councils, Inner West Council was 10th. The table is an extract of the Councils in the Sydney Region by assessment days and shows the top 10 performing Councils. The ‘average assessment days’ for 2023-2024 for the Sydney Region was 135 days and for all Councils in NSW was 114 days.
In terms of benchmarking against our peers this outcome is a result of an ongoing focus on customer service through processing times and at the same time improved customer engagement in terms of accessibility by assessment officers to DA stakeholders. While the assessment teams are justifiably proud of this result there remains the concern around data credibility. Further to this issue of data credibility the Minister has announced a $20M investment in the planning portal (see Attachment 3) and a 2 day workshop with local government stakeholders around improvements. Data collection will certainly be a topic raised by the representatives of the Inner West DA Team.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Ministerial Statement of Expectations Order |
|
2.⇩ |
Ministers Letter - Planning Portal Customers First |
|
3.⇩ |
Customer Service Development Assessment Action Plan |
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Sustainability support for Inner West schools
Prepared By: Helen Bradley - Manager Resource Recovery Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION That Council endorse the following initiatives as a standardised framework to support Inner West Schools and School events: a) Inner West Sustainable Schools Network; b) Council Grants program; c) Quick response grants; d) Garden Organics bins; e) Annual native plant giveaway; f) Free mulch; and g) Gardening, composting and worm farming workshops.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council has resolved to offer its ongoing support to events at our local schools, especially where this support can also encourage sustainability among the young people of the Inner West. Some of our local schools are already sustainability leaders and Council lends its support to their existing programs through its Sustainable Schools Network and environmental grants program, among other modes of support.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 25 October 2022, Council resolved the following:
That Council receive a report on standardising support for P&Cs and
P&Fs associations for school fetes and festivals.
Council currently operates the strong and growing Sustainable Schools Network, as well as providing other layers of support to our local school community. In most respects Council does not provide direct support to the schools as these are state-funded NSW education facilities or private institutions, but Council’s sustainability team works with P&Fs and P&Cs to provide a range of initiatives which are detailed below.
DISCUSSION
Inner West works with Parents & Friends and Parents & Citizenships (P&Fs and P&Cs) through the following initiatives, which are part of our standardised offering and made openly available:
· Inner West Sustainable Schools Network. which is a forum for school sustainability leaders. Quarterly network meetings are held to connect, share skills and learning resources. The network is an ideal forum to connect with other schools and P&Cs and hear how they are approaching sustainable event management. There is currently a membership of 68 in the Network made up of primary and high schools and some early learning centres too. Sustainable Schools Network - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au).
· Council Grants program. Council makes funding and support available in a standardised way for community projects across the Inner West, including P&C projects in local schools. If they fit the grant criteria, festivals could fall into this support scheme and P&F/ P&Cs are encouraged to apply.
· Quick response grants. P&Cs may be eligible to apply for $500 quick response community grants if projects meet the criteria – which are primarily around community well being criteria https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/contribute/grants/quick-response-small-grants
· Garden Organics bins. Council has resolved that eligible Inner West schools can have up to two green lid bins for garden organics. These bins are collected weekly as part of the residential service. Recycling at school - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au)
· Annual native plant giveaway. Council supports local schools to participate in National Schools Tree Day with an annual plant giveaway of up to 50 free native plants each year to Inner West schools.
· Free mulch Free mulch when available from Council’s Marrickville Community Nursery at Addison Road Centre by booking on 0412 435 948.
· Gardening, composting and worm farming workshops. The Green Living Centre program of workshops on sustainability topics for local residents includes composting and worm farming. These workshops are often attended by residents/parents involved in school gardens. Composting and worm farming - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au)
These programs are all currently underway and run within the Environment and Sustainability area. There is also scope to assist school P&Fs and P&Cs through Council’s Events team, and a pilot for container recycling (Return and Earn donation stations) at a Council event is planned for this year (2024). The pilot will be evaluated and recommendations made for recycling at future events, which could readily extend to school events.
Waste Management at Schools
Waste management at schools is generally a site owner (NSW Education) responsibility, but schools can apply for the event waste management user-pays service for events as per our fees and charges. As Council has significant expertise in this area, council officers from the Resource Recovery Planning team can offer advice to schools, P&Cs and P&Fs on ideas to sustainably manage events such as this in future.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
As all strategies listed in this report are within budget, there are no financial implications for the adoption of this standardised framework.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Quarter four - Progress report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023/24
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report contains the final quarterly progress report for the year outlining achievements against the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2023/24.
Council made excellent progress in 2023/24. Overall, 94% of the 171 actions in the Operational Plan 2023/24 were completed or are on track (work to continue in the 2024/25 financial year), while 84% of the 134 measures were on target or within the 10% tolerance at the end of 2023/24. There are more than twice as many measures in Q4 compared to previous quarters due to a large number of annual measures which are reported in this quarter only.
There is no Quarterly Budget Review Statement requirement for quarter four.
Overall achievements for the 2023/24 financial year including audited financial statement will be presented to Council in the Annual Report at the November meeting.
BACKGROUND
Council’s Operational Plan 2023/24 details the annual actions to achieve the commitments made in the Delivery Program 2022-26 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (s404 and 405). Council receives quarterly progress reports to monitor performance and progress in achieving Council’s commitments to the community as outlined in the plan.
DISCUSSION
Operational Plan 2023/24 progress
The quarterly progress report outlines progress against the 171 actions in the 2023/24 Operational Plan, and tracks measures (KPIs) achieved against annual targets. Overall, Council tracked well against the Operational Plan 2023/24.
Actions – as of 30 June 2024:
· 94% (161) of actions were ‘Completed’ or ‘On Track’
· 6% (10) of actions were ‘Rescheduled’ while no actions were ‘Behind Schedule’ or ‘On Hold’
Measures - as of 30 June 2024:
· 84% (112) of measures were ‘On Target’ or ‘Within Tolerance’ (i.e., within 10% of the target)
· 16% (22) of measures were ‘Below Target’
Reasons for measures below target include significant wet weather affecting measures such as bushcare volunteers and pothole repairs, temporary closure of Balmain Library during the upgrade affecting programming numbers and technical issues impacting data collection on site visits for development applications (for which a systems update has been rolled out to rectify).
Highlights for the quarter included:
· Council was recognised at the Local Government Professionals Awards winning the Innovative Leadership category for the creation of Lewis Herman Reserve as the first dementia friendly park in NSW and runner up in the Community Partnerships category for Pride Inner West.
· Council won a gold award at the Australasian Reporting Awards for our 2022/23 Annual Report.
· In implementing the Powering Ahead - Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy, Council successfully obtained kerbside EV charging grants in May 2024 for 136 charging ports which will be rolled out in the community in the next 12 months.
· The Food Organics and Gardens organics (FOGO) service continued, with food and garden organics recovery totalling more than 13,000 tonnes for the year, or 72 kg of organic material collected for recycling per resident. This is an overall reduction (37%) of food and garden organic matter collected in red-lid bins.
· The Inner West Sustainability Hub saw more than 500 attending sustainability engagements and education sessions this quarter, including bike tune-ups, community toy and book swaps, Solar my School education, network meetings and Green Living Centre program activities.
· Emerging, young and risk-taking creative work was showcased as part of the Petersham Town Hall EDGE takeover. Council worked with Inner West Film Fest to deliver their annual film festival program and a major new partnership with the Biennale of Sydney culminated in EDGE White Bay in April.
· Council facilitated skills development, networking and business forums to support local businesses with 30 workshops and 28 activations undertaken this year, and a summit for multicultural businesses delivered in April 2024.
· Council delivered 30 events in Youth Week in April, seven events as part of Reconciliation Week and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
· Inner West celebrated our volunteers at an event held at Marrickville Town Hall in May. The event included the Amy Large Volunteer Award and Citizen of the Year award and recognised Inner West volunteers from diverse groups.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the report. Overall achievements for the 2023/24 financial year including audited financial statement will be presented to Council in the Annual Report at the November meeting.
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1.⇩ |
Quarter 4 progress report 2023/24 |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Investment Report at 30 June 2024
Prepared By: Chris Sleiman - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value. During the month of June 2024:
· Council invested:
o $2.5M 10 year Fixed Bond with Commonwealth Government at fixed rate of 4.25%pa
o $5.0M 7 year Fixed Bond with South Australian Government at fixed rate of 4.50%pa
o $5.0M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.07%pa
o $18.5M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.07%pa
o $4.0M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.13%pa
o $5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.34%pa
· Council matured investments:
o $5.0M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.38%pa
o $18.5M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.33%pa
o $4.0M 3 year Green Floating Rate Term Deposit with Westpac at floating rate of 4.65%pa
o $4.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Suncorp at fixed rate of 5.19%pa
· Council sold investments:
o $5.0M 5 year Floating Rate Note with Suncorp at floating rate of 5.19%pa
· Council is preparing for the maturity of further investments in July and August 2024 and appears the rates are flattening compared with prior months.
Council’s investments are reported monthly to Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.
BACKGROUND
A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value.
The intention of investing Council’s funds is to seek the most favourable return available, whilst having due consideration of risk and security for that investment type and ensuring that its liquidity requirements are being maintained; with consideration given to the preservation of capital, liquidity, and the return on investment.
Preservation of capital is the principal objective of the investment portfolio. Investments are placed in a manner that seeks to ensure security and safeguarding the investment portfolio. This includes managing credit and interest rate risk within identified thresholds and parameters.
Council determined to proactively invest in a non-fossil fuel investment portfolio.
Legislative Requirements
All investments are to comply with the following:
§ Local Government Act 1993;
§ Local Government (General) Regulation 2021;
§ Ministerial Investment Order dated 17 February 2011;
§ Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting;
§ Australian Accounting Standards; and
§ Division of Local Government Investment Policy Guidelines May 2010
Council’s Socially Responsible Investments consist of Green Term Deposits/FRNs from otherwise fossil fuel lending banks, such as CBA and Westpac and also long dated bond issues from a range of institutions and government agencies. These investments provide targeted funding to a wide range of green and socially responsible projects and initiatives. Council also utilises these investments to remain within the credit rating policy guidelines imposed by the NSW TCorp loan covenant requirements.
Certification
The Chief Financial Officer Chris Sleiman as the Responsible Accounting Officer has certified that the investments listed in the attached report have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Section 212 of the Local Government General Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.
DISCUSSION
Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s market value investment portfolio size is $227.7m, $3.5m higher than the prior month market value of $224.2m. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s portfolio during the month had a return of 5.18% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.35% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.93% pa on a marked-to-market basis.
In June, financial markets continue to reprice the timing of rate cuts across several developed countries. Domestically, the market is now actually forecasting the small chance of a hike in coming months in response to ongoing inflationary pressures. As interest rates rise/fall the dollar valuations of existing bonds rise/fall in the market. While Fixed Rate Bond’s (or Floating Rates Notes) market value may drop below its face value (or par value) during the life of a security, providing Council does not sell the security and the issuer is sound (which all of Council’s holdings are) then the bond’s market value will come back to the face value by the time it matures.
Changes in the value of our portfolio
During the month of June, Council balanced some investment maturities with new trades.
The maturities were Westpac Green Term Deposits as follows:
· $5.0m 12 month at 5.38%pa
· $18.5m 12 month at 5.33%pa
· $4.0m 3 year at 4.65%pa floating
Council’s other maturity was a Suncorp Term Deposit of $4.0m 6 months at 5.19%pa.
Council’s new trades were as follows:
· $2.5m 10 year Fixed Bond with Commonwealth Government at fixed rate of 4.25%pa
· $5.0m 7 year Fixed Bond with South Australian Government at fixed rate of 4.50%pa
· $5.0m 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.07%pa
· $18.5m 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.07%pa
· $4.0m 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.13%pa
· $5.0m 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.34%pa
Additionally, Council partially sold $5.0m of the $13.75m floating rate note that is to mature in January 2027. Council used the $5.0m proceeds to purchase a 1-mth TD with Bank of Queensland with a fixed rate of 4.34%pa. to ensure the portfolio under 0-1yr maturity remained compliant to the minimum 40% of the overall portfolio.
Council is looking to lock in rates close to or above the 5.0%pa across the 1 year – 5 years tenors that may provide some protection against a potentially lower rate environment.
Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 44% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 7% of the portfolio in Socially Responsible Investments and 49% of the portfolio in Green investments.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia are yet to reopen their ‘Green’ investments since these were closed in early 2023.
In early April 2024, Bank of Queensland and Bendigo-Adelaide were upgraded by S&P from BBB+ to A-. Separately, several other regional banks were upgraded from BBB to BBB+ [including Bank Australia, CUA (Great Southern Bank) and Newcastle Permanent]. This has resulted in increased capacity to invest in some of these individual institutions from a counterparty perspective, as well as the aggregate “BBB” rated category.
Council has two Emerald Investments that were purchased by the former Marrickville Council in July 2006 with maturity dates of August 2051 and August 2056 representing a market value $1.1m of Councils invested funds.
The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 June 2024.
The Current Market value is required to be accounted for. The Current Market Value is a likely outcome if Council were to consider recalling the investment prior to its due date.
All investments held in the month of February were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
The External, Internal and Working Funds table below reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 31 May 2024.
Suncorp Bank investments
In February 2024, ANZ’s takeover of Suncorp was given the green light by the Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT), six months after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) blocked the deal on the grounds that it could lessen competition in the mortgage market. As such, Suncorp’s assets are likely to be upgraded to AA- in the near future by S&P, within the next 6 months but they may be flagged as an ADI lending to the fossil fuel industry in future.
An update from ANZ Bank (Media Centre, 9 July 2024):
“ANZ today welcomed the proclamation of the Queensland State Financial Institutions and Metway Merger Amendment Act, which paves the way for the completion of ANZ’s acquisition of Suncorp Bank on 31 July 2024.
Today’s proclamation sets the date for the commencement of the Queensland legislation to amend the Metway Merger Act, to fulfil the remaining condition to facilitate the acquisition.
This follows approval of the acquisition by the Federal Treasurer on 28 June 2024 and authorisation under Australia’s competition laws by the Australian Competition Tribunal on 20 February 2024.”
Since ANZ Bank are classified as a lender in the fossil-fuel industry, the completion of the Suncorp Bank takeover may make these investments contravene the ethical investment category. Councils Investment Policy under note 14:
“Within the limits of prevailing Legislation and this investment Policy, Council’s investments will be made in consideration of the principles of ethical investment management.
Council’s investment portfolio is to consist entirely of socially responsible investments and deposits in non-fossil fuel aligned banks.”
Council currently holds a mixture of fixed rate bonds and floating rate notes which are currently showing an unrealised loss of $122,979 as of 22 July 2024.
Councils Investment Policy under note 11 notes that:
“Investments are expected to achieve a market average rate of return in line with Council’s risk appetite. Investments are to be considered in the light of the following criteria:
· Preservation of Capital – the requirement for preventing losses in an investment portfolio’s total value;”
Council will continue to monitor the situation with the classification of these investments and provide further updates when information is made available.
External restriction reserves are funds that are restricted for use by external entities and have a specific purpose. Examples of such reserves include:
· Developer Contributions
· Grants
· Domestic Waste Reserve
· Stormwater Levy
Internal Restriction reserves are reserves created internally by Council for a specific purpose. Examples include:
· Employment Leave Entitlements
· Investment Property Reserve
· Infrastructure Renewal Reserve
· Depreciation Contra Reserve
External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds
Note that the 2023/24 Financial Year End process is currently in progress. The split between the External and Internal Restrictions are not available at this time.
The chart below shows the average Term Deposit bids available for Council over the next five years.
In the deposit market, over June, the average deposit rates offered by the major banks at the short-end (up to 12 months) rose between 8-11bases points following the higher-than-expected monthly inflation figure. In the medium-longer term (2-5 years), the average bids from the major banks remained relatively flat, reflective of the market still factoring rate cuts in future years. The deposit curve is largely back to where it was 6 months ago (Dec 2023).
Domestic issues:
· At the June meeting, The RBA left the cash rate on hold at 4.35% as widely expected. The Board reiterated that all options are still on the table in its fight against inflation. The Board "did discuss the case" for a possible rate hike at its June meeting, but ultimately decided to keep the policy rate unchanged. RBA Governor Bullock added, “I wouldn’t say that the case for a rate rise is increasing”, but “…there’s been a few things that have made the Board alert to the upside risks”.
· The Monthly CPI Indicator surged by 0.4% to +4.0% y/y in May from +3.6%. The ex-volatiles and travel reading did marginally slow, from +4.1% to +4.0% and key services categories remain too strong but do show some cooling.
· The unemployment rate fell 0.1% to 4.0% from 4.1%. That fallback was expected because there was an unusually elevated number of unemployed people waiting to start a new job in April that moved into employment in May.
· Domestically, the RBA kept the cash rate unchanged at its June meeting, with the central bank emphasising, "The board is not ruling anything in or out...we still think we're on the narrow path, [but] it does appear to be getting a bit narrower.” As is the case with most central banks at the moment, the RBA is waiting for current economic data to show a clear trend before taking any decisive action. The June quarter inflation data will be published on 31 July and will therefore give the RBA a comprehensive view of what is happening with inflation prior to its next policy meeting on 6 August.
· The market is now factoring the potential of another rate hike later this year with inflation remaining sticky. Financial markets have pushed back their expectations of rate cuts, with the first cut pencilled in for mid-late 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - June 2024 |
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2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - June 2024 |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: SXSW Sydney
Prepared By: Michael Daly - Creative Communities Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As a result of a Council resolution from 25 June 2024, regarding a partnership with SXSW Sydney, Council has an opportunity to support a significant Inner West satellite event that showcases Inner West talent, venues and the Enmore Road Special Entertainment precinct. This opportunity would involve a partnership with SXSW Sydney, which is a significant global festival program introduced to Sydney in 2023. The Inner West satellite event will promote Enmore Road, NSW’s first Special Entertainment Precinct, to a global and national audience (through the SXSW Sydney program), encouraging tourism to the Inner West and providing an opportunity for Inner West talent to be showcased to a broader audience. This event would promote the significance of the Special Entertainment Precinct status of Enmore Road and highlight what Special Entertainment Precincts can provide to precincts through nighttime economy opportunities.
With this opportunity, Council would work in partnership with SXSW Sydney to deliver an Inner West satellite event in Enmore Road. It is proposed that Council will provide funding of $200,000 to enable the delivery of the event by showcasing Inner West talent, venues and the Special Entertainment Precinct of Enmore Road.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 25 June 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council write to SXSW festival organisers proposing a collaboration between Inner West Council and SXSW Sydney to hold a satellite event on Enmore Road as part of SXSW Sydney 2024. The event will focus on showcasing local artists in the Inner West.
2. That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to enter into negotiations with SXSW Sydney on logistical, financial, and promotional support that Council could provide as part of the event and receive a report to the August Ordinary meeting detailing costs.
In response to the resolution, Council staff have met with SXSW organisers to discuss an Inner West satellite event to take place in the Enmore Road precinct as part of SXSW in 2024.
DISCUSSION
In July the Acting General Manager commenced conversations with SXSW Sydney management in response to the Council resolution from June.
In 2023 Enmore Road was designated as NSW’s first Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP). This recognised Enmore Road as Sydney’s premier live music and entertainment destination. Since this time, and following the success of Enmore Road’s SEP, Council has expanded its live music and performance footprint with six new areas to be covered by SEPs.
The SXSW Inner West satellite event program is an opportunity for Inner West Council to develop a strong and ongoing partnership with SXSW. SXSW is a key Sydney program operating on a global stage which is an annual gathering of “visionaries, thought leaders and emerging talents” from the Asia-Pacific region taking place in Sydney City from 14-20 October 2024. The program features more than 1,000 events and networking sessions across the subjects of Tech & Innovation, Games, Music and Screen. In its inaugural year (2023) SXSW attracted over 287,000 attendees. Sydney is the first city outside of Austin, Texas to host SXSW.
The proposed SXSW Inner West satellite event will promote the Inner West as a key tourist destination during the SXSW festival period and will bring audiences from both within and outside of the Inner West for this special showcase program.
The SXSW Inner West satellite event program will be a one-day program with free performances at a number of Enmore Road based venues, with a current proposed date of Sunday 20 October. The event will be programmed and organised by SXSW and hosted by selected venues within the Enmore Road precinct. The program will be a mix of international and national acts and Inner West talent, with emerging Inner West acts having the opportunity to play with headline performers and access to significantly larger audiences. It is envisioned that in the order of 40 acts will feature as part of the program, with headlines with significant profile included in the program to encourage wide ranging audience participation. Councils’ financial contribution of $200,000 will be used to pay local performers and facilitate event delivery and management. This could include closure of local roads such as Simmons Street Enmore.
Further discussions are currently underway with key Inner West stakeholders for additional Inner West based programming to occur in alignment with the SXSW Inner West satellite event. This additional programming would be funded by alternative sources and not by Council.
Director Community is liaising with the NSW Government on any opportunities for financial or “In Kind” support.
Staff have made enquiries with the office of the Minister for Arts/Roads to see if any support is available to close side streets off Enmore Road as part of the event.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council’s financial contribution for this program following discussions with SXSW would total an amount of $200,000 with these funds covering the costs of artist fees, operational costs and marketing, with a significant percentage of the funds going to participating artists. This funding would be sourced through Q1 deliberations in the 2024/25 budget.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Inner West Cycling Update
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Council meeting on 4 June 2024 Council noted the Inner West Bicycle Coalition’s ‘Safe Cycling in the Inner West’ petition and sought a report responding to the petition outlining issues including delivery of cycling infrastructure, the status of designs upcoming and underway and opportunities for pop-up cycleways.
This report outlines the status of the following projects: Pyrmont Bridge Road cycleway, Cooks to Cove Greenway, St Peters to Sydenham station link, Lilyfield Road cycleway, Marrickville Road East cycleway, East-West Pedestrian and Cycle link (EWPCL), Strategic investigation of cycling routes in Ashfield-Haberfield, Active Travel to Schools Study, Iron Cove Creek Cycleway, West Street (Regional Route 2), Addison Road Cycleway and Study of Potential Routes for Inclusion in Future Cycling Action Plans.
These projects are at different stages of development, including planning, detailed design and construction, this provides Council with an ongoing pipeline of cycling projects which will result in substantial increases in the bicycle network this financial year and beyond.
Of those bicycle facility projects in construction phase, the 2024/25 financial year will see Council investing $25.9M in the Greenway and a further $3.3M toward other bicycle facilities.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting on 4 June 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council note the Inner West Bicycle Coalition’s ‘Safe Cycling in the Inner West’ petition, which calls on Council to build a safe, separated, and connected bike network, specifically:
a) start designs on 5 priority routes & trial 5 popup cycleways this year;
b) accelerate construction on planned projects, such as Lilyfield, Addison & Marrickville Roads; and
c) commit to quality designs, learning from mistakes on Livingstone & Carrington Roads.
2. That Council will prepare a report that constructively responds to the petition, to be considered at the August meeting outlining:
a) immediate opportunities for cycling infrastructure delivery;
b) statuses of any designs on the priority routes that are currently being developed, and the feasibility of starting new designs in the 24-25 FY;
c) opportunities for pop-up cycleways; including during the upcoming closure of railway stations; and
d) the status of Addison Rd, Lilyfield Road and Marrickville Road proposed cycleways and any opportunities for acceleration.
3. That Council note positive community feedback on recent works to improve the Carrington Rd cycleway.
DISCUSSION
The Inner West Cycling Strategy and Action Plan was endorsed by Council on 20 June 2023. The Strategy and Action Plan together outline priorities, actions and projects to expand the bike network and support more people riding a bike.
The Cycling Strategy contains the following priorities, each with supporting actions:
1. Increase the number of people cycling by expanding the bike network to make bike riding a low-stress and convenient transport option
2. Recognise and support the growing use of a range of different bikes and mobility devices including electric bikes and trikes, cargo bikes, child and dog-carriers, assisted wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters
3. Address problems and high- stress safety issues on existing cycleways and popular bike routes while the bike network is implemented and expanded
4. Ensure an organisation-wide approach to cycling is applied to and embedded in all aspects of Council’s planning and functions
5. Provide initiatives, facilities and information to support people to ride a bike and help people appreciate the community- wide benefits of more people cycling
6. Work with other councils, the State and Federal Governments, bike groups and the community to learn, share information and facilitate change; and learn from cities where bike riding is a popular transport choice
The Cycling Action Plan outlines both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives for delivery in the short and medium terms and the infrastructure links discussed below are currently underway in accordance with the Action Plan.
As a safer Inner West cycling network takes shape, the Cycling Action Plan, and the cycling network map shown in Priority 1 of the Strategy, are subject to periodical review and updating in accordance with the Community Strategic Plan.
The following infrastructure initiatives are currently underway in accordance with the Cycling Action Plan.
Pyrmont Bridge Road cycleway
The Pyrmont Bridge Road cycleway will be delivered as part of the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement program under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy which aims to provide more homes and jobs along Parramatta Road.
Work to deliver the cycleway was delayed by the WestConnex tunnelling site which resulted in a high number of heavy vehicles using the exit point on Pyrmont Bridge Road.
With construction of the WestConnex mainline tunnels now complete, Council is working with Transport for NSW to finalise an agreement for design and construction of “pop-up” style cycleway by Transport for NSW, with Inner West Council as project manager.
Public exhibition of the cycleway is anticipated later this year, followed by commencement of construction in 2025.
Cooks to Cove Greenway
Delivery of the Greenway ‘missing links’ is now underway to provide a walking and cycling path within the light rail corridor between Parramatta Road and Dulwich Hill as well as road crossings. In combination with previously completed works in Richard Murden Reserve Haberfield and on local roads in Dulwich Hill, the Greenway will provide a safe and continuous walking and cycling link between Victoria Road Rozelle and the Cooks River cycleway.
Works are anticipated to be completed in 2025 with $25.9M being allocated for this project in the 2024/25 financial year – seeing a total project investment over $40M.
St Peters to Sydenham station link
The St Peters to Sydenham Station bike link will connect the Campbell Street cycleway and Sydenham station via a pathway delivered by the WestConnex M8 project. The project includes on-road (mixed traffic) links between Mary Street, St Peters and Unwin’s Bridge Road, a new crossing of Unwin’s Bridge Road at George Street and a separated cycleway in Burrows Avenue Sydenham.
Progress on this work has been impacted by Sydney Metro works at Sydenham Station and staff are now working with Transport for NSW to finalise the design details before public exhibition later this year.
Construction is expected to commence in 2025 and $1,320,000 has been budgeted for this financial year.
Lilyfield Road cycleway
Work on the Lilyfield Road bike link has been delayed by the significant impacts imposed by construction of the WestConnex Rozelle Interchange project. With the re-opening of the Rozelle Parklands in April 2024 following the replacement of contaminated mulch, works to finalise the design are now underway to provide a cycling link between the Greenway, Bay Run as well as Annandale and Sydney city via Rozelle Parklands.
In early 2024 initial community engagement was conducted on the Masterplan for Rozelle Parklands. Comments received identified better walking and cycling connections into, through and around the parklands as an important issue and design work on the Lilyfield Road link will coordinate with preparation of the Masterplan.
As part of the Lilyfield Road design, two pedestrian crossings on Lilyfield Road will be expedited through the design and construction phases.
$360,000 has been provided for detailed design of the Lilyfield Road Cycleway and design work is anticipated to be completed 2024/25.
Marrickville Road East cycleway
The Marrickville Road east cycleway will provide a separated cycleway on Marrickville Road between Meeks Road and Sydenham station.
The Marrickville Road (East) Public Domain Master Plan was publicly exhibited and endorsed by Council in 2018. Public exhibition of the cycleway is expected to take place in the coming months after which applications for funding will be made to Transport for NSW to commence construction. A previous application for funding to relocate a water main located under the road was unsuccessful. Relocation of the water main is a costly and high impact activity that will affect construction of the cycleway and staff are working to identify to manage this requirement by Sydney Water.
$450,000 has been allocated for detail design and early enabling works in the 2024/25 financial year.
East-West Pedestrian and Cycle link (EWPCL)
The East-West Pedestrian and Cycle (EWPCL) is a walking and cycling link alongside the T3 rail line which is currently undergoing conversion to Metro between Sydenham and Bankstown.
Following a successful funding application to Transport for NSW, a design firm has been engaged to complete the design of on-street links between in the Inner West (between Sydenham and Dulwich Hill). The Marrickville Road east cycleway forms part of the EWPCL.
$370,000 has been allocated for design works in the 2024/25 financial year and it is anticipated the design will be publicly exhibited in early 2025.
Council staff are also working closely with Transport for NSW to identify and deliver early works to support the upcoming temporary closure of the T3 rail line for the final stage of conversion to Metro.
These early works were considered at the Extraordinary June 2024 Traffic Committee and will include a “pop-up” style cycleway on Meeks Road.
These early (interim EWPCL) works will be completed in the next 3 months, prior to the closure of the Sydenham to Bankstown T3 line.
Strategic investigation of cycling routes in Ashfield-Haberfield
The Inner West Cycling Strategy identifies northern Ashfield as a Strategic Investigation Area and work is underway to explore options to provide safer cycling access in Ashfield north of the rail line.
This study has commenced and will be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.
Active Travel to Schools Study
On 5 March 2924 Council resolved to undertake a report into establishing an Inner West Primary Schools Active Travel pilot program identifying primary schools in the Local Government Area with potential to be involved in a multi-disciplinary education and pedestrian infrastructure improvement program to encourage more walking, cycling and scootering to school.
Consultants have now been commissioned to build on work, previously done as part of The GreenWay project, to examine opportunities to increase active travel to schools in the Inner West. This project will develop case studies around Dulwich Hill, Kegworth and Summer Hill public schools to use as templates to encourage greater use of active transport for journeys to and from schools in the Inner West.
This study will be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.
Iron Cove Creek Cycleway
In April 2024 the Iron Cove Creek Masterplan was endorsed by Council following two years of development in collaboration with the local community. These works will ultimately provide a connection between Ashfield Aquatic Centre and the Bay Run.
Work to progress the design for the walking and cycling link along Iron Cove Creek will continue in the current financial year (2024/25) and $500,000 has been allocated to undertake this work.
Further design work involves collaborating with Sydney Water, owner of the canal corridor, to design a path whilst protecting the primary function of the corridor as a water management facility, and exploring road crossings of local roads (John Street and Church Street), State roads (Parramatta Road) and a regional road (Ramsay Road) in conjunction with Transport for NSW.
West Street (Regional Route 2)
Design work on a bike link connecting Parramatta Road and Marrickville Park will continue in the current financial year (2024/25). Community engagement on the concept design was previously carried out and subsequently revised in response to community feedback.
The proposal involves a shared path in West Street Petersham over the T2 rail line and intersecting with the Lewisham to Newtown bike route delivered in 2021. An on-road bike route in low traffic streets will be provided via West Street, Ducross Street, Morgan Street and Napier Street connecting with Marrickville Park and the Livingstone Road cycleway.
$170,000 has been allocated to this project for the 2024/25 financial year.
Livingstone Road Cycling Upgrades
Livingston Road cycleway upgrades will improve cycling conditions along the Livingstone Road cycleway. Works will include adjustment of driveway ramps, improved transitions, improved access points to the cycleway.
$160,000 has been allocated to these works in the 2024/25 financial year.
Transport for NSW Strategic Cycleway Corridor Program
The NSW Government aims to double the number of trips made by walking and cycling over the next two decades. In March 2023, Transport for NSW committed to a cycleway corridor framework for Greater Sydney to establish safe and convenient cross-city cycleway connections connecting centres, precincts and places, and enabling councils to progressively expand local bike networks.
The Strategic Cycleway Corridors as shown in Attachment A have been identified for Greater Sydney. Over 85 cycleway corridors have been identified extending more than 850 km and Transport for NSW is working with councils and Bicycle User Groups to prepare a Business Case for funding, design and implementation.
Staff have met periodically with the Transport for NSW Cities & Active Transport team to discuss priority corridors projects in the Inner West including Ashfield to Burwood, Pyrmont to Camperdown via Pyrmont Bridge Road, Rhodes to The Bays via Lilyfield Road and Newtown to Green Square via Wilson Street.
This work will inform the creation of future projects and grant funding opportunities.
Addison Road cycleway
The Addison Road cycleway project was commenced by Council in 2015 with public exhibition of a concept plan occurring in 2017. Community and stakeholder feedback raised a number of issues centered around how safer cycling access could be provided in conjunction with the needs of other road users including the 428 bus route, pedestrians and on-street car parking for residents and businesses. Due to these concerns raised, the project was not approved by the Traffic Committee and Council at the time.
There is no funding allocated to this project in the 4 year works program and it is considered a high-risk project noting the outcome of the previous investigation.
Upcoming closure of T3 rail line for conversion to Metro
Staff in Council’s traffic and transport teams have been working with Transport for NSW to deliver the following active transport initiatives as part of the upcoming closure of the T3 rail line:
· Improving Carrington Road cycleway to provide better access for bike riders by providing continuous access along the cycleway at intersecting side streets
· Improvements to the in-corridor path and ramps adjacent to the rail line between Marrickville station and Myrtle Street Marrickville
· The installation of prominent wayfinding signs including mapping and painted on-road symbols to guide bike riders in local streets
· The provision of additional bike parking at key stations and Tempe station
· The installation of safer speed limits around Sydenham station and alterations to traffic signals to provide longer crossing times for pedestrians and cyclists
· A range of activities to help people feel comfortable riding a bike, such as learn to ride events, bike tune-up lessons and try-a-bike events.
A number of the above activities are completed with the others scheduled to be completed in the next 3 months, prior to the closure of the Sydenham to Bankstown train line.
Assessment of Potential Routes for Inclusion in Future Cycling Action Plans
Council’s Cycling Action Plan is subject to periodic review to ensure that it is populated with an ongoing pipeline of works. In order to develop an on-going the Action Plan, Council has commenced a study of potential bike routes which will be considered and prioritised for potential future cycling projects.
A consultant has been engaged to undertake this work and this study will be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.
Project Risks and Conclusion
Cycling projects have a number of inherent financial and non-financial risks, this includes obtaining approvals from third parties such as Transport for NSW and Sydney Water, cost escalations and impacts to parking and traffic conditions which may not be immediately acceptable to the directly impacted community.
The program responds to these risks by ensuring that there is adequate planning and design periods to work through the challenges. This is a necessitate to ensuring well considered projects that can be delivered, and allows time for Council to apply for and secure grant funding opportunities.
Through this methodology, the 2024/25 financial year will see Council investing $25.9M in the Greenway and a further $3.3M toward other bicycle facilities.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are financial implications with regard to the capital projects listed above and these are outlined in current 2024/25 budgets as below.
|
|
|
Project Description |
2024/25 Budget ($’000) |
|
|
|
|
Lilyfield Road Cycleway |
360 |
|
Bike Route RR02 (West Street) Design |
170 |
|
Marrickville Rd (East) Design and Implementation |
450 |
|
St Peters to Sydenham station link |
1,320 |
|
Iron Cove Shared Path, Iron Cove to Ashfield Design |
500 |
|
SW Metro - Sydenham to Dulwich Hill Station EWPCL |
370 |
|
Livingstone Road Cycling Upgrades |
160 |
|
Cycleways - Capital Totals |
3,330 |
|
|
|
|
Greenway |
25,890 |
|
GreenWay Program Totals |
25,890 |
|
1.⇩ |
Greater Sydney Strategic Cycleway Corridors |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Pathway to a Safer Cooks River Walking and Cycling Trail
Prepared By: 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 addresses previous Council resolutions which were adopted at the June 2024 Ordinary Council meeting in relation to improving the Cooks River Walking trail and critically addressing key safety issues associated with the pathway and its use after dark. The report highlights current Council initiatives, adopted masterplans as well as key partnerships which are progressing future improvements.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 25 June 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council urgently develops a masterplan in collaboration with Canterbury-Bankstown Council to improve and connect the existing walking and cycling trails on both sides of the Cooks River. The plan would improve safety, accessibility and wayfinding, encourage wider use for active and passive recreation and strengthen people’s connection to the river and natural surrounds. The Trails would encourage active transport during the temporary shutdown of the T3 rail line. The Trails would link to the soon-to-be-completed GreenWay and the Two Valley Trail in Wolli Creek Regional Park.
2. That Council ensure the plan draws on the existing the Blue Green Grid Strategy, the Cooks River Alliance Strategic Plan 2022-2025, Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course Master Plan, Council's Cycling Strategy and Action Plan and other relevant strategies and plans.
3. That Council consults and collaborates with community and relevant stakeholder groups such as Cooks River Valley Association (CRVA), the Cooks River Alliance, Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club, Inner West Bicycle Coalition and Canterbury-Bankstown Council in the development of the master plan for the Trails.
In addition, at the Council meeting held on 25 June 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council urgently:
a) conducts an audit and acts to ensure that the path through Mackey Park meets safe standards;
b) work with the NSW Police to conduct a safety audit for pathways through and around Mackey park to the Station; and
c) request T4NSW install temporary way - finding on the safest route.
2. That Council request an update on progress our request to TfNSW for lighting along the shared bicycle and pedestrian path next to the Cooks River, between Kendrick Park at Princes Highway, through to Tempe Train Station and down to Steel Park, Marrickville
Prior to the 25 June 2024 Council resolutions, at the Council meeting held on 20 September 2022, Council resolved the following:
That Council:
1. Investigates developing a Cooks River Corridor Masterplan for the Inner West LGA, in consultation with the Cooks River Alliance, with complementary actions to the CBC Plan, prepared in collaboration with key stakeholders, including other members of the Alliance, residents and other stakeholders;
2. Approach Cooks River Alliance about developing a catchment-wide Cooks River Corridor Masterplan for the entire Cooks River catchment, involving all Councils within the catchment and other key stakeholders including Sydney Water, Transport for NSW and residents;
3. Notes the recent public exhibition of the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan (draft) prepared by Canterbury-Bankstown Council (CBC);
4. Notes the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan (draft) includes areas within the Inner West Council LGA, bordering along the Cooks River; and Page 2 of 5
5. Investigates entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canterbury-Bankstown Council to identify and implement the Cooks River Corridor Masterplan across the Inner West LGA.
DISCUSSION
Development of Cooks River Masterplan
Following on from the September 2022 Council resolution, Council is in the final stage of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Cooks River Alliance for the Development of the Cooks River Masterplan.
This project is fully funded by State Government to the value of $1 Million in collaboration with Canterbury Bankstown Council. The MoU requires no direct financial contribution from Inner West Council but does require in-kind contributions in terms of Council staff time and analysis of current plans and studies. The key objective of the MOU is to deliver a Cooks River Masterplan to facilitate a whole of river/ catchment-wide approach to the revitalisation of the Cooks River over the coming decades to the benefit of the environment and human health.
The
proposed Cooks River Masterplan will address and resolve long standing issues
associated with the need for a masterplan on a regional scale. Once completed,
the Masterplan will:
· Articulating a common vision for the river for Alliance partners, stakeholders and community
· Consolidate existing and past plans
· Identify actions to deliver on the vision for the River catchment
· Provide justification to the selection and prioritisation of projects, including community input and feedback
· Align Community Alliance Partner and stakeholder resources to support Cooks River outcomes
· Utilise advances in information management and internet / digital tools to increase planning visibility to partners, key stakeholders, and the general public (e.g., creation of an intuitive, augmented, and user-friendly web-based interface).
This is in addition to the waterway-focussed work being undertaken by the Cooks River Alliance (of which Council is a financial Partner) on the Cooks River Coastal Management Plan (CMP).
The CMP consists of 5 parts and once adopted “unlocks” state government support for any projects identified at a funding ratio of 2:1. The CMP is currently at Stage 3, identifying and evaluating catchment management options. Stage 1 included a Scoping Study being completed in 2020 which identified the long-term vision for the CMP. Stage 2 identified risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities in the Cooks River catchment, and specific projects include:
1.
Condition Assessment of Waterway Assets
2. Cooks River Report Card Establishment Plan
3. Biodiversity Assessment
4. Coastal Hazard Assessment
The outcomes and recommendations from these reports will inform Stage 3. Stage
4 is to prepare, exhibit, finalise, certify and adopt the CMP (due by 2025) and
Stage 5 is the ongoing monitoring of the adopted plan.
The Cooks River Masterplanning process is also supported by the Cooks River Parklands Masterplan and Plan of Management adopted by Council in 2016. These were developed to provide an overarching masterplan for the Cooks River Parklands as a connected series of open spaces that form the northern riparian corridor of the lower Cooks River.
The final Plan of Management balances interests of passive and organised recreation, biodiversity, stormwater treatment, heritage, pedestrian and cyclist circulation. The Plan of Management also promotes the delivery of balanced outcomes that facilitate multipurpose infrastructure and use outcomes that provide for all park users and the environment. The design outcomes are a direct representation of requests from the community engagement process. Park areas covered in the Plan of Management include:
1. HJ Mahoney Reserve
2. Steel Park
3. Richardson’s Lookout
4. Warren Park
5. Cooks River Foreshore
6. Mackey Park
7. Kendrick Park, and
8. Fatima Island.
Council’s adopted Cooks River Plan of Management and Masterplan can be viewed via the following link: The Cooks River Parklands - creating the 10 year plan. | Your Say Inner West (nsw.gov.au)
On the 27 August 2021, Council adopted the Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course Plan of Management and Masterplan following extensive community engagement. Council’s adopted Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course Plan of Management and Masterplan can be viewed via the following link: Marrickville Parklands draft plans | Your Say Inner West (nsw.gov.au)
Connection Improvements across the Cooks River
Lang Road Bridge was provided by Canterbury-Bankstown Council in late 2020 improving linkages to the Cooks River cycleway (refer to fig 1.1), while Inner West Council constructed Beaman Bridge (refer to fig 1.2 & 1.3) and in July 2024 maintenance and improvements to the Bridge were completed.
Fig 1.1 Lang Road Bridge-Cooks River Fig 1.2 Beaman Bridge Crossing
Cycleway Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course
Fig 1.3 July 2024-Beaman Bridge
Improvements 1st Tee Area Marrickville Parklands.
Both the existing Cooks River Parklands Plan of Management and the Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course Plan of Management provide the strategic direction for the future management and development of the parklands as well as direction on park improvements including existing walking and cycling trails. These strategic documents will play an important informative role in the development of the Cooks River Masterplan.
Cooks River Walking and Commuter Safety Audit
On the evening of 18 June 2024, Council officers in collaboration with the NSW Police undertook a safety audit and inspection of the Cooks River walking and commuter trail. The safety inspection highlighted that the walk is well patronised but extremely hazardous after dark, noting the lack of pathway lighting and the significant opportunities for hiding spaces in adjacent vegetated areas. Key areas for improvement included:
Mackey Park
Key priorities and observations include:
· Formalisation and rebuild of the car park including essential lighting as car park is pitch black and unsafe
· Lighting of the Concordia club walkway from the car park.
· Lighting of 3 Croquet greens will provide passive surveillance once activated as well as address recreation needs for Croquet clubs
· Generally good lighting from the edge of Mackey Park to the amenities block.
· Cooks River Commuter and Recreation Walk - Kendrick Park through to Mackey Park essential lighting works are required to improve path user safety.
Works being actioned immediately following the audit include
· Cleaning of luminaire lens of existing P3 lighting
· Pruning of garden shrubs along Mackey pathways
· Pruning of trees around the permitter of the park
Following the conclusion of the safety inspection, a letter of support for pathway lighting improvements was received from the NSW Police (Attachment 1). Council has also written urgently to the NSW Government seeking urgent support and funding for upgrading of the pathway lighting.
Steel Park
· Outdoor fitness station (future lighting)
· Excellent P3 lighting
· Good passive surveillance with sporting ground lighting when teams are training for sports.
Cooks River Pathway
The night time audit demonstrated that lighting of the 1km walk between parklands is extremely poor. This is a key commuter and recreational access trail with a direct link along the Cooks River from Tempe Station to Illawarra Road (west) and the Princess Highway/ Kendrick Park.
Previous attempts have been made by Council to install lighting along the 1km walk, however these have been unsuccessful due to objection from Jemena, owner of the utility pipeline which runs through to Sydney airport. Nevertheless safety risks are considered high, due to the hazards presented from tripping, there is dense vegetation along the route and the stairs to Thornley Street, which is an important link require lighting, signage (wayfinding) and a handrail.
In order to achieve suitable levels of safety and amenity the lighting should generally aim to achieve the following:
· Illuminate edges of path network and ensure public areas are well lit;
· Ensure changes in level are visible;
· Enable a person’s features to be recognised from at least 10-15 metres away;
· Enable orientation and way finding to take place;
· Illuminate the built form to enhance the overall visual perception space;
· Take ecology advice to ensure shorebird and marine habitat is protected.
Lighting improvements from Kendrick Park through to Steel Park are urgently needed and NSW State Government assistance to address approvals for this work is sought. The need for improved lighting is heightened due to the expected increased patronage of Tempe Train Station due to the imminent, temporary closure of the T3 Line from Sydenham to Bankstown Stations.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There is no funding allocation for lighting improvements along the Cooks River Pathway in Council’s 2024/25 Delivery Program. Previous unsuccessful work for this is under review in terms of scope and costing. Funding support for a lighting improvement projects has been sought from the NSW Government given the significant community safety issues co-identified by the NSW Police.
|
1.⇩ |
Security Assessment Report Mackey Park |
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Rezoning of Leichhardt Bowling Club
Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning
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:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The most cost effective and expeditious Council led method of rezoning of Leichhardt Bowling Club from R1 – General Residential to RE2 – Private Recreation is to include it as part of a housekeeping amendment to Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 24 June 2024, Council resolved the following:
That Council commence work to rezone the Leichhardt Bowling Club from R1 - ‘General Residential’ to RE2 - ‘Private Recreation’ using the most cost-effective and expeditious Council-led method possible. A report on this is to be tabled at the August Ordinary Council meeting.
DISCUSSION
A housekeeping amendment to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 is currently being developed concurrently with an Inner West Development Control Plan to further harmonise the planning controls within Inner West.
The housekeeping amendment will include:
· Harmonised subdivision controls
· updated landscaping and housing diversity controls in Inner West DCP
· rezoning some sites to ensure that the zoning reflects the land use including land owned by Sydney Water
Including Leichhardt bowling club as part of this Council led work will allow Council Officers to change the land use zone from R1 General Residential to RE2 Private Recreation in an efficient and effective manner.
While there is other Council led zoning work underway in order to meet housing targets a review of Leichhardt Bowling Club does not fit comfortably into this framework. Therefore it is recommended to accommodate this piece of work to the housekeeping amendment underway, and expected to be brought to Council for consideration later in 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
If the land use zone for Leichhardt Bowling Club is modified, the rates collected will reduce due to the lower valuation of land and result in Council receiving less rate-based income moving forward.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: FOGO Monthly Update - August 2024
Prepared By: Helen Bradley - Manager Resource Recovery Planning
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The weekly opt-in red lid garbage collection commenced on 18 March as per the March Council resolution, there continues to be a steady stream of households opting in.
Work is progressing on the FOGO service review and communications to embed FOGO were positively received and FOGO community champions engaged and upskilled.
National Tree Day provided an opportunity for Council to use Inner West FOGO compost in a public place.
This report provides the monthly update on the Inner West FOGO Food Recycling Service.
DISCUSSION
Council commenced the FOGO food recycling service on the 9th October 2023 and as of the 29 July had collected 13,323 Tonnes of FOGO. This equates to 27,979 tonnes CO2, equivalent emissions avoided.
The tonnages collected for June and July was 1,061 and 989 (July incomplete month) which is similar to our modelling that suggested 1,122 tonnes per month would be recovered if half of the available food from the garbage bin was recycled.
In the first 8 months of the FOGO service (October to June inclusive 2023/24), compared to the same period in 2022/23;
1. Garbage tonnage reduced by 6,711 tonnes
· FOGO (Garden and FOO previously) tonnage has increased by 7,056 tonnes.
This suggests a transfer of approximately 6,711 tonnes of food from garbage to FOGO over the first seven months of FOGO.
As is demonstrated in the following graph, FOGO tonnage is increasing at a greater rate than garbage disposal, compared to the same months last financial year. Note that summer is peak generation across all streams, with lowest seasonal generation in winter.
Industry standard for missed bins is 0.5% of total services which would equate to approximately 890 missed for the Inner West each week. Council missed services are consistently averaging approximately 400 per week across all streams (Garbage, recycling, and FOGO).
The number of weekly waste phone calls and customer requests are gradually reducing, and we are averaging about 137 calls per day (down from 150 last month) in the week ending 26 July 2024 from a peak of 800 per day in October 2023.
Assistance for residents adjusting to FOGO
1. Upsizing Red Lid Garbage Bins.
To help assist residents who are struggling with a fortnightly collection of the 120-litre red lidded bin, Council is offered a 240-litre bin. Council has delivered 5,392 upsized 240-litre red lidded Garbage bins since FOGO commenced to 29 July 2024 (up from 5,258 at the end of June).
2. Booked Overflow Red Lid Garbage Bin Collection
Optimo, Council’s current booking system for clean-up bookings, has been active since 9 October 2023 to support residents that would like to book the alternate week collection.
The booked system gives residents opportunity to adapt waste sorting behaviour before committing to an upsizing of bin. 1,200 bookings are available on each collection day and bookings are steady at an average of 50 per day during the month to 26 July (down from 70 per day last month).
Due to the configuration of the Optimo software Council has been unable to collect booked overflow services on the same day of the week as the collection day. Council has implemented software to enable additional collections to be routed on the same day as the resident's scheduled red bin fortnightly collection. The software will also assist staff to automatically route weekly opt-in garbage runs. The same day collection is being phased in over three weeks whilst pre booked collections are being serviced.
3. Weekly opt-in garbage collection service
At 29 July, 2,433 (up from 2,194 at the end of June and 1,868 at the end of May) households registered for opt-in weekly red lid garbage bin collection. The collection of the weekly opt-in service is currently being undertaken within existing day labour resources. Council completed the procurement process for additional contract resources should the need arise.
Comparison in FOGO performance for variable bin sizes and collection frequency will be measured as part of the service review which will include audits and review of tonnages. We will continue to monitor requests and measure customer satisfaction in the Inner West community satisfaction survey.
4. Waste Buster activity
During June and July 2024, Waste Busters reported the following:
· Contacted households of 75 contaminated FOGO bins rejected by resource recovery service crews. 102 individual households and apartments were contacted directly in response to these contaminated bins.
· 4,731 household bins tagged during June and July 2024.
· Engaged with over 151 residents across seven events (including markets, schools and National Tree Day) handing out 7 kitchen benchtop bins and 21 packs of compostable liners.
5. Rebate for Reusable Nappies, Sanitary and Incontinence products
$30,000 was allocated by council resolution for the nappy and sanitary rebate which opened on 9 October to enable households to try subsidised reusable nappies or sanitary products and reduce the amount of garbage in their red lid bin. This rebate was extended for the 2024-25 financial year and $30,000 allocated from the Domestic waste budget for the program.
Residents buy the items of their choice and submit their simple application and their receipt to qualify for the rebate (up to $150 for reusable nappies and $100 for sanitary or incontinence products).
On 29 July 2024, four hundred and forty-seven rebates had been claimed total cost $24,683):
• Reusable cloth nappies – 122 claims to the value of $9,309
• Reusable sanitary products – 321 claims to the value of $15,130
• Reusable incontinence underwear – 4 claims to the value of $244
FOGO Community Champions and Communications
The final phase of the Community Champions work is underway with recruitment of community members as FOGO Food Recycling experts to enable them to influence and support people in their local area and networks. The workshop was held at Marrickville Pavilion on Saturday 6 July 2024 with over 20 participants who were upskilled on FOGO and committed to pledges in their household, their street and their community to positively influence FOGO. Regular online catch ups and mentoring with participants has been scheduled which will conclude with a further face to face gathering.
Compostable liner supply and delivery
Council currently offers collection of compostable liners (bags) at Inner West Customer Service Centres and libraries. Based on use of 3 liners per week, households use and average of 150 compostable per year. Council will deliver packs of 75 bags at 6 monthly intervals (with an opt-out process) as per the Council resolution in July 2024.
· October 2023 - 40 compostable liners delivered in starter kit to houses.
· December 2023 - houses delivered 75 compostable liners.
· May-July 2024 – all houses and apartments delivered 75 compostable liners
· December 2024 – next scheduled delivery of 75 compostable liners
Welcome Home FOGO
Council
used Inner West FOGO compost from TopSoil for Tree Planting at Richard Murden
Reserve in Haberfield to celebrate National Tree Day. The compost produced is
of a platinum standard (AS4454) and can be used on agricultural land or parks
and public spaces. 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
The costs for the delivery of composable liners will from the existing domestic waste budgets with any shortfall funded from the Domestic Waste Reserve. The number of weekly opt in collections are currently being undertaken within the existing day labour budget.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Stopping the Spread of Tobacconist and Vape Stores
Prepared By: Kursty Delmas - Acting Team Leader / Manager Development Compliance
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:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Ordinary meeting of Council in May 2024, Council resolved to bring together concerned members of the community and relevant agencies to discuss the positive change and reform needed regarding vape and tobacconist stores in the Inner West.
This round table was held on Wednesday 3 July 2024 at Ashfield Town Hall and was attended by community members and representatives from the NSW Cancer Council, NSW Ministry of Health, and industry professionals.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 21 May 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council receive and note the report (C0424(1) Item 21, April 2024).
2. That Council organises a forum to bring together concerned members of the community and relevant agencies to crate both a platform for momentum for positive change and reform regarding vape and tobacconist stores in our community.
3. That Council invite representatives from NSW Planning, NSW Health, and the Cancer council to participate in the forum.
4. That Council writes to all Parents and Citizens (P&C) groups within our LGA to invite them to the forum and encourage their participation.
DISCUSSION
Following an opening by Clr Jessica D’Arienzo the forum involved a series of informative presentation topics from panel professionals, as detailed below;
· Professor Becky Freeman and Alecia Brooks represented the NSW Cancer Council and discussed current vaping and smoking statistics and the Generation Vape Research Project which is a research project aimed at Australians aged between 14–24-years-old, to raise awareness, perception, and behaviours of e-cigarettes Australia.
· Meredith Claremont from the NSW Ministry of Health spoke about the national vaping reforms, specifically the laws relating to supply, labelling and their compliance activities and regulatory approach.
· Emeritus Professor Simon Chapman shared his research and extensive advocacy for successful tobacco control and encouraged community members to report any concerns associated with the supply of tobacco and vaping products.
· Simone Plummer addressed the limitations in the current planning framework.
The Forum offered community members a chance to collaborate with the panel professionals, through questions and shared experiences surrounding tobacco and vape control.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Ministry of Health Presentation |
|
2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Presentation |
|
3.⇩ |
NSW Cancer Council Presentation |
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Direct Employment of people with a disability - Bi-monthly Report
Prepared By: Vi Dinh - Workforce and Diversity Manager
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse that future updates regarding the Direct Employment of People with a Disability will be provided to Councillors, as required, noting that the implementation of the recommendations are being reported to Senior Executive Team of Council.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This bi-monthly update provides an overview of Council’s ongoing progress and commitment to becoming a Disability Employer of Choice. As resolved by Council, bi-monthly reports have been provided since then. Implementation of the recommendations is being overseen by the Senior Manager People and Culture and will be included in quarterly reports to the Senior Executive Team. For this reason, it is proposed that bi-monthly reports will not continue for the next term of Council. Additional updates will be provided as relevant.
People and Culture has presented a disability workforce update to the Access and Advisory Committee and sought feedback on Council’s Get Skilled Access – Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit. The Committee was supportive of Council’s work to date.
Council has completed 9 of the 33 recommendations in the Get Skilled Access – Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit. And Council currently has 14 people with disability in the roles identified in the GSA Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit. Council continues to advertise on TheField.jobs with the purchase of 66 additional job adverts.
Council is on track to fill all six disability trainee roles covering either accounts payable, administration, civil works, early childhood, geographical information systems, horticulture/ landscaping/ greenkeeping and information technology by end of October 2024.
Council has launched its pilot EmbraceAbility mentoring program. Council has 8 pairs of mentee and mentors lined to reach their respective career and development goals whilst increasing disability awareness and capacity within Council.
Eight hundred and fifteen (815) employees and thirteen (13) Councillors have completed the Human Rights Commission “Building a Culture of Accessibility and Inclusion” training. Additional training is to be delivered to frontline employees to signify to our community that we are a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower proud supporter.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 5 March 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
2. That Council share the Job Role and Accessibility and Inclusion Audit with the Inner West Council Access Advisory Committee and seek feedback.
3. That the May bi-monthly report include a table of recommendations from the Job Role and Accessibility and Inclusion Audit, noting those that are supported, supported in principle or opposed, with rationale as to council staff’s recommendations and including a possible timeline for implementation in the case of those that are supported or supported in principle.
4. That bi-monthly reports indicate the number of people with disability employed at council, and specifically employed in the roles identified in the Job Role and Accessibility and Inclusion Audit.
5. That elected Councillors be invited and facilitated to undertake the “Building a Culture of Accessibility and Inclusion” training before June 2024 and that the number of Councillors and staff who have completed the training be reported to the July 2024 meeting
6. That the 2024-2025 Budget specifically include funding and information about programs to support disability inclusion in the Inner West Council workforce and to support the direct employment of people with disability.”
DISCUSSION
Bi-Monthly Update
Access and Advisory Committee
In accordance with the Council resolution from 5 March 2024 Council meeting, People and Culture presented the Get Skilled Access (GSA) – Job Role Accessibility and Inclusions Audit to the Access and Advisory Committee meeting held on 15 May 2024. People and Culture shared disability Council workforce data, that from 2022 only 3% of employees shared they have disability, but by 2023, 5% of employees were willing to share they have disability.
Specific feedback was sought from the Committee for GSA’s recommendation 3.9: Where appropriate consider where Universal Design principles may be relevant to a particular role. The Committee advised that the Universal Design principle should be applied to all roles. However, to direct Councils efforts, priority roles were roles that related to the built environment, Engineers, Planners and Designers.
Overall, the Committee’s feedback on Council’s progress in growing inclusive employment for people with disability in the Inner West was overwhelmingly positive based on all the actions and results delivered so far by People and Culture and Council.
Beyond the presentation to the Committee on the 15 May 2024, People and Culture have continued to engage with members of the Access and Advisory Committee. In particular ensuring the Access and Advisory Committee were aware when the Disability Traineeship program was launched and to share the information with their networks.
Get Skilled Access – Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit recommendations
Council continues to complete and action on the Get Skilled Access – Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit recommendations. For this bimonthly report a further two items under the Low category timeframe have been completed. This included finalising edits in our diversity welcome statements in job adverts, as well as move the diversity and inclusion information placement to the top of the advert rather than the bottom.
Within the Medium category timeframe, Council have completed one additional item. This being the delivery of employee training that emphasises the social model of disability. And in the High category timeframe, Council has completed 2 recommendations, that being the introduction of the Disability Traineeship program and including the Reasonable Adjustment Commitment in our operating management standards for recruitment.
The below table outlines the overall total recommendations completed to date.
|
Category/timeframe |
In Progress/Ongoing |
Completed |
|
Low Easy to implement and can be actioned within 6 months.
|
6 |
4 |
|
Medium May need further conversation, can be actioned within 6- 12 months.
|
10 |
2 |
|
High Long term recommendations that will require further consideration and approval.
|
8 |
3 |
|
Total |
24 |
9 |
And in accordance with the Council resolution from 5 March 2024, for this bimonthly report there are 14 people at Inner West Council with disability in the roles identified in the GSA Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit.
Recruitment advertising
Council continues to partner with disability job board; TheField.jobs with the purchase of 66 additional adverts for the new financial year. Council has utilised 16 job adverts since the initial purchase of TheField.jobs subscription in October 2023. Of the 16 job adverts, Council have received 4 applications directly from TheField.jobs.
Council have also updated their job adverts to ensure that Council’s Reasonable Adjustment Commitment is now at the top of adverts and reasonable adjustment examples are provided as recommended by the Get Skilled Access – Job Role Accessibility and Inclusion Audit.
Disability Traineeship Program
In line with the Disability Inclusion Action Plan item 3.2, as well as our Get Skilled Access Audit recommendation under the high time frame category. Council’s review of disability trainee applications will be completed by 9 August 2024, the length of time has been impacted by the wide interest in the program.
The areas that Council have targeted include, accounts payable, administration, civil works, early childhood, geographical information systems, horticulture/ landscaping/ greenkeeping and information technology. Council is on track to have up to 6 trainees recruited and employed by the end of October 2024.
The program was designed to be flexible enough to work with individual’s existing accessible plans or disability insurance schemes or pensions. But it also aimed at raising the disability confidence of supervisors and managers who may have not had the opportunity to work with a person with disability before. This has been achieved due to Council’s engagement with a disability specialist, who are intimately aware of the varying disability frameworks and available disability supports compared to a general recruitment agency.
EmbraceAbility, Disability Mentoring Program
Council has launched the pilot Disability Mentoring program for up to 20 employees. This program meets our Disability Inclusion Action Plan item 3.2 and 5.7. The Disability Mentoring program is aimed at providing opportunities for employees with disability to achieve their goals and aspirations. As well as provide capacity building opportunities for employees without disability to increase their disability confidence and awareness.
At Council’s online general information session held on 28 May 2024, over 95 Council employees joined in to learn about the program’s framework. Council received more mentoring applications than mentees. The additional mentors will be stored for any additional disability mentoring program roll out opportunities.
Mentoring pairs were matched based on their respective goals and outcomes they wished to achieve during the 6-month program. Goals varied from developing confidence, understanding other roles and other areas of Council, develop leadership skills, clarify career direction, develop skills and capabilities and enhance network opportunities. On completion of the matching process for one newly appointed mentee, Council will have 8 pairs of employees in the program.
Building a Culture of Accessibility and Inclusion training for Councillors and employees
In accordance the Council resolution from 5 March 2024, Councillors were invited via email on the 17 May 2024 to undertake the Human Rights Commission eLearning training course “Building a Culture of Accessibility and Inclusion” before June 2024. And to indicate the number of Councillors and staff who have completed the training.
As of 25 July 2024, 13 Councillors and 632 Council employees have completed the eLearning course. In addition to the online delivery, an additional 183 outdoor employees were engaged with a face to face training sessions developed by People and Culture. These were provided at all Council depots and allowed for crews to ask questions and engage with their fellow employees who have subsequently shared they have disability. Council will continue to review and deliver disability awareness training to ensure the social model of disability is understood and Council’s overall disability confidence is embedded.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Council have joined and launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and is preparing the delivery of online training to frontline Council employees to recognise and understand the needs of customers who are wearing the sunflower symbol.
Council will shortly distribute the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower posters at our Service Centres, Libraries, Early Learning Centres, Aquatic Centres and other locations. This will signify to visitors that we are proud supporters of the program.
Council have signed with Australian Disability Network (ADN) to participate in its national Access and Inclusion Index to benchmark Council’s existing efforts and disability confidence maturity. This index will run from August, with results expected in March 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
In accordance with the Council resolution from the March Council meeting, Council has increased the 24/25 budget by $66,000 for training and support of existing employees involved in the direct employment of people with a disability. This will include continued support of Council’s disability inclusion workforce actions by educating and supporting Managers and Supervisors as well as ensuring Council has appropriate memberships to peak body organisation within the disability employment sector.
The six traineeships are funded from the trainee budget which allows 10 Trainees per year (6 targeted Trainees with disability and 4 other diversity categories). The cost is $60,000 per Trainee If Council is of a mind to increase the number of traineeships for Trainees with disability, Council will need to allocate another $60,000 per Trainee.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to publicly table the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors for the 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 period, in accordance with the adopted Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.
BACKGROUND
Council’s Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy requires that Council report on the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors publicly and that these reports include expenditure summarised by individual Councillor and as a total for all Councillors.
A report on Councillors’ expenditure covering the 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 period was submitted to the 13 February 2024 Council meeting. This report covers the expenditure relating to the provision of expenses and facilities to Councillors for the 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 period.
DISCUSSION
The provision of expenses being reported on are outlined below and align to the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy adopted expenditure:
· General Travel Expenses
· Interstate, overseas and long-distance intrastate travel expenses
· Professional development including conferences and seminars
· ICT Expenses
· Carer expenses
· Home office expenses
· Greeting cards
There has been no expenditure that has exceeded the Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy or adopted budget.
|
General travel |
Interstate, overseas travel |
Professional development conferences, seminars |
ICT expenses |
Carer expenses |
Home office expenses |
Greeting cards |
|
|
Mayor Byrne |
$688 |
|
$1,348 |
$1,127 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Shetty |
|
|
$377 |
$501 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Stamolis |
|
|
$71 |
$915 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Atkins |
|
$505 |
$2,778 |
$1,240 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Lockie |
$798 |
|
$1,532 |
$1,211 |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Smith |
|
|
$1,259 |
$471 |
|
|
|
|
Clr D’Arienzo |
$23 |
|
$1,259 |
$418 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Drury |
$514 |
|
$2,370 |
$1,226 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Griffiths |
|
|
$1,111 |
$300 |
|
$71 |
|
|
Clr Da Cruz |
$177 |
|
$3,843 |
$901 |
|
$382 |
|
|
Clr Scott |
|
|
$1,339 |
$501 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Stephens |
$57 |
|
|
$60 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Howard |
|
|
$1,259 |
$471 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Langford |
$1,095 |
|
$6,135 |
$1,075 |
|
|
|
|
Clr Tsardoulias |
$246 |
|
$106 |
$845 |
$795 |
|
|
|
Total combined Councillor actual expenses |
$3,598 |
$505
|
$24,787
|
$11,262 |
$795 |
$453 |
Nil |
|
Adopted budget per Councillor per year |
$3,075 per Councillor
|
$15,375 Total for all Councillors |
$6,150 per Councillor
|
$3,690 (Councillors)
$6,150 (Mayor) |
$9,000 per Councillor
|
$615 per Councillor |
$100 (Councillors)
$500 (Mayor) |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the tabling of Councillor expenses.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: 2023-2024 Annual Disclosures of Interest and Designated Persons Disclosures of Interest
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is for Council to receive and note the annual Disclosure of Interest Returns lodged by Councillors and Designated Persons for the 30 June 2023 – 30 June 2024 period.
BACKGROUND
The Returns have been submitted in accordance with the requirements of Council’s Model Code of Conduct. These disclosures operate as a key transparency mechanism for promoting community confidence in council decision making, whether by Councillors or by staff or others under delegation.
DISCUSSION
Council’s Model Code of Conduct requires Councillors and Designated Persons who are in positions identified by the General Manager as at 30 June 2022 to disclose any pecuniary interests in an annual return within three months of 30 June each year. These returns must be tabled at a meeting of Council following the lodgment.
A general redaction of all private details such as addresses, financial figures and names of relatives have been applied to all forms along with the Redaction Explanatory Guide. In addition to being publicly available on request, these returns will be published on Council’s website as soon as practicable.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications in relation to the tabling of the annual Disclosure of Interest Returns.
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1.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith - 2023-2024 |
|
2.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Mayor Darcy Byrne - 2023-2024 |
|
3.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Dylan Griffiths - 2023-2024 |
|
4.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo - 2023-2024 |
|
5.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor John Stamolis - 2023-2024 |
|
6.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Justine Langford - 2023-2024 |
|
7.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Kobi Shetty - 2023-2024 |
|
8.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Liz Atkins - 2023-2024 |
|
9.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz - 2023-2024 |
|
10.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Mark Drury - 2023-2024 |
|
11.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Mat Howard - 2023-2024 |
|
12.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Pauline Lockie - 2023-2024 |
|
13.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Philippa Scott - 2023-2024 |
|
14.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Tim Stephens - 2023-2024 |
|
15.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Councillor Zoi Tsardoulias - 2023-2024 |
|
16.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Peter Gainsford - 2023-2024 |
|
17.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Beau-Jane De Costa - 2023-2024 |
|
18.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Kelly Loveridge- 2023-2024 |
|
19.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Matthew Pearce - 2023-2024 |
|
20.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Ruth Callaghan - 2023-2024 |
|
21.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Ryann Midei - 2023-2024 |
|
22.⇩ |
Disclosures by councillors and designated persons form - Simone Plummer - 2023-2024 |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Invasion of Gaza and illegal occupation of Westbank - Council’s investments and procurement relationships in relation to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign
From: Councillor Dylan Griffiths
|
MOTION
1. That Council note: a) That there is significant concern in the Inner West community regarding the invasion of Gaza, illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, and human rights abuses committed by Israel; b) Calls from residents for ethical use of council rates; c) That in June 2024, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an immediate, full and complete ceasefire; d) South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that alleges Israel has breached the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in its military assault on Gaza; e) The ICJ’s preliminary finding in January 2024 that it is plausible that Israel’s actions amount to a genocide and orders that Israel prevent acts of genocide; f) That on the 22nd of July, the ICJ made the advisory ruling that: i. Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful; ii. Israel’s legislation and measures breach the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination which reads, ‘States Parties particularly condemn racial segregation and apartheid and undertake to prevent, prohibit and eradicate all practices of this nature in territories under their jurisdiction’; iii. All states have a responsibility to ensure Israel’s compliance with international law.
2. That Council note: a) Council’s adopted Investment Policy binds council to the principles of ethical investment management. It also states that Council’s investment portfolio is to consist entirely of socially responsible investments and deposits. It does not define ‘socially responsible investments’; b) Council’s adopted Procurement
Policy includes a commitment to ‘progressive procurement’
and presents the example of only purchasing from suppliers that demonstrate
adherence to just, inclusive labour practices, environmental sustainability,
indigenous ownership, or broader community concerns. 3. That the General Manager: a) Prepare a report recommending amendments to our Investment Policy and Procurement Policy to make it explicit that council investment and procurement relationships must, to the best of its ability, exclude companies involved in the weapons industry and/or which are complicit in or profiting from human rights violations, including those being committed in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; b) In preparing the report, seek advice from the
Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network on implementing the objectives of
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign as it applies to local government. 4. That Council undertake a comprehensive audit of Council’s investments and procurement relationships in the context of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign, with any required funding to be identified through the quarterly budget review. This audit will: a) Be reported to council at the earliest opportunity and staged to allow priority disclosure of high value investments and procurement relationships.
b) Make recommendations, if needed, of changes that Council can make to its suppliers and investments, to ensure that Council is not investing or purchasing from companies involved in the weapons industry and/or which are complicit in or profiting from human rights violations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
|
Background
In December 2023, Council resolved to join calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure unimpeded humanitarian flow of aid to the people of Gaza.
In January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered “immediate and effective measures” to protect Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip from the risk of genocide by ensuring sufficient humanitarian assistance and enabling basic services. There is growing consensus among experts that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide.[1]
On the 17th of July 2024, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s settlement expansion in the occupied Westbank, saying the disturbing developments are “driving a stake through the heart” of a two-state solution and dooming any prospect of its success.
On the 22nd of July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and the consequences of Israel’s conduct for other states following an 18-month process including public hearings where more than 50 states, including Palestine, and three international organizations participated. The long-awaited advisory opinion stated that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is a clear violation of international law.
Commenting on the ICJ decision, Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:
“The International Court of Justice has issued its opinion and the conclusion is loud and clear: Israel’s occupation and annexation of the Palestinian territories are unlawful, and its discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians violate the prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid.”[2]
Responding
to the ICJ’s ruling, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny
Wong said,
“A just and enduring peace will require the legitimate aspirations of the
Palestinian people to self-determination to be realised,”
“We
respect the independence of the court and its critical role in upholding
international law and the rules-based order,”.
Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions campaign
The broad consensus among Palestinian civil society about the need for a broad and sustained Campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) resulted in the Palestinian Call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel that was launched in July 2005 with the initial endorsement of over 170 Palestinian organizations.
The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) calls for a boycott of Israeli and international companies that are complicit in violations of Palestinian rights.
There is no doubt that many global companies, as part of the global structure of the economy, are complicit in the genocidal war waged by Israel today against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza. Some of these companies are involved in apartheid Israel’s economy to varying degrees. All peaceful popular efforts, including boycott and divestment, to hold these entities accountable for their support of Israel’s crimes against Palestinians are justified and called for.
To maximise impact, boycotts are targeted and focused on companies that play a clear and direct role in Israel’s crimes. The products and brands targeted by the BNC are listed here.[3]
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights maintains a database of companies involved in one of ten defined activities (paragraph 96 A/HRC/22/63) that raise particular human rights violations concerns regarding Israeli settlements throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with 96 companies currently listed that have, directly and indirectly, enabled, facilitated and profited from the construction and growth of the settlements.[4]
In
February 2024, the ACT government adopted a motion which included this
clause:
‘Calls on the ACT Government, following advice from the Investment
Advisory Board regarding the current policy settings, to report back to the
Assembly by the end of August 2024 on divestments that have or may be
undertaken, to ensure that company ESG controversy exclusions fully consider
companies involved in, or profiting from, any human rights violations,
including the illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories.’[5]
Other local councils have adopted similar motions:
· Merri-bek Council, 8th of November 2023:
‘Receives a report to explore options for council to
cancel contracts with companies that support Israel’s illegal occupation
of Palestine or profit from it, especially companies which supply equipment to
the Israeli Defence Force.’
· City of Sydney, 24th of June 2024:
‘Prepare a report for Council on divestments that have or may be
undertaken, to ensure that Council’s Investment Policy 2023 fully
consider companies involved in, or profiting from, any human rights violations
including the illegal occupation of the settlements in Palestinian territories,
and the supply of weapons;’
· Canterbury-Bankstown Council, 23rd of July 2024:
‘That the CEO undertakes a review of
Council’s investments and links to companies, if any, that are complicit
in human rights violations on the Palestinian people, including the illegal
settlements in occupied Palestinian Territories and the supply of weapons.
This review should include both suppliers used by Council and the City’s
investment and contractual obligations.’
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: No Net Dwelling Loss Rules
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
|
MOTION
That Council prepare a planning proposal to include objectives and controls in the Inner West Local Environment Plan 2022 to protect against the net reduction of dwellings on a development site to be brought to Council early in 2025.
|
Background
Sydney is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, affecting both renters and aspiring homeowners. Despite housing supply issues, there have been reports that developers are redeveloping multi-dwelling apartment buildings that have traditionally been affordable due to their age and size, to make way for fewer luxury apartments. This is a trend being seen across the city but particularly in suburbs like Paddington, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst, with people being evicted from older, smaller apartments so that luxury homes and apartments can be created.
With Sydney already the second most expensive city housing in the world, and in a housing crisis where we don’t have enough homes, it is essential we protect existing housing, alongside building the new housing that our city needs.
Recently, City of Sydney, Woollahra and Waverley Councils resolved to update their Local Environment Plans (LEPs) to prevent new developments that result in a reduction of dwellings. For example, Waverley Council recently inserted a new objective into its LEP ‘to increase or preserve residential dwelling density’ and require a Social Impact Statement where a development proposes a ‘reduction in dwelling numbers on site’.
The draft City of Sydney rules currently on exhibition would apply anywhere that 3 or more, or more than 15%, of homes or apartments are to be lost as a result of redevelopment. For example, if a block of 100 units is renovated, the new building must still have at least 85 individual residences, or the redevelopment could be refused. Knocking down a small block of apartments to create a single home would also not be allowed under the proposed changes.
As these councils tighten their rules to prevent net losses of dwellings, attention is now shifting to other local government areas close to the city, such as the Inner West, e.g. a development application has been lodged to convert an existing residential flat building in Petersham to a single dwelling.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Electric Vehicle Charging Locations
From: Councillor Mathew Howard and Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith
|
MOTION
1. That Council acknowledges the recent significant grant received by the NSW Government that will see the roll-out of 136 electric chargers across the Inner West.
2. That Council notes that of the 136 electric chargers, only 9 are located in the Marrickville-Midjuburi Ward (7 are located in Marrickville, 2 in Tempe and none in St Peters or Sydenham) and of the 22 in Stanmore-Damun Ward, only 2 are located in Stanmore and 1 in Petersham.
3. That Council notes that staff report locations have been selected by the third party providers based in part on: a) capacity of the electrical grid; b) areas with high EV uptake and low access to off-street parking (as identified by the State Government and Council’s charging partners); c) site selection criteria to minimize inconvenience for residents (e.g. avoiding placing ports outside houses wherever possible); and d) safety and accessibility requirements.
4. That Council requests council officers engage with third party providers to advocate for a more equal distribution of electric vehicle chargers across all wards within the current cohort of locations.
5. That Council notes that this is just the beginning of council’s work to expand electric charging infrastructure, that council is applying for the next round of grants to install chargers, and that the State Government has identified St Peters, Sydenham and Tempe in particular as having opportunities for increased funding.
6. That Council asks staff to undertake detailed work to create a strong evidence-base for third party providers to install chargers in locations in the Marrickville-Midhuburi Ward and the western end of the Stanmore-Damun Ward.
7. That Council asks Council officers to investigate opportunities and constraints for residents to install infrastructure to charge electric vehicles, reporting back to council by December 2024.
|
Background
Inner West Council has secured funding for 136 public electric vehicle charging stations to be rolled out across the Inner West. This is by far the biggest number of any Local Government Area in NSW.
The new chargers will range from seven kilowatts to 75 kilowatts and will include pole-mounted, pedestal and “kiosk” EV chargers. They will be installed on kerbsides and in public council car parks.
All chargers will be installed over the next 12 months and will be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are designed for drivers without offsite parking, such as those in apartments.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Railway Parade, Annandale
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
|
MOTION
1. That Council note that the resheeting of Railway Parade Annandale is scheduled to take place in the current financial year.
2. That Council convene an on-site meeting with residents of Railway Parade to consult them on improvements needed throughout the street and adjoining public areas.
3. That Council incorporate the agreed improvements to gardens, grassed areas and paths into the overall resheeting of the road to achieve a full refurbishment of the street.
4. That Council identify funding through the next quarterly budget review to undertake these works.
|
Background
Railway Parade in Annandale has been
heavily impacted by the WestConnex construction works, with a very large number
of vehicles travelling up and down the road and parking on it each day.
Due to these impacts, Council has not been able to refurbish the whole of
Railway Parade, including re-sheeting the road and footpaths, and improving
grassed areas and gardens, until now. Significant improvement to the amenity to
Railway Parade through capital investment and maintenance is necessary.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: St Peters Interchange Contamination
From: Councillor Pauline Lockie
|
MOTION
1. That Council notes that on 25 June 2024, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) declared the St Peters Interchange site significantly contaminated based on high methane and carbon dioxide concentrations stemming from historic use of the site as a landfill.
2. That Council notes that concerns about pollution at the site have been raised by the community and Council for many years, and there has been a long history of unsafe and illegal contamination issues here.
3. That Council notes that Transport for NSW has consistently failed to publish all of the pollution data it is required to monitor and report as a condition of its Environment Protection Licence for the site, and that the reports it has published have had serious errors and omissions.
4. That Council notes that the EPA has consistently failed to take compliance action against Transport for NSW for these monitoring and reporting breaches, despite repeated requests from Council and the community.
5. That Council notes that the parklands that were supposed to be provided at the St Peters Interchange under the conditions of approval for WestConnex, including the park at the corner of Princes Highway and Canal Road that was due to open in 2019, have still not been delivered, and that no timeframe has been given for the delivery of these parklands.
6. That Council writes to the Minister for the Environment and the EPA to request that they: a) provide an urgent briefing as to why the EPA has chosen to declare the site as significantly contaminated now, when pollution issues have existed here for many years, and what this will mean for the ongoing management of the site; b) keep our local community fully informed of the actions the EPA will be taking to resolve contamination issues at the site, including regular updates to Council; c) share any reports that the EPA has ordered Transport for NSW to provide in relation to the site with Council as soon as possible, as previously requested by Council on multiple occasions; d) take enforcement action on any breaches on any non-compliance issues and licence breaches at the site to protect our local community, and keep Council updated on those actions.
7. That Council continues to call on the NSW Government to work with Council to identify an alternative site to provide genuine parkland for the community as compensation for the impacts of WestConnex.
|
Background
Inner West Council and members of our local community have consistently raised concerns about contamination at the St Peters Interchange site since the former landfill was compulsorily acquired by the NSW Government in 2014 for the construction of WestConnex.
The long history of contamination issues and government failures at the site, and the repeated attempts made by Council and the local community to hold those responsible to account, have been summarised by Community Environmental Monitoring (CEM) in its report St Peters Interchange: A litany of unsafe and illegal contamination failures. This report, which has been reprinted with permission with this motion at Attachment 1, was compiled by local volunteers within our community such as Charlie Pierce, an environmental scientist with expertise in landfill management who has previously addressed Council about contamination at the site.
Council unanimously passed motions in 2021, 2022 and 2023 that called on the NSW Government to request that Transport for NSW share any reports ordered by the EPA about contamination at the site with Council, and that the EPA take enforcement action on any non-compliance issues and licence breaches at the site, with Council to be kept informed on such actions. The most recent response to these representations was sent by the Minister for Roads on 18 April 2024, but it did not provide the information Council requested (see Attachment 2).
On 25 June 2024, the EPA wrote to Council’s General Manager to advise that it had decided to declare the site as significantly contaminated under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997, based on high methane and carbon dioxide concentrations stemming from the historic use of the site as a landfill (see Attachment 3).
Given these issues have been present for years, it is unclear why the EPA has taken this step now, or what implications this declaration will have for the ongoing management of the site, which is why I am proposing that Council seeks an urgent briefing. It is also imperative that the EPA keeps the community and Council fully informed of how it will be resolving contamination issues at the site.
Given that Council has yet to receive a response to our repeated requests for the EPA to share the reports it has ordered from Transport for NSW or take enforcement action against non-compliance issues and licence breaches at the site, I am also proposing that we repeat those requests in light of this declaration.
The declaration of the site as significantly contaminated again emphasises how unsuitable the St Peters Interchange is for the public parkland that the community was promised as compensation for WestConnex, and which the NSW Government is obligated to deliver. The Minister for Roads’ letter did not acknowledge Council’s request to provide an alternative site for genuinely compensatory parkland, but given it is likely to be many more years before the site is safe for public use, it is important for Council to keep advocating for our community on this.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
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1.⇩ |
St Peters Interchange: A litany of unsafe and illegal contamination failures by Community Environmental Monitoring, February 2024 |
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2.⇩ |
Response to Council from the Minister for Roads, 18 April 2024 |
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3.⇩ |
Letter to Council and declaration of the St Peters Interchange site as significantly contamination from the EPA, 25 June 2024 |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Sister City Relationship with Bethlehem
From: Councillor Dylan Griffiths
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MOTION
1. That Council reaffirms its relationship with Bethlehem, a sister city relationship initiated by the former Marrickville Council; and notifies the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020.
2. That Council advocate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Australian government to recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state as a matter of priority.
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Background
In July 2000, Marrickville Council resolved to enter into a formal sister city agreement with the Palestinian city of Bethlehem (Item CR 7, Meeting No. 06/00). In a letter of 11 October 2000, the Head of the Palestinian Delegation in Australia wrote to Council to advise that the Bethlehem City Council had accepted the offer to enter into a sister cities agreement. Subsequently, Council wrote to the Mayor of Bethlehem on 18 September 2001, extending an open invitation to visit the Marrickville LGA to sign a formal sister cities agreement.
On the recommendation of the Sister Cities Committee, in letters dated 5 May 2004 and 19 September 2006, Council reconfirmed its commitment to establishing a sister cities relationship with Bethlehem.
Council resolved to again invite the Mayor of Bethlehem to visit Marrickville in August/September 2007 during his Australian visit to formalise the Memorandum of Understanding (Item CC 13, Meeting No. 05/07). A delegation from Bethlehem comprising Dr Victor Batarseh, Mayor of Bethlehem; Mrs Marcelle Baterseh; Councillor Anton Salman, member of Bethlehem Municipal Council; Father Amjad Sabbara, Parish Priest; and Mr Issa Al Hihi, citizen of Bethlehem visited Marrickville Council on 30 and 31 August 2007 and formalised a sister cities agreement on 31 August 2007.
Marrickville’s relationship with Bethlehem was formed as conditions in the city deteriorated due to Israel’s illegal occupation. In a press conference on Christmas 2006, Bethlehem’s Mayor said:
“The birthplace of Jesus Christ is in its worst economic, political and
tourist conditions in those 2,000 years. The dire situation is due to the
procedures and practices of the occupation that continues to increase in
severity in and around the city.
The so-called security fence on our land has forced large numbers of people to leave their homes and move. The conditions are so deplorable that the practices are clearly intended to vacate the land of its people.”
In 2023 there were no Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem,
with Mayor Hanna Hanania stating that holiday celebrations
were untenable during a time when Palestinians were suffering in Gaza.
"In this
season in holiness and hope, Bethlehem stands with heavy hearts mourning the
lives lost and witnessing acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza Strip
that threaten our very existence in Palestine," he said in a video
statement.
"Bethlehem Municipality extends wishes for a Merry Christmas and may the spirit of Christmas bring hope peace and unity that transcends the difficulties of these challenging times."
Today Bethlehem is encircled by many of the 145 illegal settlements that exist in the Westbank. Across the West Bank, over 500 checkpoints and bypass roads designed to connect settlements have been built on Palestinian lands for the exclusive use of settlers. As of 2023 there were over half a million settlers in the West Bank and another 200,000 in East Jerusalem.
Palestinians in the West Bank cities such as Bethlehem are subject to a separate legal system – a military judicial system – whereas Israeli settlers living in the West Bank have a civilian court system. These laws allow for indefinite detention of Palestinians without charge. All of these restrictions on freedom of movement disrupt the ability of Palestinians of all faiths to visit holy sites and gather for religious observances.
Violence in the occupied West Bank linked to the war in Gaza has seen more than 500 Palestinians killed since 7 October, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights chief Volker Türk reported in June.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Gambling Harm Minimisation
From: Councillors Liz Atkins and Pauline Lockie
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MOTION 1. That
Council notes that staff intend to bring a report on the Gambling Harm
Minimisation Roundtable that was held 1 August 2024 to the October 2024
Council meeting. 2. That Council notes that Gambling Awareness Week 2024 will take place 21 to 27 October.
3. That Council supports Gambling Awareness Week 2024 by: a) offering venues free of charge for events held by GambleAware and other not-for-profit organisations that aim to minimise gambling harm; b) promoting Gambling Awareness Week events in Council’s communication channels, including Inner West News, Council’s website and social media;
4. That Council shares gambling addiction campaign materials from the Office of Responsible Gambling and GambleAware in libraries and on the Inner West Council website to help increase awareness of gambling harms and to broaden the reach of these important campaigns.
5. That Council writes to the Prime Minister seeking implementation in full of the recommendations of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs report of its inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, You Win Some, You Lose More, and in particular the recommendation for a phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising within three years.
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Background
At its December 2022 meeting Council resolved for Councillors Atkins and Lockie to co-chair a Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable, one focus of which was to develop a community education and awareness campaign in regard to gambling harm minimisation.
The Roundtable was held on 1 August 2024. Attendees included the Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling (ORG), Alison Parkinson; the Chair of the Board of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Sharon Dickson; as well as representatives from GambleAware, Wesley Mission and community organisations from across the Inner West who deal every day with the harms caused by gambling. A full list of the participants is at Attachment 1.
The Roundtable included informative presentations about campaigns by ORG and services provided by GambleAware, as well as productive discussions about available support and advice for those affected by gambling, exploring local actions to reduce gambling harm and Council’s role in reducing gambling harm. The full agenda, including discussion points, is at Attachment 2.
While a detailed report will not be available until Council’s October meeting, there are some actions that were requested by participants that can be actioned which can be agreed in the short term. This includes support for Gambling Awareness Week, which will be held from 21 to 27 October this year; Council promoting pathways to support via information on our website and in our libraries; and advocating to the Federal Government for full implementation of the very comprehensive recommendations of the House of Representatives inquiry led by the late Peta Murphy MP into online gambling harm, and particularly the recommendation about phasing out gambling advertising.
On 4 August there was reporting in the media on a possible decision by the Federal Government to reject the recommendation for a phased blanket ban on gambling advertising and to instead impose a cap of two gambling ads an hour on each channel until 10pm, and banning ads an hour before and after live sport, with a blanket ban on betting ads on social media and other digital platforms. This is not a confirmed position and has not yet gone to cabinet, so this would be an appropriate time to make it clear that the community is very much in support of a complete ban on gambling advertising in every form of media.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
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1.⇩ |
Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable List of Participants |
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2.⇩ |
Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable Agenda |
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3. |
List of recommendations by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs in the report of its inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, You Win Some, You Lose More |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Proposed Callan Park Swim Site Water Quality and Public Safety
From: Councillor John Stamolis
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MOTION
1. That as per resolution 25
June 2024, provide Councillors with all relevant 2. That Council advise
Councillors as to whether the Callan Park Swim Site will be a supervised
facility; such as, by life guards. 3. That Council advise Councillors whether a risk assessment has been done for the swim site.
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Background
Councillors and the public have been trying to request information about water quality testing at the proposed Callan Park Swim Site such as:
· What sediment and water testing has been done to date and what were the results?
· What are the contaminants at the site?
· Who did the studies and when were these done?
· Have recommendations been made to reduce swimmers disturbing the cove floor-sediment?
In early 2023, the Mayor advised the public that thorough water quality testing had been done and that the site was safe for use; yet Councillors requests for this information and a GIPA request remain unanswered.
Questions also remain about risk in regard to the swim site. Has there been a risk assessment? What does Council plan to do to mitigate any risks? Who did the risk assessment? Where else has such a free floating harbour pool been installed in the harbour?
Are there liability concerns around having an unsupervised faciity, in an area with a fast moving cove with a tidal range? Will there be lighting at night? Will additional facilities will be needed?
What are the ongoing costs of maintaining the proposed designed pool?
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Supporting and Growing Reuse and the Inner West Circular Economy
From: Councillor Justine Langford
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MOTION 1. That Council recognise the value and benefits of the emerging Circular Economy across the Inner West LGA and the positive social, environmental and economic benefits.
2.
That Council develop the Inner West as
a leader in waste avoidance, reuse and repair through support and expansion
of Reuse activities. 3. That Council conduct a Roundtable with key local stakeholders in the Circular Economy by December 2024 and invite local not-for-profit, social enterprises, Reverse Garbage, Dress for Success, the Bower, Circle Paints, Among the Trees, local makers and representatives from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and other stakeholders. Topics could include grant funding, promotion, recognition and opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.
4.
That Council create a pilot project to
allow local paint reuse organisations to access paint that's been dropped off
by Inner West residents. 5. That Council demonstrate support of the Circular Economy by having the Perfect Match mural artists buy some or all their paint from Circle Paints.
6. That Council publish a story about the Inner West Reuse economy in the Inner West News by December 2024. |
Background
This motion is aligned to Inner West Council’s Zero Waste Strategy (2021-2036) – moving towards zero waste and the Circular economy:
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/33081/Zero%20Waste%20Strategy.pdf.aspx
A Circular Economy is essential for the sustainability of our environment, our society, and our economy. However, no one can create it alone, because the road to circularity is founded in collective collaboration, courage and creative actions that are framed by the Waste Hierarchy. Reuse is by far the most eco- friendly option – second only to reducing consumption – for environmental benefits. Reuse is taking items that are in good order and prolonging the life of them, rather than sending them to be dismantled or buried in landfill.
The findings of the ground-breaking NSW Reuse Data Study were unveiled at a special launch event on Monday 17 June at Reverse Garbage in Marrickville. Tony Chappel, CEO of NSW Environment Protection Authority provided the Welcome Address, followed by the data presentation from Kat Heinrichs of Rawtec, as well as site tours at Reverse Garbage, Salvos Stores and UTurn attended by 100 key stakeholders.
NSW Reuse Data Study Executive Report: https://charitablerecycling.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d5d892282348e7bf099db93b&id=5806997869&e=5eee695dce
This is the first time that the environmental, economic and social impact of all charitable and commercial reuse organisations has been comprehensively measured in any state, in order to support higher-order initiatives of reuse (and repair) as key drivers of the Circular Economy.
Some of the key findings in the report include:
· Reuse saved the community $432 million through second-hand shopping.
· Reuse rehomed 107 million second-hand items.
· Sold or donated second-hand goods valued at $243 million.
· Generated 1,535 full-time jobs including for people facing barriers to work.
· Reinvested $51 million raised into social and community programs.
· Avoided the direct consumption of 29,900 tonnes of virgin materials.
· Saved 80,000 hectares of land, equivalent to the size of 75,000 soccer pitches.
Developed in partnership with NSW EPA, who funded the study, the data insights confirm what the Waste Hierarchy has known for decades - that the most effective interventions are higher-order ones (like reuse).
Reuse is accelerating the state’s transition to a Circular Economy, saving 321,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to removing 134,000 passenger vehicles from the road and generating 25x more jobs than recycling per tonne of materials processed.
Challenges
NSW reuse organisations face several key challenges. The quality and quantity of donations have declined due to the effects of fast fashion and competition from online marketplaces. Rising labour, energy, and land costs are putting financial pressure on reuse organisations. Not-for-profit reuse organisations face volunteer shortages. The administrative burden of managing waste levy exemptions and complex government grants is significant. There are high costs with placing donation bins at retail locations. Additionally, there are issues with illegal dumping and scavenging of public donation bins. There is a critical need for increased support in managing the lifecycle of products through effective product Stewardship.
Conclusion
The reuse sector in NSW significantly contributes to sustainable development by generating economic value, creating jobs, supporting community programs, and achieving considerable environmental benefits. These findings underscore the importance of supporting and expanding reuse activities to enhance their positive impacts on society and the environment. The findings can be used to guide the development of future policies on reuse, thereby accelerating NSW’s transition to a circular economy.
Background
Paint Reuse
Using surplus paint - usually called paint reuse - is by far the most sustainable option. The paint recycling programs run through local Council and the EPA recycle (or safely dispose) rather than reuse paint.
Paint recyclers collect surplus Dulux paint from trade painters that is otherwise destined for landfill or incineration and make it available for purchase through their online store.
Their customers are people who want to play their part in creating a sustainable economy by choosing to recycle and reuse wherever possible.
Paint recyclers want to have access to local supplies of paint so that it can be saved from landfill and be recirculated and re-used in the local area.
Where has unwanted paint been going?
Paintback is a scheme funded by a 15 cent levy on every litre of architectural and decorative paint sold. Paintback has a Board drawn from Australia's larger paint manufacturers. In recent years surplus paint from trade painters in Sydney has nearly always been dropped off at a Paintback location.
It is unclear as to whether Paintback has been successful in the recycling of paints.
Circle Paints website: https://circlepaints.org.au/pages/our-story
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Supporting Visual Artists and Writers to find Affordable Spaces to Work in the Inner West
From: Councillor Justine Langford
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MOTION
1. That Council investigate and report back on Council-owned properties and spaces across the Inner West that are suitable for ongoing use by visual artists and writers.
2.
That Council meet with Brand X, who collaborated with
Council on the Tempe Jets live music hub, from 2014-2024, to discuss
opportunities to re-purpose vacant Council properties and spaces into
affordable cultural places where visual artists and writers have security of
tenure. 3.
That Council seek grants and opportunities from Federal
and State arts agencies, including Creative Australia, to support artists to
locate and establish affordable creative spaces in the local government area. 4. That Council investigate ways that Council can support artists and writers in the establishment of new creative spaces, such as education on permissible use and in sourcing specialist service providers including building and fire safety certifiers and town planners.
5.
That Council suggest ways that Council can incentivise
property owners to rent their premises to creatives. 6. That Council note the success of the Inner West Writer in Residence program for emerging writers, conducted recently at the NSW Writer’s Centre.
7.
That Council support local writers by identifying
Council-owned spaces across the Inner West that are suitable for a Writer in
Residence program for established writers over the age of 18. 8. That Council investigate opportunities for further collaboration with Writing NSW to support emerging and established writers across the Inner West.
9. That Council bring a report back to the November 2024 Council meeting on all the above. |
Background
Rents on commercial properties utilised by artists in industrial areas of Marrickville and other suburbs are increasing at a staggering rate and artists are being pushed out of the area. Council has an important role to support artists to find affordable spaces in the Inner West so that they can continue to produce their work here.
The Inner West has long been known as an affordable place for visual artists, writers, musicians, performers and other creatives to develop and produce their work.
Arts and culture attract people to the Inner West. If our artists can no longer afford to develop their work here, then the long-standing character of the area as a place for creatives artists to live and work is under threat.
Council’s Creative Inner West: Cultural Strategy 2022–2025 embeds culture at the heart of the Inner West, now and for future generations. It aims to support and grow the Inner West as the creative engine of Sydney and a destination and a leader in cultural equity.
According to the Strategy, creative and cultural industries contribute $1.4 billion each year to the local economy and employ 6,500 people. One in ten residents work in the creative and cultural sector, and over half of these are cultural producers, making the Inner West Australia’s cultural pro and duction capital.
New residential developments, such as Wicks Place in Victoria Road, Marrickville, resulted in the demolition of affordable spaces for many artists. This development was meant to provide spaces for creatives. These creative spaces have not been realised, and instead we are seeing a net loss of affordable space for artists.
Brand X
https://www.brandx.org.au/what-is-brandx
We re-purpose empty properties so performing, recording and visual artists can practice their craft.
We do this by working with Property Developers, Landlords and Local Governments to transform empty spaces into cultural places that allow artists to contribute, flourish and be sustainable in the community. We are driven by the belief that artists, when given appropriate space, inspire a renewed sense of belonging, harmony and pride of place for the entire community.
Brand X provides subsidised workspace and creative development programs alongside facilities for hire where artists can traverse the entire creative process from development to presentation. We maintain a charter that is relevant and responsive to the Independent Arts sector dealing specifically with arts-practice sustainability, skills development and capacity building.
Creative Land Trust
https://creativelandtrust.org/about-us/
Making affordable space for Sydney artists since 2005
Creative Land Trust was founded to tackle a long-standing problem for London, and indeed other global cities. The loss of affordable workspace, and consequent outflow of artists and makers, presenting a serious threat to the wellbeing and prosperity of a city so reliant on creativity for its success.
Artists unable to focus their time on their practice due to the instability inherent in relying on temporary workspace, and expert studio providers displaced from their locations despite years of building equity.
London’s many excellent studio providers face growing difficulty in securing even “meanwhile” space; Creative Land Trust will build a new financial and operating model to secure workspace that would otherwise be unattainable. And as a charity we will demonstrate good practice in the way we select and support our studio provider partners.
Inner West Writer in Residence program
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/living-arts/creative-spaces/residencies/writer-in-residence
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility
From: Councillor Justine Langford
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MOTION
1. That Council writes to the Minister for Transport to request the urgent installation of a lift at Tempe Train Station to make it accessible for everyone in our community.
2. That Council officers bring a report back to the November Council meeting, outlining the Minister’s response to Council’s request for a lift at Tempe train station.
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Background
Tempe and Lewisham Train Stations are the only stations in our LGA that do not have a lift. Neither of these stations cater for people with mobility issues or with prams or carts.
With the upcoming closure of the Sydenham to Bankstown Train line, more people than ever will be using Tempe station.
The upgrade of Lewisham station and six other train stations was announced by Transport for NSW in May. Tempe was not included.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Two New all-weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne and Councillor Philippa Scott
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MOTION 1. That Council commit to delivering two new rectangular all-weather sporting fields in Callan Park, one at the Balmain Road field and another at the Waterfront Drive fields. The approximate cost of these facilities is $7 million - $8 million with the funds to be allocated from the additional $20 million committed by the NSW Government to completing to Rozelle Parklands and / or providing alternate sporting facilities nearby to the Parklands. 2. That Council allocate these new fields for the use primarily of Leichhardt Saints Football Club (Balmain Road) and Balmain & District Football Club (Waterfront Drive) with this allocation to be recognised and incorporated into future ground bookings. 3. That Council commit to opening the Rozelle Parklands oval shaped sporting field primarily as a new cricket field for use in the 2024/5 summer season and an AFL field in the 2025 winter sporting season, with ongoing use for both sports in future seasons once Council takes care, control, and management of the Parklands. 4. That Council, as part of this project, commit to installing cricket nets at Rozelle Parklands. 5. That Council commence the design process for both all-weather sporting fields with Leichhardt Saints Football Club and Balmain & District Football Club to be included in the design process from the outset and throughout the process. The two projects are to be undertaken concurrently with the aim being that works commence at the end of the 2025 winter season. 6. That Council recognise the long-term commitment of Balmain & District Football Club and Leichhardt Saints Football Club have made to growing girl’s and women’s football in our community and through this project support both clubs in extending participation opportunities, including increased access and programs for All Abilities Special Needs players 7. That Council prepare a report to be received at the October Ordinary Council meeting outlining the design and approval process and cost estimates for the project.
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Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Planning:
The allocation of these sporting fields will need to be undertaken using Council’s Sporting Ground Allocation Policy which sets out allocation of new or upgraded sporting grounds via a public, open, advertised Expression of Interest but gives preference for existing use. That is unless the Policy is amended and exhibited by Council before adoption.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety on Brighton Street, Petersham
From: Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith
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MOTION
1. That Council notes the concerns of local residents about speeding vehicles on Brighton Street travelling from West Street, particularly given proximity to a pre-school and Petersham Park, and the frequency of heavy vehicles accessing Brighton Street as a rat run despite existing restrictions.
2. That as part of the Petersham North LATM Plan endorsed by the Traffic Committee, Council investigate and expedite measures to prevent speeding and improve pedestrian safety on Brighton Street, including but not limited to: a) reducing the speed limit to 40km/h; b) installation of raised pedestrian crossings on Brighton Street at the Petersham Park gate, Palace Street and Railway Street intersections; c) installation of a pedestrian island; and d) installation of additional speed humps and kerb blisters,
3. That Council write to Transport for NSW seeking advice on how existing heavy vehicle restrictions on Brighton Street can be better enforced and what other measures council can take to deter heavy vehicle through access.
4. That Council receive a report back on the above to the Traffic Committee.
5. That following endorsement of the Petersham North LATM Plan, Council write to residents on Brighton Street and neighbouring streets to advise them of what action Council is taking to improve pedestrian safety.
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Background
Brighton Street is a high-pedestrian residential street connecting West Street to Crystal Street. Residents have raised concerns regarding the frequency of vehicles travelling over 50km/h at the turn off from West Street, particularly given proximity to a pre-school, park, and the Petersham Bowlo.
A number of safety measures have been suggested by residents and identified through the Petersham North LATM Plan. These and additional measures should be considered and expedited for installation.
Residents are also concerned that heavy vehicles, including delivery trucks and private buses, frequently use Brighton Street as a rat run to go between West and Crystal Streets, despite existing restrictions on vehicles over 3 tonnes. It is clear that further measures need to be taken to deter heavy vehicle access, either through greater enforcement or design.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: West Street and Railway Terrace Intersection
From: Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith
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MOTION
1. That Council note long-standing concerns of and advocacy by local residents and the Petersham Public School P&C about pedestrian safety at the West Street and Railway Terrace intersection.
2. That Council note works that were completed by council in this term to improve safety, including kerb expansion and installation of fencing around the intersection.
3. That Council, noting that both roads concerned are state and regional roads, write to Transport for NSW:
a) advocating that the speed limit on Railway Terrace to be reduced to 50km/h; b) requesting consideration of a scramble crossing at the intersection to provide additional and clearly marked pedestrian crossing options; c) requesting a review of safety and performance of traffic light signals; and d) consideration of other measures to help improve pedestrian safety at the intersection.
4. That Council receive a report back to the Traffic Committee on the above.
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Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Lewisham Town Centre Upgrade
From: Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith
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MOTION
1. That Council note the long-awaited commitment by the NSW Government and Transport Minister Jo Haylen to upgrade Lewisham Station to improve accessibility, safety, and prevent flooding in the underpass, and that this commitment is fully budgeted for delivery in this term of government.
2. That Council note that, as part of the planned upgrade, Transport for NSW is undertaking community engagement on design and placemaking enhancements for surrounding streets.
3. That Council investigate opportunities with Transport for NSW to align or coordinate these works with possible council works to upgrade Lewisham Town Centre (on Victoria Street and Railway Terrace) as part of Council's Main Streets Revitalisation Project, including but not limited to: a) footpath upgrades; b) installation of planter boxes and kerbside gardens; c) public art; d) street furniture; and e) other minor beautification and placemaking works.
4. That Council receive a report back to council on the opportunity to undertake these upgrades in coordination with those planned by Transport for NSW as part of the station upgrade, the timeline for this, and associated costs.
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Background
The upgrade of Lewisham Train Station has been long-awaited by the local community, and represents a significant opportunity to improve accessibility, safety, and placemaking not just of the station but the surrounding precinct.
Many residents have provided feedback that the Lewisham Town Centre precinct (along Victoria Street and Railway Terrace) is tired, rundown, and unwelcoming.
As part of Council's significant investment of $7.5 million into main street revitalisation, the Lewisham Town Centre precinct should be considered for minor beautification and maintenance works, including opportunities to improve accessibility, safety, and amenity. It makes sense to identify opportunities to align this work with that set to be undertaken by Transport for NSW.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossings on Marrickville Road
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council note resident concerns that motorists often speed through the pedestrian crossings in the town centre of Marrickville, including those at Marrickville Road/Despointes Street, Marrickville Road/Gladstone Street and Illawarra Road at the Calvert Street carpark.
2. That Council conduct a safety review of these pedestrian crossings with a view to making them safer for pedestrians, cyclists and all road users.
3. That Council report the safety review to the Local Traffic Committee by November 2024.
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Background
The speed limit on Marrickville Road and Illawarra Road in the town centre is 40 km/hour. Still, motorists regularly fail to see pedestrians and cyclists on the pedestrian crossings and report countless near misses.
Action must be taken to improve the visibility of the crossings and to make the Marrickville Town Centre safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Pollys Club
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council congratulate the Pollys Club on the occasion of their 60th Anniversary, making them the longest continuously running LGBTIQA+ social group in Australia.
2. That Council recognise the extraordinary contribution the Pollys have made to the Marrickville and Inner West Community over many decades, including hosting their annual dances at Marrickville Town Hall, raising money for charities focused on men’s health, women’s health, youth health, mental health and animal welfare.
3. That Council thanks members of the Pollys Club, including the current President David Haynes, for their contribution to vulnerable people within the LGBTIQA+ community.
4. That Council notes there is a plaque on the Rainbow Seats on Marrickville Road recognising the Pollys Club and their ongoing connection to Marrickville Town Hall.
5. That Council includes a feature on the Pollys Club in an upcoming Council community news.
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Background
The mission of the Pollys Club is to provide an inclusive and safe community dance space that supports self-expression and connectedness thus helping to address social isolation in the LGBTIQA+ community.
The funds they raise are donated to charities focused on men’s health, women’s health, youth health, mental health and animal welfare.
The Pollys Club was formed in July 1964.
The club had several social functions in ‘private’ halls or function rooms in Sydney’s inner west, and conducted its first large dance in November 1964 at Petersham Town Hall, where it remained for several years.
In 2000, Pollys moved the dances to Marrickville Town Hall where they remain to this day.
The Pollys Club offers a fun all-inclusive alternative to the bar and club scene. Providing a safe and friendly environment where people can be themselves, dance, socialise and be entertained at an affordable price.
This format has allowed the Club to be Australia's longest running LGBTIQ social group, celebrating 60 years in 2024.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Item No: C0824(1) Item 40
Subject: Notice of Motion: Taxis and abandoned vehicles in South Marrickville
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council notes the recent resolutions passed by Inner West Council to help manage the growing problem of abandoned taxis and vehicles in South Marrickville.
2. That Council acknowledges residents are understandably frustrated and eager for the issue to be resolved, with some cars reported left on residential streets for weeks and months.
3. That Council notes council staff are currently consulting residents on a resident parking scheme in affected streets in South Marrickville.
4. That Council requests staff continue engaging with businesses in Carrington Road about the impact of leaving taxis and abandoned vehicles on local streets, demand they cease this practice and work with them to find alternative options for parking to resolve the issue.
5. That Council requests staff write an urgent letter to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Ron Hoenig, explaining the extent of the issue and seeking greater powers to act in instances where private businesses are impacting residential parking.
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Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Rubbish in Tempe Reserve, Tempe; Peace Park, Marrickville; Sydenham Green and the Amy Street Playground, Marrickville (Henson Park)
From: Councillor Mathew Howard
|
MOTION
1. That Council note the growing and persistent issue of rubbish being left in larger parks across the Marrickville-Midjuburi Ward, including Tempe Reserve, Peace Park, Sydenham Green and the Amy Street playground.
2. That Council note resident frustration about this issue and the risks associated with accumulated garbage in these locations, particularly for the children, dogs and residents who use them throughout the week.
3. That Council request staff undertake regular, additional clean up and maintenance of the these parks on weekends and Monday mornings and to review the capacity of the existing bins at each park, with services and additional or upgraded bins funded through the next quarterly budget review process.
4. That Council request that the red-lid garbage bins at the Amy Street Park be replaced with metal bins to limit illegal dumping at the location.
5. That Council report back to Councillors via councillor briefing about the additional actions being taken to resolve this issue.
|
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Callan Park Playing Fields
From: Councillors John Stamolis and Kobi Shetty
|
MOTION
1. That Council notes that the Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP) is the landowner of Callan Park, and any changes to the playing fields would require the consent of the Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP).
2. That Council notes that GSP recently undertook early engagement to inform a Plan of Management for Callan Park, to be finalised in 2025, and early feedback indicates diverse views in relation to a synthetic sporting field in Callan Park.
3. That Council notes the findings of the NSW Chief Scientist's Report - Independent Review into the design, use and impacts of synthetic turf in public open spaces 2022, in particular: a) that "the amount of turf fibres lost from a synthetic turf field is likely to be in the 100s of kilograms per year." b) that "it is not clear whether expectations about the longevity and carrying capacity of synthetic fields can be met under Australian climatic conditions." c) that "the social and environmental context of each playing field and its surrounds is different and the implications on the physical, mental and social dimensions of health cannot be drawn without research or surveying the community." d) that "from a public health perspective, equity considerations are also important and any barriers to community's access to amenities, including for specific groups who may be deprived of other access to green space should be considered." e) that "the adoption of best practice guidelines and benchmarks for natural turf in open spaces will support the capacity of natural turf sporting fields to meet the demands for use," and; f) that "synthetic turf installation should be subject to a set of requirements to ensure best practice use during the product lifespan and appropriate end of life planning and disposal to avoid stranded assets."
4. That Council writes to Transport for NSW and the Minister for Roads for clarification about when Inner West Council will receive the promised $20 million funding for the Rozelle Parklands, and what it can be used for.
5. That Council writes to the Heritage Council to seek advice about Inner West Council's proposal to install synthetic turf in two location within the parklands due to Callan Park’s listing on the State Heritage Register.
6. That Council convenes a meeting(s) of local sporting groups in regard to sports field maintenance across the Inner West to determine what is required to improve the playability and maintenance of fields prior to proposing the installation of any new synthetic turf fields.
|
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Hinsby Park and Piper Street North and South
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne and Councillor Philippa Scott
|
MOTION
1. That Council convene an onsite meeting at Hinsby Park in Annandale to consult local residents about potential improvements to the Park as well as improving traffic management around the Park, including consideration of making Piper Street north and south one way.
2. That a report on the outcomes of the consultation be reported to the November Ordinary Council meeting.
|
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Relationship with HP/ Hewlett Packard
From: Councillor Dylan Griffiths
Please outline the procurement relationship between Council and HP/ Hewlett Packard including:
Question
Any contracts between Council and HP/ Hewlett Packard.
Answer
Council currently has two ICT contracts for the following hardware and services:
1. Core Communications Infrastructure (Data Switches, Routers and Wireless Access Points).
2. Data Centre (Storage and Compute – Legacy Leichhardt DC - Annual Maintenance Support Renewal).
The following contract has been completed:
3. End User Devices (Laptops, Docks, Monitors and PCs).
Question
When will these contracts with HP/ Hewlett Packard end/ be up for renewal.
Answer
Council’s contracts will end as per the dates below.
1. Core Comms Infrastructure (August 2026)
2. Data Centre (until decommissioned)
3. End User Devices (July 2027)
Question
The value of contracts with HP/ Hewlett Packard.
Answer
The values of the contracts are indicated below.
1. Core Comms Infrastructure ($1.030m)
2. Data Centre ($74,000 per annum)
3. End User Devices ($2.660m)
Question
Yearly amounts credited to HP/ Hewlett Packard by Inner West Council.
Answer
As at June 2024, we pay HP $74,000 per annum as listed above. The other items are obtained on an as needed basis.
Question
What services and equipment are included in these contracts.
Answer
The following services and equipment are included in the relevant contracts:
- Hardware Acquisition, Build, and Configuration
- Hardware and Software License
- Maintenance and Support Services
Question
How are HP products used in council operations? Please provide examples across directorates such as early childhood education, and aquatics.
Answer
Council’s ICT department supports more than 1400+ staff across all directorates and servicing 43 sites and facilities (including Libraries, Child Care, Community and Aquatic Centres) with technology procured from HP. This technology includes laptops, monitors, core communications infrastructure, WiFi technology, and storage facilities.
Question
Are these contracts industry standard and are we aware if similar HP contracts exist in neighbouring councils?
Answer
Council uses pre-approved state and local government contracts to procure ICT devices, including the End User Devices contract, which is based on the NSW State Government ICT End User Devices and Services Contract C999 (superseded by Contract 9826 on 1 October 2023).
Council is not aware if similar HP contracts exist in neighbouring councils.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Housing Reforms and Impact
on Council Revenue
From: Councillor John Stamolis
NSW Government has announced that the dwelling target for Inner West Council over the 5 years from 2024 to 2029 will be 7,800 dwellings. Implementing these targets will have a significant impact on Councils’ revenue.
It would be appreciated if Council could broadly review the estimated revenue from these housing reforms (see below) or otherwise, more accurately state the impact on Council revenue over the 5 year period.
Key assumptions in determining the estimated revenue (below) are:
· the dwelling target of 7,800 is delivered uniformly, that is, 1,560 dwellings per year
· all estimates are in 2024 dollars
· the vast majority of the dwellings will be flats/units paying minimum rates of $900 pa
· one-off developer contributions paid to Council are $20,000 per flat/unit
· the calculation of rates received over the 5 years is cumulative (NOT uniform), as shown below.
Question
Will the increase in rates revenue, based on the dwelling targets, be in the order of
$21.6 million over the 5 year period? (Note the cumulative basis for this calculation)
Answer
There are a number of assumptions that must be made to provide the scenario that allows for this calculation – these assumptions are:
· Dwellings constructed and available for habitation from the 2025/26 Financial Year as Council completes the masterplan to State Government by December 2024 and allowing time for new dwellings to be built.
· Splits of business and residential dwellings being used to create increased dwellings is estimated across the five locations.
· Reduction in rates revenue due to Council receiving rates for existing dwelling to be developed. Split between Business to residential and residential to residential.
· Included rate indexation to future years minimum rates.
Council is calculating based off the dwelling targets rates revenue to be received to be $13.4m over the five years.
Question
Will the developer contributions received by Council be in the order of $156 million for
the 7,800 dwellings?
Answer
This calculation is correct.
Question
Will Councils total revenue received, as a result of implementation of the dwelling targets, be in the order of $177 million?
Answer
Councils total revenue can be calculated as $169.4m, noting restrictions on how the developer contributions Council receives can be spent.
Question
How have these revenue increases been reflected in Councils forward budgets?
Answer
Answers to the questions above at this stage are theoretical in nature. The Department of Planning Housing and Industry have set Inner West Council a target to provide controls that create development potential such that 7,800 new dwellings will be constructed within five years. As the planning for this is at an early stage, potential income from developer contributions or rates have not been factored in to the Long-Term Financial Plan. There are a range of indicators as dwellings are completed that Local Government uses to along the way to predict the change in dwelling numbers (and by assumption residential population) such as the number of Occupation Certificates and Sydney Water connections. The Rates Team rely upon change in property value provided by the Office of the Valuer General who take their information from registration of new property at the NSW Land Registry Service. Timing of take up of development potential which is difficult to predict this far out will also impact on how quickly additional rates become payable to Council.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Development Application Update
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Question
It would be appreciated if Council could complete the data in the table below. Any explanatory information to accompany the data would be useful.
Answer
Development Applications only (not mods or reviews)
|
|
FY 16/17 |
FY 17/18 |
FY 18/19 |
FY 19/20 |
FY 20/21 |
FY 21/22 |
FY 22/23 |
FY 23/24 |
|
Application from previous year not determined (ie outstanding at 30 June previous year) |
Not available |
308 |
383 |
370 |
270 |
290 |
427 |
351 |
|
Applications Lodged |
1611 |
1526 |
1234 |
1100 |
1371 |
1421 |
1148 |
1210 |
|
Applications Determined |
1411 |
1194 |
1124 |
1014 |
1056 |
966 |
995 |
1037 |
|
% approvals |
88% |
87% |
87% |
90% |
97% |
94% |
94% |
93% |
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Determined by area |
|
|||||||
|
Ashfield |
Not available |
235 |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
|
Leichhardt |
Not available |
455 |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
|
Marrickville |
Not available |
503 |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Construction Certificates issued (Council & Private Certifier) |
403 |
319 |
494 |
712 |
941 |
891 |
811 |
839 |
|
OC Issued (Council & Private Certifier) |
625 |
615 |
577 |
941 |
924 |
816 |
824 |
884 |
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: InnerWest@40
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Given Council’s adoption of the InnerWest@40 strategy in March 2024, could Council please
provide an update on progress. This might include:
Question
What arrangements have been made to date?
Answer
Council has written to the Minister for Roads about the completion of the InnerWest@40 study
and has applied for funding under the NSW's 2024/25 Safe Speeds in High Pedestrian Activity
and Local Areas Program for delivery of Area 6 (Enmore and Marrickville East) and Area 7
(Marrickville and Tempe), identified as a Priority A location in Council's study. The Minister has
responded, outlining support for the project (Attachment 1). Council has also subsequently received grant funding to implement Area 6 (Enmore and Marrickville East) and Area 7
(Marrickville and Tempe) of InnerWest@40.
Question
What discussions have taken place with TfNSW?
Answer
Council has discussed the final study outcomes with TfNSW and has had discussions with respect to the grant application and implementation of Area 6 (Enmore and Marrickville East) and Area 7 (Marrickville and Tempe) of innerWest@40.
Question
Which areas in the Inner West are being considered first?
Answer
Area 6 (Enmore and Marrickville East) and Area 7 (Marrickville and Tempe) are being pursued
first as these are priority A under the InnerWest@40 study and have existing street
environments that generally make streets self-enforcing to the proposed 40km/h speed limit in
line with TfNSW’s expectation for the rollout.
Question
What will be the funding arrangements? Are there any estimates of cost?
Answer
Area 6 (Enmore and Marrickville East) has been provided with $699,097 in funding and Area 7
(Marrickville and Tempe) has been provided with $1,190,577 in funding. Detailed estimates for
other areas will be prepared with the relevant grant application processes.
Question
Have any timelines been determined for consultation, implementation or both?
Answer
The implementation of Area 6 (Enmore and Marrickville East) and Area 7 (Marrickville and Tempe) speed reductions are to be delivered in the 2024/25 financial year as per the grant funding requirements. Scheduling work for the project is currently in progress.
Question
Is Council preparing a compliance plan for InnerWest@40 and what are the key features of this?
Answer
Enforcement of speed limits is within the jurisdiction of NSW Police and Council will work with the Police during the roll out of the InnerWest@40 to ensure that appropriate enforcement action is undertaken.
|
1.⇩ |
Letter from Minister Graham for Roads to Mayor re Innerwest40 |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Safer Cities Program
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to questions will be provided at the Ordinary Council meeting in September 2024.
Transport for NSW has previously advised that Safer Cities Program improvements will be made to stations in the Inner West, including at Stanmore Station. The key improvements at Stanmore Station were to include improvements to the Douglas St forecourt, new lighting along the external Trafalgar St boundary wall and an extension of public art installations, artworks in the underpass as well as improved lighting and acoustic panelling. This was to be implemented in early 2024. In July 2023 there was an announcement including via posters at the station about the Trafalgar St Mural including of the artist Sam Doughty and a design. Those posters were taken down and there has been no further information to residents.
Question
What are the full proposals for Safer Cities Program improvements in the Inner West and the timetables for these?
Question
Are Council staff working with Transport for NSW staff to ensure that these improvements are implemented? If so, how is this occurring, e.g. via joint project committees/working groups?
Question
Are Council staff able to provide reasons for the delays at Stanmore Station in particular, and an update on when these will happen?
Question
If Council staff are not able to provide answers to the above questions, what are they doing to ensure that the planned Safer Cities Program improvements for the Inner West are implemented?
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Early Childhood Education & Care
From: Councillor Liz Atkins
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to questions will be provided at the Ordinary Council meeting in September 2024.
Question
How much does labour hire in early learning cost Council per day, broken down by qualification, compared to their in-house equivalent?
Question
How much of each of our centres’ staffing budgets has been spent on labour hire over the last three years as both a proportion and a dollar amount? Of this expenditure by Council, how much of this do labour hire employees receive?
Question
How many of our early learning centres have spent less than their allocated staffing budget at the end of the 2023-24 financial year? How many have exceeded the staffing budget?
Question
When was the last time that we allocated a funding increase to the budgets of our early learning centres that was above inflation? (not including the construction of a new centre)
Question
Have we provided paid time for all union meetings to our employees in the last financial year, noting in particular that there has been bargaining in our Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) section?
Question
Council previously resolved in 2022 (C0422(1)Item 24) to provide free ECEC to children whose parents are awaiting asylum seeker determination using our spare spaces. Given the extensive waiting lists that are common to the sector, have we been able to provide these services to any asylum seeker families?
Question
Has Council had any reply to our correspondence to the NSW government (Notice of Motion C1123(1)Item 23) about collaboration and support for ECEC as run by Council?
Question
Drawing on previous expenditure, what would be the estimated costs for Council to set up an early learning centre or centres in the parts of the Ashfield ward that meet the definition of a 'childcare desert'? And what are the range of grants available from state and federal government that would assist in funding this?
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Playing fields
From: Councillor Kobi Shetty
Question
What is the average annual cost per playing field for field maintenance of natural turf fields?
Answer
All sporting fields have varying needs for maintenance due to the following factors: age of sporting surface, time between rebuilds, type of use(s), level of use, location of the field, impact of inclement weather and unauthorised use. Maintenance activities undertaken on natural turf fields include mowing, linemarking, goal post changeovers, returfing, seeding for seasonal sporting changeover, aeration across playing surfaces, top dressing, herbicide and pesticide treatments, fertilizer applications, pigment and feed applications, hand weeding, turf watering, hazard inspections and ad-hoc maintenance as required.
The average maintenance cost per playing surface is estimated as $67,000 p.a.
Question
What is the average annual cost per playing field for field maintenance of synthetic turf fields?
Answer
Synthetic sporting fields have fewer maintenance needs than natural turf fields and maintenance activities undertaken include: weekly surface cleaning to remove all surface debris, quarterly deep clean of surface and cork replenishment, weekly inspection for hazards and ad-hoc maintenance as required.
The average maintenance cost per synthetic playing surface is estimated as $23,000 p.a.
Question
What is the average lifespan of Inner West Council's existing synthetic turf fields?
Answer
IWC sports fields experience high usage and so the expected lifespan of the surface is 7-8 years and 20 years for the shock pad.
Question
What is the current cost to install a synthetic turf playing field?
Answer
Costs vary depending on factors such as; ground conditions, topography, drainage, infill materials, surrounding works etc, but the cost would typically be in the range of $1.5M to $2M.
Question
How does the Inner West Council dispose of synthetic turf fields at their end of life?
Answer
Materials are sent to be recycled at a specialist facility.
Question
What are the current requirements to ensure best practice use during the lifespan of synthetic fields in the Inner West?
Answer
Council currently undertakes the following best practice activities on synthetic fields: weekly surface cleaning to remove all surface debris, quarterly deep clean of surface and cork replenishment, weekly inspection for hazards and ad-hoc maintenance as required.
Question
Does Inner West Council have best practice guidelines and benchmarks for the management of its natural turf fields to ensure that they are safe and able to operate at maximum capacity? If so, what are those guidelines?
Answer
Inner West Council has an Open Space Presentation Standards document for all Parks and Sports fields which outlines our maintenance standards.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Inner West Heritage Listings
From: Councillor Justine Langford
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to questions will be provided at the Ordinary Council meeting in September 2024.
Question
Please provide a list that details the number and location of State heritage items and the number of State heritage conservation areas across the five wards of Inner West Council. Please break out the list on a ward by ward basis.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022
From: Councillor Justine Langford
Comment by the General Manager:
Answers to questions will be provided at the Ordinary Council meeting in September 2024.
On 16 September 2022, the NSW Government introduced amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, by passing the Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022. This Regulation requires a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to take proactive steps to manage psychosocial risks in the workplace.
Question
What proactive steps has Council taken to integrate the amended WH&S Regulation 2022 into the Inner West Council workplace culture?
Question
What steps has Council taken to eliminate or minimise psychosocial hazards and psychosocial risks in the workplace?
Question
When has / will Council train staff and Councillors regarding the new legislation?
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Question on Notice: Tree Canopy
From: Councillor Kobi Shetty
Question
Has the Council scheduled another fly over to assess the current state of the Inner West Council LGA tree canopy? If so, when is it scheduled to take place? When is it due to be reported to council?
Answer
The State Government provides data regarding the Greater Sydney region tree canopy on the SEED portal (the central resource for Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data in NSW). Due to the availability of this data, Council has not scheduled duplicate Council led flyovers which would otherwise be expected to require a budget of $80,000. The data provided by the state government provides a consistent approach to data collection over the Greater Sydney area and will be reviewed when updated data is received in 2024/25.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report
Prepared By: Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee meetings held on 27 May 2024 and 24 June 2024.
|
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 May and June 2024 and the project summary report.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 8 March 2022, Council resolved to establish a Major Capital Projects Committee to oversee larger Capital Projects being delivered by Council.
As of the May 2024 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 Liz Atkins.
DISCUSSION
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 are 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.
As a part of the governance structure for the committee, it is a requirement to table minutes of the meetings quarterly to Council. Minutes for the meeting held for May 2024 and June 2024 are confidentially attached, there was no meeting held in July 2024. The summary report is current to the last meeting.
|
No |
Description |
Budget |
Status |
|
|
Budget |
Schedule |
|||
|
1 |
Callan Park Swim site |
$2,200,000 |
|
|
|
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 |
KGP Inclusive Playground |
$2,017,000 |
|
|
|
6 |
King George Park Amenities |
$1,700,000 |
|
|
|
7 |
Marrickville Rd (East) Design and Implementation |
$3,475,000 |
|
|
|
8 |
Dulwich Hill Station Centre Upgrade |
$6,407,647 |
|
|
|
9 |
St Peters, Mary St to Sydenham Cycleway Westconnex |
$1,689,386 |
|
|
|
10 |
Greenway capital budget |
$23,709,722 |
|
|
|
11 |
Greenway Central Links Construction |
$19,569,020 |
|
|
|
12 |
Mackey Park Sporting Ground upgrade |
$2,150,000 |
|
|
|
13 |
Mackey Park Amenities |
$2,500,000 |
|
|
|
14 |
Mackey Park Canoe Ramp |
$1,450,000 |
|
|
|
15 |
Not used |
|
|
|
|
16 |
Main Street Local Placemaking |
$1,180,000 |
|
|
|
17 |
Camdenville Park Upgrade |
$6,580,000 |
|
|
|
18 |
Cardinal Freeman Village (multiple projects) |
$595,000 |
|
|
|
19 |
Petersham Town Hall upgrade works |
$2,120,000 |
|
|
|
20 |
Newtown Town Hall renewal works |
$3,315,135 |
|
|
|
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 |
Not used |
|
|
|
|
28 |
Tempe Reserve Amenities Building |
$2,750,000 |
|
|
|
29 |
Balmain Town Hall Site renewal works |
$4,118,306 |
|
|
|
30 |
Henson Park Grandstand Upgrade |
$1,000,000 |
|
|
|
31 |
Dawn Fraser Bath Northern Pavilion Upgrade |
$2,000,000 |
|
|
|
32 |
Pyrmont Bridge Road (PRUAIP) |
$5,625,924 |
|
|
|
33 |
Main Street Revitalisation |
$7,500,000 |
|
|
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
Major Capital Projects Committee meeting minutes 24th June 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. |
|
|
Major Capital Projects Committee meeting minutes 27th May 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. |
|
|
3.⇩ |
Major Capital Projects Committee Project Summary Report as at June 2024 |
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Inner West Council Cleaning Contract Extensions
Prepared By: Kristine Stephenson - Acting Manager Facilities Management
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into a closed session to deal with Inner West Council Cleaning Contract Extensions, as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and (10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed 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 that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(dii) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Report - Inner West Council Cleaning Contract Extension - 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. |
|
|
Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Bridgewater Park - Construction Lease to Transport for NSW
Prepared By: Simon Turner - Acting General Counsel
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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Council will move into a closed session to deal with Bridgewater Park - Construction Lease to Transport for NSW, as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(dii) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature, that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(dii) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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Confidential Report - Bridgewater Park - Construction Lease to Transport NSW - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to 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. |
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Bridgewater Park - Plan - TfNSW sketch SR5876 - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to 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. |
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Chaloner Valuations - Valuation June 2024 - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to 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. |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This quarterly Strategic Investment Property report provides Council with updates on the performance of the Commercial Property Investment Portfolio for Council’s property at Liverpool and at Warrawong.
A summary of financial performance is provided below for each of the two properties. Further information of a confidential nature is provided in the confidential report.
The combined net income from investment properties for this quarter is $1,216,164.
The combined net income from the investment properties for the 2023/24 financial year is $4,904,562.
DISCUSSION
The data provided is to the end of quarter four of FY2023/24 (30 June 2024).
203 Northumberland Street Liverpool
A summary of the financial performance of the property is provided below:
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Year to Date |
Full Year |
||||
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Account |
Actual |
Budget |
$ Var |
Forecast |
Budget |
$Var |
|
Revenue |
3,975,402.14 |
3,830,859.80 |
144,542.34 |
3,975,402.14 |
3,830,859.80 |
144,542.34 |
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Operating Expenditure |
537,457.62 |
725,146.39 |
187,688.77 |
537,457.62 |
725,146.39 |
187,688.77 |
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Direct Recoveries |
30,470.79 |
- |
- 30,470.79 |
30,470.79 |
- |
- 30,470.79 |
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Net Operating Profit (Loss) |
3,407,473.73 |
3,105,713.41 |
301,760.32 |
3,407,473.73 |
3,105,713.41 |
301,760.32 |
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Owner Expenditure |
9,037.55 |
- |
- 9,037.55 |
9,037.55 |
- |
- 9,037.55 |
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Net Profit / (Loss) |
3,398,436.18 |
3,105,713.41 |
292,722.77 |
3,398,436.18 |
3,105,713.41 |
292,722.77 |
Revenue
· Year to Date – Revenue is shown on an Accrual Basis (From 1 July to 30 June 2024).
· Total Income $3,975,402 vs Budget $3,830,860 which is over budget (favourable) by $144,542 (3.77%).
The additional revenue is predominantly related to additional office rent not previous budgeted and casual car parking licences.
Expenses
· Total Building Expenses* $576,966 vs Budget $725,146 is under budget (favourable) by $148,180 (20.43%).
*Note Total Building Expenses includes Operating Expenditure, Direct Recoveries and Owner Expenditure
The reduced expenditure is primarily due to recovery of land tax which was paid by the Vendor in advance, with Council not liable for land tax from 1 Jan 2024, and timing of repair and maintenance payments (whilst a budget allowance has been made for repair and maintenance items, an even phasing of the spend over the year had been assumed, however the cost will only be incurred when works are carried out).
Capital Works
There are no capital works planned for the remainder of the 2023/24 financial year. The planned capital budget for FY 2024/25 is $377K with the main items including mechanical, some works to the façade and waterproofing.
The overall ten-year capital budget for the property was incorporated into Council’s Long Term Financial Plan at the time of purchase.
67 King Street Warrawong
A summary of the financial performance of the property is provided below:
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Year to Date |
Full Year |
||||
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Account |
Actual |
Budget |
$ Var |
Forecast |
Budget |
$Var |
|
Revenue |
1,937,037.63 |
1,960,474.28 |
- 23,436.65 |
1,937,037.63 |
1,960,474.28 |
- 23,436.65 |
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Operating Expenditure |
418,345.59 |
442,340.00 |
23,994.41 |
418,345.59 |
442,340.00 |
23,994.41 |
|
Direct Recoveries |
12,566.14 |
- |
- 12,566.14 |
12,566.14 |
- |
- 12,566.14 |
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Net Operating Profit (Loss) |
1,506,125.90 |
1,518,134.28 |
- 12,008.38 |
1,506,125.90 |
1,518,134.28 |
- 12,008.38 |
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Owner Expenditure |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
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Net Profit / (Loss) |
1,506,125.90 |
1,518,134.28 |
- 12,008.38 |
1,506,125.90 |
1,518,134.28 |
- 12,008.38 |
Revenue
· Year to Date - Accrual Basis (From 1 July to 30 June 2024).
· Total Income $1,937,038 vs Budget $1,960,474 which is under budget (unfavourable) by $23,436 (1.2%).
The reduced revenue is due variation(s) of lease with King Street Medical and King Street Dental by the previous owner to allow the recovery of statutory outgoings only. Full recovery was budgeted for these two tenants.
Expenses
· Total Building Expenses* $430,911 vs Budget $442,340 which is under budget (favourable) by $11,428 (2.58%).
*Note Total Building Expenses includes Operating Expenditure, Direct Recoveries and Owner Expenditure
The reduced expenditure is primarily due to recovery of land tax which was paid by the Vendor in advance, with Council not liable for land tax from 1 Jan 2024, and timing of repair and maintenance payments (whilst a budget allowance has been made for repair and maintenance items, an even phasing of the spend over the year had been assumed, however the cost will only be incurred when works are carried out).
Capital Works
There are no significant capital works planned for the remainder of the 2023/24 financial year. The planned capital budget for FY 2024/25 is $628K with the main items including carpark resurfacing, some works to structural elements and roof finishes.
The overall ten-year capital budget for the property was incorporated into Council’s Long Term Financial Plan at the time of purchase.
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report – for additional information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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Confidential Report - Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report – June 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. |
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Council Meeting 13 August 2024 |
Subject: Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Members
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1.
2. That Council resolves to amend the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) Terms of Reference, as attached to the report, to increase the number of Independent Members on Council’s ARIC to three independent members.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Council meeting on 25 June 2024, Council resolved to appoint Mr Jesse Jo as an independent member to Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC). In July 2024, Mr Jo advised officers of his decision to decline to take up the appointment. Without Mr Jo acting as an Independent Member, Council’s ARIC currently only has one independent member, in addition to the Chair. The Local Government (General) Regulations 2021 (Regulations) require Council’s ARIC to have at least two independent members, in addition to the Chair. This creates issues in relation to Council’s ability to hold ARIC meetings in August, October and November 2024. These meetings, particularly the October 2024 meeting where ARIC will review Council’s Draft 2023/2024 Annual Financial Statements, are critical to ensuring statutory compliance and good governance.
In order to ensure that Council’s ARIC meets the regulatory composition requirements, Council officers have recommended two candidates for Council to consider appointing as Independent Members for the remaining ARIC meeting in the 2024 calendar year. These short term appointments will enable Council officers to conduct an expression of interest process and return to Council in early 2025 with candidates for Council to consider appointing on a longer term basis. The corresponding Confidential Report include details of the two prospective Independent Members recommended to Council for appointment. Both candidates were assessed against and meet the eligibility requirements of the Guidelines and Regulations to serve as Independent Members.
Separately, Council officers also recommend amending the ARIC Terms of Reference, to enable the appointment of three independent members, as a mechanism to manage business continuity risks.
DISCUSSION
Independent Member Appointments
At a Council meeting on 25 June 2024, Council resolved to appoint Mr Jesse Jo as an Independent member to the Inner West Council Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for a period of four years. Mr Jo advised Council Officers in July 2024 of his decision to decline the appointment.
Mr Jo’s decision to decline Council’s appointment creates issues regarding Council’s ability to hold ARIC meetings. This is because Council’s ARIC must have at least two independent members, in addition to the Chairperson. Specifically, section 216C of the Regulations provides that “the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for a council must comprise (a) a chairperson, and (b) at least 2 independent members”. This requirement is reinforced in the Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit (Guidelines), which provide that “[a]t a minimum, audit risk and improvement committees must comprise of [sic] the following:
o an independent chairperson who meets the independence criteria and the eligibility criteria for committee chairpersons set out below, and
o at least two independent members who meet the independence criteria and the eligibility criteria for independent committee members set out below” (emphasis in original).
Without Mr Jo acting as an independent member, Council currently only has one independent member who is not also the Chairperson, in Mr Mark Sercombe.
In order to ensure Council is able to constitute an ARIC that meets the regulatory composition requirements, Officers recommend appointing two additional independent members for the remainder of the calendar year. This will provide Council with sufficient time to commence an expression of interest process to enable Council to consider making more longer term appointments in early 2025. It will also ensure that Council is able to hold ARIC meetings in August, October and November 2024 with the October 2024 meeting being particularly critical given that it is devoted to the review of Council’s Draft 2023/2024 Annual Financial Statements.
The corresponding Confidential Report include details of the two candidates who Officers recommend appointing for the remaining ARIC meetings in 2024.
Amendment of Terms of Reference
The ARIC Terms of Reference currently provide that ARIC will “consist of an independent Chairperson and two independent members who have voting rights and one non-voting councillor/board member”. The establishment of ARIC with only the minimum number of Independent Members exposes Council to risks arising out of the non-availability, or sudden resignation/departure, of either of the two independent members.
In order to manage these business continuity risks, and increase Council’s ability to conduct ARIC meetings when presented with unforeseen circumstances, Council Officers recommend amending the ARIC Terms of Reference to permit the appointment of three Independent Members. This would increase the total size of ARIC to one Chairperson, three independent members, and one Councillor member. If adopted, this proposal would increase Council’s ability to deal with exceptional circumstances. It would also reduce the extent to which Council is reliant on any one member for the knowledge, skills and experience required by the Regulations.
If Council considers it appropriate to add an additional Independent Member to the ARIC, we recommend amending clause 5.1 of the Terms of reference, as follows:
“The Committee will consist of an independent Chairperson and three independent members who have voting rights and one non-voting councillor/ board member, as required under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021”.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Members, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(a) (of the Local Government Act 1993) as it contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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Confidential Report - Appointment of Independent ARIC members - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors) (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993). |
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2.⇩ |
ARIC Terms of Reference v 6 (adopted 25 June 2024) (tracked changes) |
[1] https://apan.org.au/factsheet-genocide-in-gaza/
[2] https://www.amnesty.org.au/icj-declares-israels-occupation-unlawful-historic-vindication-of-palestinians-rights/
[3] https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott
[4] https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session31/database-hrc3136/23-06-30-Update-israeli-settlement-opt-database-hrc3136.pdf
[5] https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/2392419/MoP111P2.pdf (starting from page 1671)
