Council Meeting
13 August 2024 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 13 August 2024 at
Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.43pm
Present: |
|
Darcy Byrne Chloe Smith Liz Atkins Marghanita Da Cruz Jessica D’Arienzo Mark Drury Dylan Griffiths Mathew Howard Justine Langford Pauline Lockie Philippa Scott Kobi Shetty
John Stamolis Timothy Stephens Zoi Tsardoulias Simone Plummer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (attended via audio-visual link) (attended in person from 9:21pm) Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Director Planning |
Manod Wickramasinghe |
Acting Director Infrastructure |
Ruth Callaghan Beau-Jane De Costa Julian Sakarai Simon Turner |
Director Community Acting Director Corporate Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk Acting General Counsel |
Chris Sleiman Katherine Paixao Darcie Huisman |
Chief Financial Officer Business Paper Coordinator Business Paper Officer |
APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
Motion (Stephens/Lockie)
That Council accept Councillor Shetty’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link (6:43pm to 9:21pm) due to sitting in Parliament.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Lockie/Atkins)
That Council allow members of the Public Gallery to record the meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 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 significant, pecuniary interest in Item 15 - Inner West Cycling Update as his primary residence is located on one of the streets where works are being discussed. He will leave the meeting for discussion and voting.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 16 - Pathway to a Safer Cooks River Walking and Cycling Trail as he works in the office of the Minister for Transport. This item references the closure of the T3 Bankstown Line but does not substantively regard that matter and as such, he does not believe it constitutes a significant conflict and so will remain in the meeting for discussion and voting.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 33 - Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility and Item 37 - Notice of Motion: Lewisham Town Centre Upgrade as he works in the office of the Minister for Transport and in that capacity has been directly engaged in work around station upgrades. Out of an abundance of caution, and to avoid any perception of risk, he will remove himself from the meeting during discussion and voting.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 56 - Bridgewater Park Construction Lease to Transport for NSW, as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport. As this is a legal matter that involves Transport for NSW, and out of an abundance of caution so as to avoid any perception of conflict, he will leave the meeting during discussion and voting.
Councillor Smith declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024 as her principal place of residence which she rents is on Railway Street, Petersham is within the Petersham North LATM Plan precinct (Item 4 of the LTC meeting minutes) and a number of treatments are recommended for that street within the report. As she does not own the property in question, she will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Atkins declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 - 2024 Inner West Council Annual Grants, as they are a member of the Older Women’s Network which is a recipient of grants. They will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting, as they are a member only and not involved in management or administration, nor is there any reasonable likelihood of financial gain or loss to them nor a close associate.
Councillor Stamolis declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 1 - Draft Council Submission - Greater Sydney Parklands and Callan Park Plan of Management, Item 34 - Notice of Motion: Two New all-weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park and Item 42 - Notice of Motion: Callan Park Playing Fields, as he is a long standing member of the Friends of Callan Park.
Councillor Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 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.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in relation to Item 1 - Draft Council Submission - Greater Sydney City Parklands and Callan Park Plan of Management, Item 34 - Notice of Motion: Two New all-weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park and Item 42 - Notice of Motion: Callan Park Playing Fields out of abundance of caution due to his being Council's delegate to the Callan Park Community Board. However, he noted that Clause 4.6(o) of the Code of Conduct provides that an interest arising from the appointment of a councillor to a body as a representative or delegate of the Council, whether or not a fee or other recompense is payable to the representative or delegate, does not need to be disclosed and as such he will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting.
Motion: (Scott/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, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 25 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, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)
That Council allow all registered speakers for Items 23 and 34 to speak during the Public Forum.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
PUBLIC FORUM
The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.
Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)
That the meeting be adjourned for 2 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
The meeting was adjourned at 7:44pm
The meeting recommenced at 7:46pm
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)
That the meeting be adjourned for 3 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
The meeting was adjourned at 8:13pm
The meeting recommenced at 8.16pm
Councillor Shetty left the meeting at 8:37pm
Councillor Shetty returned to the meeting at 8:45pm
Councillor Shetty left the meeting at 9:17pm
Councillor Shetty entered the meeting in person at 9:20pm
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)
That the meeting be adjourned for 10 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Crs Atkins and Griffiths
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55pm
The meeting recommenced at 10:06pm
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward Item 34 - Notice of Motion: Two New all-weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park and 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, to be dealt with at this time.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Stephens/Scott)
That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 34.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Shetty/Langford)
That Council allow Clr Stamolis to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 34.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Shetty to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 34.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Atkins/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Griffiths to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 23.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 23.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Against Motion: Nil
C0824(1)
Item 23 Notice of Motion:
Invasion of Gaza and illegal occupation of |
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’; and 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’; and 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; and 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; and 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.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias
Foreshadowed Motion (Byrne)
1. That Council notes that foreign affairs is the responsibility of the Commonwealth government.
2. That Council recalls and affirms Motions passed at the Ordinary Meetings of Council on 21 November 2023 and 5 December 2023 which condemned the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas and called for the release of hostages, stated that Israel must comply with international humanitarian law, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and supported a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine through a two-state solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
3. That Council notes the Provisional Measures orders of the International Court of Justice in South Africa v Israel of 26 January 2024 and 24 May 2024 which, inter alia, required Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention.
4. That Council notes the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024 which found, inter alia, that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and that Israel is under an obligation to end its unlawful occupation as rapidly as possible.
5. That Council joins with the Commonwealth government in calling: a) for an immediate ceasefire; b) for Israel to act in accordance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice; c) for Israel to ensure accountability for ongoing acts of violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers; d) for Israel to reverse the record expansion of settlements in the West Bank which are illegal under international law; and e) for a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders.
6. That Council reaffirm its sister city relationship with Bethlehem, and support people-to-people peace-building endeavours between the Palestinian and Jewish peoples and notifies the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020.
7. That Council notes that under its Investment Policy all of its investments comply with relevant State and Commonwealth legislative frameworks, are made in consideration of the principles of ethical investment management, and consist entirely of socially responsible investments and deposits in non-fossil fuel aligned banks.
8. That Council notes that its Procurement Policy and Procurement Strategy was adopted unanimously by Councillors at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 21 May 2024 following a Councillor briefing on 2 April 2024. Under this policy Council integrates environmental, social and governance principles in its spending decisions, and preferences local contractors and organisations that employ people with disabilities, Indigenous contractors, or people who come from disadvantaged communities where possible. Council’s Statement of Business Ethics also contains these commitments, and emphasises Council’s commitment to ensuring that goods and services procured by Council are not the product of Modern Slavery.
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)
That the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias Against Motion: Nil
The meeting was adjourned at 10:47pm |
Meeting closed at 10.57pm
The meeting was closed early due to concerns about the health and safety or welfare of Councillors, staff and members of the public.
The unfinished business of the meeting will be considered at a meeting on a date and time fixed in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting practice.
The following items were not considered: items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58.
Item #
|
Speaker |
Suburb |
Item 1: |
Louisa Larkin Lucy Wynter David Birds Kirsten Junor Cynthia Nadai |
Balmain Lilyfield Balmain Marrickville Lilyfield |
Item 9: |
Rhonda Zoef Sandra Donnarumma |
Balmain Balmain |
Item 12: |
Lorretta Jessop |
Summer Hill |
Item 15: |
Neil Tonkin |
Lilyfield |
Item 23: |
Tamara Asmar Eitan Harris Gael Kennedy Colm Galvin Elizabeth Thompson Aiden Magro Abdullah Shaweesh Mark Leach Ibrahim Al-Salti Fahad Ali Helen Zigman Uri Windt Jennifer Jamieson |
Summer Hill Petersham Lilyfield Balmain Enmore Marrickville Ashfield Rozelle Dulwich Hill Ashfield Annandale Annandale Balmain |
Item 26: |
Lisa Chambers |
Annandale |
Item 27: |
Charlie Pierce Wendy Bacon |
Newtown Newtown |
Item 28: |
Fahad Ali Peter Jennings Jennifer Killen |
Ashfield Marrickville St Peters |
Item 31: |
Jocelyn Bell Kirsten Junor |
St Peters Marrickville |
Item 32: |
Camilla Lawson Mireille Juchau |
Marrickville Marrickville |
Item 34: |
Lincoln Charles Paul Avery Maisie Tanner Ruby Bruce John Thomson Louisa Larkin Paul Power Gloria Mao Stephen Conaty Hall Greenland |
Annandale Balmain Dulwich Hill Stanmore Lilyfield Balmain Rozelle Lilyfield Lilyfield Leichhardt |
Item 42: |
Louise Appel Terrence Kelly Kealan Coleman Matthew Bowen |
Lilyfield Newington Lilyfield Lewisham |
Item 50: |
Garnet Brownbill |
Tempe |
***Tabled petition on Two New All-Weather Sporting Fields at Callan Park***
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on the 13th August, 2024 were confirmed as a correct record on this 3rd day of September 2024.