AGENDA R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Meeting

                             

TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2024

 

6:30 PM

 


Council Meeting

22 October 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.

 

 

 

 

   


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

 

 

AGENDA

 

 

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 3 September 2024 Council                                                           7

            Minutes of 8 October 2024 Council                                                                  37

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

 

C1024(2) Item 1       Draft Annual Financial Statements for the Financial Year 2023/24                                                                               40

C1024(2) Item 2       State of the Inner West Report                                    129

C1024(2) Item 3       Local Democracy Groups 2024-28 and final progress report of the previous term                                          207

C1024(2) Item 4       Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for the Balmain Peninsula New Year’s Eve                            269

C1024(2) Item 5       Quong Tart Plaza                                                         274

C1024(2) Item 6       Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade                   276

C1024(2) Item 7       Impact of Totti’s on surrounding residential community     301

C1024(2) Item 8       Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 16 September 2024     309

C1024(2) Item 9       Minutes of the Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee (FRMAC) held on 24 July 2024 including outcomes of the exhibition of the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study & Plan and the Johnstons Creek & Whites Creek Flood Risk Management Study & Plan                                                                              324

C1024(2) Item 10     Summer Hill - Lewisham Suburb Realignment Affecting 2 Malthouse Way                                                         339

C1024(2) Item 11     Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Minutes       343

C1024(2) Item 12     Councillor Representation on Committees                  373

C1024(2) Item 13     Rescheduling of November 2024 Council Meeting     380

C1024(2) Item 14     Local Government NSW Annual Conference              382

C1024(2) Item 15     Investment Report at 30 September 2024                  387

 

12        Reports for Noting

 

ITEM                                                                                                    Page

 

C1024(2) Item 16     Investment Report at 31 August 2024                         445

C1024(2) Item 17     Tempe Train Station                                                    503

C1024(2) Item 18     Post Exhibition - Planning Principles for the Inner West     511

C1024(2) Item 19     Faith Based Housing Roundtable                                515

C1024(2) Item 20     Rozelle Village (former Balmain Leagues Club) - State Significant Development Application                           542

C1024(2) Item 21     Gambling Harm Minimisation                                      578

C1024(2) Item 22     Disclosures of Interest for Designated Persons 2023-2024 - ARIC Members                                                 581

 

13        Notices of Motion

 

ITEM                                                                                                    Page

 

C1024(2) Item 23     Notice of Motion: Motions for Local Government NSW Conference                                                                  608

C1024(2) Item 24     Notice of Motion: Inner West Labor Policy Platform   614

C1024(2) Item 25     Notice of Motion: Cost of living support for Inner West residents: no rate rises and bill smoothing                  622

C1024(2) Item 26     Notice of Motion: A circular economy for soft plastics and other hard to recycle items                                   624

C1024(2) Item 27     Notice of Motion: A fast and smooth development process                                                                             626

C1024(2) Item 28     Notice of Motion: Extending the Outdoor Swimming Season at FDAC                                                          628

C1024(2) Item 29     Notice of Motion: Consult the community on the dual naming of one major park in each ward                      629

C1024(2) Item 30     Notice of Motion: Town Hall Open Day Festivals        630

C1024(2) Item 31     Notice of Motion: Sydenham Road Strategy               631

C1024(2) Item 32     Notice of Motion: Parking in Marrickville                     633

C1024(2) Item 33     Notice of Motion: Prospect Street shared zone           634

C1024(2) Item 34     Notice of Motion: Sensory spaces for neurodivergent community members and their families                       635

C1024(2) Item 35     Notice of Motion: Microforests in Every Ward             637

C1024(2) Item 36     Notice of Motion: Representation for Renters in Local Democracy Groups                                                      638

C1024(2) Item 37     Notice of Motion: Senior Services Communications   640

C1024(2) Item 38     Notice of Motion: Community Engagement - Council at Your Door                                                                         641

C1024(2) Item 39     Notice of Motion: Hoskins Park Toilet Block and Shed     642

C1024(2) Item 40     Notice of Motion: Mort Bay Park upgrade                   643

C1024(2) Item 41     Notice of Motion: Social enterprise cafe at Together 2 for disability employment                                             644

C1024(2) Item 42     Notice of Motion: Double investment in Active Transport across the Inner West                                                  645

 

14        Reports with Confidential Information

 

Reports appearing in this section of the Business contain confidential information in attachments.

 

The confidential information has been circulated separately.

ITEM                                                                                                    Page

 

C1024(2) Item 43     RFT 29-24 - Garbage, FOGO and Recycling Collection Services                                                                            646

C1024(2) Item 44     Lease of Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield Park           647

C1024(2) Item 45     Short Term Lease                                                        648

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 3 September 2024 at

Ashfield Service Centre

 

Meeting commenced at 6:35pm

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Chloe Smith

Liz Atkins

Marghanita Da Cruz

Jessica D’Arienzo

Mark Drury

Mathew Howard

Justine Langford

Pauline Lockie

Philippa Scott

Kobi Shetty

John Stamolis

Timothy Stephens

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Director Planning

Manod Wickramasinghe

Acting Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Melanie Gurney

Julian Sakarai

Matthew Pearce

Ken Welsh

Chris Sleiman

Director Community

Acting Director Corporate

Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Coordinator Strategic Transport Planning

Chief Financial Officer

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

 

APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:    

 

Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

 

That apologies from Councillor Griffiths be accepted.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:      

 

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 Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024 and Item 13 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 19 August 2024 as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport, who in his 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 18 - 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 19 - 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 36 - Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility and Item 39 - 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 55 - 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 Shetty declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024 and Item 13 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 19 August 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 and Item 44 - 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, which in this case it does not, is not required to be disclosed and as such he will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting.

 

Councillor Stamolis declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 1 - Draft Council Submission - Greater Sydney Parklands and Callan Park Plan of Management and Item 44 - Notice of Motion: Callan Park Playing Fields, as he is a long standing member of the Friends of Callan Park.

 

 

 

 

 

Motion: (Stephens/Langford)

 

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion: (Scott/Langford)

 

That the Minutes of the Council held on Tuesday, 13 August 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

 

Motion Carried

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

 

C0924(1)                Condolence Motion: Carol Carney

 

Motion: (Tsardoulias/Howard)

 

That the Inner West Council record our sadness of the passing of Carol Carney and write to the family expressing our condolences.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Scott/Atkins)

 

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

  1. Item 3 Post Exhibition - Naming Policy
  2. Item 6 Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations Proposed Program
  3. Item 7 Arts and Music Recovery Plan - Bi-Monthly Update
  4. Item 10 Customer Service in Development Assessments - Bi-Monthly Report
  5. Item 12 Direct Employment Of People With A Disability - Bi-Monthly Report
  6. Item 13 Local Traffic Committee Meeting – 19 August 2024
  7. Item 16 Investment Report at 30 June 2024
  8. Item 20 Rezoning of Leichhardt Bowling Club
  9. Item 21 FOGO Monthly Update - August 2024
  10. Item 23 Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024
  11. Item 24 2023-2024 Annual Disclosures of Interest and Designated Persons Disclosures of Interest
  12. Item 27 Notice of Motion: No Net Dwelling Loss Rules
  13. Item 30 Notice of Motion: St Peters Interchange Contamination
  14. Item 35 Notice of Motion: Supporting Visual Artists and Writers to find Affordable Spaces to Work in the Inner West
  15. Item 37 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety on Brighton Street, Petersham
  16. Item 38 Notice of Motion: West Street and Railway Terrace Intersection
  17. Item 40 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossings on Marrickville Road
  18. Item 41 Notice of Motion: Polly's Club
  19. Item 42 Notice of Motion: Taxis and abandoned vehicles in South Marrickville
  20. Item 43 Notice of Motion: Rubbish in Tempe Reserve, Tempe; Peace Park, Marrickville; Sydenham Green and the Amy Street Playground, Marrickville (Henson Park)
  21. Item 45 Notice of Motion: Hinsby Park and Piper Street North and South
  22. Item 47 Notice Of Motion: Temporary Use Of Hoskins Park And Laxton Reserve As Off-Leash
  23. Item 48 Notice Of Motion: Livingstone Road And Hill Street, Marrickville
  24. Item 54 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report
  25. Item 56 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report
  26. Item 57 Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Members

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Scott/Atkins)

 

That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report be adopted:

  1. Item 3 Post Exhibition - Naming Policy
  2. Item 6 Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations Proposed Program
  3. Item 7 Arts and Music Recovery Plan - Bi-Monthly Update
  4. Item 10 Customer Service in Development Assessments - Bi-Monthly Report
  5. Item 12 Direct Employment Of People With A Disability - Bi-Monthly Report
  6. Item 13 Local Traffic Committee Meeting – 19 August 2024
  7. Item 16 Investment Report at 30 June 2024
  8. Item 20 Rezoning of Leichhardt Bowling Club
  9. Item 21 FOGO Monthly Update - August 2024
  10. Item 23 Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024
  11. Item 24 2023-2024 Annual Disclosures of Interest and Designated Persons Disclosures of Interest
  12. Item 27 Notice of Motion: No Net Dwelling Loss Rules
  13. Item 30 Notice of Motion: St Peters Interchange Contamination
  14. Item 35 Notice of Motion: Supporting Visual Artists and Writers to find Affordable Spaces to Work in the Inner West
  15. Item 37 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety on Brighton Street, Petersham
  16. Item 38 Notice of Motion: West Street and Railway Terrace Intersection
  17. Item 40 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossings on Marrickville Road
  18. Item 41 Notice of Motion: Polly's Club
  19. Item 42 Notice of Motion: Taxis and abandoned vehicles in South Marrickville
  20. Item 43 Notice of Motion: Rubbish in Tempe Reserve, Tempe; Peace Park, Marrickville; Sydenham Green and the Amy Street Playground, Marrickville (Henson Park)
  21. Item 45 Notice of Motion: Hinsby Park and Piper Street North and South
  22. Item 47 Notice Of Motion: Temporary Use Of Hoskins Park And Laxton Reserve As Off-Leash
  23. Item 48 Notice Of Motion: Livingstone Road And Hill Street, Marrickville
  24. Item 54 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report
  25. Item 56 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report
  26. Item 57 Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Members

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 3       Post Exhibition - Naming Policy

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 6       Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations Proposed Program

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

That Council approve the expanded Lunar New Year Celebrations for 2025.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 7       Arts and Music Recovery Plan - Bi-Monthly Update

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0924(1) Item 10       Customer Service in Development Assessments - Bi-Monthly
          Report

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 12       Direct Employment of people with a disability - Bi-monthly
         Report

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 13       Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 19 August 2024

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 19 August 2024.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 16       Investment Report at 30 June 2024

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0924(1) Item 20       Rezoning of Leichhardt Bowling Club

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

C0924(1) Item 21       FOGO Monthly Update - August 2024

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 23       Councillor Expenses for 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 24       2023-2024 Annual Disclosures of Interest and Designated
         Persons Disclosures of Interest

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 27       Notice of Motion: No Net Dwelling Loss Rules

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 30       Notice of Motion: St Peters Interchange Contamination

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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; and

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 35       Notice of Motion: Supporting Visual Artists and Writers to find
         Affordable Spaces to Work in the Inner West

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 37       Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Safety on Brighton Street,
         Petersham

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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. 

 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 38       Notice of Motion: West Street and Railway Terrace Intersection

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 40       Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossings on Marrickville Road

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

C0924(1) Item 41       Notice of Motion: Pollys Club

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 42       Notice of Motion: Taxis and abandoned vehicles in South
         Marrickville

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 43       Notice of Motion: Rubbish in Tempe Reserve, Tempe; Peace
         Park, Marrickville; Sydenham Green and the Amy Street
         Playground, Marrickville (Henson Park)

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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 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. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0924(1) Item 45       Notice of Motion: Hinsby Park and Piper Street North and South

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

 

 

 

C0924(1) Item 47       Notice of Motion: Temporary Use of Hoskins Park and Laxton
         Reserve as Off-Leash

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

1.   That Council allows the temporary use of Hoskins Park and Laxton Reserve as designated off-leash dog areas during specific hours on certain days while Johnson Park in Dulwich Hill is closed for essential construction works. 

 

2.   That Council sets the designated off-leash hours as follows:

a)     Laxton Reserve: Monday to Friday, 6:00 am – 8:00 am and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 

b)     Hoskins Park: Saturday and Sunday 6:00 am – 8:00 am and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

 

3.   That Council installs appropriate signage and facilities at Hoskins Park and Laxton Reserve to designate the area as off-leash during the period of Johnson Park's closure.

 

4.   That Council ensures that nearby residents and park users are informed of the temporary change and that feedback from the community is considered throughout this period.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 48       Notice of Motion: Livingstone Road and Hill Street, Marrickville

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

1.   That Council note that residents report a several accidents and incidents at the intersection of Hill Street and Livingstone Road, Marrickville.

 

2.   That Council investigate the installation of a roundabout at the intersection to improve safety at the intersection.

 

3.   That Council formally review safety at the intersection, including surveying local residents, and report back to the Local Traffic Committee by the end of 2024

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 54       Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

That Council receive and note the minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee meetings held on 27 May 2024 and 24 June 2024.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0924(1) Item 56       Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 57       Appointment of Independent Audit, Risk and Improvement
         Committee Members

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

1.     That Council resolves to appoint Ms Emily Hodgson as an Independent Member to the Inner West Council Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) for the remainder of ARIC’s meeting for the 2024 calendar year.

 

2.     That Council resolves to appoint Ms Heather Smith as an Independent Member to the Inner West Council Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) for the remainder of ARIC’s meeting for the 2024 calendar year.

 

3.     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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 1         Draft Council Submission - Greater Sydney Parklands and Callan   
        Park Plan of Management

Motion: (Scott/Stephens)

 

1.     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.

 

2.     That all references to the ownership of Callan Park should be corrected; noting that two-thirds or 38 ha of Callan Park is owned and managed by the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (CPMPT) under the guidance of the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002.  The remaining area is managed by NSW Health.  Inner West Council is the planning consent authority. 

 

3.     That any activity on site must be approved by the Greater Sydney Parklands Authority (GSP).

 

4.     That, in regard to Cycling Improvements and Opportunities (second last bullet, page 25), to reduce the speed limit to 25kms (rather than 30kms) noting that Callan Park roads are shared between cars, bicycles, scooters, pedestrians and many dog walkers on the site. 

 

 

 

Motion Carried

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

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

 

Amendment (Stamolis/Da Cruz)

 

That Community Recreation and Wellness Projects (bullet point 7, page 23) to delete
“putting synthetic sporting surfaces on the footprint of buildings which have been demolished”.

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

Amendment (Stamolis/Da Cruz)

 

That Council note the high level of community concern and opposition in regard to the installation of synthetic turf in the historic and iconic parklands of Callan Park.

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

Amendment (Stamolis/Da Cruz)

 

That Council note community concerns about lack of consultation in regard to Councils submission.

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

C0924(1) Item 2       Public Exhibition - Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036

Motion: (Smith/Langford)

 

1.     That Council publicly exhibit the draft Inner West Draft Biodiversity Strategy 2036 (Attachment 1 of the Council report) for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Strategy, with the addition of information regarding the Inner West Council’s trial of micro-forests in Section 3: Urban Ecology at Inner West Council and the continuation of the trials as an action point in theme 1 of the action plan.

 

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.

 

3.     That feedback be sought specifically from local environmental organisations such as the Cooks River Alliance, the Parramatta River Catchment Group, the Australian Conservation Foundation Community Inner West and Climate Inner West as well as the noted previous contributors.

 

 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Amendment (Langford/Da Cruz)

 

That Council officers bring a report back to October 2024 Council meeting outlining how synthetic turf sporting fields impact on biodiversity. 

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

Councillor Da Cruz left the meeting at 7:35pm

 

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Stephens)

 

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

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Da Cruz

 

C0924(1) Item 4       Post Exhibition - Anti-Racism Strategy

Motion: (Howard/Lockie)

 

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.

 

3.     That Council report back on the progress of actions related to the Strategy bi-annually through a dedicated report to Council.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Da Cruz

 

Councillor Da Cruz returned to the meeting at 7:40pm

 

C0924(1) Item 5       2024 Inner West Council Annual Grants

Motion: (Howard/Scott)

 

1.     That Council approves the funding recommendations for the Inner West Council 2024 Annual Grant Program in Attachments 1-8 of the Council report.

 

2.     That Council notes the second year of funding for the two-year 2023-2025 Community Wellbeing Grants in Attachment 9 of the Council report, which were approved by Council in September 2023.

 

3.     That Council conduct a workshop with potential applicants for grants in the multicultural program to build interest, understanding and capability in the application process, following the process undertaken to support potential applicants to the artistic program.

 

4.     That Council investigate establishing a program of funding for organisations and individuals to specifically support local people with disability as part of the 2025-2026 grant program, providing a report to the November 2024 Council meeting.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Howard)

 

That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 8.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 8  EV Public Charging Infrastructure - Bi-Monthly Report

Motion: (Smith/Howard)

 

1.     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.

 

2.     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.

 

3.     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.

 

4.     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.

 

5.     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 and for engagement with residents where charging ports are to be placed outside houses.

 

6.     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.

7.     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-Midjuburi Ward and the western end of the Stanmore-Damun Ward.

8.     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.

 

9.     That Council officers review EV charging locations to ensure that they don't impact on cycling works and planned active transport routes.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 9       Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024

Motion: (Smith/Shetty)

 

That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meetings held on 17 June 2024 and 15 July 2024 with the following amendments:

a)     That in reference to the Petersham North LATM Final Report, that Council allocate funding from the current budget for installation of the recommended raised pedestrian (zebra) crossings and speed humps on Brighton Street, in response to community concern about speeding and rat running, with funding to be diverted from another project in the Stanmore-Damun Ward;

b)     That Council include the proposed resident parking scheme in Glassop Street between Punch and White Streets as part of the approved residential parking scheme; and

c)     That Council allocate funding for the proposed pedestrian crossing at Mary Street, Lilyfield in this year’s budget, to be funded by substituting another project from the Balmain-Baludarri Ward.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 11       Sustainability support for Inner West schools

Motion: (Howard/Langford)

 

1.     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.

 

2.     That Council investigate options to provide FOGO services to local schools and child-care centres, including surveying principals and P&C’s/P&F’s as to whether there is interest, and provide a report back to Council in November 2024.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0924(1) Item 14       Investment Report at 31 July 2024

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Howard/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council allow Clr Drury to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 15. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 15       Quarter four - Progress report on the Delivery Program 2022-26
          and Operational Plan 2023/24

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

Procedural Motion (Byrne/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 17. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:                     Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 17       SXSW Sydney

Motion: (Smith/Byrne)

 

1.     That Council receive and note the report.

 

2.     That Council endorse the naming of the event as ‘Fest x Inner West presented by Inner West Council and SXSW Sydney’.

 

3.     That Council partner with Century Venues to hold events at the Enmore Theatre, the Factory Theatre, and investigate opportunities to host affiliate events at other venues within the Enmore Road SEP.

 

4.     That Council engage with the local business community and business chambers, including the Newtown Enmore Business Community, on opportunities to drive economic development and visitation as part of the event.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Councillor Howard left the meeting at 8:18pm as he declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 18 - Inner West Cycling Update as his primary residence is located on one of the streets where works are being discussed.

 

C0924(1) Item 18       Inner West Cycling Update

Motion: (Stephens/Scott)

 

1.     That Council receive and note the report.

 

2.     That Council identifies opportunities to install bicycle racks and bicycle pumps in any new capital works projects associated with the Cycling Action Plan.

 

3.     That Council consider amendments to the Cycling Strategy and Action Plan, when next reviewed that include:

a)     prioritisation of separated cycleways on busy roads as an alternative to the relying on painted logos;

b)     deployment of modal filters to reduce rat running and to create a linked network of cul-de-sacs and quietways for on-road cycling where separated cycleways are impossible; and

c)     installation of shared paths on state and regional roads and wherever the linked network cannot use modal filters or separated cycleways to reduce crashes and injury, while ensuring pedestrian safety and comfort is prioritised.

 

4.     That Council will prepare to restart consultation on an Addison Rd separated cycleway as it is viewed as an important active transport missing link.

 

5.     That Council investigate options for providing free or low-cost rider education courses to help children and adults build their skills and confidence in cycling in the Inner West, with recommendations to be reported to Council no later than December 2024.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Howard

 

Councillor Howard returned to the meeting at 8:26pm

 

C0924(1) Item 19       Pathway to a Safer Cooks River Walking and Cycling Trail

Motion: (Langford/Drury)

 

1.     That Council receive and note the report.

 

2.     That Council commits to urgently implement all the key priorities and observations from the Cooks River Walking and Commuter Safety Audit and NSW Police Security Assessment of Mackey Park to Steel Park, including essential lighting, signage through the park and pathways, space activation, regular trimming of trees and shrubs along the pathways and installation of handrails at Thornley Street access.

 

3.     That Council officers review the budget at the next opportunity to identify funding for the key priorities and observations.

 

4.     That Council requests NSW Police to conduct a further security assessment of the pathway along the Cooks River, from Kendrick Park to Tempe Train Station, and to bring this report back to Council to the November 2024 Council meeting. 

 

5.     That Council table the Cooks River Walking and Commuter Safety Audit and NSW Police letter of support for pathway lighting to the Minister for Transport, seeking urgent funding to implement the key priorities and observations in advance of the temporary closure of the T3 Line between Sydenham to Bankstown Train Stations. 

 

6.     That Council seeks State government support for the lighting upgrades, specifically, to negotiate with Jemena, owner of the utility pipeline which runs along the pathway, given Jemena’s past objections to lighting upgrades by Council. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 22       Stopping the Spread of Tobacconist and Vape Stores

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Atkins)

 

1.     That Council receive and note the report.

 

2.     That Council notes that on 1 July 2024 the Commonwealth reforms commenced, prohibiting non-pharmacy retailers, such as tobacconists, service stations, convenience stores and vape shops from supplying or possessing any type of vaping product.

 

3.     That Council write to NSW Health seeking a report on compliance and enforcement activities in the Inner West since the commencement of the new vaping reforms. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

 

 

C0924(1) Item 25       Mandatory Reporting of Reports received from Fire and Rescue
         NSW

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Stephens/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council allow the Mayor, Clr Byrne, to speak for 3 additional minutes on Item 26. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Stephens/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council allow the Mayor, Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 26. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Shetty/Atkins)

 

That Council allow Clr Lockie to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 26. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 26       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

Foreshadowed Motion (Byrne/Drury)

 

Supporting Peace between Palestine and Israel

 

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.

 

Motion Carried

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

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

 

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Smith)

 

That the meeting be adjourned for 10 minutes.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8.59pm

 

The meeting recommenced at 9.07pm

 

 

C0924(1) Item 28       Notice of Motion: Electric Vehicle Charging Locations

The Chairperson ruled this item redundant.

 

C0924(1) Item 29       Notice of Motion: Railway Parade, Annandale

Motion: (Byrne/Shetty)

 

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 Ward Councillors and 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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 31       Notice of Motion: Sister City Relationship with Bethlehem

 

The Chairperson ruled this item redundant.

 

Councillor Shetty left the meeting at 9:12pm

 

C0924(1) Item 32       Notice of Motion: Gambling Harm Minimisation

Motion: (Atkins/Scott)

 

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; and

b)     promoting Gambling Awareness Week events in Council’s communication channels, including Inner West News, Council’s website and social media.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Shetty

 

Councillor Shetty returned to the meeting at 9:14pm

 

C0924(1) Item 33       Notice of Motion: Proposed Callan Park Swim Site Water Quality
         and Public Safety

Councillor Stamolis withdrew this motion.

 

C0924(1) Item 34       Notice of Motion: Supporting and Growing Reuse and the Inner
         West Circular Economy

Motion: (Langford/Howard)

 

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 continue to make 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 encouraging 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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Councillor Howard left the meeting at 9:19pm as he declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 36 - Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility and Item 39 - 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.

 

C0924(1) Item 36       Notice of Motion: Tempe Train Station Accessibility

Motion: (Langford/Da Cruz)

 

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 2024 Council meeting, outlining the Minister’s response to Council’s request for a lift at Tempe train station.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Howard

 

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Stephens)

 

That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 39. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Howard

 

C0924(1) Item 39       Notice of Motion: Lewisham Town Centre Upgrade

Motion: (Smith/Atkins)

 

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 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, traffic calming measures, and opportunities for increased pedestrianisation of the station precinct;

b)     installation of planter boxes and kerbside gardens;

c)     a public art program including engagement with local artists on placemaking and a mural for the station wall along Railway Terrace;

d)     street furniture; 

e)     active transport upgrades to regional route 7 in Lewisham to enhance safety and encourage cycling, 

f)      other beautification, public amenity, and placemaking works.  

 

4.     That Council develop a master plan to achieve a coordinated approach to improving community amenity and economic development for Lewisham Town Centre, and in line with Council’s Community Engagement Strategy.

 

5.     That Council receive a report 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.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Howard

 

Councillor Howard returned to the meeting at 9:25pm

 

Procedural Motion (Drury/Lockie)

 

That Council allow Clr Stamolis to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 44. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)

 

That Council allow Clr Stamolis to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 44. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 44       Notice of Motion: Callan Park Playing Fields

Motion: (Stamolis/Shetty)

 

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 locations 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.

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

C0924(1) Item 46       Notice of Motion: Licence arrangements in parks

Motion: (Atkins/Smith)

 

1.     That Council agree that staff work with the owner of 182 Australia Street, Newtown to defer installation of any infrastructure in the park and investigate revoking the short term lease to allow for community consultation to occur.

 

2.     That community consultation be used to inform a recommendation to be considered at a future Council meeting.

 

3.     That where Council considers licenses, leases, and temporary hire agreements concerning use of public space within Inner West parks, that this is done in accordance with Council's endorsed Community Engagement Strategy, encompassing the Your Say website, letterboxing, notices, and stalls, and includes engagement with residents, park users, and local businesses.

 

4.     That Council write to households in streets surrounding the Park informing them of the lease agreement and terms, how to provide feedback through the Your Say page and other Council channels, and inviting them to attend an on-site meeting at the Park with senior staff about the agreement - to be held within the next fortnight.

 

5.     That Council provide an urgent briefing to councillors on the terms of the lease
agreement, including opportunities to defer installation of the temporary structure
pending further community consultation, how similar agreements have operated
elsewhere, and opportunities for further community consultation as part of the Park Plan of Management.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0924(1) Item 49       Notice of Motion: Comedor Cafe short-term lease agreement

 

Councillor Smith withdrew this motion.

 

Confidential session

 

Procedural Motion (Drury/Scott)

 

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, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Confidential Session

That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:

 

C0924(1) Item 55 Bridgewater Park - Construction Lease to Transport for NSW (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.

 

Councillor Howard left the meeting at 9:57pm as he declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 55 - Bridgewater Park Construction Lease to Transport for NSW, as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport.

 

Procedural Motion (Drury/Scott)

 

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

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Howard

 

resolutions passed during closed session

 

C0924(1) Item 55       Bridgewater Park - Construction Lease to Transport for NSW

Motion: (Drury/Shetty)

 

1.     That Council approve a construction lease and licence to Transport for NSW for 45sqm and 660sqm respectively of land at Bridgewater Park, Rozelle used for an air quality motoring system associated with WestConnex M4-M5 Link (Stage 3 Rozelle to Iron Cove) and Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade.

 

2.     That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to finalise the terms of the construction lease and licence and associated agreement and execute the relevant documents.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Howard

 

Councillor Howard returned to the meeting at 9:58pm

 

Procedural Motion (Howard/D’Arienzo)

 

That an Urgency Motion for Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ People in the Census be considered at this Council meeting.

 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

The Chairperson ruled this matter urgent.

 

Procedural Motion (D’Arienzo/Stephens)

 

That Council allow Clr Howard to speak for 2 additional minutes on the Urgency Motion. 

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ People in the Census

 

Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

 

1.     That Council notes councils including Inner West Council rely on accurate census data to plan and deliver critical social and public services for citizens.

 

2.     That Council acknowledges the Count Us In campaign by Equality Australia and others, seeking for the 2026 Australian Census to include questions on sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics.

 

3.     That Council supports the Commonwealth Government’s decision to test a question on diverse sexuality for inclusion in the 2026 Census.

 

4.     That Council calls on the Commonwealth Government to also include questions on gender identity and variations of sex characteristics to provide the clearest data possible on LGBTQIA+ communities across Australia, including the Inner West.

 

5.     That Council ask the General Manager to write to the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and the Assistant Minister for Employment, the Hon. Andrew Leigh MP, to convey this motion.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Meeting closed at 10.06pm.

 

 

Public Speakers:

 

 

Item #

 

Speaker                     

Suburb

Item 46:

Tom Patterson

Amy Gray

Newtown

Newtown

Item 47:

Deirdre O'Sullivan

Penny Stringer

Dulwich Hill

Dulwich Hill

 

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 8 October 2024 at

Ashfield Service Centre

 

Meeting commenced at 6.30pm

 

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Mat Howard

Izabella Antoniou

Liz Atkins

Olivia Barlow

Andrew Blake

Jo Carlisle

Vicki Clay

Jessica D’Arienzo

Kerrie Fergusson

Victor Macri

Vittoria Raciti

Philippa Scott

Chloe Smith

Ismet Tastan
Peter Gainsford

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Director Planning

Ryann Midei

Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Beau-Jane De Costa

Julian Sakarai

Matthew Pearce

Director Community

Acting Director Corporate

Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

 

WELCOME TO COUNTRY:

 

Uncle Allan Murray conducted a Welcome to Country.

 

APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:    

 

Nil

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:      

 

Nil

 

C1024(1) Item 1  Oath Or Affirmation of Office for Councillors

Councillors Tastan, Barlow, Antoniou, Raciti and Macri read out an Oath of Office during the meeting.

 

Councillors Blake, Atkins, Smith, Fergusson, Howard, Clay, Scott, Carlisle, D’Arienzo and Byrne read out an Affirmation of Office during the meeting.

 

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

 

That Council note the taking of the Oath or making of the Affirmation of office undertaken by each Councillor.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1024(1) Item 2  Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The General Manager advised that the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulations 2021.

 

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

1.     That the method of voting for the Election of the Mayor be conducted by show of hands.

 

2.     That the Mayor be elected for a period serving from 8 October 2024 until September 2026.

 

3.     That council elect a Deputy Mayor for a term commencing 8 October 2024 until September 2025.

 

4.     That the method of voting for the Election of the Deputy Mayor be conducted by show of hands.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Position of Mayor

 

The General Manager advised that he has received nominations for the position of Mayor for Councillor Byrne and Councillor Atkins.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Byrne being the first nomination received for the position of Mayor to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Byrne received a total of 10 votes from Councillors Byrne, D’Arienzo, Carlisle, Scott, Clay, Howard, Fergusson, Smith, Macri and Raciti.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Atkins being the second nomination received for the position of Mayor, to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Atkins received a total of 5 votes from Councillors Blake, Tastan, Atkins, Barlow and Antoniou.

 

The General Manager declared that Councillor Byrne is elected as Mayor until September 2026.

 

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the Chair.

 

Position of Deputy Mayor

 

The General Manager advised that he has received nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor for Councillor Howard and Councillor Antoniou.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Howard being the first nomination received for the position of Deputy Mayor to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Howard received a total of 10 votes from Councillors Byrne, D’Arienzo, Carlisle, Scott, Clay, Howard, Fergusson, Smith, Macri and Raciti.

 

The General Manager asked all Councillors who support Councillor Antoniou being the second nomination received for the position of Deputy Mayor to raise their hands.

 

Councillor Antoniou received a total of 5 votes from Councillors Blake, Tastan, Atkins, Barlow and Antoniou.

 

The General Manager declared that Councillor Howard is elected Deputy Mayor until September 2025.

 

C1024(1) Item 3  Countback to fill any casual vacancy on Council

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

 

1.   That Council pursuant to section 291A(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), declare that casual vacancies occurring in the office of a Councillor within 18 months after the last ordinary election of Councillors for the Council on 14 September 2024, are to be filled by a countback of votes cast at that election for the office in accordance with section 291A of the Act.

 

2.   That if Council determines to fill any casual vacancies by a countback election pursuant to section 291A of the Local Government Act 1993, that Council directs the General Manager to notify the New South Wales Electoral Commission of the Council’s decision within 7 days of the decision, as required by section 393C of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Meeting closed at 7.04pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 1

Subject:              Draft Annual Financial Statements for the Financial Year 2023/24           

Prepared By:      Chris Sleiman - Chief Financial Officer and Sajjad Ali - Financial Reporting and Control Manager 

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse the financial statements to be placed on public exhibition.

 

 

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 the report is to put forward the Council’s Annual Financial Statements, including:

-     General Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024,

-     Permissible income for general rates for the financial year 2024/25,

-     Report on Infrastructure assets as at 30 June 2024 (unaudited).

 

Council will receive the Report on Conduct of the Audit for the year ended 30 June 2024 prepared by the Audit Office of New South Wales.

 

BACKGROUND

In accordance with the regulations outlined in the Local Government Act 1993, Inner West Council is required to take the necessary measures to prepare a set of financial statements and engage the Audit Office of NSW to conduct an audit of the annual financial statements.

 

The audited financial statements are presented to Council following completion of the audit, and the endorsed financial statements accompanied by the Report on Conduct of the Audit must be provided to the Office of Local Government by 31 October. The audited financial statements will be placed on public exhibition with a report to be tabled at the November Council meeting presenting both the audited financial statements following exhibition and the Council Annual Report.

 

Council’s Annual Report must contain a copy of the council’s audited financial statements prepared in accordance with the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (the Code).

 

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) met with the Audit Office of NSW and Council’s officers to discuss the conduct of the audit and Council’s financial position on 10 October 2024, which ARIC resolved to endorse.

 

DISCUSSION

Income Statement and Balance Sheet

 

Council’s Income Statement for the year discloses that the Net Operating Result from Continuing Operations was a surplus of $12.3m against an adopted budget surplus of $35.6m.

 

The operating result for the year before capital grants and contributions was a deficit of $12.7m against a budget deficit of $2.2m. 

 

The budget deficit was primarily due to the following:

1.   Fair value adjustment to Council’s Liverpool investment property of $4.9m (noting that this could increase improve our income and balance sheet in future years)

2.   Disposal of assets greater than budget of $5.2m

3.   Depreciation expenses predominately due to revaluations of Council’s assets of $2.0 million.

 

The first two variances are non-cash adjustments, has no impact on Council’s reserves, and is not envisioned to have a recurring negative impact on Council’s operating position.

 

The third variance allows Council to increase the Depreciation Reserve set aside to complete renewal works on Council’s assets.

 

 

Council’s cash and investments position sees it hold $259.8m in cash and investments. The following table is a breakdown by reserve.

 

 

Council’s Balance Sheet discloses Net Assets of $3.2b, an increase of $0.2 million from the prior year and predominately made up of infrastructure related assets of $2.9b. The other significant inclusion is the second investment property purchased by Council at Warrawong for $21.3 million.

 

Each year Council is required to complete the fair valuation of its investment properties. Council’s Liverpool investment property fair value reduced by $4.9m as result. As this investment is a long term investment for Council as it assists Council to move towards surpluses for future years, there is no impact to Council. The investment has long term leases in place and is achieving higher yields than first expected and as compared to the market.

 

Local Government Industry Indicators

 

The Local Government indicators are determined by the Accounting Code and have been summarised below.  The indicators allow for inter-council comparisons to be made consistently across the local government sector.  The indicators are as follows:

 

Operating Performance Ratio

 

The purpose of the Operating Performance Ratio is to measure Council’s achievement of containing operating expenses with operating revenue.

 

 

The ratio is on par with the last financial year and close to the OLG benchmark, slightly off due to additional maintenance costs associated with Aquatic Facilities to ensure they are maintained at a high level.

 

Own Source Operating Revenue Ratio

 

The purpose of this ratio is to measure fiscal flexibility.  The ratio highlights the degree of reliance on external funding sources such as operating grants and contributions.

 

 

The ratio has improved compared to previous year and continues to maintain a stable position above the OLG benchmark.

 

Unrestricted Current Ratio

 

The purpose of this ratio is to assess the adequacy of working capital and its ability to satisfy obligations in the short term for the unrestricted activities of Council.

 

 

After considering both internal and external restrictions, Council still has the capacity to fulfil its

obligations. The unrestricted current ratio consistently remains higher than the benchmark.

 

Debt Service Coverage Ratio

 

This ratio measures the availability of operating cash to service debt including interest, principle, and lease payments.

 

 

The ratio remains significantly above the benchmark and demonstrates Council's ability to service its debts.

 

Rates, Annual Charges, Interest and Extra Charges Outstanding Percentage

 

The ratio helps assess the impact of unallocated rates and annual charges on Council’s liquidity and the adequacy of recovery efforts.

 

 

The ratio improved from the prior year but is above the OLG benchmark. This will progressively improve as Council continues debt recovery.

 

Cash Expense Cover Ratio

 

This liquidity ratio indicates the number of months a Council can continue paying for its immediate expenses without additional cash flow.

 

 

The ratio remains comfortably higher than the OLG benchmark. The decrease is due to using the cash to purchase an investment property in the financial year 2023/24.

 

Council Infrastructure Industry Indicators

 

Council’s Infrastructure assets indicators (found in Special Schedules – Report on Infrastructure Assets) are a summary of Council’s infrastructure conditions for the financial year.  Note that this Special Schedule is not audited by the Audit Office. These indicators are reviewed on an ongoing basis as part of the Long-Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plan process.

 

Following the completion of a detailed condition audit and revaluation of all Council parks, sea walls, wharves, bridges and stormwater assets, the total infrastructure backlog increased from $25.3m in 2022/23 to $29.3 million in 2023/24, which is still less than the Office of Local Government Benchmark.

 

A summary of the indicators is presented below. Council performed better than the benchmark for each of the three ratios.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

General Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024

2.

Special Purpose Financial Statements - Permissible income for general rates and Report on Infrastructure assets

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 














































































Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 









Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 2

Subject:              State of the Inner West Report           

Prepared By:      Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager 

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse the ‘State of the Inner West October 2024’ report which outlines

progress of implementation and the effectiveness of the Community Strategic 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

 

The NSW Local Government Act requires all councils to undertake Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R).

 

One of the IP&R requirements is for each council to prepare a report, to be endorsed at the second meeting following local government elections. The report outlines progress of implementation and effectiveness of the Community Strategic Plan.

 

The attached report State of the Inner West October 2024 outlines progress against the Inner West Community Strategic Plan Our Inner West 2036 (CSP) during the previous term of the elected Council.

 

It documents progress in each of the five strategic directions of the CSP including Council’s significant achievements in each of these areas.

 

The report provides information that sets the scene for the new Council including progress on high-level indicators, achievements to date, and future work to be undertaken. It assists the new Council to undertake a review of the CSP, which is an essential component of the IP&R cycle and is a key focus up until June 2025 when the revised CSP is required to be endorsed.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Integrated Planning and Reporting

Under the NSW Local Government Act, all councils are required to develop a suite of plans as part of the ‘Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework’ (IP&R). IP&R is a rigorous and consistent system of community planning across all NSW local councils which also takes into considerations state and regional priorities.

 

IP&R assists councils in delivering their community’s vision through long, medium and short-term plans.

 

As part of IP&R, each council is required to prepare a report, to be endorsed at the second meeting following local government elections. The report outlines progress of implementation and effectiveness of the Community Strategic Plan.

 

DISCUSSION

The attached report State of the Inner West October 2024 outlines progress against the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) during the previous term of the elected council.

 

Community Strategic Plan

The CSP is the highest-level plan that a council prepares, on behalf of the community. It identifies the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future and contains strategies for achieving those goals.

 

It is developed and delivered as a partnership between the council, state agencies, business and industry groups, community groups and individuals, and addresses a broad range of issues that are relevant to the whole community.

 

Inner West’s current CSP – Our Inner West 2036 was endorsed by Council in June 2018 and again in June 2022 following a review. It was shaped by a large and diverse range of people across all age groups, geographic areas, cultures and languages. More than 7,000 people over 18 months provided input which helped to determine the vision and strategic directions of the plan.

 

Our Inner West 2036 outlines five high level strategic directions that address social, environmental, economic and civic leadership objectives identified by the community (commonly referred to as “the quadruple bottom line”), and high level measures or indicators to track progress.

 

The five strategic directions are:

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 local leadership

 

While Council is responsible for developing the plan, with and on behalf of the community, many partners are required to deliver the vision for Inner West. These include Federal and State Government, business and industry, community organisations, residents and ratepayers.

 

Report for the incoming Council

It is a requirement under the Local Government Act that at the end of each term of the elected Council, a report is prepared which demonstrates progress in implementing the CSP. The report is presented to the incoming Council at its second meeting for endorsement. It provides information that sets the scene for the new Council including progress on high-level indicators, achievements to date, and future work to be undertaken.

The report assists the new Council to undertake a review of the CSP, which is an essential component of the IP&R cycle and is a key focus up until June 2025 when the revised CSP is required to be endorsed.

 

State of the Inner West October 2024

The State of the Inner West October 2024 report (attached) documents progress in each of the five strategic directions including Council’s significant achievements in each of these areas.

 

Council’s contributions to achieving An ecologically sustainable Inner West include:

·    First council in Australia to be 100% powered by renewable energy and 100% divested of fossil fuels

·    Expanded food recycling (FOGO) to every home in the Inner West, massively reducing carbon emissions

·    Achieved 56,574 kW of solar capacity across the LGA, helping to power homes, businesses, schools and Council operations

·    Secured funding for 136 public electric vehicle charging stations across the Inner West

·    Established the Inner West Sustainability Hub which co-locates the Green Living Centre, The Bower, Dress for Success and Re Place

·    Planted over 1,000 trees each year


Council’s contributions to achieving Liveable connected neighbourhoods and transport include:

·    Created a $7.5M main streets revitalisation fund to deliver improvements in partnership with local business

·    Protected heritage pubs

·    Substantially built the $59M Cooks to Cove GreenWay (completion due 2025)

·    Invested $5.86M in the safe and accessible walking through the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan

·    Adopted the Inner West Cycling Strategy and Action Plan

 

Council’s contributions to achieving Creative communities and a strong economy include:

·    Expanded the Perfect Match mural program to keep Inner West the street art capital of Australia

·    Converted seven of our town halls to arts and cultural venues available free of charge for exhibitions, performance and rehearsal

·    Made Enmore Road the first Special Entertainment Precinct in NSW

·    Established the Inner West Film Festival

·    Created street music festivals across all five wards

·    Held Economic Development summits and created the Economic Development Strategy

 

Council’s contributions to achieving Healthy, resilient and caring communities include:

·    Celebrated World Pride and launched Pride Square, Newtown

·    Delivered the Inner West Pride Centre with LGBTIQA+ organisation Twenty10, relocated Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and reopened Summer Hill Community Centre with operator 3Bridges

·    Co-created the first Aboriginal Survival Memorial in Yeo Park Ashfield with Aboriginal community

·    Delivered the Leichhardt Skate Park

·    Delivered King George Park inclusive playground, the first of five inclusive playgrounds for children and young people with disability

·    Secured a $40M funding deal to save Leichhardt Oval

 

Council’s contributions to achieving Progressive, responsive and effective local leadership include:

·    Won the 2023 AR Bluett Award for most progressive council in NSW

·    Trained over 1,000 local citizens as advocates for the Uluru Statement from the Heart

·    Strengthened customer service including weekly mobile customer service stalls

·    Provided over $2M in grants funding for local projects and community organisations

·    Held an innovative deliberative forum with a ‘mini-public’ of 100 residents

·    Convened 13 Local Democracy Groups to provide input to Council’s decision making and activities

 

 

The report details these and many more achievements towards each strategic direction. It also includes a range of indicators that together, provide a picture of life in the Inner West. The indicators measure outcomes for which many partners are responsible, not just Council. They include a range of objective and subjective (community perceptions) measures. The report also contains an overview of Council’s finances over the previous term.

The information in the report will inform Council’s review of the CSP. Under the Act, following each election all councils must review their CSP before 30 June the following year. Inner West Council may endorse the existing plan, endorse amendments to the existing plan, or develop and endorse a new CSP as appropriate to ensure that the area has a CSP covering at least the next 10 years.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

State of the Inner West October 2024

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 












































































Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 3

Subject:              Local Democracy Groups 2024-28 and final progress report of the previous term           

Prepared By:      Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager 

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council endorse the proposed structure of new Local Democracy Groups (LDG) for the Council term 2024-28.

 

2.   That Council endorse the process and timeline for recruiting and inducting new LDG members for the new Council term.

 

3.   That Council determine the three Councillor representatives to participate in the selection process and panel.

 

 

 

 

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 sets out the process and timeframe for the establishment of Local Democracy Groups for the new term of Council 2024-28, including the selection process and Terms of Reference already resolved by Council for these groups.

 

Local Democracy Groups (LDGs) were first established for Inner West Council in 2018.

LDGs are part of Council’s Community Engagement Strategy. They consist of community members with subject matter expertise or lived experience, who are selected through an open Expression of Interest process to provide input to support Council’s decision–making and activities. LDGs do not have delegation or decision-making powers, and membership is on a voluntary basis. Local people apply to be members on LDG’s. They were established by a resolution of Council and provide ongoing input throughout the term of Council unless otherwise resolved.

 

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

 

For the previous Council term 2021-24 there were 13 LDGs established. It is proposed that Council resolve to establish 13 LDGs for the 2024-28 term with some changes to ensure that the groups align with current policies and projects.

 

For the 2024-28 Council term, the following changes would be in place:

 

·    Consolidate two former LDGs (Planning and Heritage, and Housing and Affordability) into one Planning LDG to provide better alignment with recent changes in this policy area

·    Establish a new Customer Experience LDG to bring the existing Customer Service Review Sub-Committee into the LDG framework and support the implementation of the Customer Experience Strategy as resolved by Council in November 2023.

 

The proposed structure for Council’s endorsement for the 2024-28 term is the following 13 LDGs:

 

1.   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

2.   Access

3.   Arts and Culture

4.   Bicycle

5.   Customer Experience

6.   Environment

7.   LGBTQ+

8.   Multicultural

9.   Planning

10. Seniors

11. Social Strategy

12. Transport

13. Young Leaders

 

Following the resignation of members of the former Multicultural Advisory Committee present at their meeting on 22 November 2023, Council recruited new members for what will now be the Multicultural Local Democracy group. The group were inducted on 24 September 2024.  The new group need to be confirmed for the new term.

 

As required by previous council resolution this report also includes the final progress report of the previous term of LDGs summarising discussions and work undertaken from 1 May 2024–31 August 2024. LDG members made strong contributions to Council’s plans, policies and activities during the previous term of Council and will continue to do so with the new structure for the new term.

 

BACKGROUND

Inner West Council established Local Democracy Groups (LDGs) in September 2018.   

 

In August 2022 Council recruited members to serve on the LDGs. The groups commenced meetings in October 2022 and their term concluded in September 2024 in alignment with the conclusion of the Council term. 

 

In early 2024, work was undertaken to strengthen the governance provisions of the terms of reference.

 

At the Council meeting held on 21 May 2024, Council resolved the following in part: 

 

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

 

The adopted Terms of Reference now in place for all Local Democracy Groups is attached (refer to Attachment 1).

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

In the previous term Council resolved that in accordance with the adopted terms of reference, all groups are now referred to as Local Democracy Groups, replacing the former names of advisory committee and working groups. This clarifies that LDGs are ongoing, providing input to Council throughout the Council term.

 

Structure of LDGs for Current Council Term

The proposed structure for Council’s endorsement for the 2024-28 term is the following 13 LDGs:

 

1.   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

2.   Access

3.   Arts and Culture

4.   Bicycle

5.   Customer Experience

6.   Environment

7.   LGBTQ+

8.   Multicultural

9.   Planning

10. Seniors

11. Social Strategy

12. Transport

13. Young Leaders

 

For the 2024-28 Council term, the following two changes would be in place from the previous term:

 

a)   Consolidate two former LDGs (Planning and Heritage, and Housing and Affordability) into one Planning LDG.

 

The Federal Government has announced a national housing accord target of the creation of 1.2 million housing in Australia by 2029. To achieve this target, the State Government has a suite of planning reforms which will be transformational for the Inner West. Greater development around transport nodes have been the focus as well as the need to create more affordable housing in these locations.

 

As housing becomes more unaffordable, creating new planning controls that offer incentives for affordable housing through redevelopment will be key. In the previous LDG structure, these aspects would have been discussed separately within the Housing and Affordability, and Planning and Heritage groups. Consolidating the LDGs will allow these matters to be discussed concurrently which will allow comprehensive and representative advice to be provided more efficiently and effectively.

 

b)   Establish a new Customer Experience LDG to bring the existing Customer Service Review Sub-Committee into the LDG framework.

 

The Customer Service Review Sub-Committee, set up in 2022 to focus on improving customer experience with Council, will be transitioned into the Local Democracy Group structure following its adoption by Council.  A Customer Experience LDG will support the implementation of the Customer Experience Strategy 2024-2027 and serve as a sounding board for customer experience improvements.  

 

Consistent with the adopted governance process the Multicultural LDG was recently re-established following an Expression of Interest (EOI) process in April/May 2024 and selection by a panel comprising councillors and the relevant Director’s delegate in July 2024. The induction meeting was held on Tuesday 24 September 2024. It is proposed that Council endorses its establishment as part of the new structure for the new term.

 

Recruitment process 

 

The process for recruiting and selecting LDG members will be the same as that previously adopted by Council and include the revised Terms of Reference also endorsed by Council. Members will be selected by a panel comprising a Council official (the relevant Director or their delegate) and up to three Councillors (determined by Council resolution).

 

Should applications exceed places, an eligibility list will be established. If vacancies arise throughout the term, such as by resignation of a member, new members will be appointed from the eligibility list.

 

Following the Council resolution to establish the LDG structure, Council staff will undertake an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to recruit members. The EOI process will be promoted in Council’s digital and print channels and applications will be open for 21 days. Applicants will be assessed on selection criteria.  

 

In accordance with the adopted Terms of Reference, LDGs comprise up to 10 members (ideally at least one from each ward) and the selection process aims to achieve membership that is broadly representative across wards, age range and gender.  

 

Proposed Timeline

 

22 Oct 2024

Council meeting establishes LDGs for the 2024-28 term

11 Nov–2 Dec 2024

Recruitment

2–23 Dec 24

Staff assessment against criteria and preparation of summaries for Selection Panel (3 Councillors plus Directors)

Mid-late Jan 2025

Selection Panel assesses applications (3 Councillors plus Directors)

Mid-Feb 2025

Members are offered/accept positions

Feb/Mar 2025

Induction / First meetings to be held

Mar 2025

Welcome event for combined Local Democracy Group members

 

Following commencement of LDG meetings, Council will receive six-monthly progress updates in accordance with the Terms of Reference.

 

Final report of previous term

 

The fifth progress report (refer to Attachment 2) provides an overview of discussions and work completed by the LDGs from 1 May to 31 August 2024. LDGs held one to two meetings each during the reporting period and in total, 22 meetings across all groups were held. This report was previously scheduled to go to Council’s September 2024 meeting but was deferred. The Social Strategy Group prepared a Briefing Paper which is also attached at their request.

 

Local Democracy Group collaborative workshop

 

On May 14, 2024, at Ashfield Town Hall, Council held a combined workshop for members of the Local Democracy Groups as part of wider engagement to review and refresh the Community Strategic Plan.

 

Attendees took part in an exercise about the vision statement, considered future challenges, and discussed what makes the Inner West special or unique. They also considered how the results of their deliberations undertaken through the term on policy challenges would inform input into the CSP review and priorities for the new Council term.

The workshop responded to a key theme arising from the member survey, undertaken in November 2023, which was a desire for collaboration across groups.  Participants were invited to evaluate the evening, with 96% stating that they were moderately, very, or extremely satisfied with the activities and the organisation of the workshop. The qualitative data gathered during the workshop is being considered in development of the new Community Strategic Plan, which will be submitted to Council for endorsement in 2025.

 

New LDGs will be engaged on the Community Strategic Plan in 2025.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

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

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Adopted Terms of Reference (September 2022 - Local Democracy Groups

2.

LDG progress update - May-Aug 2024

3.

Social Strategy Advisory Committee briefing paper

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




















Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




















Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 























Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 4

Subject:              Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for the Balmain Peninsula New Year’s Eve           

Prepared By:      Michael Daly - Creative Communities Manager 

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council approve public consultation on whether Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas should be re-introduced for the Balmain Peninsula for 2025 New Year’s Eve celebrations.

 

 

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas have previously been in place for New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Balmain Peninsula. In 2023, Council did not approve the continuation of the zones and areas. In May 2024, the Leichhardt Local Area Police Command wrote to Council, requesting that the alcohol-free zones and alcohol prohibited areas be returned in 2024, based on their experience, on the ground in 2023.

 

This report seeks permission from Council to undertake public consultation on whether the alcohol-free zones and alcohol prohibited areas should be returned to the Balmain Peninsula in 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027. Under the Local Government Act there is a formal notification process which must be undertaken to establish Alcohol Free and Alcohol Prohibited Areas.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Council has implemented alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas for New Year’s Eve celebrations in several parks, reserves and roads on the Balmain Peninsula from 2011 to 2022. In 2023, public consultation was undertaken, and it was recommended to Council that the zones and areas be implemented. At its August 2023 meeting, Council did not endorse the implementation of alcohol-free zones and alcohol prohibited areas.

 

Following representations and meetings with Police, this report requests approval to seek public feedback on the Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for New Year’s Eve 2025, 2026 & 2027 at Yurulbin, Birchgrove, Miklouho-Maclay, Mort Bay, 2-8 Weston Street and Thornton Parks, College Street Playground, Simmons Point, Lookes Avenue, Illoura, Harris and Brownlee Reserves, Darling Street Wharf, Weston Street, Lookes Avenue and Darling Street between Duke Street and Darling Street Wharf.

 

Under the Local Government Act 1993 there is a formal community notification process which has to be undertaken to re-establish alcohol free and alcohol prohibited areas. Should Council endorse, the proposal, the community would be notified and consulted. A report on the consultation would then be provided to Council for a final determination on whether to proceed with alcohol free and alcohol prohibited areas for the New Year’s Eve celebrations from 2025.

 

DISCUSSION

Following Council’s decision not to endorse the alcohol-free zones and areas in 2023, Council parks and roads did not implement any alcohol free and alcohol prohibited areas for that year.

 

In May 2024, the Leichhardt Local Area Police Command wrote to Council, expressing concern about New Year’s Eve celebrations and “increase in assaults, brawls, and similar violence related offences.[a] risk that can be reduced with the re-introduction of Alcohol-Free Zones”. The Commander also noted that the removal of Alcohol-Free Zones “exponentially increased the workload of emergency services” and there needs to be a balanced approach to enabling the enjoyment of public space whilst ensuring public safety and amenity.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Letter from Leichhardt Local Area Command Regarding 2023 NYE

2.

Balmain NYE Zones and Areas Map

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 5

Subject:              Quong Tart Plaza           

Prepared By:      Adele Pittaway - Community Wellbeing Manager 

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse an application to the Geographical Names Board to allow for Quong Tart Plaza to be an additional name given to Hercules Street Ashfield in recognition of the long contribution of people of Chinese backgrounds to Ashfield. 

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Council resolved in October 2023 that community engagement be sought on the co-naming of Hercules Street Ashfield, with the co-name of Quong Tart Plaza.

Results from the community engagement indicate that the majority of respondents support the dual naming proposal.

 

BACKGROUND

 

At the Council meeting held on 9 May 2023, Council resolved the following in part:

 

1.   That Council consult with the local Chinese residents and business community to identify ways the Council can recognise and celebrate Chinese culture including through the built environment and place naming.

 

Additionally, at the Council meeting held on 10 October 2023, Council resolved the following:

 

That the Inner West Council commence consultation with the Ashfield resident community, AshBiz Chamber of Commerce, the Ashfield and District Historical Society, and local Chinese community organisations in order to lodge an application to the Geographical Names Board to allow for Quong Tart Plaza to be an additional name given to Hercules Street Ashfield in recognition of the long contribution of people of Chinese backgrounds to Ashfield. 

 

Engagement occurred between 20 March and 17 April 2024 to consult with the community regarding these resolutions. 

 

DISCUSSION

The community engagement was promoted to Ashfield residents and businesses, local community groups and services as required by Council’s resolution. Promotions were included in Council’s social media and website, a Mayoral Notice, printed posters, and email to stakeholders. Promotional material was published in both English and Simplified Chinese. Responses in Simplified Chinese were translated by an accredited interpreter. Feedback from the community was provided via Your Say Inner West online survey, email, and phone.

 

Responses received were from residents and community members, and key stakeholders including AshBiz Chamber of Commerce, the Ashfield and District Historical Society, and local Chinese community organisations. A total of 47 participants completed the online survey. The majority of those respondents (79%) supported the co-naming of Hercules Street Ashfield with Quong Tart Plaza. The proposal was not supported by 19% of respondents and 2% stated they were unsure/don’t know.

 

An online meeting with local Chinese community organisation CASS Care was held on 17 April 2024. Overall, participants were very supportive of Council’s recognition of the Chinese contribution to Ashfield and the Inner West and supported the co-naming of Hercules Street, as Quong Tart Plaza. In addition, CASS Care reported that from attendees of their programs, held in Ashfield Town Hall and Activity Rooms, over 60 respondents supported the co-naming.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

Attachment 1 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Engagement Outcomes Report - Published separately on Council’s website

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 6

Subject:              Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade           

Prepared By:      Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works 

Authorised By:  Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council publicly exhibit the conceptual designs for Stage 2 of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) Upgrade and seek community feedback on the design.

 

2.   That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the conceptual designs for Stage 2 of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) be brought back to Council for adoption.

 

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

 

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

 

1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

The Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) was constructed in the early 1960’s and has had a number of upgrades over its life.

 

Council endorsed the LPAC Masterplan in 2020. In 2022, a budget was made available in the long-term financial plan for the outdoor elements (and associated plant) of the Masterplan. These works were estimated to be $40.5M.

 

A structural engineering consultant was engaged to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the structural integrity of the existing 50-metre and diving pools and concluded that the two existing concrete pool shells are at the end of their useful life and need to be fully replaced as part of the planned upgrade works.

 

Council has appointed a Project Assurance Consultant to have oversight of the project and ensure the highest standards of project integrity and risk management.  Project assurance also includes an independent Quantity Surveyor to prepare cost estimates during design development, and a further level of project assurance through the engagement of a project specific external Project Manager.

 

An extensive value engineering and cost saving exercise has been undertaken to the project with oversight by the external Project Assurance Consultant to ensure that the project can be delivered as cost effective as possible.

 

The project is currently estimated to cost $55.5M. The increase in cost is largely attributed to external economic factors, such as market inflation and price escalation in materials and labour, and not due to any expansion in the scope of the project. Council’s Chief Financial Officer confirms that Council has the capacity to adequately fund the project.

 

The Project Assurance Consultant has noted their high level of confidence in the total forecasted cost, including an appropriate level of contingency being applied for a project in the planning phase.

 

It is now considered that all avenues to reduce the total cost of the project have been explored, and the scope reduced as much as practical which still achieving community outcomes.

 

There is a strong need for functional, sustainable and accessible aquatics facilities for the Inner West Council community that the LPAC needs to respond to. There is significant current and projected future demand for the facility.

 

To respond to asset and community needs, the LPAC upgrade is clearly justified as a priority.

 

It is proposed to deliver the works generally in two stages due to construction practicalities, and ensuring as many facilities at LPAC are open as possible during construction. It is also proposed to commence construction works during the winter months to minimise impacts on community pool users, sport groups, swim learners and LPAC operations.

 

It is recommended that Council publicly exhibit the conceptual designs for Stage 2 of the LPAC Upgrade and seek community feedback on the design. Following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the conceptual designs for Stage 2 of the LPAC be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

 

The community engagement process for Stage 2 is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and run until the end of January 2025.

 

It is envisaged that the engagement outcomes will be reported back to Council in time to inform the 2025/26 budget planning process.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) was constructed in the early 1960’s and has had a number of upgrades over its life. This generally includes:

 

Timeline - LPAC Historical Upgrades

Indicative Timeline

Scope of Works

Early 1960s

The original Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre constructed featuring a 50m pool, indoor program (learners) pool, diving pool, and children's indoor pool (wading pool), which became central to the Inner West community's sporting activities. 

1982

Pool side disabled toilets added

1992

Substantial facility upgrade with provision of pool heating for all year round swimming, a dedicated learn to swim pool, gym, creche and a café.

1998

Upgrade of stairs and access improvement to pool concourse area  

2009

A major reconfiguration and upgrade with Health Club facility (gym) and program pool no. 2 (or hydrotherapy pool). This project aimed to enhance energy efficiency with features like mixed-mode air conditioning, solar heating, and sustainable use of natural lighting and ventilation 

2015 

Indoor program pool enclosure upgrade and indoor program pool plant room extension including mechanical and electrical upgrades.  

2016 

Solar PV System for LPAC Pool Buildings (on the roof of Gym building and indoor program pool building)  

 

Regarding the LPAC Masterplan, at the Council meeting held on 8 September 2020, Council resolved the following:

 

THAT Council endorse the LPAC Masterplan, noting that:

 

1.   Depth of the proposed 25m pool needs to be resolved throughout the design process once more information is known about the constraints at site (if any) and other potential considerations. Council should wait until we have a report on the effectiveness of the new moving floor in the Ashfield Aquatic Centre before we determine the depth of the 25 metre pool in LAC; and

 

2.   The final cost of the overall project be reported to Council once confirmed within the initial planning stages.

 

At the Council meeting held on 14 June 2022, Council resolved the following:

 

That Council:

1.     Endorses the depth of the proposed 25 metre Outdoor Program Pool at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre to be 2.1 metres with a movable floor; and

 

2.   Endorses the funding outline for the outdoor elements of the Leichhardt Park
Aquatic Centre

 

The works proposed as a part of the LPAC Upgrade are the outdoor elements and associated plant. These works are generally described as:

 

·    replacement of the original outdoor swimming pools,

·    corresponding work on pool plant and heating systems and

·    a new splash play area and upgrade of the outdoor children’s pool.

 

These works were estimated to be $40.5M, with an associated budget made available in the long-term financial plan in 2022. It should be noted that since this time there has been significant market inflation placing pressure on the project which is discussed further in the report.

 

Following Council's endorsement of the masterplan, a structural engineering consultant was engaged to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the structural integrity of the existing 50-metre and diving pools. This report concluded that the two existing concrete pool shells have reached the end of their useful life and need to be fully replaced as part of the planned upgrade works. There is noticeable increased settlement at the perimeters of both pools, specifically adjacent to the pool shells, which is currently visible on site. It is anticipated that substantial and expensive maintenance will be necessary within the next 3 years due to this settlement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a strong need for functional, sustainable and accessible aquatics facilities for the Inner West Council community that the LPAC needs to respond to. It’s worth noting that there is significant current demand for the facility as detailed below:

 

 

Annual Attendance

Mon- Fri

Sat/Sun

LPAC Annual Attendance

763,000

545000

218000

Total

763000

545000

218000

Per Day

 

20185

27250

 

% Annual attendance

6%

6%

8%

9%

9%

11%

Days in month

31

31

30

31

30

31

Month

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Monthly Visits

45,780

45,780

61,040

68,670

68,670

83,930

Average Daily visits

1477

1477

2035

2215

2289

2707

 

% Annual attendance

12%

12%

8%

7%

6%

6%

Days in month

31

28

31

30

31

30

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

Monthly Visits

91,560

91,560

61,040

53,410

45,780

45,780

Average Daily visits

2954

3270

1969

1780

1477

1526

 

In addition, the Inner West population grew by around 14% over the 10 years between 2006 and 2016. In the next 20 years it is projected to grow by a further 22% to around 232,100 people. As a result of this, the demand for access to Aquatic facilities and associated programs will continue to increase into both the short and medium-term future and may continue throughout the asset life of the upgraded LPAC of approximately 50 years.

 

The proposed upgrade creates lasting benefits for the community with new and improved outdoor pool facilities.

 

A key consideration in planning any proposed upgrades to LPAC is the facility's primary user base, with learn-to-swim programs and gym members accounting for approximately 82% of its total revenue. As such, it is essential that any planned works take into account the potential operational disruptions to these core services. The focus should be on minimising the loss of revenue and ensuring the continued availability of critical community amenities during the upgrade process. Careful scheduling and phased construction is required to strike a balance between delivering the much-needed improvements and maintaining a steady flow of services for the community.

 

In December 2023, Council endorsed a Gas Transition Plan that relies on the LPAC plant upgrade to reduce gas use by 46% which has been incorporated into the project.

 

To respond to asset and community needs, the LPAC upgrade is clearly justified as a priority.

 

It is proposed to deliver the works generally in two stages due to construction practicalities, and ensuring as many facilities at LPAC are open as possible during construction. It is also proposed to commence construction works during the winter months to minimise impacts on community pool users, sport groups, swim learners and LPAC operations.

 

A business case for Stage 2 of the project has been developed and will be tabled at the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee once the community engagement has been completed.

 

DISCUSSION

 

Stage 1

This includes refurbishment of the outdoor kid’s pool known as mushroom pool and a new kids’ splash play area that will have a BBQ area, seating, and shade structures.

 

The indoor program pool hall will have HVAC upgrades, alongside the construction of a new fully electrified heating and filtration plant for the indoor program pool and kid’s pool.

 

It is worth noting that the masterplan originally showed the splash pad located in the rear turf area. To improve its connection to the indoor pools and general facilities, it has been relocated between the indoor pools which is considered a more practical position alongside the existing mushroom pool.

 

Council has received a $1M Commonwealth grant through the Invest in Our Communities (IiOC) grant program. This funding has been allocated for the development of the BBQ and Kids' Splash Play area as a part of Stage 1.

 

Also, and in line with Council's commitment to secure additional funding for the upgrade and electrification, an application for the Community Energy Upgrade Fund (CEUF) Commonwealth Grant Round 1 was submitted, with outcomes expected by the end of October 2024.

 

From 20 November 2023 to 31 January 2024, the community was given an opportunity to provide feedback on the stage 1 layout and design renders. This was undertaken through online surveys, direct emails, and on-site pop-up sessions. The community's response was largely positive, with appreciation for the improved shade and seating arrangements. A detailed community engagement outcome report was subsequently published on the Inner West Councils Have Your Say page (Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre stage one upgrades | Your Say Inner West (nsw.gov.au)).

 

Council has awarded the Stage 1 heat pump supply and delivery which is a long lead-time item.

The detailed design for the remaining Stage 1 works has been finalised, and the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) document completed. It is planned to publish the REF on the project’s webpage in compliance with clause 171, section 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.

 

The public tender was released in July 2024, with the tender report scheduled to be presented for endorsement at the December 2024 Council Meeting. The works are planned to commence in April 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of October 2025.

 

Stage 2

This includes the construction of new heated 8-lane 50m pool (1.1 to 1.8m deep) with fully accessible ramp and a 25m pool (from zero to 2.2m depth with movable floor and accessible hoist), spectator seating and shade structures, new first aid, lifeguard, and storage rooms, new fully electrified pool heating system and filtration plants for 50 m and 25 m pools, accessibility lift and upgraded stairs to access the rear turfed area along with re-turfing, accessible pathway link and new picnic shelter.

 

The design provides for greater circulation around the pools, and a greater user experience with seating and shade adjacent to the pools. The design also provides an additional lane to make the new pools an 8-lane pool in line with best practice.

 

There are currently no applicable funding grants that could assist Stage 2 at this time, though it is anticipated that during 2025 there will be some opportunities available.

 

It is recommended that Council publicly exhibit the conceptual designs for Stage 2 of the LPAC Upgrade and seek community feedback on the design. Following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the conceptual designs for Stage 2 of the LPAC be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

 

The community engagement process for Stage 2 is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and run until the end of January 2025. Engagement will involve distribution of invitation letters and flyers, on-site pop-up sessions, promotions on Facebook and Instagram, e-blasts to customers and pool users, and on-site signage. The draft conceptual plans and renders which will be included in the engagement are attached to this report.

 

It is envisaged that the engagement outcomes will be reported back to Council in time to inform the 2025/26 budget planning process.

 

It is anticipated that the procurement phase will commence in mid-2025 and conclude in March 2026. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion anticipated in September 2027.

 

Project Assurance

Council has appointed a Project Assurance Consultant to have oversight of Stages 1 and 2 and ensure the highest standards of project integrity and risk management.  The scope of services for the assurance consultant includes:

·    Undertake high level review of how the project is performing and managing its risks and identify if a more detailed review is required in any area.

·    Review the project scope to ensure it is clear and establishes clear and controlled baseline requirements, objectives, and success criteria.

·    Review cost estimates and budgets to ensure they are reasonable and identify any missing cost items or flawed cost estimates.

·    Review program to ensure it is reasonable and identify any missing activities or activities with flawed durations.

·    Provide clear recommendations to improve delivery.

·    Prepare a Project Assurance Plan

·    Undertake periodic assessment for compliance with the adopted Project Assurance Plan and provide independent evaluation of the project's performance and outputs. 

·    Apply assurance at appropriate level and intervals to ensure project success.

·    Prepare monthly reports and present them to the Inner West Council Major Capital Projects Committee.

 

An independent Quantity Surveyor (QS) has also been engaged to prepare cost estimates for the design of Stage 1 and 2 through its development.

 

The QS will also have an on-going role through the construction stages in assessing progress claims and variation costs, and monitoring cash flows.

 

A further level of project assurance will be gained through the appointment of a project specific external Project Manager which is planned to commence by December 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Assurance Activities

Council officers have been collaboratively working with all technical stakeholders, the Project Assurance Consultant, Architect and QS to focus on, amongst other items, cost outcomes, the program and procurement strategy to optimise each of these functions to benefit the project. In this regard, the following information is provided to these functions:

 

Project Cost Assurance

In 2022, the proposed works were estimated to be $40.5M, with an associated budget made available in the long-term financial plan in 2022.

 

Further design work has since been undertaken to aid a more detailed cost estimation being developed, with new QS reports being prepared at each stage.

 

To address the identified budgetary issues, Council officers and all consultants re-assessed the scope of works, with an initial cost saving of $2.2M achieved through design modifications. This included reducing the overall width of the 50m and 25m pools while still achieving adequate width for 8 lanes, optimising plant areas, a redesign of connections to the rear turfed area, reusing excavated material in the rear turf area, retaining the existing gas co-generation/boiler room, adjusted treatment for the rear area and excluding the entry foyer relocation works.

 

A QS report was then undertaken, with an assessment made to the financial risks based upon the level of detail available at the time. This analysis identified that the estimated cost to undertake the works had risen to approximately $56.28M. This rise compared to the initially cost estimate of $40.5M is attributed to external economic factors, such as market inflation and price escalation in materials and labour, and not due to any expansion in the scope of the project.

 

To further explore all avenues to reduce the cost of the project, a series of cost-planning workshops were held with the Architect, QS and Project Assurance Consultant tasked to assess further cost-saving measures. These workshops led to multiple strategies, including a rationalisation of the pool foundations, and expanding the excavated material footprint by disposing soil in the rear turf area, this resulted in further savings in the order of $860,000.

 

QS reports have been regularly obtained through the design development process, and most recently in July 2024 which resulted in further cost increases with a greater level of design work having been undertaken to cost. This further increase, along with the appointment of an external project manager and cost savings from the cost planning workshop brings the estimated project cost to $55.5M.

 

The Project Assurance Consultant has noted their high level of confidence in the total forecasted cost, including an appropriate level of contingency being applied for a project in the planning phase.

 

It is now considered that all avenues to reduce the total cost of the project have been explored, and the scope reduced as much as practical which still achieving community outcomes.

 

Project Program

The proposed timeframes have been considered carefully in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption to the operations with realistic construction timeframes. 

 

The timeframes have been independently checked by a construction scheduler with only minor changes noted to the duration of some activities, and additional time contingencies for Stage 2 works.  This has been considered with the timeframes noted earlier in this report.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Considering the proposed design adjustments noted in the project assurance process, the estimated project cost stands at $55.5M, as outlined below:

 

Cost Estimate

Description

Amount

Current Cost Estimate – Stage 1

$9.78M

Current Cost Estimate - Stage 2

(Including all cost reductions)

$45.72M

Total Cost Estimate

$55.5M

The Inner West Council's Long Term Financial Plan includes an allocation of $40.5M for the LPAC Upgrade as follows:

 

Existing Funding Sources

Description

Amount

Included in 10 Year LTFP - June 2022

$9.5M

Federal Government Grant (IiOC)

$1.0M

Section 7.11 Funding

$16.4M

Depreciation Reserve

$5.0M

Infrastructure Renewal Reserve

$8.6M

Included in Current LTFP (2023/24)

$40.50M

 

The current level of funding results in an estimated budget shortfall of $15M. The Chief Financial Officer has confirmed that this shortfall can be sourced through funding derived from the Depreciation Reserve, Section 7.11 and VPA funds from Leichhardt Plans as follows.

 

Proposed Additional Funding Sources

Description

Amount

Depreciation Reserve

$5.1M

Section 7.11

$4.1M

VPA Funding from Leichhardt Plans

$5.8M

Total Budget Adjustment

$15M

 

With the additional funding sources, the total budget allocation for the LPAC Upgrade (Stage 1 and 2) would increase to $55.5M.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

LPAC Stage 1 and 2 Overall Layout

2.

LPAC Stage 2 Concept Plans

3.

Rendered Views - Stage 1

4.

Rendered Views - Stage 2

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 












Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 





Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 7

Subject:              Impact of Totti’s on surrounding residential community           

Prepared By:      Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager 

Authorised By:  Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.     That Council commence the review of parking restrictions by engaging with residents on extended parking restrictions in Evans Street (between Denison Street and Victoria Road), Kenniff Street, Charlotte Street, Elizabeth Street, and Catherine Street and subsequently refer the traffic and parking matters to the Local Traffic Committee.

 

2.     That Council note that increased enforcement of the existing Resident Parking Restrictions in the local area has commenced to ensure there is adequate turnover of non-resident parking and note that this will continue to be maintained whilst significant non-compliance is evident.

 

3.     That Council note that ongoing advocacy is being undertaken with Transport for NSW and their contractor to minimise the impact of ongoing trenching works in the Evans Street and surrounds.

 

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An on-site meeting was held in August 2024 with residents, Council staff and representatives of Totti’s/Three Weeds Rozelle in order to commence an open dialogue on resident concerns in the area. This is in line with Council’s Good Neighbour Policy. Concerns raised related to Planning, Enforcement, Traffic Parking and the venue.

 

Totti’s/Three Weeds Rozelle have prepared an action plan to address a number of the concerns with actions relating to staff parking, security, parking, deliveries and local discounts.

 

Parking in the Rozelle in the immediate streets surrounding the Totti’s and Three Weeds Hotel is generally restricted and feature a combination of metered, time limited, and Resident Parking Scheme restrictions. Parking demand is high in this area as observed during an on street parking survey undertaken.

 

It should be noted that Western Harbour Tunnel enabling works are currently being undertaken in the area which contributes to increased parking demand due to the removal of parking as works progress.

 

A review of the parking restrictions indicate that the existing restrictions in the immediate streets surrounding the Totti’s and Three Weeds have an inconsistent finishing time. The parking data suggest that Charlotte Street, Elizabeth Street, Catherine Street and Kenniff Street indicate it could benefit from additional parking turnover, which could provide more parking opportunities for residents across the precinct.

 

It is proposed that Council undertake community consultation to change the existing ‘2P 8am-8pm, Permit Holders Excepted Area R1’ restrictions to ‘2P 8am-10pm, Permit Holders Excepted Area R1’ in Evans Street (between Denison Street and Victoria Road), Kenniff Street, Charlotte Street, Elizabeth Street, and Catherine Street’ and continue to monitor traffic conditions in the area.

 

Changes to the parking times to 10pm would require support from the directly impacted residents prior to implementation.

 

BACKGROUND

Council has received a range of traffic and parking concerns from residents in the vicinity of Evans Street, Rozelle (south of Victoria Road) due to the operations of Totti’s and Three Weeds Rozelle. These concerns have included the following:

•     Patrons occupying on-street parking in the surrounding residential street network,

•     Localised traffic issues with patrons’ vehicles circulating to find available spaces,

•     On-street truck and van loading arrangements for the premises and safety concerns,

•     Illegal parking and parking enforcement, and

•     Noise disruptions from patrons.

 

In response, Council officers and the Mayor attended an on-site meeting in August 2024 with residents and representatives of Totti’s and Three Weeds Rozelle in order to commence an open dialogue with residents on the concerns. This is in line with Council’s Good Neighbour Policy.

 

The concerns discussed at the on-site meeting have been categorized and summarized below.

 

Planning

·    Concerns as to how Totti’s could have been approved in a residential area

·    Alleged increase in patronage despite previous DA indicating no increase to patronage

 

Enforcement

·    Request to review consent for off-street parking and how deliveries are to occur

·    Lack of enforcement presence and enforcement action on non-residents

·    Need to extend parking enforcement hours into the evenings

 

Traffic

·    Taxi and rideshare drivers not familiar with area and causing a hazard when driving and parking

·    Dangerous driving by patrons in the area

·    Footpaths are unusable due to patrons congregating on the footpath and unloading on to footpath (delivery truck)

·    Need to consider one-way restrictions in narrow streets such as Ellen Street and Percy Street

 

Parking

·    Impact of the Western Harbour Tunnel works and loss of additional parking

·    Limited available parking being taken by patrons of the business

·    Totti’s staff parking in residential areas and overstaying time limit on the Resident Parking Scheme (RPS) restrictions

·    Request to review recently installed ‘No Stopping’ zones

·    Inefficient parking of some vehicles resulting in fewer spaces

·    Patrons illegally park including double parking, parking on footpath etc

·    Reallocation of permits to allow parking in adjacent permit areas (R5 areas)

·    Need for linemarking of parking spaces

·    Request to move the dedicated EV charging space in Evans Street

·    Need to review parking restriction hours

·    Request to increase off-street car parking in area

 

Venue

·    Need to incentivise patrons to take public transport

·    Need to incentivize locals to visit the venue

·    Overall comments of support for the business

·    Noise concerns from venue and patrons

·    Concerns regarding intoxicated patrons

·    Concerns regarding patrons overstaying parking restrictions

·    Security staff understaffed and require further training and responsibilities to manage patrons

·    Security staff need to work longer hours to match the businesses operational hours

 

DISCUSSION

 

Totti’s Action Plan

The Totti’s representative advised that Totti’s wants to be part of the community and desire to work with the residents, especially around compliance, safety, and access to venue for all, parking etc.

Following the meeting, Totti’s Rozelle reviewed the concerns raised by residents and Council and have advised that they will be undertaking the following actions:

 

Staff Parking

·    Totti’s staff have been briefed about not parking within the vicinity of the hotel and directed towards public transport options and all day spots further away from the venue.

 

Security

·    Security hours have been increased to assist with patrons arriving and leaving the hotel.  They have been re-briefed on their responsibilities regarding neighbourhood amenity and parking concerns. 

·    After 10pm the main role of the security guard is to assist with patrons leaving the venue and to manage noise. 

·    The security guards are rostered from 5.30pm Friday and 4pm Saturday and Sunday.  They work until the last patron has left the vicinity of the hotel after the venue has closed which is around 12:30am on Friday and Saturday nights, earlier on Sunday.

 

Parking

·    Re-briefed reservations and the events teams on group bookings using mass transport.  They will be advised to pick up and drop off in locations that will not restrict traffic flow and to be aware of resident’s safety and parking concerns.

·    Investigating engaging a local private parking facility for the Three Weeds to use in the evenings, this is early stages as yet with no definite plans.

·    Asked council for a contact regarding an escalation channel for parking violations that impact the Three Weeds.

·    Amended the details on our website relating to driving to the Three Weeds to note that parking is limited in the area and suggesting alternate transport (buses) be used and that patrons be respectful of local residents.

·    Updated the booking form that is sent to guests after making a reservation at Totti’s to display: “Parking is limited in the area, we recommend using an alternative mode of   transport where possible.”

 

Deliveries

·    Management team working with the delivery drivers to make sure goods are delivered within the agreed timeframes, safely and as quietly as possible.

 

Locals Discount

·    Discussing some options for local’s nights and/or a local’s discount and will communicate this with the residents once we have agreed on an approach.  One suggestion is a 10% discount in The Three Weeds pub on house wines and tap beers.

 

Parking Management

 

Parking in the Rozelle in the immediate streets surrounding the Totti’s and Three Weeds Hotel is generally restricted and feature a combination of metered, time limited, and Resident Parking Scheme restrictions. Parking demand is high in this area, with a tiered parking zone established to balance the competing parking needs of the community.

 

Existing parking restrictions are generally summarised in the figure below:

 

Initial parking occupancy and duration surveys have been undertaken in late July 2024 on both weekdays and weekends. At the time, the 33kV Utility Works had commenced by Acciona, contractors for the Western Harbour Tunnel in Rozelle however, the size of the work site was relatively small, commencing in Belmore Street near Darling Street and so the data was not significantly impacted by this work.

 

The parking data indicates the following parking characteristics during the daytime (10am-4pm) and weekend evenings (6pm-10pm on Saturdays and Sundays) on key streets in the precinct:

 

·    On Charlotte Street, Elizabeth Street, Catherine Street and Kenniff Street, daytime parking levels range between 60-80%, increasing to 85-95% during weekend evenings

·    On Percy Street, daytime parking levels range between 70-90%, increasing to 90-95% during weekend evenings.

·    Evans Street, Belmore Street, and Red Lion Street generally had daytime parking levels range between 65-85%, increasing to 80-95% during weekend evenings.

 

The existing parking restrictions in the immediate streets surrounding the Totti’s and Three Weeds has an inconsistent finishing time, for example streets north of Evans Street having a 2P 8am-10pm restriction, whilst Evans Street and streets south Evans Street generally has a 2P 8am-8pm restriction. Extending the Resident Parking Scheme times to 10pm on these streets would allow for a parking turnover opportunity at 8pm if patrons makes a booking at 6pm, where has previously patrons were able to park indefinitely on these streets after 6pm. The parking data suggest that Charlotte Street, Elizabeth Street, Catherine Street and Kenniff Street could benefit from additional parking turnover, which could provide more opportunities for residents.

 

It is proposed that Council undertake community consultation to change the existing ‘2P 8am-8pm, Permit Holders Excepted Area R1’ to ‘2P 8am-10pm, Permit Holders Excepted Area R1’ in Evans Street (between Denison Street and Victoria Road), Kenniff Street, Charlotte Street, Elizabeth Street, and Catherine Street’

 

Changes to the parking times to 10pm would require support from the directly impacted residents.

 

It is proposed to furth monitor these parking occupancy in the precinct following the updated parking restrictions being installed.

 

Linemarking Parking Bays in surrounding Streets

 

Council staff have undertaken an assessment of three parking areas near Totti’s and Three Weeds to gauge the efficiency of parking in the area. Council typically linemarks high turnover areas such as Norton Street or Darling Street, with residential areas having a longer parking duration and typically a closer parking arrangement. Linemarked parking bays are required to conform to the Australian Standards AS2890.5:2020, requiring end parking bays to be 5.4m length as a minimum, and intermediate space to be 6.0m in length as a minimum. These are considered generous lengths for the Inner West where a small hatchback could reasonably fit in a parking space shorter than the required standard.

 

A combination of three kerbside streets were chosen, and the assessment gauged the efficiency of the street with existing supply compared to one with linemarking in accordance with Australian Standards:  

1.   South side of Evans Street, between Kenniff Street and Catherine Street – example of kerbside without driveways

2.   West side of Red Lion Street – example of kerbside with driveways

3.   North side of Evans Street between Percy Street and Red Lion Street - example of kerbside with combination of driveways and properties with no off-street parking

 

 

 

 

The parking efficiency for the sampled kerbside areas are tabled below.

 

Street

Section

Existing Observed Parking Supply

Line marked Parking Bay Supply

Existing Parking Efficiency

Total Spaces Gained/Lost with linemarking

Red Lion St

Darling St to Evans St

34

29

117%

-5

Evans St

Percy St to Red Lion St

10

9

111%

-1

Evans St

Catherine St to Keniff St

19

18

106%

-1

Total

 

63

56

113%

-7

 

 

The above results indicate that there would be a detrimental impact to parking efficiency by linemarking parking bays in the residential streets. This is a common occurrence in residential areas of the Inner West as it is often feasible to accommodate more small and medium sized vehicles in a section of a residential street than what standard bays would otherwise allow. This is attributed to, parking in residential areas tend to be for longer durations and undertaken by motorist familiar with the area which tend to lead to more efficient parking.

 

In this respect, parking bays tend to provide greater benefits on mainstreet areas and in car parks where there is high turnover of parking and a greater proportion of visitors.

 

Parking capacity lost due to 33KV Works

 

Transport for NSW and Acciona (Transport for NSW’s contractor) have commenced works in Rozelle and Lilyfield to install a 33kV permanent power supply for the construction and operation of the Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2.

 

Trenching works have been progressively undertaken along the following local streets:

•     Belmore Street, between Darling Street and Evans Street

•     Evans Street, between Belmore Street and Denison Street

•     Denison Street, between Evans Street and Cheltenham Street

•     Cheltenham Street, between Denison Street and Foucart Street

•     O’Neill Street, between Foucart Street and Lamb Street

•     Lamb Street, between O’Neill Street and Lilyfield Road

 

The trenching and conduit installation component of the works (Phase 1) are the most impactful part of the project and is expected to be completed by November 2024 with the peak parking impact to be completed by mid-October. Phase 2 works including cable pulling will then commence with completion expected by February with permanent restoration works expected to commence in February 2025.

 

Throughout the works, there will be temporary detours and traffic control in place which will be managed by Transport for NSW and Acciona. This will include some road closures and changes to the on-street parking regime.

 

Council has sought a number of project changes which has involved ensuring:

•     That impacts associated with the temporary removal of on-street parking, access and traffic changes are minimised. This has led Transport for NSW to consider a different project approach which has yielded greater on street parking numbers during the works.

•     Transport for NSW and Acciona are informed of waste collection dates, and that arrangements for waste collections are in place throughout each stage of the project.

•     That both construction and restoration works will have minimum impacts to residents.

•     That the best outcomes are achieved for the permanent restoration work once the trenching work has been completed.

•     Minimal impact to street trees.

•     Our community is well informed.

 

One of the other issues raised by residents were the current inefficient use of the kerb space due to the temporary Traffic Guidance Scheme signs required for temporary construction work, as shown in Figure below.

 

 

Council has discussed this issue with Acciona who are managing the temporary signs and have advised that long-term signage have all been placed on temporary signage legs. For the short term signs, due to their large size two poles per sign would have been required to install the signs in the verge. Due to the impact to the footpath width and pedestrian access with two poles being installed, this option was not supported. Additionally, the signs need to be relocated daily due to the changing traffic schemes as works progress along the street. Acciona’s Traffic Controllers will attempt to limit the impact of these signs by placing them at strategic locations where possible.

 

Traffic changes and dangerous driving

 

Traffic Data collection is being arranged to be collected in Percy Street and Ellen Street to review vehicle movements noting request for one-way restrictions. It should be noted that one-way restrictions simplify movements and remove conflict points but this needs to be assessed against the dis-benefits of restricted resident access opportunities, increased vehicle speeds, increased circulation and therefore increased traffic volumes in the subject street and adjacent network.

 

With regard to dangerous driving from the venue, Council does not have jurisdiction to enforce driving offences and so the NSW Police have been contacted with a request to review dangerous driving in the area.

 

EV Charging space on Evans Street

 

Because of the low level of support, for the proposed dedicated EV charging space in Evans Street, indicated by Council’s recent community consultation; Council has recommended to PLUS ES that the charger be moved and has indicated that signposting of this space is not supported.

 

However, as the previous survey conducted by Ausgrid and the State Government’s analysis, sighted it as a high demand location, PLUS ES is intending to make the site an undedicated “opportunity” charging space which would only be available for charging if no other vehicle is occupying the space.

 

Enforcement

 

Council has arranged increased enforcement of the existing Resident Parking Restrictions in the local area to ensure there is adequate turnover of non-resident parking and this increased enforcement presence will continue to be maintained whilst significant non-compliance is still evident.

 

This additional enforcement would complement the proposed extended hours of Resident Parking Scheme restrictions in providing improved parking opportunities for residents.

 

This information has been provided to the business to give their staff and clientele the opportunity to change behaviour.

 

Planning

 

Council has reviewed the liquor licence and the consents that set out hours of operation and patron numbers. Consent for these are from the 2003 approval, they were not modified by the 2020 approval, which was for minor alterations and additions to the existing pub and restaurant with a minor additional FSR enclosing a courtyard to provide an increased prep space (see existing and approved floor plans below). One submission was received in response to the notification. 

 

As mentioned, the capacity of the pub or restaurant for patrons did not increase as part of the DA, the only increase was to the prep area (15.67m2). The assessment report concluded that the proposed development would not have any adverse impact on surrounding properties, or additional parking/traffic generation.  There are no conditions relating to parking or a Plan of Management with this 2020 approval. 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 8

Subject:              Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 16 September 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 meeting held on 16 September 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 September 2024 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held at the Ashfield Service Centre and have made recommendations for Council consideration and adoption.

 

DISCUSSION

The September 2024 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held at the Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meeting are shown in Attachment 1.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.

 

ITEMS BY WARD – SEPTEMBER 2024

 

Ward

Item

Baludarri

(Balmain)

 

The Boulevarde, Lilyfield - Proposed Streetscape improvements and Civil Works

Derbyshire Road, Leichhardt - Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt - Proposed Kerb Extension

Ryan Street, Lilyfield (at Joseph Street) – Proposed Landscaped Kerb Blister Island

Gulgadya

(Leichhardt)

 

Flood Street, Leichhardt – Proposed Slow Point at Regent Street

Alt Street, south of Albert Parade, Ashfield-Proposed raising of existing pedestrian (zebra) crossing adjacent to St. Vincent's College

Midjuburi

(Marrickville)

 

InnerWest@40 (IW@40) - Area 6 Enmore & Marrickville East; Area 7 Marrickville & Tempe - Proposed speed limit reduction from 50km/h to 40 km/h

Marrickville Road at Despointes Street, Marrickville – Proposed new raised pedestrian crossing - Design Plan 10297

Djarrawunang

(Ashfield)

 

Clissold Street, between Queen Street and Victoria Street, Ashfield- Proposed removal of existing at-grade crossing and provide a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing

Damun (Stanmore)

InnerWest@40 (IW@40) - Area 6 Enmore & Marrickville East; Area 7 Marrickville & Tempe - Proposed speed limit reduction from 50km/h to 40 km/h

Newtown South Local Area Traffic Management Plan (LATM) Final Report

All Wards

Nil.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Local Traffic Committee minutes- 16 September 2024

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 















Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 9

Subject:              Minutes of the Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee (FRMAC) held on 24 July 2024 including outcomes of the exhibition of the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study & Plan and the Johnstons Creek & Whites Creek Flood Risk Management Study & Plan           

Prepared By:      David Paton - Engineering Services Manager 

Authorised By:  Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee meeting held on 24 July 2024.

 

2.   That Council adopt the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan.

 

3.   That Council adopt the Johnstons Creek and Whites Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Inner West Council has a responsibility and obligation under the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy and the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual to carry out studies to understand flood risk, examine options to manage flood risk, keep community informed about flooding, and support emergency management planning.

 

In the Inner West Council, this function is provided within the Flood Risk Management Advisory Committee (FRMAC).

 

Under the Policy and Manual the management of flood prone land is the responsibility of local councils, including the establishment of flood risk management (FRM) governance through the establishment and management of committees. The committee provides an avenue to enable contribution by agencies, key stakeholders and the community to studies and the development of FRM plans under the FRM process.’

 

This report details the minutes of the Flood Management Advisory Committee dated 24 July 2024, including:

-     An update on ongoing flood management

-     Response to the April 2024 storm event

-     A report back to the Committee of the Outcomes of the exhibition of the final Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) and Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan.

 

The draft Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and draft Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan was placed on public exhibition for five weeks from the 4 June to the 12 July 2024.

 

As part of the exhibition, Council wrote to 2,445 property owners and residents within the flood affected areas of the three catchments. This resulted in a total of 708 visits to the exhibition page on Your Say Inner West, and 23 formal responses across the study areas.

 

The Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek FRMSP reviews 20 options and considers seven options to have a high implementation priority including:

-     Drainage Upgrade at Probert Street ($500,000)

-     Detention Basin at Bridge Road ($1.4 million)

-     Drainage Upgrade at Lennox Street ($2.3 million)

-     Drainage Upgrade at Gladstone Street ($1.6 million)

-     Data Coordination with NSW SES

-     Community Flood Awareness Strategies

-     Implementation of Flood Markers & Signage

 

The Alexandra Canal FRMSP reviews nine options and considers four options to have a high implementation priority including:

-     Drainage Upgrade at Bay Street ($1.1 million)

-     Data Coordination with NSW SES

-     Community Flood Awareness Strategies

-     Implementation of Flood Markers & Signage

 

The Flood Risk Management Studies and Plans do not propose any changes to the status of properties that have previously been identified as flood affected and nor do they recommend mitigation options involving the acquisition of any properties.

 

The Flood Risk Management Studies and Plans provide a mechanism to identify projects for further investigation and prioritise their inclusion in Council’s Capital Works program. They also provide a basis to apply for grant funding under ongoing and future State and Federal Flood Resilience programs.

 

BACKGROUND

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

 

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

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

5.   That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

 

Council has completed five Flood Risk Management Study and Plans across eight of its catchments, covering almost 80% of the Local Government Area (LGA). After adoption of the Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, 90% of the LGA will have been completed.

 

The Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan have been developed by Council Engineers, representatives from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and specialist flood modelling consultants Stantec.

 

The studies include a comprehensive review of the existing flood models for these catchments and further modelling to assess the impacts of possible upgrade measures to reduce flooding across the catchments.

 

An initial count of 40 possible flood mitigation works, including pipe upgrades, road modifications, detention basins and pit improvements were assessed for overall impact and improvement to flood risk in the community, in conjunction with 6 options for Council-led property modification and 6 options for emergency management improvements.

 

The assessment resulted in a shortlist of six mitigation options for Alexandra Canal, 13 mitigation options for Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek, and five property and emergency management measures for both studies.

 

The Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek FRMSP reviews 20 options and considers seven options to have a high implementation priority including:

-     Drainage Upgrade at Probert Street ($500,000)

-     Detention Basin at Bridge Road ($1.4 million)

-     Drainage Upgrade at Lennox Street ($2.3 million)

-     Drainage Upgrade at Gladstone Street ($1.6 million)

-     Data Coordination with NSW SES

-     Community Flood Awareness Strategies

-     Implementation of Flood Markers & Signage

 

The Alexandra Canal FRMSP reviews nine options and considers four options to have a high implementation priority including:

-     Drainage Upgrade at Bay Street ($1.1 million)

-     Data Coordination with NSW SES

-     Community Flood Awareness Strategies

-     Implementation of Flood Markers & Signage

 

Of the non-capital options – i.e., Data Coordination, Community Flood Awareness, and Flood Markers, Council Engineers will continue to work with NSW SES to further develop and implement these strategies. Data Coordination takes place as part of the overall handover of materials following completion of a Flood Risk Management Study and provides NSW SES with flood depths, response times, isolated areas, and road cutoffs to inform their decision-making.

 

Beyond capital works upgrades, the reports also provide a review of current planning controls, and a review of Emergency Management information, including response times, isolated areas, and road cutoffs to inform their decision making and planning.

 

The outcomes of the exhibition for the draft Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and draft Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan report was tabled at the Flood Advisory Committee on 24 July 2024 who endorsed them being tabling to Council.

 

DISCUSSION

Community engagement is identified in the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual as an integral part of the flood risk management process as it raises awareness and can provide base information for further community flood awareness activities.

 

The draft Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and the Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan was placed on public exhibition for a period of five weeks from the 4 June to 12 July 2024.The exhibition was coordinated through Council’s Your Say Inner West community engagement page, with 2,445 letters of notification extended to the owners and residents of properties identified as Flood Affected Properties within the three catchments.

 

During the public exhibition period these community members, as well representatives from Council’s local SES units, NSW State Government agencies and utilities, and interested parties were invited to review the study and plan, submit comments, and indicate the extent of their support for the study, plan and its outcomes. Community members were also able to provide comment on which options they support, which options they do not support, and any matters related to flood mitigations and management that had not been addressed in the study and plan.

 

Four community workshops were held during the public exhibition period to present the findings of the study and plan and sought input from the community. The workshops were held at Marrickville SES on 13 June and 20 June 2024 and at Marrickville Library, The Pavilion on 24 June and 2 July 2024. Draft documents and printed flood mitigation options maps were also displayed as part of the exhibition.

 

Public Exhibition Response Statistics

 

Across the public exhibition period there were 23 recorded responses across both Alexandra Canal FRMSP and Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek FRMSP through one of four response methods:

 

·    Phone calls to Council by 4 different respondents in relation to the public exhibition of the study.

·    Your Say comment uploads (3 participants) and Your Say questionnaire responses (1 participant) by 4 total participants.

·    Email responses submitted to Council by 4 respondents.

·    11 in-person attendees at the information sessions. These attendees consisted of 1 at the first session, 2 at the second, 7 at the third, and 1 at the fourth session.

 

Across all response methods, 1 comment (Your Say upload) related to Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan. All other responses were related to Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek catchment areas.

 

Although this represents a total of 23 engagements, it should be noted a number of households made several engagements for some households, most commonly residents attending in-person sessions often completed another form of response such as a Your Say written response or email.

 

With respect to Your Say outcomes from the public exhibition period, there were a total of 708 visits across both Alexandra Canal FRMSP and Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan project pages. 459 of these visits were for Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, with 68 downloads, and 249 were for Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, with no downloads.

 

During the public exhibition period, Council provided stakeholders with the draft final Flood Risk Management Study and Plan report. As part of this engagement:

 

·    One comment was received from Sydney Water regarding the number of overfloor flooded buildings reported. A clarifying response was provided to Council via an email, to be passed onto Sydney Water.

·    Council’s Strategic Planning team commented on the report. Clarifying responses were provided to Council via an email, and updates to the report were made where necessary.

 

Whites Creek and Johnston Creek – Summary of Comments from the Public

 

The most common concerns received across the various forms related to the following:

 

·    Localised stormwater issues not within the scope of flood risk, i.e. maintenance or drainage issues to be addressed by means of temporary solutions prior to the implementation of mitigation options or otherwise captured under Council’s capital works 

·    General enquiries either outside of the catchment subject areas or requesting information about the FRSMP and the proposed mitigation options. 

 

Specifically relating to the flood risk management options, the following comments were received during public exhibition:

 

 

Resident Comments

Consultant Response

A concern was raised about flooding in the junction of Gladstone Street and Phillip Street in Enmore. The attendee communicated that the flooding was caused by insufficient drainage on King Street.

There is a valid flood risk concern to properties further downstream of this intersection, which are subject to low flood island effects. These properties have been assessed to benefit from Option JC13. However, at the intersection where the concern was raised, the observed H5 hazard category within a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event is contained within the road corridor. It is also understood that the further upstream King Street is a TfNSW owned asset. Due to these factors affecting feasibility comparative to flood risk benefits, it is unlikely for further proposed solutions in this location to be scored favourably in terms of Cost Benefit Ratio (CBR) and Multi Criteria Assessment (MCA).

 

A concern was raised about flooding to a property on Salisbury Road, Camperdown near Church Street in the Johnstons Creek catchment.

There is a valid flood risk concern to these properties due to the trapped low point with H4-H5 hazard category of flooding within a 1% AEP event. No solution was proposed during option development due to high level feasibility issues resulting from the limited diameter of downstream pipes. It is noted that the subject pits are part of Council’s capital works program, and that Council is currently progressing longer term feasibility assessments as part of a separate study. In the meantime, Council may implement an interim approach to mitigate flooding in the short-term including investigating the inlet capacity at that location.

 

A concern was raised about Salisbury Lane, Stanmore near the inlets to the Johnstons Creek stormwater channel. The attendee provided images showing flooding of the street, caused by the invert levels of the inlet pipes sitting above the existing street surface level.

The subject location is mostly H2 hazard, with minor spots of H3-H4 within a 1% AEP event. The feedback provided by the attendee merits public safety concerns, and it is understood that Council will investigate inlet capacity or drainage upgrades in this area separate from the FRMSP and as part of their capital works.

 

Two concerns were raised regarding flood risk classification, insurance premiums and property values in the Johnstons Creek catchment. The community members for these areas did not consider their property to be flood affected.

The Flood Study model has been reviewed as part of the Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, and the assumptions used were found to be generally reasonable in line with industry best practice and guidelines. It is noted that these types of concerns relate to the previous Flood Study process where flood affectation of properties was assessed, whereas the focus of the FRMS&P engagement was on the proposed flood risk management options. On Australia Street, there is a proposed JC20 drainage upgrade option directly benefiting the affected properties in this subject area, which are subject to H4 hazard category of flooding within a 1% AEP event.

 

A concern was raised regarding Corunna Street in the Whites Creek catchment. The attendee suggested the installation of raingardens additional to the proposed WC1 drainage upgrade option.

The option types (i.e. drainage upgrade, road regrading, detention basin, etc) were developed with consideration of feasibility, cost and likelihood of scoring favourably in terms of CBR and MCA. The introduction of a raingarden, though may slow flows and improve water quality treatment in higher frequency events, is not likely to cause reductions to flooding downstream in larger rare events such as the 1% AEP. Council may wish to consider the benefits of installing raingardens as part of a separate feasibility study or included within the capital works program.

 

 

Alexandra Canal – Summary of Comments from the Public

 

The concerns received across the various forms related to the following:

 

·    Localised stormwater issues not within the scope of flood risk, i.e. maintenance or drainage issues to be addressed by means of temporary solutions prior to the implementation of mitigation options or otherwise captured under Council’s capital works.

 

·    General enquiries either outside of the catchment subject areas or requesting information about the FRSMP and the proposed mitigation options.

 

·    The only response related to Alexandra Canal FRMSP via upload to Your Say, generally supporting the measures outlined in the report. The response highlights the 2017 Cooks River Flood Study and recommends an overall LGA wide list of prioritised projects for residents. Council is considering consolidation of a list of the flood risk management options across the LGA to present to FRMAC.

 

Outcome of Consultation

 

The consultation process was well received, with strong engagement achieved through the Your Say webpages, combined with moderate attendance at the information sessions and other modes of communication. 

 

Overall, the submissions received were supportive of the two draft Studies and Plans. Where concerns were raised, the reports have been updated to summarise them, and provide an explanation of how they were answered or will be addressed, as above.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan recommends four infrastructure upgrade projects at a total cost to Council of $5 million.

 

The Whites Creek and Johnstons Creek Flood Risk Management Study and Plan recommends twelve infrastructure upgrade projects at a total of $15 million.

 

Council spends approximately $1.5 million on stormwater upgrades each year through its Capital Works program, funded by the Stormwater Services Levy. The Flood Risk Management Studies and Plans provide a mechanism to identify projects for further investigation and prioritise their inclusion in this program.

 

The Plans also provides a basis to apply for grant funding under ongoing and future State and Federal Flood Resilience programs.

 

Attachments 2 and 3 have been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Minutes of the Flood Management Advisory Committee - 24 July 2024

2.

Johnstons Creek & Whites Creek Flood Risk Management Study & Plan – Final - Published separately on Council’s website

3.

Alexandra Canal Flood Risk Management Study & Plan – Final - Published separately on Council’s website

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 










Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 10

Subject:              Summer Hill - Lewisham Suburb Realignment Affecting 2 Malthouse Way           

Prepared By:      Darren Morris - Chief Information Officer 

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse the change to the suburb boundary of Summer Hill – Lewisham adjacent to 2 Malthouse Way and submit a formal proposal to the Geographic Names Board.

 

 

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 details the results of a community engagement survey conducted between 2 May 2024 and 2 June 2024 regarding a proposal to re-align the Summer Hill - Lewisham suburb boundary: adjacent to 2 Malthouse Way Lewisham.  

 

The proposal aims to:

·    Correct the suburb boundary currently affecting 2 Malthouse Way, Lewisham which will be changed to 2 Malthouse Way, Summer Hill

·    Provide consistent addressing for the complex known as the Flour Mill

·    Improve accessibility and response for Emergency Services and Utilities

·    Improve the reliability of mail.

 

 The proposal aligns with the current NSW Addressing Policy.  

 

Responses from the community engagement survey indicate public support in favour of the proposal. 

 

To proceed with submission to the Geographic Names Board (GNB), who is the authority in this matter, this report will recommend Council endorse the proposal to re-align the Summer Hill – Lewisham Suburb Boundary. 

 

BACKGROUND

This matter was previously raised in the form of a Briefing Note to Councillors in April 2024. 

 

Council previously received a request from the Owners Corporation (Strata Committee) of 2 Flour Mill Way, Lewisham to change the suburb for all properties in the building from Lewisham to Summer Hill as this would address issues relating to:

·    Accessibility and reliability for Emergency Services and Utilities

·    Lost or undeliverable mail 

·    Address inconsistency amongst buildings within the Flour Mill complex.

The current boundary between Summer Hill and Lewisham suburbs follows the Hawthorne Canal. Since the opening of the Inner West Light Rail Extension in 2014, the canal is no longer suitable as a suburb divider and needs to be replaced by the more visible Light Rail Corridor. Realigning the suburb boundary to a more prominent geographical feature is in line with the NSW Addressing Policy. 

 

       

         Current suburb boundary                             Proposed suburb boundary

 

A map of land with red and blue lines

Description automatically generated
Summer Hill/Dulwich Hill Suburb distribution in Flour Mill Development

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Following a request from the owner's corporation of 2 Malthouse Way, Lewisham, Councils Geographic Information System (GIS) team reviewed the request and determined the appropriate remediation was to re-align the Summer Hill – Lewisham suburb boundary which requires a determination from the Geographical Names Board (GNB) who is the authority in these matters. 

 

The GNB requires Local Councils to undertake preliminary engagement with the community and seek council endorsement before formal submissions to the GNB. 

 

Between 2 May 2024 – 2 June 2024, owners and residents from 2 Malthouse Way, Lewisham were invited to provide feedback on a proposal to re-align the suburb boundary and therefore change their address from Lewisham to Summer Hill. 

 

Consultation was undertaken by sending 98 letters to affected owners and residents seeking feedback through an online survey.  

 

During the engagement period, 4 people visited the ‘Your Say’ project page, 35 people completed the online survey and 7 people emailed their feedback. 100% of respondents supported the proposal. 

 

​​Once Council endorses the suburb boundary change, the GIS team will formally lodge the proposal with the GNB. Once GNB has reviewed and formally approved the change will be published in the NSW Government Gazette, where the change will be made public. 

 

Council will inform all owners affected and make any required changes to Council systems including rates information and maps.  

 

Council will also notify Australia Post, Emergency Services, Utility and Telecommunication Services, the Australia Electoral Commission and the Valuer General’s Office NSW. 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

Attachment 1 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Engagement Outcomes Report - 2 Malthouse Way - Published separately on Council’s website

2.

Geographic Names Board - Address Locality Naming

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 



Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 11

Subject:              Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Minutes           

Prepared By:      Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk 

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.     That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendation of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting held on 17 September 2024 and 10 October 2024 (Special Meeting).

 

2.     That Council adopt the draft Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Strategic Work Plan, which has been reviewed and approved by the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

 

3.     That Council endorse the draft Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Work Plan, which has been reviewed and approved by the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

 

 

 

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

In accordance with the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) Terms of Reference, copies of the minutes of ARIC are to be provided to the Council. The confirmed minutes of the ARIC meeting held on 17 September and 10 October 2024 are attached.

 

The Office of Local Government (OLG) November 2023 Guidelines on Internal Audit and Risk Management (Guidelines), which are in force from 1 July 2024, require that the Strategic Work Plan be “adopted by the governing body of the council at the start of the council term”. The draft Strategic Work Plan also includes a draft Annual Work Plan, which will guide ARIC’s work over the forward year, as required by the Guidelines.

 

BACKGROUND

The ARIC is established in accordance with section 428A of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act). The objective of Council’s ARIC is to provide independent assurance to Council by monitoring, reviewing and providing advice about the Council’s governance processes, compliance, risk management and control frameworks, external accountability obligations and overall performance.

 

The Office of Local Government issued the Guidelines in December 2023. In July 2024, amendments came into force which substantively amended the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021 (Regulations). Together, the Guidelines and amendments to the Regulations introduced significant new requirements in respect of audit, risk management and related matters. One of the new requirements is that a Council’s audit, risk and improvement committee must develop a strategic work plan every four years to ensure that all the matters listed in section 428A of the Act are reviewed by the committee and considered by the internal audit function. The Strategic Work Plan must be adopted by the governing body of the council at the start of the council term. The adoption by the governing body of the ARIC Strategic Work Plan will be reflected in the annual attestation that Council’s General Manager is required to complete, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021 (Regulations). 

 

A council’s audit, risk and improvement committee must also develop an annual work plan to guide its work over the forward year.

 

DISCUSSION

ARIC Minutes

In accordance with the ARIC Terms of Reference, the minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2024 and 10 October 2024 (Special Meeting) were approved Out of Session.

 

Strategic Work Plan and Annual Work Plan

The draft Strategic Work Plan is a best practice document designed to align with the Guidelines and ARIC’s Terms of Reference. It includes a new draft Annual Work Plan.

 

The draft Strategic Work Plan and Annual Work Plan, address the following factors required by the Guidelines:

 

·    Council’s five strategic directions, as tabled in regular Integrated Planning and Reporting reports provided to ARIC.

·    risks facing Council, as tabled in quarterly reports provided to ARIC.

·    the work of other review activities or functions (for example, external and performance audits, and reviews or audits by other government agencies), including service reviews, internal audit reports, and Internal Ombudsman/integrity agency reports tabled to ARIC.

·    an assurance map of Council’s assurance activities which may assist to determine areas of focus for ARIC and Council’s internal audit function, including the approved Internal Audit Charter, Internal Audit Universe, and the Internal Audit Forward Plan.

·    stakeholder expectations, including the need for reporting to be provided to ARIC and Council to provide assurance in relation to regulatory compliance.

 

The Guidelines provide that ARIC may vary the adopted Strategic Work Plan at any time to address new or emerging risks, in consultation with the Council. Council may, also, by resolution, request the Committee to approve a variation to the Strategic Work Plan.

 

At its meeting on 17 September 2024 ARIC considered and approved the draft Strategic Work Plan and its referral to Council for adoption at the start of the Council term.

 

The Regulations require Council’s General Manager to publish an attestation statement in Council’s Annual Report, indicating whether during the preceding financial year, Council’s ARIC, risk management framework, and internal audit function complied with the requirements in the Regulations. The first annual attestation must appear in Council’s 2024-2025 Annual Report. The final matters in the attestation statement which are required to be met at the start of the new Council term are Council’s adoption of the Strategic Work Plan and noting of the Annual Work Plan. If so adopted and noted, Council will include this in the attestation statement.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - Minutes 17 September 2024

2.

Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - Minutes 10 October 2024 (Special Meeting - Financial Statements)

3.

Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - draft Strategic Work Plan and Annual Work Plan

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 











Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 





Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

















Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 12

Subject:              Councillor Representation on Committees           

Prepared By:      Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council determine Councillor representation on Council and External Committees until September 2025, as detailed in this report.

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Council has established committees to provide advice or exercise decision making functions in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (Act). Councillors can attend these committees as observers or be appointed by Council as members of these committees and exercise voting rights. Councillors may also be appointed to represent Council on external committees. This report lists Council’s internal committees and those external committees to which Council may appoint members, to enable Council to determine its representatives until September 2025.

 

BACKGROUND

For the duration of this Council term, a report on Councillor representation on internal and external committees will be provided to Council annually in September each year, to enable Council to review the appointments.

 

DISCUSSION

The charters of the following committees or the resolutions establishing these committees require formal appointment of Councillors as members of these committees. In some instances, the Terms of Reference or document establishing the committee permit or require an alternate Councillor to be appointed. An alternate Councillor can attend meetings when the substantively appointed Councillor is unable to attend. Where the committee’s procedures involve voting as part of decision making, an alternate can also vote on behalf of the substantively appointed Councillor, where permitted to do so by the committee’s constituting document. In some instances, an alternate Councillor will need to be appointed to ensure that the Committee or Panel is able to meet quorum requirements in the absence of the substantively appointed Councillor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Committees

 

Name of Committee

Purpose

Meeting Time and Frequency

Reporting Framework

Councillor Representation

Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC)

ARIC is a committee required by the Act. It provides independent specialist assurance, audit, oversight and advice to Council. The Committee’s work supports Council to effectively discharge its responsibilities for financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, governance, improvement and internal and external audit.

 

The Committee’s membership includes an independent Chairperson and three independent members in accordance with the ARIC Terms of Reference (attached).

 

Quarterly plus option for additional Annual Financial Statements meeting

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for noting.

1 Councillor representative (non-voting member).

 

General Manager's Performance Assessment Panel

The Panel and an appointed facilitator review the performance of the General Manager.

 

The Panel does not have a Terms of Reference, but is guided by the OLG’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers (attached).

 

Councillors determine, by way of Council resolution, the Panel members for the Panel.

 

The Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers 2022 provide that Panels should be comprised of the mayor, the deputy mayor, another councillor nominated by council and a councillor nominated by the general manager.

 

The General Manager has identified that the Councillor elected as Mayor is the most appropriate Councillor to be nominated to the Panel by the General Manager, in recognition of the relationship between the two roles, as recognised in the Act.

 

Annually

As required

Mayor and Deputy Mayor + 1 additional Councillor

Flood Management Advisory Committee

The Committee assists Council to prepare floodplain management studies and plans for the Inner West local government area. It acts as both a focus and forum for the discussion of technical, social, economic and environmental matters, and for the distillation of viewpoints on these matters into a management plan.

 

The Committee’s Terms of Reference are attached.

Minimum of twice a year at the Petersham Service Centre.

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.

No minimum number needs to be appointed. Up to 3 Councillors may be appointed.

Local Traffic Committee

 

The Committee advises Council on traffic and parking control matters. It is primarily a technical review and advisory committee that considers the technical merits of proposals and ensures current technical guidelines are considered. It provides recommendations to Council on traffic and parking control matters and on the provision of traffic control facilities and prescribed traffic control devices for which Council has delegated authority. The Committee also advises on traffic matters arising from development applications.

 

The Committee’s Terms of Reference are (attached).

 

Third Monday of each month at the Ashfield Service Centre.

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.

1 Councillor; 1 Alternate Councillor.

 

Major Capital Projects Committee

The Committee reviews, discusses and makes recommendations to Council on all major capital projects with a value over $1million.

 

The Terms of Reference are attached.

 

Monthly

Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.

The number of committee members is at Council’s discretion. The current Terms of Reference include provision for 5 representatives.

 

 

 

Councillors can be appointed to represent Council on external committees in line with

constituting document of each committee. The responsibility for and operation of these

committees are set by the host organisation.

 

External Committees

 

Name of Committee

Charter / Purpose

Meeting and Frequency

Current Councillor Representation

Callan Park Community Trustee Board

The Board provides key advice to Greater Sydney Parklands in respect of Callan Park.

 

The role of the board is to provide advice, input and recommendations to planning, processes and policies that may impact future amenity and public access to the parklands as well as the ongoing management of the parklands.

In performing this role, the community trustee board will:

·      Provide informed strategic advice to the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Board on matters relating to Callan Park

·      Advise, share information and facilitate partnerships that assist Greater Sydney Parklands to develop its plans and increase community connections

·      Advocate on behalf of and promote understanding of the needs of and issues affecting the local community, ensuring inclusion and equity of access for community members

·      Contribute local knowledge on relevant issues, emerging trends, opportunities and community needs.

 

The Board’s Terms of Reference are attached.

 

As required.

1 Councillor.

Cooks River Alliance Management Committee

The Cooks River Alliance is a partnership between councils in the Cooks River Catchment – Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown, Inner West, and Strathfield. The Alliance uses the combined resources, experience, knowledge and skills within the councils and the community to address the complex environmental problems of the Cooks River and its catchment. The Management Committee provides strategic direction, makes decisions and provides approvals for all key Alliance activities.  The Management Committee is comprised of Councillor delegates from participating Councils, Sydney Water representatives, and observers.  

 

The Committee’s Terms of Reference are attached.

 

Meetings are quarterly and hosted by rotating member councils.

1 Councillor; 1 Alternate Councillor.

 

NSW Public Libraries Association

The Association is the peak body for public libraries in NSW and advocates on behalf of the library sector to strengthen the public library network.

 

The Association’s Constitution is attached.

As required.

1 Councillor.

Parramatta River Catchment Group

The Group is a regional organisation of local councils, State agencies and community representatives whose aim is to work together to improve the health of the Parramatta River and its catchment.

 

The Group’s Terms of Reference are attached.

Meetings are held quarterly on the first Thursday of March, June, September and December from 5.30pm.

 

The venue rotates between member councils.

1 Councillor; 1 Alternate Councillor.

 

Sydney Airport Community Forum (SACF)

SACF is the main consultation body for the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan. The Forum includes representatives from the community, councils, industry and State and Federal Parliaments.

 

The Forum does not have a Terms of Reference.

 

 

As required

Council membership on SAFC is limited to each Council’s Mayor (or their representative).

Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC)

SSROC has 12 member councils that interact, exchange ideas and work collaboratively to solve regional issues and to contribute to the future sustainability of the region. The group advocates on behalf of the region to ensure that the major issues are addressed by all levels of government.

 

The SSROC’s Constitution is attached.

Meetings held quarterly on first or third Thursday evening.

2 delegates – 1 of whom is to be the Mayor and any amount of alternates, noting that only 2 representatives can attend each meeting.

 

Sydney Coastal Council Group (SCCG)

The SCCG promotes coordination between member councils on environmental issues relating to the sustainable management of the urban coastal and estuarine environment.

 

The SCCG consists of 9 Councils adjacent to Sydney’s marine and estuarine environments and associated waterways.

 

The SCCG’s Constitution is attached.

 

Meetings are held quarterly on Saturday and hosted by rotating member council facilities.

 

1 delegate from each member council.

Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (Panel)

The Panel is responsible for:

•     determining ‘regionally significant’ development applications (DAs) and other Major DAs and modification applications 

•     acting as the Planning Proposal authority when directed 

•     reviewing Planning Proposals providing advice on other planning and development matters when requested 

 

The Sydney District & Regional Planning Panels Operational Procedures November 2022 are attached. Please refer to the further information below about the Panel’s decision making processes.

As required.

 

 

2 community representatives, who may be Councillors.

 

Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel

When exercising their functions as Panel members, councillor members must comply with the provisions of the Sydney District and Regional Planning Panels Code of Conduct (Code) (attached). The Code provides that Panel members must ensure that any employment, business or other roles or activities they engage in, including acting as a Councillor, will not conflict with, impair or otherwise prevent the full exercise of their functions as Panel members. The Code further provides that the following situations are considered to represent a conflict of duties for Panel members (on a non-exhaustive basis):

 

·    members who have current or previous involvement in a specific project, or site, that is subject of a DA for regional development, or a planning proposal that is subsequently reviewed by a planning panel, for example as a consultant.

·    councillor members where they have deliberated or voted on, or otherwise considered, a matter, and/or been present when such consideration is undertaken, in their role at council and that matter, or a related matter, subsequently comes before the panel. Matters which are considered to be related to a panel matter include, but are not limited to:

a planning proposal for the site

a voluntary planning agreement for the development or planning proposal

a Masterplan for the development or planning proposal

a Plan of Management for the development

property matters related to the site, including leases, licences, purchase of land, disposal of land and management of lands

legal matters related to the site, development or proposal

The Code also makes specific provision for instances where a councillor member who is a Panel member has previously deliberated or voted on a matter in their role at Council. Specifically, the Code states that where that matter, or a related matter, subsequently comes before the Panel, the Panel member is to stand aside from their place on the Panel. The other councillor member nominated by Council is to take their place, to avoid any perceptions of bias or pre-judgement.

 

Gender Equal Representation Policy

The Gender Equal Representation Policy (Policy) was adopted by Council on 3 August 2021. The aim of the Policy is to provide Council with a framework to improve and achieve equal opportunity outcomes.

 

It applies to Councillor representation on Council committees, external committees, boards and panels.  It states that, to ensure fair and equitable participation, Council will encourage nominations to achieve holistic gender representation that includes transgender and gender- diverse/non-binary people, with a 50% male-female gender balance if transgender and gender-diverse/non- binary groups are not represented.

 

The Policy requires that Council review the nominations to the positions available with a view to achieving gender equal representation appointments. The Policy does however note that where there is an odd number of positions, diversity and equality may not be achieved. For example, if an existing committee of five members, already had three men, and there are two vacancies, women/transgender/gender diverse/non-binary councillors should be actively prioritised.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial implications associated with the identified Committees is captures within the adopted budget.

 

All Attachments to this report have been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

2.

Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers - Published separately on Council’s website

3.

Flood Management Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

4.

Local Traffic Committee - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

5.

Major Capital Projects Committee - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

6.

Community trustee board for Callan Park - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

7.

Cooks River Alliance - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

8.

New South Wales Public Libraries Association Inc – Constitution - Published separately on Council’s website

9.

Parramatta River Catchment Group - Terms of Reference - Published separately on Council’s website

10.

Southern Sydney Regional Organisations of Councils - SSROC Constitution - Published separately on Council’s website

11.

Sydney Coastal Councils Group Incorporated - SCCG – Constitution - Published separately on Council’s website

12.

Sydney District and Regional Planning Panels - Operational Procedures (Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel) - Published separately on Council’s website

13.

Sydney District and Regional Planning Panels - Code of Conduct - Published separately on Council’s website

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 13

Subject:              Rescheduling of November 2024 Council Meeting           

Prepared By:      Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council reschedule the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 5 November 2024 to Tuesday 12 November 2024 and publish these changes to the Meeting Schedule on Council’s website.

 

 

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

Officers recommend rescheduling the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 5 November 2024 to Tuesday 12 November 2024 to provide Councillors with additional time to manage induction, Council, and personal commitments.

 

BACKGROUND

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

 

1.   That Council endorse the following Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule in 2024:

 

January – Recess

Tuesday 13 February

Tuesday 5 March

Tuesday 9 April

Tuesday 21 May

Tuesday 25 June

July – Recess

Tuesday 13 August

Tuesday 3 September (Caretaker)

Tuesday 8 October (Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election)

Tuesday 22 October

Tuesday 5 November

Tuesday 3 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.   That Council approve the publication of the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres.

 

DISCUSSION

Following the local government elections in September 2024, Council has commenced implementing its Councillor Induction Program (Program), in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and Part 8A of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. The Program is complemented and supplemented by external training and professional development opportunities. The requirements of the Program, and the additional training opportunities, impose a significant time commitment on Councillors, with most of the scheduled commitments occurring outside of business hours. In addition, Councillors play an important community role at community events, many of which have been scheduled for directly after the election. As a result, Councillors have significant demands on their time, particularly in the period directly after the election.

To enable Councillors to meaningfully participate in the Program, and provide them with the opportunity to receive information about the functions, obligations, and operations of Council, Officers recommend moving the Ordinary Council Meeting scheduled on Tuesday 5 November 2024 to Tuesday 12 November 2024.

This will provide Councillors with additional time to manage their induction, Council, and personal commitments. In addition, the timing of the local government elections in September 2024 has resulted in the 22 October 2024 Council Meeting and the scheduled 5 November 2024 Council meeting being only two weeks apart. Moving the November Council meeting to 12 November 2024 will provide Councillors with the opportunity, if required, to seek further information about matters to be considered at the November Council meeting, so that they are able to make considered and well informed decisions.

If endorsed, details of the new November Ordinary Council Meeting date will be placed on Council’s website and notified to the public through the usual channels.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 14

Subject:              Local Government NSW Annual Conference       

Prepared By:      Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council determine the 9 voting delegates for voting on motions at the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference.

 

2.   That Council nominate Councillors to attend the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference.

 

 

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 Local Government NSW Annual Conference (Conference) will be held at Tamworth from Sunday 17 November to Tuesday 19 November 2024. Council is entitled to nominate nine (9) voting delegates at attend the Conference.

The purpose of the report is to provide information in relation to the Conference, seek the appointment of voting delegates, and identify any other Councillors wishing to attend in a non-voting capacity. 

 

BACKGROUND

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is the peak body representing New South Wales local councils. LGNSW holds an annual conference, which is the main policy making event for NSW Councils where issues are debated and motions put forward for consideration by delegates.

 

The number of delegates that each paying member of LGNSW can appoint to attend an annual conference is based on a formula in the LGNSW Rules. Council is entitled to nominate nine (9) voting delegates at attend the Conference.

 

DISCUSSION

 

This report deals with the following two components:

 

1.   Motions for the Conference; and

2.   Appointment of voting delegates.

 

Motions for the Conference

LGNSW had previously advised Councils to submit any motions by Friday 16 August 2024 to allow assessment of the motions and distribution of the Conference agenda before the Conference. Under the LGNSW Rules, the latest date motions can be accepted for inclusion in the Business Paper is Sunday 20 October 2024.

 

In the previous term of Council, Councillors were advised that, in order to meet LGNSW’s timeframes, motions for the Conference would need to be endorsed at the 3 September Ordinary Council Meeting. No motions were lodged by Councillors for inclusion the Conference agenda.

 

The Draft Program for the Conference is provided in Attachment 1. LGNSW will distribute the Conference agenda in the week commencing 28 October 2024. The Conference agenda will include all the motions to be considered.

 

Voting Delegates

Inner West Council is entitled to nine voting delegates for voting on motions at the Conference.

 

Council needs to advise LGNSW of Council’s nine voting delegates for the Conference by Wednesday 6 November 2024. In addition to Council’s nine voting delegates, it is recommended Council also identify any other Councillors who wish to attend in a non-voting capacity, so that Council can make administrative arrangements for all Councillors attending as soon as possible.

 

In 2023, Council resolved that nine Councillors attend the Conference each of whom were a voting delegate.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Registration costs are $1,115 per delegate for early bird registration (by 25 September 2024) and $230 for the optional Conference dinner. A number of placeholder refundable early bird registrations have already been made in anticipation of Councillors attending the Conference. Costs associated with the Conference will be funded from the adopted budget.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

LGNSW Annual Conference Draft Program

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 





Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 15

Subject:              Investment Report at 30 September 2024           

Prepared By:      Chris Sleiman - Chief Financial Officer  

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council authorise the sale of the Suncorp investments, as detailed in the report, in accordance with Council’s Investment Policy to ensure Council’s investment portfolio consist entirely of socially responsible investments and deposits in non-fossil fuel aligned banks. 

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of the total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value. During the month of September 2024:

 

·    Council matured investments:

$5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.35%pa

$12.5M 12 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 5.00%pa

$10.0M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.21%pa

$10.0M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.22%pa

 

·    Council invested:

$5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.34%pa

$3.0M 9 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.90%pa

$5.0M 9 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.90%pa

$3.0M 12 month Term Deposit with Bank of Us at fixed rate of 4.82%pa

$5.0M 12 month Term Deposit with Bank of Us at fixed rate of 4.78%pa

$6.5M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.74%pa

$10.0M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.76%pa

$1.5M 4 Year Floating Rate Note with Bank Australia at a current rate of 6.08%pa (purchased in the secondary market)

 

·    Council is preparing for the maturity of further investments in October 2024, and it appears the rates are declining compared with prior months.  

 

·    Following ANZ’s completion of the takeover of Suncorp on 31 July 2024, all of Suncorp’s assets previously classified as Non-Fossil Fuel Lending is now flagged as Fossil Fuel Lending. The notifications of such a takeover were publicly made, Council made the active decision to reduce its exposure to Suncorp and not invest ‘new’ funds with Suncorp. There are five Term Deposits and two Bonds with Suncorp that mature between 2026 through to 2027.

 

·    Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 32% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel Lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 7% in Socially Responsible Investments, 43% in Green investments and 18% in Fossil Fuel Lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs).

 

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 safeguard 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/Floating Rate Notes 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 $230.0M, $1.6M higher than the prior month market value of $228.4M. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s portfolio during the month had a return of 5.06% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.45% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.98% pa on a marked-to-market basis.

 

In September, risk markets continued their positive momentum, welcoming the US Federal Reserve’s decision to commence their easing cycle. Other developed central banks are poised to follow or continue in the same path over coming months. 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.

 

Suncorp Bank investments

In the June Investment Report, an update of the ANZ takeover of Suncorp was provided. Since the report, on 31 July 2024, ANZ’s takeover of Suncorp Bank was formalised, and ratings agency S&P upgraded Suncorp’s long-term credit rating to that of its parent company immediately (now rated AA-). Council’s exposure to Suncorp is now reflected under the parent company ANZ.

 

Since ANZ Bank is classified as a lender in the fossil-fuel industry, the completion of the Suncorp Bank takeover has resulted in these investments contravening the ethical investment category. This is supported in Council’s Investment Policy under Clause 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 $116,510 as of 3 October 2024.

 

 

Council’s Investment Policy under Clause 11 also 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;”

 

Accordingly we recommend that Council consider selling the Suncorp investments at a net loss, noting the value of loss will change depending on the date of sale, to align with Council’s current policy stance on Council’s investment portfolio consisting entirely of socially responsible investments and deposits in non-fossil fuel aligned banks.

 

Alternatively Council could determine to hold the Suncorp investments until maturity, noting the investments are classified Fossil Fuel Lending.

Changes in the value of our portfolio

 

The maturities were:

·    Bank of Queensland TD ($5.0M 1 month 4.35%pa)

·    Bendigo and Adelaide TD ($12.5M 12 months 5.00%pa)

·    Westpac Green TD ($10.0M 12 months 5.21%pa)

·    Westpac Green TD ($10.0M 12 months 5.22%pa).

 

New trades were:

·    Bank of Queensland TD ($5.0M 1 month 4.34%pa)

·    Bank of Queensland TD ($3.0M 9 months 4.90%pa)

·    Bank of Queensland TD ($5.0M 9 month 4.90%pa)

·    Bank of Us TD ($3.0M 12 months 4.82%pa)

·    Bank of Us TD ($5.0M 12 months 4.78%pa)

·    Westpac Green TD ($6.5M 12 months 4.74%pa)

·    Westpac Green TD ($10.0M 12 months 4.76%pa)

·    Bank Australia 4 Year FRN ($1.5M current rate 6.08%pa)

 

Council is looking to lock in rates close to or above 4.50% p.a. across a 1–5 year tenure (staggered approach) that may provide some income protection against a potentially lower rate environment in the future.

 

Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 32% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 7% of the portfolio in Socially Responsible Investments, 43% of the portfolio in Green investments and 18% in Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs).

 

 

Following ANZ’s takeover of Suncorp on 31 July 2024, all of Suncorp’s assets previously classified as Non-Fossil Fuel Lending is now flagged as Fossil Fuel Lending.

 

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 the period ending 30 September 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 August were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations. As noted above, the Suncorp investments now classified as Fossil Fuel Investments are not in line with the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds

Council’s 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.

 

Due to the 2023/24 Financial Year End process currently in progress, the split between the External and Internal Restrictions are not available at this time.

 

Other Investment Information

The chart below shows the average Term Deposit bids available for Council over the next five years.

 

 

In the deposit market, over September, the average deposit rates offered by the major banks remained below where they were the previous month (August) by around 5-10 basis points at the long-end of the curve. The overall deposit curve remains significantly inverse with rates now peaking at the 6 month term and then dropping across 1-5 year horizon (with the lowest rates offered in the 3 year tenor at around 4.30%), as the market aggressively factors in multiple rate cuts in 2025.

 

Domestic issues:

·    The RBA kept rates on hold at 4.35% as expected. The post-Meeting Statement was broadly in line with the Governor’s recent remarks where Ms Bullock again pushed back on market pricing for near‑term cuts. The Statement also noted that “headline inflation will decline for a time, [but] underlying inflation is more indicative of inflation momentum, and it remains too high.

·    The Monthly CPI Indicator fell to +2.7% y/y from +3.5% y/y as expected on fuel base effects and electricity subsidies. Services inflation remained elevated at +4.2% y/y, while goods and non-tradables inflation fell, also driven by electricity.

·    The unemployment rate remained at 4.2% (falling from 4.24% to 4.16% at the second decimal place). Employment growth was a strong +47k. With trend employment growth steady near +40k, the labour market has been ably absorbing strong supply growth amid high participation and elevated population growth.

·    The RBA continues to push back on any immediate talks of rate cuts. Governor Bullock reiterated that official rates are not as restrictive in Australia as offshore: “Most of those countries had official interest rates up around five or over 5% so in our judgment, we look at how restrictive some of those countries are relative to us…we’re restrictive, but we think they’re more restrictive than us”.

·    Financial markets have pushed forward their expectations of rate cuts, with the first cut pencilled in by Q1 2025, with 100-125bp of cuts priced by the end of 2025.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial implications to be considered are the net loss from the sale of Suncorp Bank bonds and Floating Rate Notes which equate to $116,510 as of 03 October 2024.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - September 2024

2.

Inner West Council Investment Report - September 2024

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 



























Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 



























 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 16

Subject:              Investment Report at 31 August 2024           

Prepared By:      Chris Sleiman - Chief Financial Officer  

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

 

A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of the total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value. During the month of August 2024:

 

Council matured investments:

$5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.34%pa

 

·    Council invested:

$5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.35%pa

 

·    Council is preparing for the maturity of further investments in September and October 2024, and it appears the rates are declining compared with prior months.  

 

·    Following ANZ’s completion of the takeover of Suncorp on 31 July 2024, all of Suncorp’s assets previously classified as Non-Fossil Fuel Lending is now flagged as Fossil Fuel Lending. The notifications of such a takeover were publicly made, Council made the active decision to reduce its exposure to Suncorp and not invest ‘new’ funds with Suncorp. There are five Term Deposits and two Bonds with Suncorp that mature between 2026 through to 2027.

 

·    Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 30% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel Lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 7% in Socially Responsible Investments, 45% in Green investments and 18% in Fossil Fuel Lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs).

 

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 safeguard 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/Floating Rate Notes 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 $228.3M, $0.2M higher than the prior month market value of $228.1M. 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 5.05% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.54% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.96% pa on a marked-to-market basis.

 

In August, it was a tale of two halves as financial markets were sold off early in the month before recovering in the final two weeks. Key economic indicators continue to point towards a soft landing and markets have been quick to position for a lower interest rate environment. 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.

 

Suncorp Bank investments

In the June Investment report, an update of the ANZ takeover of Suncorp was provided. Since the report, on 31 July 2024, ANZ’s takeover of Suncorp Bank was formalised, and ratings agency S&P upgraded Suncorp’s long-term credit rating to that of its parent company immediately (now rated AA-). Council’s exposure to Suncorp is now reflected under the parent company being ANZ.

 

Since ANZ Bank is classified as a lender in the fossil-fuel industry, the completion of the Suncorp Bank takeover has resulted in these investments contravening the ethical investment category. This is supported in Council’s Investment Policy under Clause 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 $142,303 as of 10 September 2024.

 

 

Council’s Investment Policy under Clause 11 also 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;”

 

Subsequently, please refer to the September 2024 Investment report for an update.

 

Changes in the value of our portfolio

The maturities were:

·    Bank of Queensland TD ($5.0M 1 month 4.34%pa).

 

New trades were:

·    Bank of Queensland TDs ($5.0M 1 month 4.35%pa).

 

Council is looking to lock in rates close to or above 4.50% p.a. across a 1–5 year tenure (staggered approach) that may provide some income protection against a potentially lower rate environment in the future.

 

Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 30% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 7% of the portfolio in Socially Responsible Investments, 45% of the portfolio in Green investments and 18% in Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs).

 

 

Following ANZ’s takeover of Suncorp on 31 July 2024, all of Suncorp’s assets previously classified as Non-Fossil Fuel Lending is now flagged as Fossil Fuel Lending.

 

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 the period ending 31 August 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 August were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations. As noted above, the Suncorp investments now classified as Fossil Fuel Investments are not in line with the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds

Council’s 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.

 

Due to the 2023/24 Financial Year End process currently in progress, the split between the External and Internal Restrictions are not available at this time.

 

Other Investment Information

The chart below shows the average Term Deposit bids available for Council over the next five years.

 

 

In the deposit market, over August, the average deposit rates offered by the major banks dropped significantly as rate cut expectations were brought forward. Most notably, at the longer end of the curve (1-5 years), the average bids offered by the major banks dropped between 40-60 basis points from where they were in July. The deposit curve is significantly inverse with rates now peaking at the 6 month term and then dropping across 1-5 year horizon (with the lowest rates offered in the 3 year tenor), as the market aggressively factors in multiple rate cuts over the coming year.

 

Domestic issues:

·      The RBA kept rates on hold in its meeting in August as widely expected, saying it remains “vigilant to upside risks to inflation”. The most important addition to the post-Meeting Statement was the line “policy will need to be sufficiently restrictive until the Board is confident that inflation is moving sustainably towards the target range”, suggesting the RBA’s default is to keep policy unchanged until that confidence builds.

·    The Monthly CPI indicator fell to +3.5% y/y in July from +3.8% (consensus +3.4%), driven by the fall in electricity prices following the introduction of new subsidies (electricity fell -6.4% m/m, vs +0.9% without the subsidies).

·    Australia’s employment growth for July rose by 58.2k vs. 20k expected. Despite this strong employment growth, the unemployment rate increased to 4.2% (rising 0.1% from June) reflective of the increase in the participation rate to a record level of 67.1%.

·    The RBA remains on a tightening bias after keeping rates on hold in August. The Governor again pushed back against market pricing for immediate rate cuts. The Board’s conditions for a cut are unlikely to be in place in the near-term. Governor Bullock, while affirming the RBA assessed policy as restrictive, acknowledged they were perhaps less restrictive than other central banks, and as a result had less room to cut rates while maintaining restrictive settings.

·    Financial markets have pushed forward their expectations of rate cuts, with the first cut pencilled in by February 2025, and around 100 basis points of cuts priced by the end of 2025.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial implications to be considered are the net loss from the sale of Suncorp Bank bonds and Floating Rate Notes which equate to $142,303 as of 10 September 2024.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - August 2024

2.

Inner West Council Investment Report - August 2024

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 



























Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




























Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 17

Subject:              Tempe Train Station           

Prepared By:      Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager and David Paton - Engineering Services Manager  

Authorised By:  Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Council has written to the Minister for Transport regarding the urgent need for safety and accessibility upgrades at Tempe Train Station.

Subsequently, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has been working with Inner West Council (IWC), Sydney Trains and Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) to identify and implement quick delivery improvements to Tempe Station and surrounds to facilitate the expected increase in active transport journeys to Tempe Station during Sydenham to Bankstown line closure.

 

This includes, maintenance of light fittings, surface repairs, vegetation trimming, refreshed line marking and general clean up, review of station lighting and CCTV, and removal of graffiti and rubbish from railway infrastructure.

 

Council officers have also reviewed the feasibility of upgrading the existing shared path under the Illawarra Line Railway Bridge and it was noted that the path was upgraded in 2016 and further upgrades are not feasible due to the adjacent railway infrastructure, services and tidal effects. However, a number of improvements have been undertaken to the shared path including improved linemarking and signage, replacement of the damaged convex safety mirror and trimming of vegetation to improve pedestrian and cyclist sightlines.

 

The upgrade of the Griffiths Street stairs was also reviewed and is constrained by topography and the presence of trees. An upgrade of the stairs in not feasible in the short term and the project will be further reviewed for inclusion in a future capital works program.

 

Transport for NSW deliver accessibility upgrades at stations across NSW under the Safe Accessible Transport program.

 

Tempe and Lewisham Train Stations are the last remaining stations in the LGA that do not have lift access and Transport for NSW have announced that planning is underway to install lifts at Lewisham Station under the Safe Accessible Transport program.

 

Council has been advised by Transport for NSW that Tempe Station is not currently scheduled for an accessibility upgrade, but it is being considered for future accessibility upgrades.

 

 

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 25 June 2024, Council resolved the following:

 

1.   That Council writes to the Minister for Transport to request the following urgent upgrades to Tempe Train Station to increase safety and amenity in response to serious safety concerns raised by the community:

a)   Install safe lighting and security cameras around the station;

b)   Open view-lines and connections, including widening the pathway and stairs up to Griffiths Street;

c)   Thin the now dense forest of mainly casuarinas around the Griffiths Street entrance to improve sightlines;

d)   Improve landscaping and bike facilities;

e)   Fix broken fences and barriers; and

f)    Remove graffiti from the railway infrastructure.

 

2.   That Council officers bring a report back to the August meeting of Council, providing outcomes of discussions with TfNSW including the Minister’s response to Council’s request for urgent upgrades to Tempe train station.

 

3.   That Council investigates widening the shared bike and pedestrian pathway around Tempe Station and under the Bayview Street Railway Bridge to create a safer environment and to cater for the anticipated increase in journeys to and from Tempe Station during the proposed temporary closure of the T3 Line.

 

4.   That Council officers bring a report back to the August meeting of Council about the proposed widening of the shared bike and pedestrian pathway around Tempe Station and under Bayview Street Railway Bridge.

 

It is noted that the urgency of this work was driven by the 12-month closure of the T3 Sydenham to Bankstown rail line which occurred 30 September 2024. The closure of the line is required to facilitate the upgrade of the line to Metro rail and is expected to increase patronage at the Tempe Train Station.

 

At the Council meeting held 3 September 2024, Council additionally resolved:

 

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 2024 Council meeting, outlining the Minister’s response to Council’s request for a lift at Tempe train station.

 

 

DISCUSSION

As per the Council resolutions, Council wrote to the Minister for Transport regarding the need for urgent safety and accessibility upgrades to Tempe Station. Following this, Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) project team have been working closely with Council officers, Sydney Trains and Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) to deliver improvements to Tempe Station and surrounds as a part of the Sydenham to Bankstown line closure, and supporting activities to promote walking and bike riding across Sydney’s southwest and the Inner West.

 

The response from the Minister for Transport has been provided in Attachment 1.

Figure 1 – Locality Plan

 

Tempe Train Station Car Park

A range of maintenance and repair activities have been completed by Transport for NSW at Tempe Station car park including replacing light fittings, surface repairs, vegetation trimming and tree trimming around light fittings, refreshed line marking and general clean up, review of station lighting and CCTV, and removal of graffiti and rubbish from railway infrastructure.

 

Transport notes that maintenance of the car park is Inner West Council’s responsibility under a pre-existing lease arrangement with Marrickville Council from 1982. Council officers are currently investigating and will work through this arrangement with TfNSW and TAHE.

 

With regard to bicycle facilities, TfNSW has also installed new bike parking at Tempe Station including 9 new bike hoops and a demarcated area allocated for shared e-bike parking. TfNSW is also reviewing potential upgrades to the pedestrian and bicycle facilities that pass through the car park which connect to the shared path along Cooks River to the Richardsons Crescent shared path and Tempe Station.

 

Image 1a and 1b – Tempe Station Car Park – Post works

 

 

Shared Bike and Pedestrian Path under Illawarra Line Railway Bridge

The existing shared bicycle and pedestrian pathway was upgraded in 2016 with a project budget of $400,000, taking 6 months to complete. The pathway under the bridge is highly constrained, which required a complex design to maximise the path width, avoid services (including gas main) and prevent inundation of the path from tidal impacts. This was achieved through the construction of a waterproof retaining wall (levee wall) and pump system.

 

It is therefore not considered feasible to widen the path further. However, a number of improvements have been undertaken to the shared path including refreshing shared path linemarking and signage, replacing the damaged convex safety mirror and trimming of vegetation to improve pedestrian and cyclist sightlines. In addition, a rumble strip linemarking treatment has been provided to identify the conflict point and slow cyclists on approach to the pathway under the Illawarra Line Railway Bridge.

 

Image 2 – Shared Bike path under Illawarra line Railway Bridge (Tempe)

 

Image 3 – Approach to Shared Bike path under Illawarra line Railway Bridge (Tempe) – Post linemarking works

 

 

 

Griffiths Street stairs

There is an existing sandstone staircase connecting pedestrians from the lower-level Kendrick Park through to Griffiths Street. There would be substantial amount of work required to upgrade these stairs given site topography, the presence of existing trees and the condition of the existing staircase.

 

These works have not been budgeted for and it is not feasible to undertake the design and delivery work required to upgrade this staircase during the Sydenham to Bankstown closure. Council officers are currently scoping the project for consideration in a future capital works program.

 

Image 4 – Griffiths Street stairs

 

Tempe Train Station Lifts

Transport for NSW deliver accessibility upgrades at stations across NSW under the Safe Accessible Transport program which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility problems.

 

Tempe and Lewisham Train Stations are the last remaining stations in the LGA that do not have lift access and Transport for NSW have announced that planning is underway to install lifts at Lewisham Station under the Safe Accessible Transport program.

 

Council has been advised by Transport for NSW that Tempe Station is not currently scheduled for an accessibility upgrade, but it is being considered for future accessibility upgrades. Transport for NSW has undertaken a strategic assessment to identify the work required for an accessibility upgrade at the station should funding be provided for delivery of an upgrade in future.

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Linemarking and signage works noted along the Shared Path around Tempe Station have been funded from Council’s operational budgets.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Response from the Minister for Transport regarding Tempe Train Station

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 18

Subject:              Post Exhibition - Planning Principles for the Inner West           

Prepared By:      Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Strategic 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

 

Between 21 June and 6 August 2024, engagement was undertaken on Principles for Planning in the Inner West to address Council resolution (C0524(1) Item 49). In total 1,221 submissions were received through the Your Say Inner West (YSIW) page survey, email, and interactive map. The Engagement Outcomes Report for this engagement is provided in Attachment 1.

 

There was general support from the community for the following planning principles:

·    Council support of the NSW Government’s Policy to provide 30% of housing on government owned land to be maintained in perpetuity as public housing (77%)

·    Incentives for conversion of land owned by religious and faith-based organisations to social and affordable housing (75%)

·    Setting a target of 1000 more new public housing dwellings being delivered on government and Inner West Council owned land (72%)

·    Deliver local place-based planning controls (70%)

·    Protecting and expanding existing employment lands to attract increased employment and new industries (64%)

·    Upzoning of precincts around the following train stations

·    Ashfield (75%)

·    Marrickville (71%)

·    Dulwich Hill (66%)

·    Croydon (64%)

 

BACKGROUND

At the Council Meeting held on 21 May 2024, Council resolved the following in part:

 

3.   The proposed principles of the Local Environmental Plan will include:

a)   delivering place-based planning through local planning controls; 

b)   upzoning of precincts around Ashfield, Croydon, Dulwich Hill, and Marrickville train stations; 

c)   support for increased densities on main streets through shop top housing in order to protect high value heritage conservation areas from upzoning; 

d)   providing density incentives for the amalgamation of lands in areas identified for upzoning; 

e)   increased residential densities around light rail stations; 

f)    the finalisation of the Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 program through the rezoning of parts of Leichhardt, Taverners Hill and Kings Bay precincts; 

g)   support for the suburb of Haberfield being listed on the State Heritage register and being excluded from upzoning; 

h)   support for the Master Planning of the Bays Precinct with dwelling targets to be determined on Government owned land prior to consideration of any additional rezoning in adjoining suburbs; 

i)    support for the NSW Government policy of 30% of all new housing on government owned land to be maintained in perpetuity as public housing; 

j)    setting a target of 1,000 or more new public housing dwellings to be delivered on State Government and Council owned land; 

k)   incentives for the conversion of land owned by religious and faith-based organisations for social and affordable housing; 

l)    progression of the new Special Entertainment Precincts which Council is currently undertaking consultation on; 

m)  protecting and expanding existing employment lands to attract increased employment and new industries; and 

n)   incorporating the State Government’s Pattern Book for improved design into Council’s planning controls.

 

5.   That Council undertake community consultation and engagement on the principles of the Local Environmental Plan

 

DISCUSSION

Public notification for the Principles for Planning in the Inner West included:

 

·    Letterbox drop of notification flyer to every property in the Inner West (118,698 properties)

·    Mail out of notification flyer to every property owner residing outside the Inner West (approximately 21,000 letters)

 

The flyer directed the community to the Your Say Inner West webpage - Principles for Planning in the Inner West, which included background information for the consultation, including a document library and timeline of key dates.

 

The community was able to provide feedback via an online survey and interactive map on the Your Say page, or by written submissions to Council. 

 

The community response to the consultation resulted in:

·    924 online surveys completed

·    260 contributions on the interactive map

·    37 written submissions by email

 

The general community sentiment acknowledges the need to increase housing supply whilst balancing the conservation of local heritage and character of the Inner West. It also recognises the need for additional infrastructure and community facilities to support growth in the Inner West.

 

The key findings from the consultation are summarised below.

 

There was general support from the community for the following planning principles:

·    Council support of the NSW Government’s Policy to provide 30% of housing on government owned land to be maintained in perpetuity as public housing (77%)

·    Incentives for conversion of land owned by religious and faith-based organisations to social and affordable housing (75%)

·    Setting a target of 1000 more new public housing dwellings being delivered on government and Inner West Council owned land (72%)

·    Deliver local place-based planning controls (70%)

·    Protecting and expanding existing employment lands to attract increased employment and new industries (64%)

·    Upzoning of precincts around the following train stations

·    Ashfield (75%)

·    Marrickville (71%)

·    Dulwich Hill (66%)

·    Croydon (64%)

Note:  General support refers to those who answered agree completely, very much agree, or moderately agree to the relevant survey question.

 

While there was general support from the community for the following planning principles, there was also a significant portion of the community who did not agree with the statement at all:

·    Increased densities in town centres and on main streets through shop top housing should be investigated in order to protect high value heritage conservation areas from upzoning (66% agree; 20% do not agree at all)

·    Increased residential densities around light rail stations (64% agree; 21% do not agree at all)

·    High value heritage conservation areas should be protected from upzoning (62% agree; 28% do not agree at all)

·    Providing density incentives to amalgamate lots in areas identified for upzoning (59% agree, 25% do not agree at all)

·    Government owned land in the Bays Precinct should be the focus of upzoning prior to consideration of any additional rezoning in adjoining suburbs (58% agree; 28% do not agree at all)

·    Upzoning of precincts around the following train stations

·    Croydon (64% agree; 21% do not agree at all)

 

While there was majority support for increasing residential densities around light rail stations support for specific stations ranged from 32-46%. The light rail stations where over 40% of respondents though residential densities should be increase included Leichhardt North, Lilyfield, Dulwich Hill, Rozelle Bay, and Taverners Hill.

 

Although 61% of the respondents agreed with incorporating the State Government’s Pattern Book for improved design into Council’s planning controls; 14% did not agree at all and 16% did not know or were unsure.

 

While 48% of respondents agreed with Council’s support of Haberfield heritage conservation area being listed on the State Heritage Register and excluded from any change in density, 36% of respondents did not agree at all.

 

The additional infrastructure and community facilities identified as most required to support the higher population resulting from increased housing supply in the Inner West were:

·    Open and recreational spaces

·    Public transport

·    Schools

·    Active transport

 

 

 

The key themes to consider as part of future planning work relating to housing and employment investigations include:

·    locate new housing and additional density near transport hubs

·    provide adequate infrastructure for new residents

·    provide a range of diverse and accessible housing typologies

·    provision of public, social, and affordable housing

·    balance the heritage values of the area with new development; this includes protecting existing heritage in addition to reviewing the existing heritage significance in some areas

·    maintain on-street parking provisions for existing residents and balance the need to provide off-street parking for new residents

·    commitment to sustainability including provision for EV charging in new developments

·    expand tree canopy in the Inner West.

 

Other key considerations include:

·    manage adverse impact on existing residents / neighbourhood character

·    improve development assessment and strategic planning processes including community engagement

·    improve quality of buildings / more regulation

 

Next Steps

The outcomes of this engagement will inform the housing investigations currently being undertaken to meet the NSW Government’s deadline of December 2024 for the alternate approach to Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in Ashfield, Croydon, Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill.  Council’s future housing investigation work will also consider the areas and themes raised by the community as part of this engagement.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

Attachment 1 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Engagement Outcomes Report - Planning Principles - Published separately on Council’s website

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 19

Subject:              Faith Based Housing Roundtable           

Prepared By:      Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Strategic 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

On 15 August 2024, Council held an Affordable Housing Roundtable in partnership with Faith Housing Alliance at Marrickville Pavilion. It is estimated that approximately 228 properties in the Inner West are owned by religious organisations.

 

Councillors and Council officers were able to discuss genuine changes to the planning system in the Inner West that could assist in the delivery of affordable housing in land owned by faith-based organisations.

 

BACKGROUND

Facilitating affordable housing on land owned by faith-based organisations is a key component of Inner West’s response to the current housing crisis. This is reflected in the following Council resolutions:

 

At the Council meeting held on 8 August 2023, Council resolved the following in part:

 

3.   That Council investigate opportunities to work with churches and other religious organisations and charities that own land in the Inner West Local Government Area on how this land could be utilised to deliver affordable and community-based housing.

 

At the Council meeting held on 21 May 2024, Council resolved the following in part:

 

2.   That Council finalise a new Local Environmental Plan to be submitted to the NSW Government by the end of 2024. The principles of the Local Environmental Plan will include:

k)   incentives for the conversion of land owned by religious and faith-based organisations for social and affordable housing

 

To better understand the types of incentives that would assist faith-based organisations deliver affordable housing on their land, invitations were extended to member organisations of Faith Housing Alliance including community housing providers and non-government organisations (NGOs) to attend a roundtable with Inner West Council staff.

 

DISCUSSION

Councillors, Council officers and members of Faith Housing Alliance gathered at Marrickville Pavilion on 15 August 2024 for the roundtable. Speakers from the Faith Housing Alliance included:

·    Rose Thomson – CEO, Faith Housing Alliance

·    Dr Rob Stokes – Chair, Faith Housing Alliance

·    Priscilla Tran – Manager, Urban Renewal – Sydney Anglican Property

·    James Bichard – Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

·    Scott Griffiths – Fresh Hope

 

Participants engaged in a group discussion about opportunities for the conversion of land owned by faith-based organisations for social and affordable housing.

 

What we heard

Participants aspire to deliver residential development that ranges from specialist housing, such as emergency housing and aged care, to larger, mixed tenure developments that cater to a diverse range of occupants. Participants envision developments that retain and incorporate existing infrastructure, such as childcare centres and community halls, as well as provide new facilities to support the densification of the precincts.

 

Participants expressed interest in incentives to encourage greater faith based social and affordable housing to include:

·    Reducing or waiving fees associated with assessment and operation of affordable housing including development application fees, council rates, parking space levies, and development contributions given the social benefits associated with their use

·    Changes to planning controls in both the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan. Specific suggested changes include:

Allowing housing generally as a permitted use on faith-based land. There was a concern that only permitting affordable housing could compromise the feasibility of a project which may require a component of market housing to be incorporated to support the overall project.

Lower or more flexible minimum parking requirements as this can significantly reduce building costs as typically a basement and the associated earthworks is not required.

Incentive density, floor space ratio and building height bonuses to encourage the provision of affordable housing. This would need to be beyond the existing bonuses available in the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy that already is available to encourage social and affordable housing in NSW

Exclusion of community facilities from floor space ratio calculations given their social benefit

·    Increased collaboration with Council which could be achieved through a concierge service that assists community housing providers throughout the development application process and to act as one stop shop dedicated resource to assist the sector

·    Flexibility in application of development controls e.g. parking requirements determined according to site conditions, proximity to alternative transport and expected demand given the focus of the proposed uses being social and affordable housing which generally have lower car parking desire profiles than market housing.

 

Participants identified barriers to the delivery of housing on faith-based land. These include:

·    Challenges with site amalgamation due to smaller allotments and fragmented ownership in the surrounding area

·    Complex development assessment process and rigid application of development controls which make it difficult to achieve the desired design outcome of community housing providers

·    Restrictions on heritage listed properties – e.g. protection of building interiors – which do not allow for adaptive reuse which is critical to allow affordable residential uses into the site

·    Development controls restricting floor space ratio (FSR) and height of buildings to levels that are not feasible

·    Managing resistance to change and community opposition to increased density in their area

·    Achieving feasibility is a challenge in many developments in the inner city given high land prices, including for faith based housing projects

·    Length of time taken to rezone land and the potential for delays

·    Inconsistent standards for community housing providers depending on their tier (size). Council should note that lower tier providers can provide a targeted local benefit.

 

Next steps

Council will review the current planning framework of land owned by faith-based organisations as part of a future administrative review of Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022. The feedback provided at the roundtable will be relied upon to inform the approaches developed, as consideration is being given to the most efficient and effective way of providing for social and affordable housing on this land. Council officers will continue to work with landowners and the faith housing alliance to achieve this goal.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Presentations - Faith Housing Alliance Roundtable

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 


























Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 20

Subject:              Rozelle Village (former Balmain Leagues Club) - State Significant Development Application           

Prepared By:      Rachel Josey - Operations and Special Projects 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:

 

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On 3 October 2024 and 10 October 2024, Council officers made first a preliminary and then a comprehensive objection to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in response to the proposed State Significant Development Application (SSD-68298726), at Rozelle Village (former Balmain Leagues Club).  

 

The summary of the objection is as follows: 

 

1.   Non-Compliance with the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan 2000 – Part 3 Amended controls on specific sites 

2.   The justification of the significant departure from the Floor Space Ratio development standard for residential development is not well founded. 

3.   Non-Compliance with Clause 20 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 

4.   Adverse Traffic generation and impacts to Waterloo Street 

5.   Non-Compliance with State Environmental Planning Policy No. 65 and Apartment Design Guide 

6.   Inadequate information to the Provision of affordable housing . 

7.   Non-Compliance with the Leichhardt Development Control Plan – Site Specific DCP 

8.   Unresolved Planning Agreement  

9.   Inadequate Notification of properties 

 

BACKGROUND

 

The site (identified below) has been the subject of previous Development Application approvals and modification.  

 

 

Figure 1: Aerial view of subject site – (Source: Nearmap) 

 

 

Figure 2: Identification of allotments that comprise the subject site – (Source: Inner West Council) 

 

·      138-152 Victoria Road Rozelle (being Lot 1 DP 528045)  

·      154-156 Victoria Road Rozelle (being Lot 1 DP 109047)  

·      697 Darling Street Rozelle (being Lot 104 DP 733658)  

·      1-7 Waterloo Street Rozelle (being Lots 101 & 102 DP629133, Lot 37 & 38 DP 421 and Lot 36 DP190866)  

 

Development consent was granted for a mixed-use development, under D/2018/219, by the Sydney Eastern Planning Panel (the Planning Panel) on 10 September 2020. A modification to this Development Application (DA), under MOD/2022/0447, was also approved by the same Panel. 

 

 

 

 

This consent remains valid, as does the associated Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) that is registered on title, which in summary provides the following;

·      monetary contributions for community grants,

·      affordable housing and

·      in lieu of s7.11 contributions;

income from public parking for 25 years;

25 year lease of 200sqm of commercial space for $1/year;

Town Square for 4 single public events at no charge; and

Victoria Road and Waterloo Street footpath widening. 

 

The State Significant Development Application (SSD-68298726) was lodged with Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in August 2024 for redevelopment of the former Balmain Leagues Club as a mixed-use development, comprising demolition, construction of 3 x 14 to 16 storey buildings, with commercial uses, club, retail, public open space, market housing and affordable housing. Following is a link to the application on the Major Projects section of the NSW Planning Portal – https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/rozelle-village-mixed-use-development-affordable-housing 

   

On 6 September 2024, DPHI placed this application on exhibition for 28 days with the exhibition period ending on 4 October 2024. The application indicates that demolition, site preparation, and earthwork would be carried out under D/2018/219, except where specifically proposed under the SSD application. Attached is a map identifying properties notified by DPHI.

 

The assessment of the application is being carried out by DPHI. 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The proposed development is submitted as an ‘Amending SSDA’ which seeks consent to amend D/2018/219 to increase the basement footprint and parking requirements, modify the approved floor plans to revise the apartment mix and total dwelling numbers, make minor modifications to the approved architectural design, and include an additional 75 apartments including 59 new affordable dwellings (to be used as affordable housing for a minimum 15 years). 

 

The proposed development in its entirety includes the construction of a 14-16-storey mixed-use development, comprising three basement levels for car parking and associated facilities and share a non-residential podium, three interconnected residential apartment buildings, a 2-3 storey building for three live/work units, four apartments along Waterloo Street, and a network of publicly accessible open space and landscaping. 

 


 

 

The table below is a copy from the submitted Statement of Environmental Effects that provides a comparison between the approved and proposed developments: 

 

 

​Table 3 Previous Approval Comparison  

​Component  

​Previous DA Approval (as modified)  

​Subject SSDA  

​Change  

​FSR  

​Retail and supermarket – 0.74:1  

​Retail and supermarket – 0.74:1  

​No change  

 

​Club – 0.39:1  

​Club – 0.39:1  

​No change  

​Commercial and Live work – 0.20:1  

​Commercial and Live work – 0.20:1  

​No change  

​Residential – 2.54:1  

​Market – 2.94:1  

​Affordable – 0.76:1  

​Change  

​Total: 3.88:1  

​Total: 5.03:1  

​Change  

​GFA (total)  

​28,417sqm 

​36,941sqm 

​Change  

​Height  

​Maximum allowable under LLEP  

​2000 is RL 82m  

​Building Core A – RL 81.70m  

​Building B – RL 81.20m  

​Building C – RL74.600m  

​Maximum allowable under LLEP  

​2000 is RL 94.81m  

​Building A – RL 94.515m  

​Building B – RL93.700m  

​Building C – RL90.500m  

​Along Waterloo Street (maximum)  

​12.4m above street level  

​Along Darling Street – RL50.618m  

​Change  

 

 

​Dwelling Numbers  

​152 – No affordable housing  

​227 (incl. 59 affordable housing units, equating to 15% of the total dwellings)  

​Change  

 

​Studio - 2

​1 bed – 17

​2 bed – 83

​3 bed – 47

Live work apartment – 3  

 

 

The above dwellings include the provision of the following:

 

​Adaptable – 15 (10%)  

​Liveable – 30 (20%)  

​Studio - 2

​1 bed – 28  

​2 bed – 126

​3 bed – 68

Live work apartments - 3  

The above dwellings include the provision of the following:

 

​Adaptable – 24 (10%)  

​Liveable – 46 (20%)  

​Affordable housing – 59 (15%) 

 

​Car Parking  

​Residential: 141  

​213  

​Change  

 

​Non-residential: 189  

​190  

​Minor change  

 

​Total: 324  

​Total: 398  

​Minor change 

 

 

3D image showing previous approval under MOD/2022/0447  

​ 

 Proposed development

Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) 

 

As mentioned, a VPA was negotiated as part of the original application and registered on title in accordance with conditions for consent. The VPA was considered and endorsed by the Inner West Council in 2020 in accordance with the required Council policy. 

 

The applicant anticipates that the existing VPA under the previous application will need to be replaced with reference to the relevant SSDA number, i.e. it is not proposed to increase or renegotiate the VPA notwithstanding the increase in the proposed development. The applicant assumes that DPHI may impose further condition of consent in relation to the Housing and Productivity Contribution which did not apply under the previous application and now does – however this is a contribution to State Government and not to Council. 

 

Submission by Council officers 

 

On 3 October 2024, Council officers submitted a preliminary submission in objection to DPHI. On 10 October 2024, a comprehensive objection was lodged which in summary raised the following key issues: 

 

1.   Non-Compliance with the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan 2000 – Part 3 Amended controls on specific sites 

2.   The justification of the significant departure from the Floor Space Ratio development standard for residential development is not well founded. 

3.   Non-Compliance with Clause 20 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 

4.   Adverse Traffic generation and impacts to Waterloo Street 

5.   Non-Compliance with State Environmental Planning Policy No. 65 and Apartment Design Guide 

6.   Inadequate information to the Provision of affordable housing . 

7.   Non-Compliance with the Leichhardt Development Control Plan – Site Specific DCP 

8.   Unresolved Planning Agreement  

9.   Inadequate Notification of properties 

 

As Inner West Council has ‘objected’ to the proposal it will now be determined by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), unless the objection is withdrawn. 

 

​Copies of the submissions are attached. 

 

Submissions/Public Exhibition 

 

As per the State Significant Development Guidelines under 6. Exhibiting an EIS, all State Significant Development Applications are notified for 28 days (The application was on exhibition between 6 September 2024 and 4 October 2024). The guidelines also states that During the exhibition period, anyone can make a submission on the DA. 

 

In regards to the number of days required for community participation, this is governed by Schedule 1 Community participation requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act EP&A Act which outlines that: 

 

9   Application for development consent for State significant development(cf previous s 89F) 

Minimum public exhibition period for an application for development consent for State significant development—28 days. 

 

Therefore the 28 day exhibition period nominated by the Department is consistent with the EP&A Act. 

 

Council officers originally requested an extension to 25 October 2024 to submit the final objection, and to enable Council to consider lodging an endorsed submission. DPHI granted an extension to 10 October 2024, however required a preliminary position during the exhibition period.  

 

​Council officers recently sought clarification from DPHI as to whether they will consider a late submission should the Council wish to make a further submission. DPHI responded stating: 

 

”In respect to a submission from councillors – at this point, any further submission from council will be considered feedback, and not be considered as a formal submission. The department is happy to accept this feedback and it will be considered as part of the assessment.” 

 

​Next steps

 

DPHI have requested the applicant to respond to submissions. It is noted that in responding to submissions, DPHI are yet to receive comment to the application from Ausgrid, the Biodiversity, Conservation and Science (BCS), NSW Police or Transport for NSW. 

Council’s Architectural Excellence Design Review Panel will review the proposal and these comments will be forwarded to DPHI. 

 

Demolition Works 

 

Council has been advised that demolition works on the site have commenced with the proposed timeline of completion in late November 2024.  

 

A Briefing Note prepared by Heworth is attached which details actions taken and to be taken as part of the demolition. The Development Application approval conditions of consent are also enforceable.  

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

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

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Objection to SSD Application - 3 October 2024

2.

Submission to SSD Application - 10 October 2024

3.

Heworth Briefing Note

4.

Rozelle Village Notification Map

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 


























Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 



Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 21

Subject:              Gambling Harm Minimisation           

Prepared By:      Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning 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:

 

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

 

  

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Following a Council resolution on 13 December 2022, Council hosted a Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable on 1 August 2024. The purpose of this roundtable was to develop a community education and awareness campaign on gambling harm minimisation and to provide presentations from key stakeholders in relation to current initiatives and Council’s role. Council convened the discussion and fifteen participants attended.  Following the roundtable, a program of work promoting services and resources for reducing gambling harm is being developed and implemented. This includes specific initiatives with the Office of Responsible Gambling and local organisations. 

 

BACKGROUND

 

At the Council meeting held on 13 December 2022, Council resolved the following:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Write to the Premier of NSW and the Leader of the NSW Opposition supporting calls for a broad scale trial of cashless gaming and harm reduction payment systems for electronic gaming machines. 

2.   Continue to annually apply to the Office of Responsible Gambling for at least one grant a year for a harm minimisation project designed in consultation with the Inner West community.

3.   Continue an annual Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable, open to the public, one focus of which is to develop a community education and awareness campaign in regard to gambling harm minimisation, to be co-chaired by Councillors Atkins and Lockie: and

4.   Commend and publicise all pubs and clubs in the Inner West that are proudly pokies free, including – but not limited to – the Pratten Park Bowling Club, the Concordia Club, Crowbar Leichhardt, the Duke Enmore, the Annandale Hotel, the Petersham Bowling Club, Carlisle Castle Hotel and The Henson.

 

 

 

 

 

At the Council meeting held on 3 September 2024, Council resolved the following:

 

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; and

b)   promoting Gambling Awareness Week events in Council’s communication channels, including Inner West News, Council’s website and social media.

The Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable took place at the Marrickville Pavilion on 1 August 2024 and was attended by fifteen participants including representatives from organisations including the Office of Responsible Gambling, Wesley Mission, Alliance for Gambling Reform, Mission Australia, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, Marrickville Legal Centre, Community & Cultural Connections, and an Aboriginal community liaison officer from the Ashfield local police command. The roundtable’s purpose was to discuss community education and awareness on gambling harm minimisation exploring the following:

·    available support for those affected

·    improving collaboration in the Inner West on reducing gambling harm

·    exploring local action for reducing gambling harm.

 

Attendees heard presentations from Vivien MacJohn of local support service GambleAware and Allison Parkinson, the Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling. These key speakers outlined support available to people experiencing gambling harm in the Inner West, and the broader education and awareness campaigns produced by the Office available for use in the community.  

 

Facilitated discussions were also undertaken under the themes of:

·    exploring local actions to reduce gambling harm

·    Council’s role in reducing gambling harm.

 

DISCUSSION

 

Council has the following gambling harm minimisation actions underway: 

·    Gamble Aware Week (21-27 October 2024) preparations include working with GambleAware to create a community information event for community organisations  

·    Promote through interagency meetings the services available through GambleAware and the resources available from the Office of Responsible Gambling, including the parent’s campaign, parents’ workshops, harm minimisation workshops for community workers and GambleAware outreach in schools. The Inner West Multicultural Network and the youth interagency are starting points for this promotion.  

·    The Aboriginal Community Wellbeing Officer will build connections with those networks  

·    The Community Wellbeing team is sharing further information on gambling harm minimisation opportunities via the newsletters which reach hundreds of local teams/organisations/schools 

·    Ensuring Council’s website includes material regarding Gambling Harm Minimisation 

·    Engagement with Fairfield Council on potential areas of collaboration. 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

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

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 22

Subject:              Disclosures of Interest for Designated Persons 2023-2024 - ARIC Members       

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 Disclosure of Interest Returns lodged by the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) independent members for 30 June 2023 – 30 June 2024 period and first returns for the newly appointed members.

 

BACKGROUND

The Returns have been submitted in accordance with the requirements of Council’s Model Code of Conduct and the ARIC Terms of Reference. 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 or committee members.

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s ARIC Terms of Reference, adopted in June 2025, nominates ARIC independent members as Designated Persons for the purposes of Council’s Code of Conduct. Therefore, they must complete and submit returns in line with the Code. A first return must be completed within three months of appointment as an ARIC independent member and then within three months of 30 June each year.

 

In November 2023, the Office of Local Government released the Risk Management and Internal Audit for local government in NSW Guidelines that suggested ARIC independent members should be Designated Persons. Subsequently, the independent members of Council’s ARIC completed their first returns in November 2023.

 

Ilona Myer (Chair) and Mark Sercombe have completed annual returns for 2023-24.

 

Heather Smith and Emily Hodgson were appointed to ARIC by a decision at the Council meeting of 3 September 2024. They have completed their first returns.

 

These returns must be tabled at a meeting of Council following the lodgement.

 

In line with the mandatory proactive release provisions of the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act and Regulations these returns will be published on Council’s website as soon as practicable. Returns will also be available for viewing on request.  A general redaction of all private details such as addresses, financial figures and names of relatives have been applied to all forms consistent with GIPA requirements and Council’s Redaction Explanatory Guide.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications in relation to the tabling of the annual Disclosure of Interest Returns.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests 2024-2025 - Ilona Meyer_Redacted

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests 2024-2025 - Mark Sercombe_Redacted

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests 2024-2025 - Heather Smith_Redacted

4.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests 2024-2025 - Emily Hodgson_Redacted

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 









Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 








Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 








Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 23

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Motions for Local Government NSW Conference           

From:                  Councillor Liz Atkins  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council endorses the attached motions to be submitted to the Local Government NSW 2024 Annual Conference.

 

2.   That the General Manager be delegated the authority to make any minor amendments to the wording of the motions if requested by LGNSW and agreed to by the mover of the motion.

 

Background

 

The LGNSW Conference will take place in Tamworth from 17 to 19 November 2024. The final date to submit motions is 20 October 2024. LGNSW have advised the General Manager that they will accept these motions if passed at our 22 October 2024 meeting.

 

Three motions are attached:

 

1.   Supporting our early learning centres to comply with the requirements of National Quality Standards (NQS) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

 

2.   Guidelines on the censorship of libraries and art

 

3.   Ensuring labour standards for disabled workers are award compliant 

 

Relevant background is set out in each attachment.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Supporting our early learning centres to comply with the requirements of National Quality Standards (NQS) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

2.

Guidelines on the censorship of libraries and art

3.

Ensuring labour standards for disabled workers are award compliant

 

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 




Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 



Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 24

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Inner West Labor Policy Platform           

From:                  Councillors Mat Howard and Philippa Scott  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council notes the policy objectives put forward by the Labor Councillors as detailed in the report.

 

2.   That Council notes that these objectives enhance and support the Community Strategy Plan.

 

3.   That Council incorporates these policy objectives when drafting Council's four-year Delivery Plan and annual Operational Plan and Budget.

 

 

Background

 

Financial management

 

Budget surplus

Continue our plan to bring the Inner West budget back into surplus

Keep rates low

No rate increase above government indexation for the next four years

Rate smoothing

Pay your rates in small, even, regular payments

Strengthen access to pensioner rebate

Increase publicity for the pensioner rebate and investigate options to expand it

Insourcing of council functions

Develop a plan to transition core areas of council service provision to directly-employment

Apprenticeships

Continue the trend of doubling the number of apprenticeships and traineeships offered by Council from 8 pre-2021, to 16 in the last terms of Council, to 32 in next term of Council, with a number set aside for people with a disability.

 

Capital works

 

A modern library for Leichhardt

Deliver a modern library for Leichhardt, and much needed housing, in a housing and public benefit development project.

Robyn Webster*

Upgrade the Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre in Tempe, our biggest investment in sporting grounds to date.

Lambert Park*

Install modern lighting for Lambert Park to ensure safe utilisation of the grounds for sport.

Callan Park all-weather sports fields

Deliver much needed upgrades to All Weather Sports Fields at Callan Park.

Leichhardt Oval

Renovate Leichhardt Oval with $40m from all three levels of government

Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre

Renovate LPAC

Leichhardt Sports precinct*

Create a Leichhardt Sports precinct through harmonious upgrades to Leichhardt Oval and LPAC

Centenary Park all-weather sports field*

All weather surface in Centenary Park

Inclusive playgrounds

Build an inclusive playground in every ward.

Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre*

Install an outdoor gym at Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre and extend opening hours to the end of April.

A new public space in Stanmore

Investigate a new public space for community gatherings in Stanmore

A public toilet for Weekley Park

Install a new public toilet for Weekley Park

Pocket parks

Upgrade pocket parks

Hoskins Park, Dulwich Hill

Upgrade Hoskins Park toilet block delivering new bathroom facilities and a new shed for the Greenway Bushcare Group.

A new public space in Dulwich Hill

Investigate a new public space for community gatherings in Dulwich Hill

Pratten Park Precinct*

Upgrade the Pratten Park Bowling and Community Club with a newly configured building and new lights for the tennis courts to play tennis for longer in the evening.

McNeilly Park toilets

Upgrade toilets in McNeilly Park

Wicks Park playground

Upgrade the childrens' playground at Wicks Park

Marrickville Golf Club*

Invest $2 million to upgrade community infrastructure at Marrickville Golf Club

Cooks River Lighting

Improve lighting, access and safety along the Cooks River

WW1 Memorial in Richard Murden Reserve

Seek funding for and support development of a WW1 memorial in Richard Murden Reserve

Leichhardt North public precinct

Pedestrianise Derbyshire St between Pioneers Park and Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt to start a Leichhardt North public precinct

Leichhardt Tramsheds

Continue to pursue state permission to develop the Leichhardt Tramsheds into a park as part of a Leichhardt North public precinct

Prospect St shared zone**

Formally designate Prospect St between St Fiacre's and Leichhardt PS as a shared 10kph pedestrian zone with continuous raised footpaths

Iron Cove Creek Walkway**

Commence works on the Iron Cove Creek Walkway

 

* Sports and Recreation priorities

** Active Transport priority

 

Economic Development

 

Planning reforms

Work with local industry to identify zones where additional uses might be incorporated to support arts and cultural production and work through the Local Environment Plan (LEP) process to promote the amalgamation of industrial lots for expanded industrial use.

Tech Central

Investigate the establishment of a Tech Central in the Inner West where businesses and industries can collaborate, innovate, and support research & development.

Career Fairs

Organise career fairs and industry tours to engage students and young professionals, partnering with local schools, TAFEs, and community organisations to provide relevant training and upskilling programs tailored to the needs of local industries.

Tourism Strategy

Support local breweries and distilleries with a Tourism Strategy and initiatives to cut red tape.

Business concierge

Appoint a concierge for local businesses as part of the economic development team to support local businesses with council matters

Small business Local Democracy Group

Establish a local democracy group to represent the voices of local businesses in council processes

Womens' Business Chamber

Create a new Women’s Business Chamber, for women working in local businesses across the Inner West.

 

Customer Service

 

Customer Service Stalls

Expand customer service stalls across the Inner West

Website

Launch a better council website to log and track your services, making it much easier to use.

Customer Service Plan for new Housing

Develop a customer service plan for new housing, to help ease the administrative burden in finding solutions to the housing crisis.

 

 

New customer service point in Marrickville

Establish a new customer service point in the Marrickville town centre so local residents can more easily access council services

 

Arts, Culture & Live Performance

 

Town Hall Open Day Festivals

Hold annual festivals at each of our seven town halls, showcasing local artists and performers, with programs developed in collaboration with the community.

Inner West Choral Festival

Establish an annual festival to showcase the voices of the Inner West and surrounds, from professional singers to community carolers, held in our historic town halls.

Additional special entertainment precincts

Develop pathways for more main streets and individual venues across the Inner West to apply to become SEPs, making it easier to host live music, extend trading hours and outdoor dining, and bring vibrancy to our communities.

Active musician loading bays

Trial the establishment of special loading bays - special parking zones outside music venues so that you can bump in without worrying about parking.

More street festivals

Make it easier to close off streets for music and arts events

Perfect Match program

Increase funding for Perfect Match and make it easier for First Nations and young artists to participate.

Fest X Inner West

Partner with SXSW Sydney to deliver the inaugural Fest X Inner West this October, showcasing local artists alongside international acts at the Enmore Theatre, Factory Theatre, and venues along Enmore Road.

A festival for Haberfield

Hold a festival in Haberfield, one of the only suburbs without a festival, something Italian, not heritage related

Expand the Newtown Street Party

Support to make a permanent annual event and expand into Camperdown Memorial Rest Park.

 

Environment and Sustainability

 

Energy efficiency service

Make permanent the Energy Efficiency service to support low-income households, including renters, social housing tenants, and women fleeing FDV

Planting new trees

Ensure a minimum of 1,000 new trees planted each year to preserve and grow our urban canopy.

New microforests in every ward

Deliver a new microforest in every ward to increase biodiversity.

A biodiversity plan for Taverners Hill

 

Renter Local Democracy Group

Establish a Local Democracy Group for renters

Marrickville Legal Centre

Provide ongoing financial support for the Marrickville Legal Centre to expand legal support for residents and boarding house tenants in the Inner West.

 

Strategic Planning

 

Deliver LEP

Deliver new masterplan and LEP

Heritage list Haberfield

Continue to advocate for Haberfield to be listed on the State Heritage Register

 

Development assessment

 

Deliver DCP amendments

Deliver amendments to the DCP to encourage multi-generational and affordable housing and make renovating your home easier. deliver development controls that prioritise well designed and good quality homes. Ensuring diverse housing types including 3 and 4 bedroom units and new home developments include shared and community spaces like rooftop gardens.

Architects on council

Raise design standards and positively shape our build environment by employing architects on Council.

 

Affordable Housing

 

Affordable housing in council owned carparks

Work with the State Government and Community Housing Providers to convert three council-owned car parks into affordable and public housing, ensuring public land is used for public good

Faith group affordable housing

Partner with the Faith Housing Alliance and local faith groups to identify land that could be used for affordable and public housing, in the model of Nightingale Marrickville.

Housing target for affordable housing

1,000 new public housing dwellings in the inner west - As part of our LEP, Council will advocate to the State Government for a massive investment in public housing in the Inner West, including on council-owned sites.

 

Active Transport

 

Increased funding for cycleways

In each of the four budgets of the next Council term, so that by 2027-2028, the total budget for cycleways will be double what it is now.

Great Inner West Walk

Connecting existing and new walking and cycling infrastructure across the Inner West. The Great Walk will create a continuous path through the Inner West, connecting communities and leveraging existing infrastructure with new connections and wayfinding/signage.

Friendlier streets

Slowing speeds on local roads to 40km/hr, making it easier to close streets temporarily for events, and cutting red tape to promote local resident street parties.

Audit of street lighting and furniture

Audit street lighting and furniture, including bike racks and lockers, and building more of this infrastructure to make walking and cycling in the Inner West safer.

Pedestrian crossings

Build 3 additional raised pedestrian crossings in each Ward in the next term of Council.

 

 

 

Waste and Recycling

 

Soft Plastics Recycling

Expand soft plastics recycling

Reusable nappies and sanitary items

Make the rebate for reusable nappies and sanitary products permanent.

Illegal dumping

Take more action on illegal dumping with better enforcement and education.

Textile recycling

Expand recycling through our resource centres to include hard to recycle items like textiles.

Circular economy grants

Establish a new grant program for businesses working in the circular economy

FOGO

Continue to support residents adapting to FOGO, with free upsizing of red-lid bins, free additional collections that can be booked at any time, and the option to return to red-bin weekly service for those who need more time to make the change

More Bins, Cleaner Streets

Increase the number of bins on local streets and the frequency they are collected

FOGO in parks

Trial the introduction of FOGO in local parks

 

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

 

Feel the Love

Increase funding for the Feel the Love Festival and move it to the Inner West Pride Centre

Inclusive practice in early childhood education

Work with local organisations to teach and promote inclusive practice in our early childhood education and learning centres.

Fair Day

Work with Sydney Mardi Gras to host Fair Day at a major Inner West Park

LGBTQIA+ Safety Strategy

Continue to work with local organisations to deliver an LGBTIQA+ safety strategy and protocol for hosting local events.

Drag Story Times

Host a series of Drag Story Times across our library network.

Mardi Gras screenings

Continue to host Mardi Gras screenings at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

 

Mainstreet revitalisation

 

Mainstreet activations

Ensure our main streets are vibrant and livable by creating shop-top and mixed development housing on the main streets, creating walkable, diverse communities with activity for all.

Lewisham and Stanmore town centre upgrades

Upgrade and revitalise Lewisham and Stanmore town centres, including street art, street furniture, plantings, footpath upgrades, and pedestrianisation options.

Norton street closure

Trial the closure of Norton Street

Pedestrianising main streets

Take advantage of new state government co-operation on street closures to create monthly car-free street closures for walking, cycling and enjoying the main street

Shopfront Perfect Match

Expand Perfect Match proactively targeted at vacant stores on main streets

Loving our Laneways

Expand Enmore trial to include laneway dining in adjoining bars and restaurants.

Zero vacant shopfronts

Continue to work towards a goal of zero vacancies in main street shop fronts, by bringing main street property owners, local businesses and chambers of commerce together with Council.

Sydenham Road Strategy

Develop a Sydenham Road Strategy, working with community stakeholders and businesses, with the view to improve walkability and access to the Metro Station at Sydenham.

 

Community Services

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub

Deliver the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub at Tempe Reserve, a community led and managed space to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Inner West.

Survival Memorials

Continue to fund the development of survival memorials across the Inner West, with two survival memorials to be completed in King Georges Park, Rozelle, and Kendrick Park, Tempe.

Voice to Council

Continue a discussion with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and organisations towards establishing a Voice to Council.

Dual Naming

Consult the community on dual naming of one major park in each ward

 

 

Disability employment

Make the Inner West Council the best council in the country when it comes to employing people with disability. We are committed to expanding opportunity for local workers with disability at Council, and making Council a gold-star employer for people with disability.

Neurodiversity Strategy

Develop a specific plan to support local people with neurodiversity in Council programs through the development of the Wellbeing Strategy

Pocket parks

Convert a pocket park in each ward into a sensory garden for local children and residents with neurodiversity.

National Building Code

Advocate for the inclusion of mandatory disability standards in the National Building Code to make new homes more accessible

Sensory Spaces

Mandate sensory spaces as part of all large-scale Council-run events

Grant programs

Establish community grant stream for organisations specifically working with people with disability.

Disability Pride Flag

Continue to fly the Disability Pride Flag and to support the Disability Pride Festival

Community Centre at Stanmore Library

 

Opening our libraries for longer

Trial opening our Council libraries for longer, giving people more time and access to this critical community resource

Connected libraries

Work with local organisations to embed a social workers in our library system, working to connect vulnerable members of our community to social supports.

Community resilience training

Develop a program of skills development opportunities for local residents to help build local skills, resilience and connection, including bike repair, barista courses, public speaking and other courses.

Library membership

Set an annual target for library membership, working to encourage more residents to take up membership

Library Youth Strategy

Develop a Library Youth Strategy, working with the Youth Advisory Committee, considering ways to make our libraries safer, more fun and connected places for young people

City Talks

Introduce City Talks to the Inner West Library system, giving residents an important opportunity to engage with city-shaping ideas and thinkers.

Customer service stalls

Continue to host customer service stalls in our public libraries.

Supporting multicultural businesses

Hosting annual information events for local multicultural businesses looking to do business with Council

Community languages

Commit funding to expand information available on Council services available in community languages

Quong Tart

Rename Hercules Street after Quong Tart to recognise the contribution of Chinese Australians to the Inner West.

Little Villages

Support Little Italy, Little Vietnam, Little Greece and Little Portugal with better signage and infrastructure as part of the Main Streets Program

Grants

Continue to support major cultural events through community grants, in-kind support, incorporating community language into promotion and performances etc

Childcare

Continue to achieve excellence ratings in our early childhood education centres

 

Community Engagement

 

Council at your door

Expand community consultation on major projects by doorknocking residents to seek their feedback

Local Democracy Groups

Council will bring together members of the local democracy groups at least twice a year to collaborate and provide insights on inner west Council policies.

 

Seniors' services

 

Seniors Morning Teas

Establish monthly SENIORS MORNING TEAS at community venues across the Inner West, engaging local seniors and organisations serving older people in our community

Seniors programming

Increase seniors programming in our libraries and increase funding to engage older people in library programming and events.

Beat your Bills

Work with local MPS to host BEAT YOUR BILLS events in each ward, bringing together utilities, service providers and others to help local residents access support and ensure they are getting the best deal on their bills.

Communications

Write specifically to all residents older than 55 years of age informing them of local policies and programs for seniors

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 25

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Cost of living support for Inner West residents: no rate rises and bill smoothing            

From:                  Councillor Philippa Scott  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council commit to no rate increase above government indexation for the next four years.

 

2.   That Council introduce bill smoothing so that residents can pay their rates in small, even, regular payments.

 

3.   That Council staff bring a report back to the December 2024 meeting with a mechanism for the introduction of bill smoothing and a communications plan for promoting bill smoothing and the pensioner rebate.

 

 

Background

 

The Inner West Council is in the strongest possible financial position. While delivering a strong capital and service program for residents, we are also on track to have growing surpluses in outward years. We are one of the very few Councils in metropolitan Sydney that has not introduced a special rate variation since the amalgamation. A table is shown below indicating rate rises in comparable Councils as against the Inner West’s record of no rate increases.

 

The Local Labor team is committed to no increase to residential or business rates, above government indexation, for the next four years.

 

Through strong financial management the Labor-led Inner West Council has been keeping rates as low as possible. Inner West Council must continue to have financial discipline and do every possible to help residents with the cost-of-living crisis.

 

In addition, we committed to continuing the pensioner rebate and are proposing that the Council introduce bill-smoothing for all ratepayers to allow them to easily pay rates in smaller instalments.

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 26

Subject:              Notice of Motion: A circular economy for soft plastics and other hard to recycle items           

From:                  Councillor Mat Howard  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council commit to expanding soft plastic recycling across the Inner West.

 

2.   That Council write to the CEOs of Woolworths, ALDI and Coles formally requesting the Inner West be designated as a trial site for in-store soft plastics collections as a matter of priority.

 

3.   That Council report back to Council as soon as possible about progress to extend household collection of soft plastics through third-party providers.

 

4.   That Council review Council’s current procurement guidelines and report back to the February 2025 Council meeting about options to amend council’s procurement practices to better support a circular economy for plastics, including recycled plastic aggregate in road base, play equipment and other purposes.

 

5.   That Council create a grant stream for local organisations working in the circular economy, to be implemented as part of the 2025 community grants program, and report back to the February 2025 Council meeting on options to do so

 

6.   That Council write to the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Environment, seeking support to trial textile recycling in the Inner West.

 

 

Background

 

Inner West Council is a leader in fostering the circular economy. Our communities are home to leading organisations in the circular economy. Council has successfully implemented food recycling to every home. Council opened the Summer Hill Sustainability Hub in the previous term.

 

Inner West Council can continue to lead the way by expanding the types of items that can be responsibly disposed of, including soft plastics.

Since the collapse of RedCycle, residents have been unable to dispose of soft plastics to be recycled in supermarket stores. The Commonwealth Government is working with major retailers and with the recycling industry to restore in-store soft plastics collections and to build capacity in domestic recycling capabilities. Woolworths has commenced trials in Melbourne and Newcastle.

 

A key factor in sustainably restoring soft plastics recycling in stores is creating a viable end-market for the plastic aggregate that is created as an end-product of soft plastics recycling.

Inner West Council can play a role in strengthening that end market by choosing to procure products that include soft plastics aggregate, for use as road base, in playground equipment and softfall, and for other purposes.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 27

Subject:              Notice of Motion: A fast and smooth development process           

From:                  Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council recognises the seriousness of the housing supply and feasibility crisis and agrees that the Inner West Council has a constructive role to play in its resolution by supporting increase supply of housing of all types and tenures, including market and non-market housing.

 

2.   That Council notes that under the National Housing Accord, New South Wales is to build 377,000 well-located homes in just five years. The Inner West Council’s agreed contribution to that target is 7,800 homes in five years.

 

3.   That Council notes the key findings in the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission report entitled Review of housing supply challenges and policy options for New South Wales (September 2024) (the PC Report) in relation to a fast and smooth development process.

 

4.   That Council review and implement the recommendations for an improved development process that cause friction, reduce feasibility and restrict housing supply in the Inner West in a report to the next council meeting.

 

 

Background

 

In May 2024 the Inner West Council adopted planning principles that would guide the development of a Local Environmental Plan for increasing housing supply in the inner west. Council recognised the urgent housing crisis, and resolved to engage positively with the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development and Diverse and Well-Located Homes reforms.

 

The principles were exhibited in August 2024 and received strong support from the community.

 

The engagement report is on the current agenda of Council (October 2024). A new masterplan is due to be reported to Council in December 2024.

 

Subsequent to the community consultation, the Productivity Commission released the recommendations of a report commissioned by the NSW Government to create a pro-housing environment through the adoption of recommendations from the Report that improve feasibility of new housing supply while maintaining safety and amenity-related requirements,

 

The Productivity Commissioner described the recommendations of report as follows:

 

“…unclogging the development approval process and allow the use of new technologies and ideas. We need to grow our local construction workforce and bolster it with more migrants with construction skills. We also need to make sure we build housing that’s right for people of all incomes, family sizes, and stages of life. We can do this through investments in social housing and smart regulatory changes that make it profitable to build the diverse housing people need.”

 

The recommendations for a fast and smooth development process for Council’s review and implementation include:

 

Streamline our development process:

 

a.   Develop concierge and clearinghouse functions to rapidly escalate, coordinate, and resolve bottlenecks in the pre-and-post-approval Development Assessment process,

b.   Ensure accountability and transparency by publicly tracking post-DA approval metrics and timeframes.

c.   Require the Planning Directorate to prioritise consideration of the impact DA conditions have on development timeframes and feasibility,

d.   Improve infrastructure contributions and:

i.    allow payment of contributions at the occupation certificate stage

ii.   develop contribution plans upfront as part of the zoning process

iii.   simplify section 7.11 local contributions plans by implementing benchmark costs and mandating the essential works list

iv.  refine the use of section 7.4 planning agreements to increase certainty for developers

e.   Improve the use of design panels and competitions to allow applicant

f.    Consider the relaxation of non-safety related restrictions on design, including solar access and minimum apartment size requirements,

g.   Publish or adopt guidelines that support high-quality design for solar access and minimum apartment size requirements,

h.   Consider removing car parking minimums in a harmonised Inner West Council Development Control Plan (DCP)

i.    Prioritise the recruitment and training of certifiers, as well as regulating and enforcing their responsibilities, to improve building quality

Streamline and harmonise local government construction-related controls with a focus on feasibility.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 28

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Extending the Outdoor Swimming Season at FDAC            

From:                  Councillor Chloe Smith  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council investigate opportunities to extend the outdoor swimming season at Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre (FDAC) from 1 September until 30 April annually, and to install a free outdoor gym co-located with FDAC, with a report back to Council to be tabled by the February 2025 meeting.

 

2.   That as part of the report, undertake community engagement on extending the outdoor swimming season and installation of a free outdoor gym, including:

a)   writing to neighbouring residents and businesses;

b)   on Council’s Your Say website and social media platforms; and

c)   community engagement stalls at FDAC/Petersham Park.

 

 

 

Background

 

FDAC is a much-loved outdoor community pool located within Petersham Park. Its location within the park, adjacent to the playground, sports oval, Petersham Pre-school, Petersham Bowling Club, and the opening of Splash cafe within the pool complex, has made the pool a highly popular facility for local families in particular.

 

The pool currently operates from 1 October to 31 March annually to facilitate outdoor swimming during warmer months. Council has previously investigated the feasibility of opening the pool year-round, however a previous report tabled to Council in 2017 determined the operational costs outweighed visitation during winter.

 

The impacts of climate change have meant that warmer weather is increasingly extending into autumn and starting earlier in the spring. Sydney experienced above average temperatures for April and September in 2024 and similarly in 2023. Anecdotally, many residents would support an extended outdoor swimming season at FDAC through September and April, adapting the pool’s operations to reflect changing weather patterns.

 

Local businesses have also indicated their support for an extended swimming season. The installation of a gym would also encourage visitation to the area throughout the year.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 29

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Consult the community on the dual naming of one major park in each ward            

From:                  Councillor Jo Carlisle  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council reports on the progress of the development of a Dual Naming Policy.

 

2.   That Council reports on the consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee and the broader Community on the initiative to have dual names for parks and ovals that may have particular significance for local Aboriginal people with Aboriginal place names.

 

3.   That Council consult with Community of dual naming of one major park in each Inner West Council ward with an Aboriginal name.

 

 

Background

 

Our communities are built on the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora Nation.

 

Many of our major parks and ovals are located on places of significance to local Aboriginal people and investigating dual naming of these places may assist to recognise and respect the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.

 

Dual naming may also serve to further educate Inner West residents about local Aboriginal history, peoples and culture.

 

A motion was agreed to in December 2023 that requested that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee be consulted on the proposal and if the proposal is supported, a consultation plan be developed by council staff. 

 

A Dual Naming of significant locations policy is in development by Council.

 

We are awaiting a report on the outcome of the consultation.

 

The dual naming of one park in each ward would be a significant first step in the implementation of the commitment.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 30

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Town Hall Open Day Festivals           

From:                  Councillor Chloe Smith  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council note the success of our Creative Town Halls project in activating seven town halls across the Inner West for free hire by creatives and local artists, with more than 700 applications in the first two months of the program.

 

2.   That Council note that the Inner West is home to more artists and people employed in the creative industries than anywhere else in NSW, and that Council is committed to supporting local artists and creatives in our community.

 

3.   That Council commit to establishing an annual program of Open Day Festivals across all seven town halls, showcasing local musicians and artists, and curated in consultation with the community and local creative industry stakeholders.

 

4.   That Council receive a report at the February 2025 meeting detailing a proposal for an annual Town Hall Open Day Festivals program, including costs, to be developed in consultation with local artists and creative industry stakeholders, including:

a)   the Inner West Creative Network;

b)   the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee;

c)   Attendees of the Arts and Live Music Recovery Summit; and

d)   Participants in the Creative Town Halls project.

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 31

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Sydenham Road Strategy           

From:                  Deputy Mayor Mat Howard  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council commence work on a Sydenham Road Strategy, with the objective of improving walkability, traffic and safety on Sydenham Road between Victoria Road and Sydenham Station.

 

2.   That the Sydenham Road Strategy provide detailed designs, plans and projects to resolve the following issues:

a)   Resolving parking issues;

b)   Improving lighting;

c)   Upgrading footpaths;

d)   Investigating new active transport links;

e)   Improving safety at key intersections, including Sydenham Road at Victoria Road, Fitzroy Street and Buckley Street;

f)    Improving wayfinding to support local businesses;

g)   Poorly managed street trees; and

h)   Upgrades to Wicks Park.

 

3.   That a list of priority projects be formed and considered as part of the 2025-2026 Budget planning process, with the Strategy led by a Project Control Group consisting of representatives of the Infrastructure Team, Planning Team, Development Team and Economic Development Team.

 

4.   That Council undertake a comprehensive engagement plan to underpin the Strategy, including:

a)   Hosting a Roundtable of businesses and organisations on and surrounding Sydenham Road (such Connect Inner West, the Marrickville Bowling Club and Red Rattler), as well as the Inner West Brewers Association 

b)   Hosting public meetings for residents, both at the initial stage of the project and once detailed plans and designs are finalised

c)   Stakeholder engagement with key agencies including Transport for NSW, Sydney Metro, Ausgrid, Sydney Water, Destination NSW and the Office of the 24 Hour Commissioner.

 

5.   That Council report progress monthly to councillors via councillor briefing note, and to the Local Traffic Committee on a monthly basis.

 

6.   That Council target a portion of the $200,000 Inner West Tourism Strategy to support businesses surrounding Sydenham Station - including microbreweries, cafes and distilleries - to benefit from additional traffic from the Metro.

 

 

Background

 

Sydenham Road is one of the busiest roads in the Marrickville-Midjuburi Ward, providing a critical east-west link connecting Dulwich Hill, through the north end of Marrickville, to Sydenham, St Peters and beyond.

Sydenham Road runs through both residential and industrial lands, and the section between Victoria Road and Sydenham Station is home to multiple commercial and industrial premises, including micro-breweries, distilleries, gyms, mechanics and smash repairers, art galleries, community transport providers, cafes and factories. This makes for a vibrant and exciting local economy.

 

The combination of significant increases in density in the area, including at Wicks Place, and the opening of the Sydney Metro from Tallawong, has meant many more people are walking on the footpaths between Victoria Road and Sydenham Station. Unfortunately, there are critical safety constraints that make this dangerous, including uneven and dangerous footpaths, poor lighting, vehicles parked on footpaths and a lack of designated active transport links.

 

A key safety concern is dangerous intersections at Sydenham Road and Victoria Road, Fitzroy Street and Buckley Street. Council has resolved on several occasions to advocate to Transport for NSW for improvements at these intersections. There has been some improvement in order to accommodate active transport links for the Temporary Transport Plan for the T3 Bankstown Line conversion, however, additional work is required to improve these intersections. Transport for NSW has recently reduced speeds on Sydenham Road to 50km/hour.

 

Increased foot-traffic presents an opportunity for local businesses, however, care and attention is required to ensure that local venues benefit from the opening of the new Metro. Inner West Council is undertaking work to develop a $200,000 Tourism Strategy to support local businesses, including micro-breweries and distilleries following the Forum with these industries in mid-2024. A large proportion of microbreweries and distilleries are located in the area around Sydenham Road.

 

A Sydenham Road Strategy is intended to support existing businesses and industrial premises, to improve walkability and access to Sydenham Station and to make this key local road safer for all road users.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 32

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Parking in Marrickville           

From:                  Deputy Mayor Mat Howard  

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council urgently undertake parking studies in suburbs around Tempe, St Peters and Sydenham stations with the view to implementing parking controls to better support residents facing additional parking pressures with the opening of the Metro to Sydenham and closure of the T3 Bankstown Line.

 

 

Background

 

Residents in Marrickville, Tempe, Sydenham and St Peters are reporting a significant increase in parking pressures following the opening of the Metro to Sydenham and the closure of the T3 Bankstown Line.

 

They report visitors utilising parking spaces streets away from the stations, adding to already significant parking pressures.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 33

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Prospect Street shared zone            

From:                  Councillor Philippa Scott  

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council officers prepare a report, including identification of budget, at the next opportunity for the Traffic Committee to formally designate Prospect St, Leichhardt between St Fiacre's Primary School and Leichhardt Public School as a shared 10kph pedestrian zone with continuous raised footpaths.

 

 

Background

 

Prospect Street, Leichhardt, between Mackenzie Street (near St Fiacre’s Primary School) and Balmain Road (near Leichhardt Public School) is a narrow street with no footpath and a 40km/h speed limit. Local children use it to walk to and from school in the morning and afternoons. During the day local residents use it to travel by foot from Leichhardt North local streets to Norton St shops. Without footpaths pedestrians are forced to walk on the roadway. It is acknowledged that vehicles would rarely travel at 40km/h, due to the narrowness of the street, on street parking, and the presence of pedestrians, however, pedestrians still report feeling unsafe on foot.

 

This narrow street is an excellent candidate for a shared zone with a 10km/h speed limit and continuous raised footpaths.

 

This proposal will create a pedestrian friendly environment that encourages people to walk in safety along this street. In a shared zone, pedestrians have the right of way and drivers are legally required to give way to pedestrians in this zone. A shared zone includes a 10 km/h speed limit and a number of treatments along the street to slow-down traffic. The shared zone will also discourage the use of the street as a short-cut route between busier streets (Leichhardt Street and Balmain Road).

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 34

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Sensory spaces for neurodivergent community members and their families           

From:                  Councillor Jo Carlisle  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That in each Ward, Council incorporate a sensory garden in a pocket park for local children and residents with neurodiversity.

 

2.   That Council mandate sensory spaces as part of all large-scale Council-run events.

 

 

Background

 

Some reports suggest that up to 40% of people in our communities live with neurodiversity.

 

Parks enable children to be outside, to exercise, socialise, learn, nurture their sensory systems, and improve their health.

 

All children, regardless of skill or ability, deserve and need to participate in outdoor activities.

 

Some children who are neurodivergent may avoid certain sensory experiences like messy play in the mud, while others may seek them out, like swinging for a long time. Some may be sensitive to certain sound frequencies and noise, lighting, motion, or touch, or seek out these experiences excessively.

 

Sensory gardens are thoughtfully designed spaces that organise various plants, objects, and features in an intentional way to stimulate or calm the senses.

Sensory gardens can 

●    stimulate the brain - when a child engages in sensory play sessions, more neural pathways are created. This helps improve the way they process sensory information.

●    Develop language skills - When children play, they often talk about what they’re doing, create dialogue for imaginary roleplay or express their emotions through laughter and sound.

●    Improve social skills - children learn a lot of social skills through sharing, taking turns and listening to others.

●    Improve coordination and fine/gross motor skills - Jumping, running, throwing as well as handling small objects can help children with disabilities strengthen their muscles and improve hand-eye coordination.

●    Helps with self-regulation - over time, sensory play helps children who are neurodivergent to learn how to respond to sensory stimulation in more positive ways, which boosts their self-control.

●    And they are fun

 

It can often be challenging for people with neurodiversity and their families and friends to interact and benefit from council services.

Research from Curtin University found that

●    caregivers of neurodivergent children are more likely to experience clinically significant levels of stress, poor mental health, financial hardship, and negative relationships. 

●    almost 80 per cent of caregivers experienced poor wellbeing, high levels of stress and poor mental health.

●    More than 22 percent of caregivers also experienced negative stigma from their local community, increasing the feeling of social isolation.

 

Sensory spaces at events will create greater accessibility for many people who are neurodiverse as well as their families or carers many of whom may self-exclude from community consultations or events.  This will ultimately support a greater engagement with residents of IWC and a more representative and responsive Council.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 35

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Microforests in Every Ward           

From:                  Councillor Chloe Smith  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council commit to establishing a new microforest in every ward of the LGA to support increased biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions, and that potential locations for each microforest be identified in consultation with:

a)   Local Bushcare and community garden groups;

b)   The Environment Advisory Committee;

c)   Citizen science groups;

d)   Other relevant local environment and biodiversity volunteer groups.

 

2.   That Council receive a report back on identified locations, management, and costs to the March 2025 Council meeting.

 

 

Background

 

Microforests act as a mini-ecosystem within densely populated cities and suburbs, increasing biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, and cooling the surrounding environment without requiring a significant geographic footprint. This allows under-utilised spaces within innercity communities to support tree planting and wildlife habitation.

 

In 2022 Council resolved to trial the planting of microforests at two sites as part of Council’s record $2 million investment in new tree planting. The continuation of the trials was also included as an action point in Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan, adopted in September 2024.

 

As part of the continuation of the trial, Council should identify a site within each ward of the LGA and engage with local stakeholders, including Bushcare and other environmental volunteer groups, on the location and management of these sites.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 36

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Representation for Renters in Local Democracy Groups           

From:                  Councillor Chloe Smith  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council amend the name of the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee to the Housing Affordability and Renters Rights Advisory Committee. 

 

2.   That Council amend the Terms of Reference of the Committee to include a requirement that a minimum of two members of the Committee must be renters who reside within the Inner West LGA, to be determined by Council’s usual LDG application process. 

 

3.   That Council amend the Purpose Statement contained in the Terms of Reference to read as follows: 

 

The purpose of the Housing Affordability and Renters Rights Advisory Committee is to: 

 

Monitor and promote the implementation of Council’s Affordable Housing Policy and other relevant policies and plans related to affordable housing for very low, low and moderate income households, including essential workers, boarding house residents, homeless people, renters, and others experiencing housing stress 

 

Serve as a resource for Council in relation to the housing market, trends and community impacts, including supporting access to and opportunities for affordable, sustainable, accessible, and build-to-rent housing options where relevant, and other issues impacting renters.

 

Provide suggestions on improving the development of housing options that support the retention of a diverse and inclusive community and an accessible and sustainable place to live.

 

Assist in the development of programs and initiatives to highlight the importance of housing and greater protections for renters to the wellbeing and dynamism of the community.

 

 

 

Background

 

The Inner West Council has established Local Democracy Groups (LDGs) made up of local community members as part of Council’s Community Engagement Strategy. The role of LDGs is to provide advice and input to support Council’s decision-making and actions, and support Council to implement the ‘Community Strategic Plan: Our Inner West 2036’ through actions outlined in Council's Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan. The allocation of LDGs reflect the priorities and values of the Inner West community and the Council. 

 

The Inner West is home to a significant proportion of renters, currently almost 40% of the population and as high as 60% in some suburbs. The council has previously resolved to provide support for renters, including providing emergency funding for the Marrickville Legal Centre’s Inner West Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, and advocating for stronger renters rights and protections.

 

Inner West Council recognises the significant challenges renters face as part of the housing crisis and that the often transitory nature of renting can inhibit this group’s capacity to advocate to Council on issues affecting them.

 

By establishing a LDG for renters, Council can ensure renters have an avenue to provide direct input into Council’s decision-making and actions, including additional measures to support the renting population. 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 37

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Senior Services Communications           

From:                  Councillor Vicki Clay   

 

 

MOTION

That Council send a written communication to all residents older than 55 years of age, informing them of local policies and programs for seniors, by inclusion of the Inner West Seniors Directory brochure.

 

Background

For the more senior members of the community who are not technology literate (i.e. tech savvy), sourcing specific information through the Council website can seem daunting to navigate and may deter the community members from seeking information that can support their needs or interests.

Provision of the Inner West Seniors Directory has multiple benefits:

●    ensures that the community members that are not ‘tech savvy’, have an 'at hand' document providing them information on all the services that they may wish/need to interact with

●    provides valuable information to those members of the community that are immobile and/or less likely to go to the library or other avenues to source information

●    for those that are somewhat tech savvy, who may find the Council website difficult to navigate, the brochure is a 'one stop shop' source of information

●    access to the range of information regarding services/activities in the Directory has the capacity to encourage more community engagement and participation in programs

●    for those on the lower age range of ‘over 55s’, who do not consider themselves as ‘senior’, but may have aged relatives/friends/neighbours in the Inner West, it assists them in supporting those connections

●    includes information on a broader range of services provided by other organisations and government bodies

●    expands the community’s knowledge/awareness of the existence of the Seniors Directory (and its offerings)

For Inclusion in a staged rollout of the proposal

●    Pdf version of the Seniors Directory to be available for download from the front page of the Council’s website for ease of site navigation

●    First stage of communication to be with residents who currently receive the seniors’ discount on rates

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 38

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Community Engagement - Council at Your Door           

From:                  Councillor Vicki Clay  

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council expand community consultation on major projects by doorknocking residents to obtain direct feedback on their views regarding the proposed project.

 

Background

 

The Council has a multiple range of options in place for community members to provide feedback regarding local matters including projects, via the Your Say link, Local Matters Forums, Local Democracy Groups (LDGs) and responding to direct written communications, plus via the Council’s social media platforms.

 

However, there are members of the Inner West community that do not engage with the Council’s website, forums or LDGs, nor follow social media posts regarding matters/projects that may be occurring.

 

Subsequently, their first knowledge of a project may be commentary from friends, neighbours or special interest groups, who may not be fully across the specifics of the proposal.

Therefore, those community members may feel ‘unheard’/nor consulted by the time that they become aware of projects, particularly where the projects are at the near finalisation stage of approvals.

 

Doorknocking the community residents will provide additional and more accurate analysis of community reaction to proposals.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 39

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Hoskins Park Toilet Block and Shed           

From:                  Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo  

 

 

MOTION

 

That the toilets and a Greenway Bushcare Group shed at Hoskins Park form part of the budget considerations for 2025/26.

 

Background

Hoskins Park in Dulwich Hill is a vital green space for the community, providing recreational opportunities for families and visitors and through initiatives like the Greenway Bushcare Group. Currently, the toilet block is not functional and is used as a bushcare storage site.

Hoskins Park is currently being upgraded. Work commenced in September 2024 and is due for completion in January 2025. The upgrade includes footpath restoration works, new accessible footpath connection to the playground and BBQ, playground upgrade and removal of passive lighting in the park - 4 light poles (pathway lighting to remain). The upgrade budget is $680,000.

 

The toilet block is not included in the scope for the current upgrade.

There is strong community support for toilets at Hoskins Park. Access to toilets will enhance the overall experience for all park visitors, promoting increased usage and community engagement.

Additionally, providing a shed will facilitate the Greenway Bushcare Group's efforts in maintaining and improving the local environment and fostering community involvement.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 40

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Mort Bay Park upgrade           

From:                  Councillor Kerrie Fergusson and the Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne  

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council allocate up to $2 million in the draft 2025-26 Budget to the upgrade amenities and facilities at Mort Bay Park, including the following improvements:

a)   A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf;

b)   A playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails;

c)   Fixing drainage and muddy areas;

d)   Improved lighting throughout the Park to make nighttime use safer;

e)   Progressing water and sediment quality testing to allow a swim site;

f)    Table tennis tables, picnic tables and BBQ's and seating; and

g)   Outdoor gym equipment.

 

 

Background

 

Mort Bay Park is one of Sydney's most beautiful harbourside parks, one the most popular destinations in the Inner West and a main entrance point to Balmain Peninsula.

 

While the Park is hugely valued by local residents and visitors, there are a number of improvements to amenities and facilities that are needed there.

 

With an investment of approximately $2 million, the amenity of Mort Bay Park can be significantly improved and the space made more useable and enjoyable for the people of Sydney.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 41

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Social enterprise cafe at Together 2 for disability employment           

From:                  The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne and Councillor Kerrie Fergusson  

 

 

MOTION

That Council consult with Together 2 about joint project with Council to fit out and establish a social enterprise cafe at the Together 2 premises to provide training and employment opportunities for local young people living with disability, and table a report for the December Ordinary Council meeting on how the partnership could be structured and what the capital costs of the project might be.

 

 

Background

 

The former Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, renamed Together 2, is a not-for-profit, generalist neighbourhood centre and one of the primary providers of disability support services in the Inner West.

 

There are 3 generalist neighbourhood centres across the Inner West local government area - Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre and Together 2.

 

In the past terms of Council large scale investments have been made in the upgrade and Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre but Together 2 receives approximately $20 000 per annum from the Council in block grant funding for services and has never received any assistance in capital investment for infrastructure.

 

Together 2 have gone through a lengthy approval process to have the street frontage of their premises on Darling Street Rozelle converted into a social enterprise cafe that can operate as a disability training and employment service, as well as providing a eat-in and takeaway meals to the general public.

 

Inner West Council has been developing a ground-breaking and comprehensive disability employment program, with the aim of becoming a leader in disability employment in the local government sector.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 42

Subject:              Notice of Motion: Double investment in Active Transport across the Inner West            

From:                  Councillor Kerrie Fergusson  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council notes that Inner West Council has made significant progress on the 2023 Active Transport Strategy and Action Plan.

 

2.   That Council grows on this initiative by committing to doubling investment in Active Transport across the LGA by incrementally increasing each of the four budgets of the next Council term, so that by 2027-2028, the total budget for cycleways is doubled.

 

3.   That Council continue to work with our Inner West Active Transport community groups to identify, extend and deliver on key cycling corridors.

 

 

Background

 

The Inner West Council leads the way in progressive policy, we have evidenced this with the roll out of FOGO Organic food recycling to every home, by being the first council to be 100% divested from fossil fuels, securing the installation of 136 EV chargers, establishing an Anti-Racism Strategy and our strong advocacy of the Yes campaign.

 

Now it's time for us to lead the way in Active Transport. 

 

Inner West Families for Climate Action summed up the benefits of cycling perfectly in this statement “Riding bicycles for transport is better for everyone. It is good for our short- and long-term health, good for reducing wear and tear on road infrastructure, good for our mental health, and reduces air pollution and climate pollution.”

 

We know that most car trips in the Inner West are short and many could be replaced by bikes, but to achieve this we have to commit to investing in safe, connected cycling infrastructure across the LGA, linking our transport and providing corridors to schools and town centres.

 

Residents have been increasingly vocal about the frustration of not being able to commute safely on their bikes. We are making significant progress in this area, but we can do more. This is an opportunity to re-vision the inner west, to not only increase the health and quality of life of our current residents but to change the landscape for future generations.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 43

Subject:              RFT 29-24 - Garbage, FOGO and Recycling Collection Services

Prepared By:      Erin White - Manager Resource Recovery and Fleet Services  

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:

 

1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West

5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council will move into a closed session to deal with the RFT 29-24 - Garbage, FOGO and Recycling Collection Services as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and 10A(2)(d)(i) 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 and if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council and 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)(c) and 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Confidential Report - RFT 29-24 - Garbage FOGO and Recycling Collection Services - 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.

2.

RFT 29-24 - Garbage FOGO and Recycling Collection Services - Evaluation Report - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; 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

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 44

Subject:              Lease of Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield Park           

Prepared By:      Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager 

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

 

4: Healthy, resilient, and caring communities

 

DISCUSSION

 

Council will move into a closed session to deal with the Lease of Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield Park as the information is classified as confidential under 10A(2)(c) and 10A(2)(d)(i) 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 and if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council and 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)(c) and 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Confidential Report - Lease of Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield Park - 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.

2.

Heads of Agreement Signed Ashfield Bowling Club - 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.

3.

BEM Valuation 21-4732B Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.


Council Meeting

22 October 2024

 

Item No:              C1024(2) Item 45

Subject:              Short Term Lease           

Prepared By:      Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager 

Authorised By:  Beau-Jane De Costa - Acting Director Corporate

 

 

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 the Short Term Lease as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(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 and 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)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Confidential Report - Short Term Lease - 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.

2.

Site Details and Analysis - 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.