Minutes of Council - Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Council Meeting

12 November 2024

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 12 November 2024 at
Ashfield Service Centre

Meeting commenced at 6.32pm

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Mat Howard

Izabella Antoniou

Liz Atkins

Olivia Barlow

Andrew Blake

Jo Carlisle

Vicki Clay

Jessica D’Arienzo

Kerrie Fergusson

Victor Macri

Philippa Scott

Chloe Smith

Ismet Tastan
Peter Gainsford

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

General Manager

Director Planning

Ryann Midei

Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Beau-Jane De Costa

Julian Sakarai

Matthew Pearce

Chris Sleiman

Scott Mullen

Director Community

Acting Director Corporate

Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Chief Financial Officer

Strategic Investments and Property Manager

George Georgakis

Katherine Paixao

Administration Manager

Business Paper Coordinator

APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:

Motion: (Howard/Clay)

That apologies from Councillor Raciti be accepted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 - Lewisham Town Centre Upgrade and 13 - Pathway to a Safer Cooks River as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport and in that capacity, he has been directly involved in train station upgrade works. Out of an abundance of caution, and to avoid any perception or risk of conflict, he will leave the chamber during discussion and voting.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 8 – Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 21 October 2024 as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport, who in her capacity as the Member for Summer Hill has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.

Councillor Antoniou declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 – Update on Planning Proposal for Additional Special Entertainment Precincts as the Factory Theatre located at 105 Victoria Road Marrickville is encompassed in this report, and she has extended family members in the executive of Century Venues - the corporate entity that owns Factory Theatre and decisions as a result of this item may benefit them. These family members are outside the related persons list, but their connection is known to her. She will leave the chamber during discussion and voting on the matter.

Councillor Barlow declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 8 – Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 21 October 2024 as she works in the Office of Kobi Shetty MP, who in her capacity as the member for Balmain, has a representative on the Traffic Committee. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter as the vote is exercised through a representative.

Motion: (Atkins/Tastan)

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Scott/Carlisle)

That the Minutes of the Council held on Tuesday, 22 October 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

PUBLIC FORUM

The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.

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

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, returned to the meeting at 7:07pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard, vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the Chair.

C1124(1) Item 1 Condolence Motion: Kenneth Gooding

Motion: (Tastan/Byrne)

1. That the Inner West Council record our sadness at the passing of Kenneth Gooding and writes to the family expressing our condolences.

2. That Council notes the significant contribution Ken made to the beauty and upkeep of Hannan Reserve, Rozelle over the last decade and plant a tree within the park in his honour, dedicated to his service and memorialising him.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

FURTHER DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 28 – Notice of Motion: Pedestrian crossing at Allen Street, Leichhardt as he owns half of a property which is in the vicinity of the proposed pedestrian crossing across Allen Street and Norton Street Leichhardt. While the property is close to the proposed pedestrian crossing, the property is sufficiently far enough from it that he considers this interest to be non-significant, non-pecuniary interest. As such, he will remain in the chamber during discussion and voting on the matter.

Councillor Carlisle declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 - Update on Planning Proposal for Additional Special Entertainment Precincts as her son works for the Factory Theatre in a casual capacity which is within the proposed expanded Special Entertainment Precincts area. She will leave the chamber during discussion and voting on the matter.

Motion: (Howard/Clay)

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)

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

Item 3 Annual Report 2023/24 including Audited Financial Statements
Item 6 Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove - Notice of Intention - State Heritage Register
Item 9 Submission to Office of Local Government on Councillor Conduct and Meeting Practices
Item 14 Leichhardt Oval Public Access - Wayne Pearce Hill
Item 17 Notice of Motion: Despointes Street Flooding
Item 24 Notice of Motion: More Bins, Cleaner Streets
Item 25 Notice of Motion: Harnett Avenue, Marrickville
Item 26 Notice of Motion: Flood Management Advisory Committee
Item 27 Notice of Motion: Ongoing commitment to Aboriginal justice
Item 28 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian crossing at Allen Street, Leichhardt
Item 29 Notice of Motion: Expanding Jazz In The Park
Item 31 Status of negotiations of collection services Garbage, FOGO and Recycling

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)

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

Item 3 Annual Report 2023/24 including Audited Financial Statements
Item 6 Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove - Notice of Intention - State Heritage Register
Item 9 Submission to Office of Local Government on Councillor Conduct and Meeting Practices
Item 14 Leichhardt Oval Public Access - Wayne Pearce Hill
Item 17 Notice of Motion: Despointes Street Flooding
Item 24 Notice of Motion: More Bins, Cleaner Streets
Item 25 Notice of Motion: Harnett Avenue, Marrickville
Item 26 Notice of Motion: Flood Management Advisory Committee
Item 27 Notice of Motion: Ongoing commitment to Aboriginal justice
Item 28 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian crossing at Allen Street, Leichhardt
Item 29 Notice of Motion: Expanding Jazz In The Park
Item 31 Status of negotiations of collection services Garbage, FOGO and Recycling

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 3 Annual Report 2023/24 including Audited Financial Statements

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council endorse the Annual Report 2023/24 including financial statements.

2. That Council publish the Annual Report 2023/24 on Council’s website and notify the Office of Local Government.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 6 Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove - Notice of Intention - State Heritage
Register

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council endorse this report in support of the nominated listing of Ballast Point Park, Ballast Point, Birchgrove on the State Heritage Register.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 9 Submission to Office of Local Government on Councillor Conduct
and Meeting Practices

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council approve the draft submission to the Office of Local Government on Councillor Conduct and Meeting Practices, as detailed in Attachment 1.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 14 Leichhardt Oval Public Access - Wayne Pearce Hill

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Despointes Street Flooding

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council notes there is an existing flooding issue at the low end of the street. On the side where the 90-degree parking takes place this aggravated by the vehicles that park hard up against the kerb not allowing the rain water to flow directly into the drain forcing it on to the footpath making it difficult for the elderly residents to access their property.

2. That Council investigate placing stoppers to maintain the ability for the rainwater to enter the drain without being diverted onto the footpath and ponding creating a safety issue.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: More Bins, Cleaner Streets

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council note growing concerns from residents about the incidence of illegal dumping in local parks and streets, including household rubbish being disposed of in street bins.

2. That Council as part of deliberations for the 2025-2026 Budget, propose increasing the number of street bins and bins in local parks, as well as the frequency at which street bins and bins in local parks are serviced, and trialling FOGO in key local parks.

3. That Council request officers report back in March 2025 with:

a) The existing schedule of bin emptying/servicing for local parks;

b) The existing schedule of bin emptying/servicing for street bins;

c) The existing schedule for spray cleaning streets;

d) The indicative costs of spray cleaning streets at current levels;

e) The indicative costs of bin servicing in local parks at current levels;

f) The indicative costs of street bin servicing at current levels;

g) The outline of a communications plan to educate residents and deter illegal dumping in local parks and street bins;

h) A plan to enable residents to nominate locations for additional street bins or bins in local parks;

i) A plan to trial FOGO in major parks, including a list of major parks where a trial may be suitable, with at least one park in each ward nominated, as well as to expand recycling in parks; and

j) The intended use of the $400,000 litter prevention grant received from the NSW Government.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Harnett Avenue, Marrickville

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council acknowledges that the northern footpath on Harnett Avenue, Marrickville, requires work.

2. That Council notes that thanks to the advocacy of local residents, funding for footpath improvements is included in the 2026/2027 Capital works plan.

3. That Council investigates options to prioritise funding for these works in the 2025/2026 Budget, reporting back to council via councillor briefing note.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Flood Management Advisory Committee

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council notes and reaffirms the changed terms of reference for the Flood Committee adopted in the last term of Council.

2. That Council requires the Flood Management Advisory Committee agendas and minutes to be published on the Council website.

3. That Council requires the Committee to meet at least four times a year.

4. That Council elects Clr Howard to be the Chair and Clr Barlow to be the Alternate Chair of the Flood Management and Risk Committee until September 2026, a schedule in line with appointments to other Council committees.

5. That Council invite a representative of the Cooks River Alliance to participate in the Committee as a non-voting member.

6. That Council provide for members of the public to present to the Flood Risk and Management Committee on flood related matters by establishing a public forum, as is the case with the Inner West Council Traffic Committee.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Ongoing commitment to Aboriginal justice

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council recommits support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its principals of Voice, Treaty and Truth.

2. That Council notes the 2023 – 25 Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives that have been implemented including:

a) The creation of the Aboriginal Survival Memorial at Yeo Park;

b) the development and implementation of an Anti-Racism strategy;

c) the implementation of an Aboriginal Procurement Strategy;

d) commissioning new public art from local Aboriginal artists, including for the Greenway and Perfect Match sites; and

e) funding and support for community projects and partnerships.

3. That Council welcomes the delivery of the second Survival Memorial at Illoura Reserve in Balmain in early 2025 and notes the plans for the third memorial in Tempe in 2026.

4. That Council requests a report from officers on progress of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub in Tempe which will be a focal point for Council’s programming and Aboriginal cultural life to the December Council meeting.

5. That Council reconvene the roundtable forum of Aboriginal Elders and community representatives who last met in August 2024 in November or early December 2024 to discuss the following:

a) Voice to Council;

b) Establishment and priorities for the next Aboriginal Advisory Committee; and

c) Priorities for the next Reconciliation Action Plan.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: Pedestrian crossing at Allen Street, Leichhardt

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council officers prepare a report, including identification of budget, at the next opportunity for the Traffic Committee to investigate a pedestrian crossing across Allen Street at the intersection of Allen Street and Norton Street, Leichhardt.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Expanding Jazz In The Park

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council consult with the community and relevant organisations such as Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce about expanding Jazz In The Park and relocating the Festival to Darling Street in late 2025 so that it celebrates the unique character of Balmain and involves more locals and businesses.

2. That staff provide initial costings in relation to expanding and moving the festival, including the possibility of reallocating funds from under patronised local events in the Baludarri (Balmain) ward and exploring State Government funding opportunities including programs in the NSW Vibrant Streets Package.

3. That Council report to the March 2025 Ordinary Council meeting on the outcomes of the community consultation and potential budget cost and funding opportunities so they can be considered in preparation of the 2025/2026 budget.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 31 Status of negotiations of collection services Garbage, FOGO and
Recycling

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 2      Quarter one progress report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 (year
     three) and Operational Plan 2024/25 and Quarterly Budget Review
     Statement

Motion: (Scott/Howard)

1. That Council endorse the Quarter One Progress Report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 (year three) and Operational Plan 2024/25.

2. That Council adopt the Quarterly Budget Review Statement.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 4 Post Exhibition - Draft Sponsorship Policy

Motion: (Howard/Scott)

1. That Council adopt the Sponsorship Policy.

2. That Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Sponsorship Policy.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith

Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake and Tastan

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Scott)

That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 5.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 5 Camperdown Memorial Rest Park - Comedor Hirers Agreement
Proposal

Motion: (Smith/Clay)

1. That Council approve a hirers agreement and approvals under the Local Government Act 1993 that are in accordance with an amended proposal as outlined in the report including reducing the size of the temporary outdoor structure to extend 2.5 metres from the wall into the Park.

2. That Council reaffirms that the agreement is for a 12-month trial, with continuation of the agreement to be considered by Council as part of the Camperdown Memorial Rest Park Plan of Management, which is currently under development.

3. That Council resolves that future addition of outdoor seating as part of the agreement and approvals is to be considered as part of the Plan of Management and included in the draft Plan for community exhibition.

4. That Council reaffirms that the temporary outdoor structure is accessible to members of the public for use both during and outside of trading hours, in line with similar structures installed at other parks in the Inner West.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith

Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake and Tastan

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard left the Meeting at 7:41 pm as he declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport and in that capacity, he has been directly involved in train station upgrade works.

C1124(1) Item 7 Lewisham Town Centre Upgrade

Motion:(Smith/Atkins)

That Council endorse preparation of a masterplan that outlines streetscape improvement works, traffic calming measures, and active transport upgrades, and prioritises those works that complement the Transport for NSW Lewisham Station Upgrade project, including undertaking community engagement, with a public meeting to form part of this.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Howard

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard returned to the Meeting at 7:43 pm.

C1124(1) Item 8 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 21 October 2024

Motion: (Scott/Macri)

1. That Council receive and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 21 October 2024.

2. That Council report back by February 2025 about the feasibility, costs and timeline of potential works to upgrade power at Tempe Reserve to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle chargers at this location.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 10 Bi-monthly report – Progress of Inner West Brewers and
Distillers Implementation Action Plan

Motion: (Howard/Macri)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council include as part of the next Bi-Monthly Report a full breakdown of how the $200,000 Budget allocated in the 2024-2025 Budget for an Inner West Tourism Fund will be spent and a timeline of activities.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Councillor Carlisle left the Meeting at 7:48 pm as she declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 as her son works for the Factory Theatre in a casual capacity which is within the proposed expanded Special Entertainment Precincts area.

Councillor Antoniou left the Meeting at 7:48 pm as she declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 as the Factory Theatre located at 105 Victoria Road Marrickville is encompassed in this report, and she has extended family members in the executive of Century Venues, the corporate entity that owns Factory Theatre and decisions as a result of this item may benefit them. These family members are outside the related persons list, but their connection is known to her.

C1124(1) Item 11 Update on Planning Proposal for Additional Special
Entertainment Precincts

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Smith)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council investigates opportunities to work with City of Sydney Council on a joint proposal that designates King Street, Newtown as an additional Special Entertainment Precinct.

3. That Council notes its early engagement for a month from 7 March to 7 April 2024 received overall support for the six new precincts (Balmain 66%, Dulwich Hill 90%, Leichhardt 84%, Marrickville North 94%, Marrickville Town Centre 91% and Rozelle 83%).

4. That Council reviews the additional public engagement schedule and considers bringing it forward earlier than February 2025.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Crs Antoniou and Carlisle

Councillor Antoniou returned to the Meeting at 7:50 pm.

Councillor Carlisle returned to the Meeting at 7:50 pm.

C1124(1) Item 12 White Bay Power Station Special Entertainment Precinct Update

Motion: (Byrne/Fergusson)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council receive a report at the February 2025 Council Meeting on ongoing collaboration between Council and the NSW State Government in respect of White Bay Power Station.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard left the Meeting at 7:52 pm as he declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 13 as he works in the Office of the Minister for Transport and in that capacity, he has been directly involved in train station upgrade works.

C1124(1) Item 13 Pathway to a Safer Cooks River

Motion: (Fergusson/Barlow)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council note the response received from the Hon Jo Haylen MP, Minister for Transport regarding safety along the Cooks River.

3. That Council commits to urgently implement key priorities and observations from the NSW Police Security Assessment of Cooks River Walk Kendrick Park to Tempe Station that are within councils authority, including essential lighting, pathway maintenance, vegetation and fenceline maintenance, and signage through parks and pathways.

4. That Council urgently consider how funds in the 2024-2025 budget can be reprioritised or in the case that project specifics are not available in time, include in the 2025-2026 budget process, to install lighting along the Cooks River from Kendrick Park to Steel Park and to investigate and apply for grants and funding from the State and Federal governments.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Howard

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard returned to the Meeting at 7:55 pm.

C1124(1) Item 15 Update on Creative Use of Town Halls

Motion: (Howard/Barlow)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council provide a further report to the December 2024 Council meeting specifically on the conversion of Marrickville Town Hall to a venue for live music, including:

a) Timeline for the works to designate Marrickville Town Hall a live music venue;

b) Detailed outline of proposed works, including for both the basement, micro-studios and main hall; and

c) Current status of the planning requirements around the use of Marrickville Town Hall as a live music venue.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 16 Dual Naming of Local Parks and Ovals

Motion: (Carlisle/Barlow)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council endorses in principle the renaming of the new inclusive Inner West playgrounds, as recommended by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, as follows:

a) Baludarri Playground at King George Park, Rozelle;

b) Gulgadya Playground at Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield;

c) Djarrawunang Playground at Yeo Park, Ashfield;

d) Damun Playground at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Camperdown; and

e) Midjuburi Playground at Steel Park, South Marrickville.

3. That Council staff undertake public engagement, including with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, to determine whether there is community support for this renaming.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Councillor Macri left the Meeting at 8:01 pm.

C1124(1) Item 18 Notice of Motion: Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

Motion: (Atkins/Barlow)

1. That Council strongly supports the calls of trade unions, community legal centres, LGBTIQ+ organisations, and sex worker organisations for an intersectional Anti-Discrimination Act that:

a) Has an expanded list of protected attributes, including but not restricted to sex workers, survivors of domestic and family violence, migration or visa status, homelessness/accommodation status, and irrelevant criminal record;

b) Replaces the comparator test and puts a positive obligation on to employers and service providers to be inclusive;

c) Increases the resources provided to the Anti-Discrimination Board NSW, and extends the right to hear ADA cases to the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) where workers can be represented by their union; and

d) Removes the right of private educational institutions, faith based organisations, small businesses, sporting groups, and superannuation funds to unjustly discriminate.

2. That Council urges the NSW government to commit to the increased funding of community legal centres, and making LGBTIQ+ and sex worker representation a priority funding area, so that people are best able to make use of these protections.

3. That Council strongly supports the full decriminalisation of sex work, and the removal of penalties targeting sex workers in the Summary Offences Act.

4. That Council notes with concern the issues of policing which were removed from the Equality Bill, and urges a review of the Mandatory Disease Testing process.

5. That Council calls upon the NSW government to address these issues in a timely manner, and to make clear its public position on these reforms before the next Mardi Gras.

6. That Council requests staff compose a letter reflecting this position, which will then be sent by the Inner West Mayor to all members of NSW Parliament.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake and Tastan

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Scott and Smith

Absent: Cr Macri

Procedural Motion (Smith/Carlisle)

That Council allow the Deputy Mayor, Clr Howard to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 18 Foreshadowed Motion.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Macri

Foreshadowed Motion (Howard/D’Arienzo)

1. That Council celebrates the passing of the Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023 last month, providing critical reforms that will benefit LGBTQIA+ people in the Inner West and across NSW, including:

a) trans and gender diverse adults in NSW will no longer need to undergo surgery in order to change a gender marker on their birth certificate;

b) hate crimes against trans and gender diverse people will now be treated in the same way as against other protected groups;

c) “non binary” has been legislated as a legal sex descriptor;

d) stigmatising language around HIV and AIDS has been updated across government;

e) children born through international compensated surrogacy now have a pathway to legal parentage; and

f) legislation governing the proceeds of sex work has been modernised.

2. That Council congratulates the Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, and the NSW Labor Government for achieving the greatest number of simultaneous LGBTQIA+ law reforms in NSW history.

3. That Council notes there are clear pathways for other reforms not included in the Bill, including the landmark review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and the statutory reviews of the Surrogacy Act 2010 and of the Summary Offences Act.

4. That Council notes that the NSW Labor Government promised to undertake a wholesale review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 in the lead up to the 2023 election and that this review is currently underway, the first of its kind since the Act was introduced 47 years ago.

5. That Council affirm its commitment to protecting LGBTQIA+ people in the Inner West from discrimination - including students and teachers - as well as sex workers.

6. That Council write to the NSW Attorney General seeking an update on the status of the Review and advocating for increased funding for community legal centres, including for programs supporting LGBTQIA+ people and sex workers experiencing discrimination.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Scott and Smith

Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake and Tastan

Absent: Cr Macri

C1124(1) Item 19 Notice of Motion: ECEC Pay and Conditions

Motion: (Atkins/Antoniou)

1. That Council in principle supports applying for newly announced federal funding to increase the pay for educators by 15%, and asks that Council be provided with a briefing note by the end of 2024 on how this can be actioned.

2. That Council notes the collaborative work underway between the United Services Union and Local Government NSW to develop a splinter award to ensure that local government providers can meet the guidelines to access the grant funding.

3. That Council requests a progress brief from LGNSW on the development of the Splinter Award.

4. That Council prepare a report on possible avenues to reduce labour hire in our early learning centres, and that this report address potential options of partnerships with TAFE NSW for a blended Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care delivery with the purpose of expanding our in-house workforce.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Macri

Councillor Macri returned to the Meeting at 8:08 pm.

C1124(1) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Parking traffic plan for Henson Park events

Motion: (Macri/Howard)

1. That Council engage the Sydney Swans W and work with them to close Centennial Street north to residents and Tennis Court & Restaurant users only on game day.

2. That Council consult the residents of Sydenham Road (Warham Lane) that are impacted by the parking in the rear lane impeding access to their garages by signposting no parking signs.

3. That Council facilitate discussion with Marrickville High School to open the school grounds to allow parking for a fee to the spectators on game days.

4. That Council investigate options and partnerships with Transport for NSW and AFL NSW/ACT to provide shuttle buses to Henson Park from both Sydenham Station and Stanmore Station to help encourage patrons to travel by public transport.

5. That the General Manager write to the Chief Executive Officer of AFL NSW/ACT advocating for patrons to AFL games at Henson Park to be allowed to bring their dogs to games, following the same rules and restrictions in place for other codes.

6. That Council write to the relevant Minister/s to request a review of the public transport options to Henson Park, with a view to incentivise more spectators taking public transport rather than relying on driving to and from games.

7. That Council investigate active transport routes and connections between public transport hubs and Henson Park, and review existing infrastructure at the Park that allows active transport users to safely store bikes, scooters, etc, onsite; and report back to Councillors via briefing note about options for making upgrades to encourage spectators to take active transport to games.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Akins/Blake)

That Council allow Clr Antoniou to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 21.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 21 Notice of Motion: WestConnex Dive Site - Reaffirming the need
for Public Housing on Public Land

Motion: (Antoniou/Blake)

1. That the Council notes its disappointment at the lack of public, social or affordable housing proposed on the Parramatta Road WestConnex site - a piece of state owned land that is proposed to be given over to a private developer - missing an opportunity for the government to directly deliver genuinely affordable public homes.

2. That Council notes the proximity of the site to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the need to provide genuinely affordable and public homes for essential workers and people on the public housing waiting list.

3. That Council notes the limited number of dwellings proposed for the 1.2ha site despite proximity to the city, key services, and bus services along Parramatta Road, and that Council would like to see an appropriate number of publicly owned dwellings in this location, subject to a proper master planning process.

4. That the Council write to the NSW Minister for Housing the Hon. Rose Jackson, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon. Paul Scully, and the Minister for Lands and Property, and the Hon. Stephen Kamper expressing its disappointment in the decision - and to urge them to build public housing on this site.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake and Tastan

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith

Foreshadowed Motion (Scott/Smith)

1. That Council affirms its support for an ambitious housing development including market and non-market public, social and affordable housing on the Parramatta Road WestConnex site at Camperdown, including substantially increased heights and densities from the plan announced by the Minister for Housing and Minister for Lands and Property in July 2024.

2. That Council supports a significant uplift in the number of dwellings proposed for the 1.2ha site given its proximity to the city, key services including Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and bus services along Parramatta Road, subject to a proper master planning process.

3. That Council write to the NSW Minister for Housing the Hon. Rose Jackson, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon. Paul Scully, and the Minister for Lands and Property, and the Hon. Stephen Kamper expressing its support for the government's policy of increasing density close to jobs and services and urging them to maximise the housing yield of private and public housing of all types and tenures on this site.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith

Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake and Tastan

C1124(1) Item 22 Notice of Motion: Making use of Leichhardt Oval for live music
and performance

Motion: (Byrne/Fergusson)

1. That Council open an expression of interest process inviting proposals for the use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and performance for up to 4 events in 2025. The draft of the EOI is to be tabled for endorsement at the December Ordinary Council meeting. Preference is to be given proposals that promote local community engagement and showcase Inner West artists.

2. That Council include in the primary specifications for the design of the renovation of Leichhardt Oval options for the equipment and other elements that would enable the ground to be used for live music and live performance.

3. That following receipt of expressions of interest, consultation with the community will take place about amending the Leichhardt Park Plan of Management to allow for the trial of music events take place.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

1. That Council writes to the CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras offering Inner West parks and ovals as a location for the 2025 and future Mardi Gras Fair Days.

2. That Council notes Inner West Council was successful in applying for a stall at the 2025 Mardi Gras Fair Day and allocates funding from the existing communications or communities budget to provide for information regarding council’s successful work and programs to support and foster LGBTQIA+ community in the Inner West and for other appropriate giveaways.

3. That Council working with Twenty10 and the LGBTQIA+ Working Group, relocate the Feel the Love Celebration 2025 to the Inner West Pride Centre / Pride Square.

4. That Council as part of the 2025 Feel the Love the program, include an unveiling of a permanent plaque acknowledging the community members who helped with the development and establishment of the Inner West Pride Centre, to be permanently displayed at location in the Pride Centre, to be agreed with Twenty10, with funding sourced from the next Budget Quarterly Review.

5. That Council as part of the deliberations for the 2025-26 Budget, consider increasing funding for the Feel the Love celebration and providing small grants for community floats in the Mardi Gras parade and again holding a Pride Inner West festival in Pride month each year.

6. That Council as part of the 2025 Mardi Gras season, reaffirm its commitment to hosting a screening of the 2025 Mardi Gras Parade in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, and for future years.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Confidential session

Procedural Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

That Council enter into Confidential session.

Motion Carried

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

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:

C1124(1) Item 30 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND 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.

C1124(1) Item 32 RFT 13-24 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade (Stage 1) (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.

C1124(1) Item 33 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Motion: (Howard/Smith)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

resolutions passed during closed session

C1124(1) Item 30 Major Capital Projects Committee and Project Summary Report

Motion: (Scott/Atkins)

That Council receive the minutes and adopt the recommendations of the Major Capital Projects Committee meeting held on 26 August 2024.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 32 RFT 13-24 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade (Stage 1)

Motion: (Scott/Tastan)

1. That Council accepts Momentum Built Pty Ltd tender submission for RFT 13-24 for the lump sum price of $8,503,139 ex GST ($9,353,452.9 Inc GST).

2. That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to authorise variations to this contract up to the value of the contingency amount noted in the confidential report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1124(1) Item 33 Quarterly Strategic Investment Property Report

Motion: (Scott/Carlisle)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Meeting closed at 8.43pm.

Public Speakers:

Item #	Speaker	Suburb
Item 5:	Amy Gray Charles Bailey Jason Gray Patrick May Pip Hinman Philip Bull	Newtown Leichhardt Newtown Newtown Newtown Marrickville
Item 7:	Fiona Campbell Tamara Winikoff	Lewisham Lewisham
Item 8:	David Benham	Newtown
Item 20:	Theo Loucas Joanna Andronis	Redfern Marrickville
Item 21:	Emily Lockwood	Summer Hill
Item 29:	Belinda Daly	Lilyfield

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on the 12^thNovember, 2024 were confirmed as a correct record on this 3^rd day of December 2024.