|
AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2024
6:30 PM
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 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 3 December 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 12 November 2024 Council 7
8 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
9 Condolence Motions
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
11 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C1224(1) Item 1 Update - LGA Wide Local Environmental Plan 28
C1224(1) Item 2 Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park Draft Plans of Management and Masterplans 81
C1224(1) Item 3 Post Exhibition - Draft Biodiversity Strategy 134
C1224(1) Item 4 Public Exhibition - Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy 172
C1224(1) Item 5 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 November 2024 187
C1224(1) Item 6 Love your Club: Support for local clubs 214
C1224(1) Item 7 Making use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and performance 217
C1224(1) Item 8 Bill Smoothing and Pensioner Rebate 223
C1224(1) Item 9 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review 233
C1224(1) Item 10 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital Projects Committee Schedule 277
12 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C1224(1) Item 11 Gambling Harm Minimisation 280
C1224(1) Item 12 Two New All-Weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park 283
C1224(1) Item 13 Update on Alcohol Free Zone at Loyalty Square Balmain 286
C1224(1) Item 14 Cycling Education Courses 288
C1224(1) Item 15 FOGO Food Recycling Update 291
C1224(1) Item 16 Door knocking residents as an engagement technique on major projects 297
C1224(1) Item 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub 299
C1224(1) Item 18 Reconciliation Action Plan - Quarterly Report 303
C1224(1) Item 19 Together2 Social Enterprise Cafe 306
C1224(1) Item 20 Investment Report at 31 October 2024 308
C1224(1) Item 21 Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment Update 363
C1224(1) Item 22 Update on Creative Use of Town Halls 370
C1224(1) Item 23 Mandatory Reporting to Council of Report received from Fire & Rescue NSW 373
C1224(1) Item 24 Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 381
13 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C1224(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Wicks Park Tennis Courts 385
C1224(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Automated Waste System 398
C1224(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Open Space 426
C1224(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: George Street Sydenham dog park 432
C1224(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Schwebel Street, Marrickville 435
C1224(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: The Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre 436
C1224(1) Item 31 Notice of Motion: Pedestrianisation of Illawarra Road, Marrickville 438
C1224(1) Item 32 Notice of Motion: South Princes Highway, Tempe and Sydenham 439
C1224(1) Item 33 Notice of Motion: Hygienic disposal in men’s toilets 440
C1224(1) Item 34 Notice of Motion: Albert Parade Reserve, Ashfield 441
C1224(1) Item 35 Notice of Motion: World War I memorial in Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield 442
C1224(1) Item 36 Notice of Motion: New Kitchen Clontarf Cottage Balmain 443
C1224(1) Item 37 Notice of Motion: Wellington & Terry Street Pedestrian Crossings, Rozelle 445
C1224(1) Item 38 Notice of Motion: 2025 Mode Shift Forum 446
C1224(1) Item 39 Notice of Motion: 10km/h Shared Zone Brett Avenue, Balmain East 448
C1224(1) Item 40 Notice of Motion: Integrity in Local Government – Property Developer and Lobbyist Register 449
14 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C1224(1) Item 41 Provision of 2 FOGO bins for Inner West Schools and Council-run Early Learning Centres 451
C1224(1) Item 42 Finalisation of Negotiations of Collection Service Garbage, FOGO and Recycling 455
C1224(1) Item 43 RFT 40-24 Design and Construction All Weather Outdoor Dining Coverage 457
C1224(1) Item 44 Petersham Town Hall Creative Hub EOI 458
C1224(1) Item 45 Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Tender 474
C1224(1) Item 46 Update on the EOI for the development of affordable housing on Council land 476
C1224(1) Item 47 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of Carriageway Over Community Land 479
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 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 Simone Plummer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor 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 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
|
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.
|
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:
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:
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
|
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
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.
|
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 |
|
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 |
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.
Councillor Antoniou returned to the Meeting at 7:50 pm.
Councillor Carlisle returned to the Meeting at 7:50 pm.
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.
|
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.
|
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 |
|
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.
|
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.
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 23 Notice of Motion: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras |
|
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
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 |
Unconfirmed Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 12 November 2024.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Update - LGA Wide Local Environmental Plan
Prepared By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
Authorised By: Matthew Pearce - General Counsel
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council writes to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to: a) seek deferral of the inclusion of Council with respect to the Transit Oriented Development and Low to Mid Rise Housing reforms noting the significant feasibility challenge and the work that has been completed to date, and b) to seek clarification on: i. which plan making process will be used to implement the LGA wide LEP review; ii. the timing and delivery of the Bays West TOD being led by the State Government as well as a commitment to involve Council in the creation of the Bays West precinct; and iii. the inclusion of non-market housing such that affordable housing, boarding houses, student housing and co-living will count towards the calculation of Council’s dwelling targets
|
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 3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On 22 October 2024, Council resolved to ‘commit to the timely development and finalisation of a LGA wide Local Environment Plan (LEP) that aligns with the State Government’s housing targets’.
This report provides an overview of the:
· context for an LGA wide LEP review including previous Council resolutions
· scope of the review and plan-making process
Council is preparing a Local Government Area (LGA) wide review to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (IWLEP 2022). This review is intended to present Council’s alternative approach to the NSW Government’s housing reforms such as the Transport Orientated Development and Low and Mid-rise Housing Reforms and to meet our dwelling targets.
BACKGROUND
In October 2023, Council received a letter from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces highlighting the housing crisis and the need to update planning controls to support new housing. A copy of this letter is contained in Attachment 1.
In December 2023, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) released two key housing reforms intended to increase the delivery of housing in well-serviced locations and in response to the National Housing Accord. The Accord has an aspirational target agreed by all State and Territory governments to build one million new well‑located homes over 5 years from mid‑2024. Of these, the NSW Government committed to 377,000 dwellings.
A summary of these programs, how they impact the Inner West and progress on their roll-out to date is detailed below.
Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Program
The TOD Program included five locations in the Inner West LGA – Bays West, Croydon, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville.
The release of the TOD program by DPHI was not accompanied by any formal engagement process or a consultation period. However, Councils were encouraged to provide feedback and at the February 2024 Ordinary Council meeting a submission was endorsed and subsequently provided to DPHI.
Bays West
This location is identified as one of eight TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precincts across Sydney to be investigated by DPHI. These TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precincts encompass a 1.2km radius around an existing or future rail or metro station. They include land under NSW Government control and legislated by State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts – Eastern Harbour City) 2021.
In July 2024, DPHI exhibited master plans for seven of the eight TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precincts. Consultation concluded in August and the resulting outcomes are intended to come into effect before the end of 2024. The only outstanding TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precinct is Bays West. As of November 2024, Council has not been formally notified of the extent of the master plan area or timing of its release. However, the DPHI website notes the following:
“The Bays West TOD rezoning proposal will build on the vision of the Bays West Place Strategy and Bays West Stage 1 rezoning, so we can deliver more homes sooner in a vibrant new precinct. The Bays West TOD will include staged master plans for the sub-precincts and track on a different timeline to the other TOD accelerated precincts due to the need to resolve working harbour and ports uses. Further community consultation for the Bays West TOD rezoning proposal will occur when it goes on exhibition in mid-2025.”
The Bays West Stage 1 Rezoning Proposal, as approved by DPHI in December 2022, includes a supporting Social Needs Analysis (Cred, October 2022). This study anticipates that Bays West, in its entirety, is likely to generate land uses to support 12,351 workers and 8,410 new residents. Applying an estimate of 2 persons per dwelling, this equates to approximately 4,200 dwellings.
At a briefing to the Council in late 2022, DPHI advised a Working Group would be arranged together with the lead agency, Placemaking NSW to progress master planning. To date Council have not been advised when this would be initiated.
Ashfield, Croydon, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville Station
These are four of 37 TOD Part 2 locations across the Greater Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra Region. The TOD Part 2 locations include land within a 400m radius of the identified rail or metro station. Part of the Croydon location is shared with Burwood Council, and Inner West officers have met regularly with Burwood Council officers to share data and information.
The basis of the TOD Part 2 reform is to permit, with consent, residential flat buildings in all residential zones (and shop-top housing in centre zones) within 400m of identified stations – including Heritage Conservations Areas but not heritage items – and with the following development controls:
· maximum building height of up to 6 storeys – 22m (residential flat buildings) and 24m (shop top housing),
· maximum floor space ratio (FSR) of 2.5:1,
· lot frontage of 21m, and
· requirement for an affordable housing contribution of 2% delivered on-site and in perpetuity for developments with a gross floor area of 2,000m2 or more.
In April 2024, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces wrote to the Council advising that the TOD Program was deferred for Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville Stations until December 2024 and Croydon Station until January 2025, to allow Council to introduce its own alternative controls by these dates, provided that they meet or exceed the theoretical housing capacities allowed by the NSW Government’s controls for those locations. A copy of the TOD deferral letter is contained in Attachment 2.
In August 2024, DPHI issued Transport Orientated Development - Guide to strategic planning. A copy of the guide is contained in Attachment 3.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing (LMRH) Program (previously named Diverse and Well-Located Housing)
This program applies across Greater Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra Regions, and some aspects across NSW. It specifically impacts land zoned R1 General Residential, R2 Low Density Residential, R3 Medium Density Residential and R4 High Density Residential. The program proposes mid-rise development (up to six storeys) within 400m, and low-rise development (up to four storeys) within 800m of all stations (heavy rail, light rail and metro) and of town centres that contain a wide range of goods and services, such as full-line supermarkets.
The LMRH has wide application across the Inner West due to the LGA’s current zoning, three heavy rail lines (T2, T4 and the T3 that is under conversion to Metro) and the light rail, together with a variety of town and village type centres.
Unlike the TOD Program, the LMRH was released with an Explanation of Intended Effect and exhibited from 15 December 2023 until 23 February 2024, receiving some 8,000 submissions.
On 1 July 2024, Stage 1 of LMRH came into effect. This permits dual occupancies with consent across R2 Low Density Residential zone in NSW and is implemented through an amendment to the Housing SEPP. The new permissibility is excluded in the following circumstances:
· if the land contains a Heritage Item. Noting the use is permitted in a Heritage Conservation Area.
· If the land is within the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) aircraft noise contours of 20 or higher. This affects a large area of the Inner West LGA.
· If the land is within 200m of gas and fuel pipelines. In the Inner West, these are the Mascot Petroleum pipeline, that runs along the southern boundary of the LGA, and the High-Pressure Gas Pipeline, that follows the petroleum pipeline in the west before turning north and generally following the light rail line.
At the time Stage 1 came into effect, a media release advised that Stage 2 (medium rise of up to 6 storeys) of the LMRH would not be released until later in 2024. This was reiterated in a letter to Council from DPHI, dated 29 June 2024, with an update on the LMRH. A copy of the letter is contained in Attachment 4 and a map identifying the extent of Stage 1 dual occupancy implementation is contained in Attachment 5.
DPHI assistance
In the letter from the Minister (April 2024) contained in Attachment 2, DPHI offered logistical support to ensure delivery of the housing reforms. This has not been forthcoming. Likewise, Council has not received any further formal information, such as the extent of the Low to Mid Rise program as it relates to the LGA.
Housing targets
A further factor inter-related to the Housing Reforms was the release in May 2024 of 5-year housing targets for councils across NSW. Unlike previous 5-year targets, the new targets relate to completions rather than plan-making to facilitate delivery.
The current dwelling target for Inner West is 7,800 dwelling completions for 2024-2029. Previously Inner West had a 5-year housing target of 5,900 new dwellings as outlined in the Greater Sydney Region Plan for 2019-2024.
Inner West has an ongoing issue with the method used by DPHI to calculate housing delivery as only “market housing” is included i.e., detached houses, medium-density development (townhouses, terraces, and villas) and apartments. This means that many forms of housing that make up new housing stock in the Inner West are not counted when calculating housing delivery against these targets. The dwelling types excluded from the calculations include:
· secondary dwellings
· boarding houses
· co-living housing
· student accommodation
· group homes
· seniors living developments, including retirement villages, hostels, and aged care facilities
· housing for people with a disability.
These type of homes are excluded from DPHI’s calculation currently as they rely on Sydney Water connections to count housing delivery. The dwelling types listed above as excluded do not usually have a 1:1 Sydney Water connection and therefore are not counted.
The housing supply challenge in NSW is well documented; the need for additional housing in our community is clear. Inner West is doing their fair share, but this is not reflected in the published data. Our records show that in the Inner West 1613 non-market dwellings were approved and constructed between 2016 and 2021. This is a significant contribution to the affordable housing stock but is disincentivised by DPHI as these forms of housing do not count toward dwelling targets. The Inner West contribution to both affordability and towards the dwelling target set by DPHI is therefore being under reported as these approvals are not reflected in DPHI data.
Council continues to advocate to DPHI to stop only measuring net dwelling completions using Sydney Water new billings data and to develop an accurate way of measuring new housing supply.
Previous Council Decision Making
Release of the Housing Reforms has initiated several Council Resolutions. Each of these along with the resulting activities are outlined below.
February 2024 Council Meeting
At the Council meeting held on 13 February 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council makes the following submission to the state government, recognising the seriousness of the housing supply crisis and believes all elected representatives at all levels of government must take responsibility for addressing this.
2. That Council agrees in principle that increased residential density around transport hubs is a vital element in increasing housing supply.
3. That Council seeks to engage constructively with the Government on their proposed Transport Oriented Development (TOD) and Diverse and Well-Located Housing (DWLH) rezoning reforms and seeks an urgent meeting with the Planning Minister to discuss this positive collaboration.
4. That Council notes that these rezoning proposals were only issued for consultation in late December 2023 and that they should not be rushed through prior to dwelling targets having been provided or without proper negotiation between Council and the Government.
5. That Council requests that the NSW Government works with us to ensure that excellent pattern book designs, that reflect the heritage and character of the inner west are made available as soon as possible in order that they can be incorporated into the TOD and DWLH.
6. That Council seeks urgent clarification from the NSW Government and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) regarding the dwelling targets and how the TOD and DWLH will relate to existing heritage protections in the inner west.
7. That Council proposes that the NSW Government consider additional housing reforms and supply opportunities within the Inner West beyond TOD and DWLH including:
a. propose to the NSW Government that they consider establishing a state-controlled corporation to build homes and increase supply for the private sale and rental markets, as occurs successfully in many jurisdictions across the world
b. note the Victorian Government's $5.3 billion investment in building 12,000 new public housing dwellings and propose that the NSW Government make a comparable investment
c. finalise and share with Council the outcomes from the NSW and Commonwealth Crown land audits, and identify which of this land is suitable for housing and public housing
d. recommit our offer to the NSW Government to partner with the Council to provide support for public housing development on our council-owned land and seek to progress negotiations
e. expedite the finalisation of the Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 program transforming parts of Leichhardt, Taverners Hill and Kings Bay precincts by facilitating 1516 new dwellings
f. legislate the NSW Government’s rental reforms and resource the office of the Rental Commissioner to provide advice and assistance to tenants across NSW
g. include Inner West Council to have input into the Apartment Guide Design Standards, noting the success of our Architectural Excellence and Design Review Panel process; and
h. request that the NSW Government amend the operation of the Inner West Planning Panel to create a pathway or mechanism for applicants, not just objectors, to have their development application referred to the Panel for determination.
8. That Council writes to Inner West residents outlining Council’s approach to the state government planning reforms and encourages them to make a submission.
9. That Council requests that the DPHI release Inner West-tailored information on the TOD, including map summaries of the changes.
The above resolution formed the Inner West Council submission to the Housing Reforms and was issued on 20 February 2024.
May 2024 Council Meeting
At the Council meeting held on 21 May 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council notes that our decision to engage in negotiations with the NSW Government regarding the housing supply crisis has secured our community the time and opportunity to deliver our own locally based planning through an Inner West Local Environmental Plan.
2. That Council undertake a new Local Environmental Plan to be submitted to the NSW Government by the end of 2024.
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 that 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.
4. That Council writes to the NSW Minister for Planning notifying him of Council’s decision to submit the Local Environmental Plan at the end of 2024 and proposing the deferral of the Low-Mid-rise Housing SEPP to allow Council to complete and submit this LEP.
5. That Council undertake community consultation and engagement on the principles of the Local Environmental Plan.
6. That Council develop an information resource for residents to the community how the proposed planning changes will increase housing supply and meet housing targets for our LGA, including affordable and public housing and write to all residents in the LGA with this information.
As a result of the above resolution, an engagement on the Principles for Planning in the Inner West was initiated and open for public comment from 21 June to 6 August 2024. The engagement outcomes report was presented at the 22 October 2024 Council meeting and is Attachment 6.
October 2024 Council Meeting
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council welcomes the 1,221 submissions from the community, providing valuable input and feedback on the proposed planning principles.
3. That Council commits to the timely development and finalisation of a LGA wide Local Environment Plan (LEP) that aligns with the State Government’s housing targets.
4. That Council incorporates all the planning principles we consulted the community on into the development of the LEP.
5. That Council prioritises affordable housing options within the LEP, including for social and public housing.
6. That Council reports back to Council a draft LEP for submission to the NSW State Government.
7. That Council notes the key recommendations in the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission report titled Review of Housing Supply Challenges and Policy Options for New South Wales (September 2024) (the PC Report) regarding the importance of a fast and smooth development process; and
a. acknowledges that design excellence is critical to delivering quality, sustainable, affordable housing and that everyone in our community has a right to live in housing that is well-designed, meets minimum standards and has access to sunlight
b. supports protecting and maintaining existing solar access provisions in design guidelines
c. receives a report from Council officers to the November Ordinary Council meeting assessing how the recommendations of the Productivity Commission Report could be applied to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of development assessment in the Inner West.
8. That Council notes that NSW is only one of two states that are yet to sign up to the Silver Livable Housing Design Standards in the National Construction Code – a set of design standards that require new housing developments to offer basic accessibility for all people.
9. That Council note the need for increased standards around sustainability and design to ensure new builds are meeting Council’s goals of energy efficiency and equity, including cooling and heating measures, where possible solar panels being incorporated, and other best practice standards laid out by Council’s own Design Excellence Panel.
10. That Council notes that new residential buildings in the Inner West need to be a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms to accommodate broad types of living arrangements and stages.
LGA wide LEP review – draft Inner West LEP 2025
As per the May and October resolutions above, Council resolved to prepare an LGA wide LEP that would provide an alternate approach to housing reforms. This is driven by Council’s intent to ensure a place-based approach that delivers better outcomes than those provided under blanket controls proposed by the housing reforms.
The LGA Wide Local Environmental Plan comprises the following:
· Transport Oriented Development Housing Investigation Area (TOD HIA) – Ashfield/Croydon, and Dulwich Hill/Marrickville TOD Part 2 stations
· Low to Mid Rise Housing Investigation Area (LMR HIA) – areas around light rail stations, heavy rail stations and well-located town centres.
· Refinement and review of land use permissibility and other planning standards and criteria for all residential zones.
A map of the Inner West LEP LGA wide review is contained in Attachment 7.
The program of work for the LGA wide LEP review focuses on a place-based approach and includes:
· Master planning
· Transport strategy
· Connecting to Country
· Sustainability
· Flood risk assessment
· Biodiversity
In many instances, the process of preparing an alternative approach to the housing reforms is highly integrated and iterative. For example:
· flood modelling is undertaken based on the existing built form to inform opportunities and then repeated to test post development scenarios. This work also informs potential new infrastructure to mitigate risk.
· transport planning identifies interventions to address new development that inform master planning and infrastructure needs.
· infrastructure needs studies rely on certainty of potential growth and the location of change. In turn, this informs feasibility analysis.
Consequently, the delivery of the resulting alternative approach needs to allow for these interdependencies.
Feasibility
When planning for additional housing, it is important to ensure that the planning framework facilitates viable development and does not unnecessarily impede desired outcomes. Feasibility analysis provides an understanding of the likelihood of theoretical dwelling capacity, under proposed planning controls, being delivered under market conditions.
A development is deemed feasible when its revenues exceed its costs by a sufficient margin, such that it can be developed with sufficient risk-adjusted investment returns. Viable development is where a developer’s willingness to pay for land in a feasible redevelopment exceeds the existing use value of the land. The development is considered viable because the underlying land transaction can proceed.
Feasibility analysis work is well advanced to inform Council’s LGA-wide LEP and has comprised:
· market appraisals
· ongoing feasibility testing of current and alternative planning controls
· sensitivity testing to understand the viability of additional development parameters such as affordable housing, amalgamation premiums and increased sustainability targets
· viable dwelling capacity testing to estimate the likely take-up of controls and resulting dwelling delivery.
While it is important to ensure that the masterplanning process delivers viable development, this cannot be at the expense of high-quality urban design outcomes. An iterative approach is underway to ensure the planning controls achieve a balance between appropriate built form and viable development, while maximising considerations of sustainability, affordable housing and public domain improvements, among others. A first tranche of this commercial in confidence (CIC) work has been undertaken. The documents are CIC as they rely on a series of representative case studies that extrapolate to the broader LGA. However what is not CIC is that they robustly demonstrate that the TODs as proposed by DPHI – at 6 stories and 2.5:1 FSR lack feasibility as a tool to incentivise high density development across the Inner West. Initial testing has demonstrated that the TOD approach announced by the Minister will not create incentives to development and feasibility is further negatively skewed with a 2% affordable housing requirement.
Feasibility is
particularly challenging in the Inner West with high land values and relatively
small lots requiring amalgamation of a number of sites. The resulting unit
prices in the Inner West are generally less than in other inner city areas
which poses a further challenge to feasibility. Further refinement of the
planning controls to balance feasibility with good urban design outcomes is
being considered by Council officers so that planning controls create
incentives for development enabling a dwelling completion target of 7,800
within the required time. This approach has underpinned the work to date and
has meant that a whole of LGA LEP is not yet completed.2
Heritage
Aligned to the Principle for Planning (Attachment 6) of protecting high value heritage, the work program reviews items or areas where the identified significance may be compromised. This approach ensures heritage protections are validated and that the resulting built form outcomes based around the protection of high value heritage is compelling.
Infrastructure
It is essential that population growth is under-pinned by local infrastructure needed to support the community. The HIA work program includes a review of social, recreational, and community facility demand resulting from changes to proposed dwelling targets. Council is also preparing an Infrastructure Delivery Plan for the HIAs, which will identify infrastructure gaps and potential funding sources to deliver works. The outcome of these reviews is likely to result in future amendments to the Inner West Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan (2023) to ensure that local infrastructure delivery remains aligned to population growth in the Inner West.
Collectively this work identifies constraints and opportunities to inform a master plan and LEP and DCP amendments that will deliver additional housing, and jobs, in a placed-based and feasible way.
Transport Oriented Development Housing Investigation Area (TOD HIA)
Since the April 2024 deferral of the Inner West TOD this work has continued. In addition, to the 400m radius initially identified by the TOD Program, this work has considered an extended area of up to 800m, being best practise for accessibility to high quality public transport. This approach is supported by the Productivity Commission’s recent Review of Housing Supply Challenges and Policy Options for New South Wales (September 2024). The approach has not been to apply a holistic upzone but in the light of feasibility findings to test lot amalgamation, building height and FSR in order to identify where the capacity exists to provide additional development appropriately. Due to the complexity of ongoing feasibility testing the Minister’s timeframe of December 2024 has not been met and seeking an extension of the TOD deferral is recommended.
Low to Mid Rise Housing Investigation Area (LMR HIA)
The LMR HIA work is centred around land near light rail stations, heavy rail stations (T2 and T4 lines), town centres/main streets, and some areas along Parramatta Road.
The following areas are not being considered for additional housing:
· heritage conservation areas within a residential zone, including the suburb of Haberfield
· properties with heritage items
· employment land, being land zoned E3 Productivity Support or E4 General Industrial, unless identified for rezoning under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy
· land contained within an Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) contour of 35+
· land subject to high hazard flooding
· areas adjoining the Bays West Precinct. These areas will be considered once the State government has finalised their rezoning of the TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precinct.
· The place-based approach will consider a broad range of factors for the delivery of new housing, including character, movement, amenity, transport, and building typologies.
As mentioned earlier, DPHI has indicated that further information on timing of the LMR SEPP will be provided before the end of 2024. While no such update has yet been issued, in order to achieve the housing completion target set for Inner West and ensure that LMR principles are applied with positive urban and public amenity outcomes council officers investigations are again iterative and extend 800m from each LMR centre. Given the work underway to develop appropriate planning controls in advance of the potentially imminent announcement on the LMR SEPP advocating for a deferral of the LMR SEPP is recommended.
Review of residential zones
This work aims to improve the operation and accuracy of the LEP by reviewing existing provisions and maps, rezoning properties to enable consistent zoning across the LGA and amending allowances within residential zones to encourage further development.
This review includes:
· aligning the R1 General Residential, R2 Low Density Residential, R3 Medium Density Residential and R4 High Density Residential zones across each of the former LGAs,
· setting minimum lot sizes for dual occupancies
· providing more clarity on the provision of affordable housing particularly in the Ashfield town centre
· rezoning selected properties to align with the existing uses
· rezoning of faith-based properties to allow them to be redeveloped for residential uses
Community Engagement and the Process for Plan Making
Typically, the legislative process for Council to amend the LEP would be through the planning proposal process under Part 3 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). A principle LEP is complex and time consuming and requires a significant number of specialised and technical studies to meet all the requirements under the state wide strategic planning framework as outlined in the LEP plan making guidelines (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 – LEP making timeline – Principal amendment
To date, implementation of the TOD program has not followed the LEP making process. Instead, the State Government has used State Environmental Planning Policy, namely the Housing SEPP, to prescribe controls to TOD Sites identified on a Transport Orientated Development Sites Map. There are fewer requirements for making a SEPP under the EP&A Act and so State-led plan making can be much quicker than the LEP making process.
This report further recommends the Council writes to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to seek clarification on which plan making process will be used to implement the LGA wide LEP review prior to determining a community engagement process.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council has received a $2.6m grant from the Federal Government to undertake planning and housing investigations. The housing investigation area work that cannot be funded through this grant will be accommodated through the strategic planning budget and the quarterly budget review process.
|
1.⇩ |
Letter from the Minister to the Mayor - Review of planning controls - October 2023 |
|
2.⇩ |
Letter from the Minister to the Mayor - TOD deferral - April 2024 |
|
3.⇩ |
TOD - Guide to strategic planning - August 2024 |
|
4.⇩ |
Letter from DPHI to Council - LMR Housing Reform Update - June 2024 |
|
5.⇩ |
Map of land affected by LMR Housing Reform Stage 1 - July 2024 |
|
6.⇩ |
Principles for Planning in the Inner West Engagement Outcomes Report - October 2024 |
|
7.⇩ |
Map of Inner West LEP extent of LGA wide review |
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park Draft Plans of Management and Masterplans
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
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 3: Creative communities and a strong economy 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides strategic direction for the future delivery of key masterplanning proposals, future management and park capital improvements to the Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park. A draft Plan of Management (Attachment 1) has now been completed for the two parklands which are geographically separated by Lilyfield Road (refer to Fig 1.0).
The report recommends placing the Easton Park Plan of Management on public exhibition for a period of 42 days prior to bringing it back to Council for consideration for adoption. The Rozelle Parklands have not been dedicated or gazetted as open space by the NSW Government
The NSW Government has committed $20 million dollars to future park improvements which is conditional on the finalisation and adoption of the Rozelle Parklands Plan of Management.
Concept proposals for each Park Plan of Management have been independently costed. Planning and concept design works to date are reflective of local community recreation and accessibility needs and have responded to community engagement outcomes. Noting the key masterplan priorities have been provided as concepts, a number of these are of such significance that they have been tested further by council officers. Specifically the following have been investigated further - angle parking along Lilyfield Road, on street tree planting, potential conflict with existing tree planting, the proposal for a new amenities block at Easton Park and the potential to salvage buildings currently held in ownership by TfNSW. These are discussed in detail in the report below and it is recommended that the draft POMs be amended to take account of these further investigations and update prior to formal community engagement.
As part of the next stages of community engagement, the community and local sporting bodies will be requested to provide feedback on the list of priority park improvements outlined in the park masterplans.
BACKGROUND
There are three important sets of Council resolutions in relation to the development of Draft Plans of Management for the new Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park. These are summarised as follows:
At the Council meeting held on 12 September 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council welcome the agreement from the new State Government to work with Inner West Council to undertake a new Masterplan for Rozelle Parklands.
3. That Council write to the Minister for Roads indicating Council’s willingness to cooperate with the Government on the Masterplan on the basis that:
a) It includes detailed community engagement and cost planning to ensure that future community recreation and sporting needs are adequately met and that recurrent management costs to the community are transparently provided and disclosed; and
b) The costs of the Masterplan are met by the NSW Government.
4. That Council propose the following key considerations to be included in the Masterplan:
a) The provision of adequate car parking facilities (including accessible spaces) to service the Rozelle Parklands, including the provision of bus bays to support access for school sport;
b) The provision of 4 multi-purpose courts;
c) The provision of an all-weather sporting surface;
d) Inclusive and accessible toilet facilities near the children’s play area;
e) Female friendly changerooms/amenities that also provide kiosks and storage for local sporting clubs;
f) The need for accessible and safe connections with Easton Park;
g) Consideration of connections to active transport routes in the local area; and
h) Replacement trees to address the loss of tree canopy associated with WestConnex.
6. That Council convene a meeting at Easton Park in Rozelle to update local residents in Rozelle, Lilyfield and Annandale about the status of Rozelle Parklands and the inform them about the new Masterplan process.
At the Council meeting held on 21 May 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
2. That Council proceed with planning, design and implementation, forward of the Rozelle Parklands Masterplan, of two new crossings on Lilyfield Road to address pedestrian and cycling safety and accessibility to the Rozelle Parklands. These crossings are generally to be located between Easton Park and Rozelle Parklands, and to the southwestern extent of Rozelle Parklands. This is to be undertaken by Council and funded through grants or the $20 million in funding we successfully secured from the current NSW Government to improve the Rozelle Parklands and the surrounding precinct.
3. That Council incorporate into the Rozelle Parklands Masterplan the use of the seating area / grandstand at the sporting field as an amphitheatre for live performance including theatre, film screening and music. Council should also seek to undertake a pilot event at this location in July to demonstrate how the community can use the site for artistic purposes. Funding for this event is to be identified through the quarterly budget review.
4. That Council, as part of the Masterplanning process, includes community consultation on whether the community supports Council taking on care, control and management of the Rozelle Parklands at a cost of approximately $650,000 annually.
At the Council meeting held on 9 April 2024, Council resolved in part:
1. That Council delegate the General Manager to enter into a Temporary Licence Agreement with Transport for NSW to manage the sporting fields in Rozelle Parklands until a permanent arrangement is in place and that any temporary arrangement be reviewed after 12 months. The temporary arrangement will manage bookings, undertake field maintenance, line marking, mowing and installation of goal posts.
Fig 1.0 Easton Park and the Rozelle Parklands
DISCUSSION
Draft Plans of Management and masterplans for the newly developed Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park has now been finalised for consideration for public exhibition and costing (Refer to Attachment 1). The Rozelle parklands has not been dedicated as open space by the NSW Government, neither has it been categorised for general community use as parkland.
Community Engagement
As part of the formation of the draft plan of management a number of community engagement events have been undertaken to support the development of a draft plan of management for the two parkland areas. This has included:
Have Your Say on the future of the Rozelle Parklands -17 December 2023 to 18 February 2024 Planning for Rozelle Parklands | Your Say Inner West (nsw.gov.au)
On site Community Engagement: Sunday 17 December 2023.
On site Community Engagement Saturday 8 June 2024.
A copy of the Engagement Summary report is attached as Attachment 2.
Draft Plan of Management
A combined strategic planning approach has been undertaken for the development of the two Park Plans of Management. This is considered sensible noting that the community requires safe use and access to both Easton Park and Rozelle Parklands. The linkages and connections to the Lilyfield community has also been carefully considered in the masterplanning process, including safe passage between Easton Park and the new Rozelle parklands. Based on the outcomes of community engagement (Attachment 2) long term masterplans have been developed for both Easton Park and Rozelle Parklands. The draft Masterplans for both parklands can be viewed on pages 33-38 of Attachment 1.
Key Master Plan Priorities (Concept only at this Stage)
1. Rozelle Parklands Key Initiatives (Concept):
· New park entry aligned with Easton Park entry and new raised pedestrian crossing on Lilyfield Road.
· Pedestrian and cyclist crossings at park entry align with Ryan Street
· New amenity block to include change rooms and storage facilities (design and delivery by TfNSW)
· Future Lilyfield Road Cycleway connecting to the GreenWay and the Bay Run
· New Fig Tree Avenue on Lilyfield Road with 90-degree angled parking westbound where road width allows
· Aerial bundling the overhead power lines.
· New shared marking zones on the cycle paths.
· New shared markings on the cyclist paths.
· New connection from the established Yarning circle to footpath
· New vegetated swales with pedestrian access/decks at regular intervals
· Introduction of new park seating overlooking the wetland
· New shade structures for fitness area and playground
· Provision of a new toilet block (design and delivery by TfNSW)
· Existing Park entry removed and relocated (to align with Easton Park)
· New pedestrian access/decks over existing turfed swales
· Options for Cricket Wicket A: Synthetic turf wicket block on concrete base to allow winter usage B: Natural turf wicket subject to agreement that NSW Cricket will meet 50% of the total annual maintenance costs moving forward (costs for annual maintenance for a turf wicket block are approximately $105,215 ($105k) per annum.
· Additional shade trees for the Amphitheatre
· New lighting towers at the existing oval to include 4 x 3 phase power outlets to allow events use (design and delivery by TfNSW)
· Provision of Cricket nets
· Picket fence developed around the sports oval.
2. Lilyfield Road Initiatives (Concept):
· New raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings at Easton Park's entry and Ryan St
· New Fig Tree Avenue on Lilyfield Road with 90-degree angled parking westbound where road width allows.
· New coach drop-off areas on Lilyfield Road and on Bayview Crescent.
· New speed humps on Lilyfield Road before pedestrian crossings and on Denison Street.
· Removal of marked cycle lane from Ryan Street to Victoria Road.
· Future Lilyfield Road Cycleway connecting to the GreenWay and the Bay Run.
· Remove turning lane at Denison Street/Lilyfield Road intersection
· Kerb build-out at Gordon Street/Lilyfield Road intersection.
· Kerb build-out and footpath widening at Victoria Road/Lilyfield Road intersection.
· New footpath on southern side of Lilyfield Road from Denison Street to Ryan Street.
· Aerial bundling of power lines that currently run through the mature trees.
· Undergrounding of power lines that clash with new trees.
· Future separated cycleway on Gordon Street (adapted from the Draft Rozelle Town Centre Masterplan).
3. Easton Park Initiatives (Concept):
· New raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings at Easton Park's main entry.
· "Park entry upgrade with generous ramps, signage, landscaping, seating, bike racks and bollards"
· "New building incorporating storage, changing rooms and toilets. Design to address CPTED considerations and opportunity to incorporate public art on building facade"
· New decking area overlooking the sporting ground. Provide BBQ facilities and DDA tables
· New and relocated seating benches overlooking the sporting ground.
· New pathway network: - connecting eastern entry to the sporting ground - along the angled parking at Denison Street - along the west and south sides of the sporting ground.
· "Maintain current use of existing sporting ground, cricket nets and basketball half-court"
· Designated area for the storage of football goal posts
· Replace threes sides of fence around the Sewer Pump Station to match the front white fence
· "Upgrade and expand the existing playground to include new play equipment, water play area, ping pong tables, seating, planting and shading structure. Opportunity for a new adventure playground"
· Bush Tucker Garden with timber log trail and educational signages
· Upgrade existing planting to enhance park experience and biodiversity
· New community garden
· Dog off-leash area
· New 90-degree angled parking
Amendments to the draft POM prior to going on exhibition
Noting the key masterplan priorities have been provided as concepts above, a number of these are of significance such that they have been tested further by Council officers. In particular the following have been the subject of deeper investigation; angle parking along Lilyfield Road, on street tree planting, potential conflict with existing tree planting, the proposal for a new amenities block at Easton Park and the potential to salvage buildings currently held in ownership by TfNSW.
Angle parking
Lilyfield Road can accommodate angle parking from the western extent toward Victoria Road. However the first few hundred metres of Lilyfield Road from Victoria Road cannot support angled parking due to the narrow width of Lilyfield Road in this location. The geometric properties of Lilyfield Road combined with the existing trees within the verge area make this portion of Lilyfield Road more suitable for parallel parking. Further, any attempt to introduce angled parking in this section of Lilyfield Road would require the removal of too many mature trees in order to create the opportunity for vehicles to overhang the kerb and this is not recommended.
On-Street Tree Planting
The proposed on street tree planting from the western boundary of Rozelle Parklands approaching Denison Street appears to be in conflict with existing tree canopy and asset management best practice and is therefore not supported. It is proposed to locate additional tree plantings within the parklands with canopy to extend over the roadway.
New amenities block for Easton Park
A new amenities block is under construction by TfNSW within the Rozelle Parklands. There is the opportunity to test whether or not this is sufficient to provide a service for the users of Easton Park before making the decision to proceed with a new block within Easton Park.
TfNSW Buildings
The 2 buildings currently within TfNSW ownership are in a state of considerable disrepair. The renewal costs of making these fit for purpose is considerable – they have been inspected by several senior officers and it is not recommended that Council advocate for ownership of these buildings in their current extreme state of disrepair. TfNSW have made an attempt to find tenants for the buildings via an EOI process but have been unsuccessful.
It is recommended that prior to proceeding to public exhibition both draft Parks Plans of Management be updated and separated to reflect the above changes and their respective pathways to approval. The draft Plans of Management (amended) will then be the documents made available for community review through the formal engagement process.
Licence for use by sporting clubs
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are currently constructing multi-purpose courts, an amenity building, playground toilets, field lighting and grass improvement works within Rozelle Parklands.
TfNSW have advised that these works have staged completions to May 2025, with the delivery timeframe uncertain to each stage however it is believed the sports fields could be available for bookable sport by February/March 2025. Following a Council resolution earlier this year Council officers have been negotiating with TfNSW to progress the terms associated with a license for Council to assume responsibility of the sports fields over a short term period. This has involved a number of Licence reiterations by both parties over 6 months. The terms of the Licence have been negotiated and the Licence itself is close to completion.
It’s worth noting that a Care Control and Management (CCM) Agreement is required for Council to assume responsibility for the entire parklands (except wetlands, stacks, land bridges and other TfNSW assets which will remain the responsibility of TfNSW). The CCM is a much more involved document than the licence given the ongoing nature of the arrangement and will take a prolonged period to resolve its particulars. It was the intention to enter into the licence forward of the CCM to enable the playing fields to be unlocked for community sporting use.
In recent times, TfNSW have pressed completing the care control and management agreement over finalising the Licence.
Council believes that the best option available to commence bookable sport at the earliest possible opportunity is to finalise the Licence. Discussions with both agencies may commence on the development of the care control and management concurrently to finalising the license.
It is recommended that Council write to the Minister of Roads, requesting intervention on the matter to finalise the license with urgency in the interest of the Inner West community to ensure bookable sport is available at the earliest possible opportunity.
Plan of Management - Next Steps
Subject to Council endorsement the Easton Park Plan of Management will be notified to the Crown and placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days. The Rozelle Parklands have not been formally classified as parkland by the NSW Government and as such the draft plan of management will be notified to the Minister for Roads and placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
A commitment of $20 million has been made by the NSW Government for parkland improvements at the Rozelle Parklands and at other parklands in proximity subject to the adoption of a Plan of Management/Masterplan for Rozelle Parklands.
Estimates and a formal cost plan have been developed for the Rozelle Parklands which highlight long term Masterplan costs in the region of $12 million. Remaining funds are to be used for refurbishment of other nearby parks including the implementation of synthetic playing surfaces.
As an existing park Easton Park is subject to operational assessment and review prior to refurbishment. The long term Masterplan costs for Easton Park stand at approximately $5 million which is within expectations of expenditure on this park over the long term, and is therefore subject to future budget review.
Attachment 2 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
|
1.⇩ |
Draft Plan of Management Rozelle and Easton Park Plan of Management |
|
2.⇨ |
Community Engagement Outcomes Report - Published separately on Council’s website |
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Draft Biodiversity Strategy
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks Planning and Ecology Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the Biodiversity Strategy.
2. The Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Biodiversity Strategy.
3. That Council acknowledge the contribution made by local resident David Noble to the visual development of this strategy through the supply of Inner West wildlife photographs.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A key priority of Council’s Community Strategic Plan is the protection, connection and enhancement of biodiversity corridors and sensitive habitat. The Inner West Biodiversity Strategy has been developed to support Council and community’s practical efforts in protecting our natural environment and also placing biodiversity at the forefront of broader planning and organisational considerations.
The vision set out in the Biodiversity Strategy is to protect, repair, and Care for Country to secure a future where people and nature thrive together. The Strategy sets out a formal plan to incorporate First Nations Ecological Knowledge, including Caring for Country principles, into Council’s Environment program for the first time.
The draft Biodiversity Strategy was placed on public exhibition between 26 September – 31 October 2024. Residents and key stakeholder groups have had the chance to review and comment on the draft. This report summarises our community’s response to the consultation and recommends amendments to the draft to ensure that it is best suited to achieve the Inner West’s Biodiversity objectives.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 3 September 2024, Council resolved the following:
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.
The draft Biodiversity Strategy was subsequently placed on public exhibition, including engagement with key stakeholder organisations, between 26 September – 31 October 2024.
Previously, at the Council meeting held on 5 December 2023, Council unanimously committed to the development of the Biodiversity Strategy and resolved (in part):
2. That Council notes that protecting, enhancing, and managing biodiversity is a key priority of Council's Community Strategic Plan.
3. That Council notes that baseline data exists for biodiversity in the former Marrickville and Leichhardt Local Government Areas (LGA), but a full mapping is yet to be undertaken for the Inner West LGA.
4. That Council affirms that all adopted Council reports and plans of management for parks, green spaces, foreshores, and waterways should include a strategy for protecting, enhancing, and managing biodiversity in those areas.
5. That Council commits to undertaking a full and comprehensive mapping of biodiversity data for green spaces, waterways, and foreshores for the Inner West LGA.
6. That Council commits to working in partnership with local environmental and bushcare groups on collection and use of biodiversity data…
Further, at its recent meeting on 22 October 2024, Council also resolved the following in part:
…commit to establishing a new microforest in every ward of the LGA to support increased biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions
DISCUSSION
Council recognises that urban development, while providing benefits such as housing and employment, is leading to significant loss of biodiversity in NSW. Especially in areas like the Inner West, urban development continues to cause impacts and such as habitat fragmentation, introduction of invasive species, and changes to microclimate, lighting, and hydrology, all of which lead to a decline in urban wildlife diversity and abundance. The Inner West local government area also faces a series of complex planning challenges, including future predicted changes in population growth and development that will increase pressure on our existing biodiversity and blue-green infrastructure.
The Biodiversity Strategy, once adopted, will provide a key tool for Council in ensuring that the values of biodiversity are carefully considered in future decision making and that habitat protection is at the forefront of Council’s strategic planning framework.
The Strategy identifies both key threats and priority protection areas to help Council focus its efforts in protecting and increasing local biodiversity. Protection of our natural environment, and addressing major impacts of development including vegetation loss and impacts on local native species, remain top priorities for our community.
Part 2 of the Strategy sets out an Action Plan under three themes – Increase Biodiversity, Unite Community, and Lead by Example. Example actions range from ongoing Council programs, such as providing local native plants from Council nurseries to improve habitat on Council-owned land; to new projects such a s a bird watching hide at Dibble Avenue Waterhole; to aspirations such as embedding Caring for Country principles.
In addition, conserving biodiversity is one key way that Council’s Reconciliation objectives can be put into practice. Caring for Country principles, which are enshrined in the Strategy, make a strong contribution to biodiversity as they involve protecting sacred areas and cultural heritage, enhancing species diversity and animal welfare, and restoring the health of waterways and terrestrial ecosystems.
Community Consultation
The draft Biodiversity Strategy was placed on public exhibition between 26 September – 31 October 2024. In summary:
· There were 1871 visits to the Your Say Inner West project page during the exhibition period
· There were 151 downloads of the Strategy documents
· A total of 36 participants completed the online survey
· 30 email submissions were made on the draft strategy.
In addition to the Your Say consultation portal:
· An online petition was received which was signed by 164 persons requesting Council to use endemic local plants in verge gardens and streetscapes by 2036.
· A combined total of 51 community members attended the scheduled Biodiversi-Tea sessions which were held at the Annandale Community Nursery and the Marrickville Native Nursery on the 28 September and 16th October 2024.
· General information sessions were held at the Dulwich Hill Festival, Marrickville Music Festival, and Mobile Customer Service Stalls in Ashfield and Balmain
· Presentations, with Q&A, were made to the GreenWay Forum on the 14 October 2024
· A further 20 stakeholders attended an Industry workshop at Petersham Service Centre on the 15th October 2024 including organisations such as ACF, the Cooks River Alliance, Parramatta River Catchment Group and Mudcrabs.
An Engagement Outcomes Report is provided at Attachment 1 which includes more detail on community feedback and staff responses on individual aspects of the consultation. There was a high degree of support for the draft Strategy indicated in the survey outcomes, as summarised below:
|
Do you support the Biodiversity Strategy? |
94% Yes |
|
Indicate your support for Theme 1: Increase Biodiversity |
Theme 1 Goals Increase terrestrial biodiversity throughout the Inner West: 97% completely or very much support. Increase marine, freshwater, and riparian biodiversity throughout the Inner West: 97% completely or very much support. Establish baselines and bridge knowledge gaps: 100% completely or very much support |
|
Indicate your support for Theme 2: Unite Community |
Theme 2 Goals Increase opportunities for people to connect with, and care for, biodiversity in the Inner West: 100% completely or very much support. Strengthen the representation and integration of Aboriginal ecological knowledge in the protection of biodiversity: 97% completely support. |
|
Indicate your Support for Theme 3: Lead by Example |
Theme 3 Goals Inner West Council is a leader in supporting urban biodiversity: 83% completely or very much support. Strengthen partnerships to improve biodiversity outcomes: 97% completely or very much support.
|
In addition, the long-form responses raised many aspects which Council agrees with or are already covered in the Strategy, such as the examples below:
|
We asked |
You said |
Council response |
|
Is there anything missing from the Strategy? |
Plan to increase native planting in laneways, verges, and suitable roads. Increase support for verge gardens. Provide community education and resources for residents to create wildlife-friendly gardens.
|
Council efforts with community gardens, the Living Streets Program, Bushcare volunteers, and education with local schools provide excellent tools to promote biodiversity in the community. The Strategy contains further actions to increase community education and stewardship of biodiversity in the Inner West (2.1.1 & 2.1.2).
|
|
Comment on Theme 2 |
People know their local area and are a great resource for protecting biodiversity. It is crucial that Council partners with the community and provides more opportunities to care for local biodiversity. |
Council notes the expressed support for community partnerships. Council’s Biodiversity Strategy is focused on building and enhancing community partnerships that will increase stewardship and care for the environment (2.1). |
|
Comment on Theme 3 |
The goal of leadership requires ambitions targets. Progress must be monitored and publicly reported. |
The Draft Strategy sets out an achievable plan to improve biodiversity and includes a commitment to maintain and develop new targets (p.7). The Strategy will be internally reviewed on an annual basis and annual reporting on Council targets is undertaken as part of Council's Integrated Planning and Reporting. |
|
You said |
Council response |
|
Expand the scope and sources of species data in the Strategy, and follow-up with local surveys. Expand Potential Priority Biodiversity Areas to include the Johnstons Creek Corridor and a northern extension of Callan Park.
|
The Final Strategy includes updated and expanded species data (including recorded invertebrates). Consultants have been commissioned to conduct a flora and fauna survey of the Inner West. The Potential Priority Biodiversity Area list and map have been updated to include Johnstons Creek and a northern extension of Callan Park.
|
The above are excerpts only and the full Engagement Outcomes Report is provided at Attachment 1.
A key theme from the engagement, from both a resident and industry perspective, is how progress might be tracked and accounted for. Ecology goals and KPIs are currently being reviewed as part of Council’s cyclical IP&R reporting and these can be tailored to correspond to the Biodiversity Strategy. Ongoing monitoring, rather than a “set and forget” was also a key piece of feedback that will need to be incorporated into projects such as Priority Biodiversity Areas such as Hercules Creek.
Other responses received have noted typographical and other minor errors which have been incorporated into the final version before Council as appropriate. Some responses sought formatting or linguistic changes which are outside of Council’s adopted corporate standard and have not been incorporated.
After reviewing the feedback provided during the public exhibition period it is recommended that Council adopt the Biodiversity Strategy, as amended, with the final recommended version provided for Councillor’s reference at Attachment 2 and a table of amendments from the version originally presented to Council included at Attachment 3.
Photography Acknowledgement
In addition, all nature photography for the Biodiversity Strategy was provided by David Noble, a local resident of the Cooks River corridor who regularly captures the natural beauty of the area while walking along the river and its surrounds. David is a great example of a citizen scientist, and his webpage features spectacular photography of Inner West birdlife as well as his photography of fungi and slime moulds.
David contributed these photographs free of charge and this amazing contribution is recognised within the Strategy.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The majority of the items identified in the Action Plan as “ongoing” are currently funded or undertaken as part of the Urban Ecology team’s current practice. Some actions identified as “short term” will need to have additional budget provided or have budget reallocated from an existing project – for example the nest boxes action (1.1.1.2) has a historic budget which was for monitoring however it is understood that better technology exists which will allow more resilient nest boxes to be installed which require less maintenance and monitoring and will therefore release budget from the same pool for further habitat creation.
Emerging priorities, such as the Microforests resolution highlighted at the commencement of the report will be factored into future budgets for the relevant service areas.
Longer-term priorities and larger projects will be subject to budget review and Urban Ecology staff will work to secure grant funding for these projects, as was the case for the recent Gumbramorra Swamp project at Mackey Park.
Attachment 2 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
|
1. |
Biodiversity Strategy Engagement Outcomes Report November 2024 - Published separately on Council’s website |
|
2. |
Biodiversity Strategy - final verson recommended for Council adoption - December 2024 - refer to table of amendments |
|
3. |
Table of amendments for Councillor information - Biodiversity Strategy |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Public Exhibition - Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy
Prepared By: Justin Lucas - Risk, WHS and Audit Manager and Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the draft Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy, as attached to the report.
2. That Council place the adopted Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy on public exhibition, for a period of 28 days, and provide a report back to Council if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy.
|
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 regularly reviews policies to ensure they are up to date and reflect current structures, practices, and strategic direction. The current Work Health and Safety Policy was adopted by the General Manager on 16 April 2020.
The revised Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy (WHS&W Policy) sets out how Council promotes and manages the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and the public at our workplaces and the key legal roles and responsibilities of our people.
BACKGROUND
The WHS&W Policy details Council’s commitments to providing and managing a safe and healthy workplace for everyone who works with us, attends our workplaces and sites, or is otherwise affected by our business, so far as is reasonably practicable.
The WHS&W Policy has been updated to meet legal changes that have been introduced since the current Work Health and Safety Policy was last updated, including defining ‘health’ to include both physical and psychological health. The immediate implementation of the draft WHS&W Policy enables Council to demonstrate it has the appropriate mechanisms to meet its duties under work health safety law.
DISCUSSION
The expanded WHS&W Policy provides clarity on work health safety and wellbeing duties of Councillors, Council Officers, key management personnel, contractors and subcontractors and our volunteers and visitors.
The WHS&W Policy outlines the work health safety and wellbeing management system elements that enable Council to achieve our work health safety and wellbeing commitments and obligations. These are consistent with the International Standard for management systems for occupational health and safety (ISO 45001).
Council staff have been consulted on the WHS&W Policy. It has also been discussed directly with the Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Committees for each Directorate, who then consulted with each of their workgroups across Council. Feedback on the WHS&W Policy has been positive.
The WHS&W Policy is supported by numerous Procedures, Protocols and Operational Management Standards, all of which are undergoing review and redevelopment to ensure Council meets best practice in the management of WHS&W.
The WHS&W Policy aligns with commitments and practices established in our Risk Management Framework, to ensure Council adopts a common system and method of managing its risks and responding to incidents including those to the health and safety of our people and the public.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Draft Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 November 2024
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 18 November 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 November 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 November 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 – November 2024
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain)
|
Carrington Street, Lilyfield - Construction Traffic Management Plan |
|
Balmain Road, Lilyfield - Orange Grove Raised Pedestrian Crossing |
|
|
Curtis Road, Balmain - Proposed Pedestrian Improvement Works |
|
|
Emmerick Street, Lilyfield - Proposed New Kerb Blister |
|
|
Darling Street Between Mort Street and Booth Street, Balmain - Road Occupancy - Anzac Day Dawn Service |
|
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)
|
Leichhardt West - Proposed Residential Parking Scheme Expansion |
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville)
|
Illawarra Road, Wharf Street and Thornley Street, Marrickville – Traffic safety review of streets around Steel Park |
|
Station Street, Marrickville - Proposed bicycle Excepted signage |
|
|
Le Clos Lane, Marrickville - Proposed 30 Tonne weight limit on the Le Clos Lane Bridge |
|
|
Illawarra Road at Thornley Street, Marrickville – Proposed raised pedestrian crossing - Design Plan 10304 |
|
|
Illawarra Road at Warburton Street, Marrickville - Proposed 'Zig Zag' line marking for the pedestrian crossing |
|
|
St Peters Interchange Active Transport Works - Part 1 |
|
|
Mackey Park and Carrington Road Survey Area, Marrickville - Request for extension of M2 Residential Parking Scheme - Resident Parking Questionnaire Survey Results |
|
|
Tempe Reserve - Parking Study |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)
|
Abergeldie Street at Arlington Street, Dulwich Hill – Proposed installation of statutory ‘No Stopping’ continuous yellow line marking restrictions at the intersection |
|
Bruce Street, Ashfield - Proposed 'shared path' |
|
|
Lackey Street & Smith Street (between Moonbie Street and Nowranie Street), Summer Hill-ENRC/2024/0062 Temporary Full Road Closure- 'Summer Hill Social' event on Sunday 9 March 2025 |
|
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
Audley Street, Audley Lane, Sadlier Crescent, Fisher Street, and eastbound parking lanes on New Canterbury Road Petersham – Temporary Full Road Closures For Special Event On Saturday 22 March 2025 – Petersham Festival Bairro Portuguese |
|
All Wards |
Traffic Committee Schedule 2025 |
|
1.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committee minutes - 18 November 2024 |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Love your Club: Support for local clubs
Prepared By: Simon Watts - Social and Cultural Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the proposed Love Your Club program.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Development of the Love Your Club Program is underway. Following background research on the number of registered Clubs in the LGA and other initiatives (eg discussions with Petersham Bowling Club) underway, it is proposed that the program include:
· A survey and face to face interviews with local registered clubs by end February 2025 to identify their specific needs for support (eg financial sustainability, marketing and diversifying revenue without relying on gambling)
· Analysing and applying the survey results to custom design a workshop for clubs to provide information and practical resources to improve business models and access specialist advice.
· Trial the establishment of an Inner West Small Clubs Network, similar to the way that Council assists and collaborates with local business chambers and networks.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting on 20 June 2023, Council resolved the following:
That Council receive a report on how the Council can partner with local not-for-profit clubs to assist them in becoming less reliant on poker machine revenue and more financially sustainable. This should include options for how Council could assist clubs with expanding arts and music offerings, planning to improve their facilities and in applying for state and federal government funding to upgrade their premises.
At the Council meeting on 25 June 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council congratulate Petersham Bowling Club President George Catsi on being awarded Inner West Citizen of the Year.
2. That Council receive a report to the August Ordinary Council meeting on how Council’s “Love your Club” program can provide incentives and assistance to community based clubs to transition away from reliance on poker machine revenue. Mr Catsi is to be consulted in the development of the report and its recommendations.
At the Council meeting on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:
That Council defer consideration of the report until the December 2024 Council meeting and receive a report on progress to realise the ‘Love Your Club’ program that the past Council resolved to develop.
There are 19 registered clubs in the Inner West and seven of these local clubs are without poker machines. Some of these clubs are community run by their volunteer members. The other 12 clubs have varying degrees of reliance on poker machine revenue, some with revenue of less than $50,000 per annum (e.g.Sydney Portugal Community Club) from electronic gaming machines, while one reports revenue from pokies exceeding $39 million per annum (Western Suburbs Leagues Club Limited). The larger clubs in the Inner West are members of Clubs NSW and have access to very sophisticated capacity building resources through that membership.
Local sporting clubs, excluding bowling clubs, are often supported in their governance and capacity building by the sporting codes they relate to, and these local sporting clubs are not the subject of this report.
Among the registered clubs there is a diversity of ownership and lease arrangements of the land and property the clubs utilise. Some are Council tenants on Council owned land, others are NSW Government tenants on Crown land, and others own their own property. In two cases, clubs with poker machines operate in Council owned buildings on Council land. It may be that in the medium-term Council can work with these clubs to incentivise the removal of poker machines through future lease arrangements.
Clubs without poker machines need to diversify their revenue sources and engage in new entrepreneurial thinking and management to ensure their financial sustainability. This new thinking often involves greater reliance on volunteers, including for the day-to-day governance and management of the clubs, but also for creating and running a broad range of new activities which, both meet the needs of members and visitors, and contribute to financial viability and sustainability.
DISCUSSION
Clubs without poker machines need to diversify their revenue sources and engage in new entrepreneurial thinking and management to ensure their financial sustainability. This new thinking often involves greater reliance on volunteers, including for the day-to-day governance and management of the clubs, but also for creating and running a broad range of new activities which, both meet the needs of members and visitors, and contribute to financial viability and sustainability.
In August 2024, Council officers met with Mr George Catsi to discuss how the Petersham Bowling Club transitioned away from poker machine revenue and the challenges that clubs face when looking at moving away from electronic gaming machines for revenue. Mr Catsi noted that:
· Clubs are facing a decline in membership and visitation. This is a significant problem particularly for clubs that do not rely on electronic gaming machines for revenue as their overheads and maintenance costs in many cases exceed revenue. If clubs want to survive and thrive, they need to examine how to increase and maintain memberships and attract new patrons to their venue on a regular basis.
· There is very limited information available for clubs looking at moving away from their reliance on electronic gaming machine revenue. This has made it difficult for venues to understand the process towards becoming poker machine free.
· There is value in a venue making a strategic commitment that this is the direction they seek to go. Setting in place an exit plan that includes a timeframe can help guide a club through the process.
· Venues should examine and set up other revenue streams prior to removing all electronic gaming machines to maximise financial viability.
· Like other businesses, clubs need to meet the changing needs of their customers. People are looking for places they can bring their families while other patrons are looking for experiences that they cannot get at home. This should be taken into consideration when developing new revenue streams.
· The Petersham Bowling club offers the community a range of different activities for all ages. This has helped position them as a club that plays an important role in the social life of locals by providing a place for people to connect, meet and support each other.
Proposed Model for Love Your Club Program
To ensure that the Love Your Club program meets the needs of local clubs, Council proposes three elements for a bespoke design and delivery:
1. Survey local clubs and explore their needs for support by the end of February 2025. This survey will be accompanied by an offer to engage in person and understand more deeply the needs of the clubs and their members in achieving greater sustainability. The survey will explore issues like reliance on volunteering and volunteer management capacity, tax advice, governance, financial management and sustainability, succession planning for leaders, marketing, community engagement, and diversifying revenue.
2. Secondly, following the analysis of the survey feedback, Council will convene a customised workshop for local clubs to reflect on the results of the engagement and to identify the practical ways in which clubs might be supported, either by Council or other government agencies to address the areas of immediate need. For example, this might include a financial health check by an appropriately qualified finance professional on a club’s current business model (including gaming machines) and opportunities to develop additional income streams that do not rely on gambling.
3. Thirdly, in 2025 Council proposes to trial an Inner West Small Club’s Network to develop opportunities for shared learning, to share entrepreneurial solutions, and to share training and capacity building opportunities. This would include the available assistance from other government agencies and resources.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The initial action to survey local registered clubs can be undertaken within existing resources/staff time. Once endorsed by Council, the other elements of the Love Your Club program will be costed and form part of the 2025/26 budget consideration.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Making use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and performance
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse the draft Expression of Interest inviting proposals for the use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and performance for up to 4 events in 2025.
2. That Council endorse the preparation of the amendment of the Plan of Management for Leichhardt Park to permit the use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and entertainment.
|
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 has resolved to seek expressions of interest for the use of Leichhardt Oval for four (4) events showcasing live music and performance in 2025.
A draft Expression of Interest Application has been prepared that requires applicants to provide a delivery Business Plan, relevant experience, and key personnel.
Priority will be given to proposals that promote local community engagement and showcase Inner West artists.
First Nations and artists from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The Plan of Management is required to be amended to permit the use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and entertainment events.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 12 November 2024, Council resolved the following:
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.
DISCUSSION
Expression of Interest
A draft Expression of Interest Application (Attachment 1) has been prepared that requires applicants to provide a delivery Business Plan, relevant experience, and key personnel.
Priority will be given to proposals that promote local community engagement and showcase Inner West artists.
First Nations and artists from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Timeline
The Expression of Interest will be published early in the new year, following the Christmas break to provide sufficient time and opportunity for individuals and organisations to respond.
The exhibition period will be open for six (6) weeks and, once closed the submissions will be evaluated.
Plan of Management
There are a number of actions required to be undertaken to permit the use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and entertainment.
The Leichhardt Park is Crown land, and Council is the Crown Land Manager. The Plan of Management (PoM) and Master Plan for Leichhardt Park was developed for Inner West Council and adopted in October 2020.
Within the PoM, Leichhardt Oval land is categorised as Sports Ground and does not permit the use of the oval for live music or entertainment.
Any change to the categorisation to support a future use for the General Community, that would allow the use of the oval for live music and entertainment should be altered via a plan of management.
Council will be required to submit an amended PoM to change the category and re-purpose the use of the oval from Sports Ground to General Community.
Advice received from Crown Lands is that because the PoM was already approved, Crown Lands will only re-assess the information that has been changed, possibly shortening the time required to assess the application.
The PoM will also need to go back out to public exhibition and Council will need to engage with the community on the amended PoM.
Development Application
A Development Application (DA) will also be required that will consider the operational issues of holding events including hours of operation, frequency, noise management etc.
The DA will be prepared in tandem with the amendment of the Plan of Management and Council will consider seeking a deferred commencement which means the consent is issued but cannot be operated until the POM is signed off by the Crown.
Timeline
· Plan of Management is amended to recategorise the oval from Sports Ground to General Community.
· Development Application is prepared for the use of the site for the events.
· The amended PoM is submitted to Crown Lands for approval.
· Once approved, the PoM is exhibited for 42 days and during which time Council undertakes community engagement.
· Once the exhibition period is completed a report is brought back to Council with a recommendation that the PoM is “endorsed” for adoption.
· Referred back to the Crown for adoption.
· The process could be expected to be finalised by June 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
EOI Leichhardt Oval Music venue 2025 |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Bill Smoothing and Pensioner Rebate
Prepared By: Deepa Desikan - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council introduces Bill Smoothing as an option for rate payers and considers options for the pensioner rebate as part of the budget consideration for 2025/26 Financial Year.
|
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 report details the Council’s plan to introduce Bill Smoothing through the BPOINT system, further enhancing our commitment to financial flexibility for Council ratepayers. Council already offer a range of payment options, including payment arrangements, and quarterly & annual direct debit facilities. The new BPOINT direct debit option will allow the residents to create their own payment schedules, offering them greater flexibility and control on the rates payments.
Further, the report includes a communication plan to promote Pensioner Rebates to ensure the community is informed with these financial support options. The report also includes expanding the rebate offered to pensioners.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
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.
This report is to provide an update on how Council may introduce bill smooth, the communication plans for the pensioner rebate and options Council can consider expanding the rebate offered to pensioners.
DISCUSSION
Bill Smoothing
Council currently offers various payment methods to pay rates and annual charges with flexible options such as payment arrangement and direct debits.
Payment arrangements are offered to ratepayers dealing with financial hardship where ratepayers can pay their instalment amount on a case-by-case agreement with Council, either:
· Weekly
· Fortnightly
· Monthly
There are currently 66 rating accounts on payment arrangements. If there are any outstanding amounts after the instalment due date, this incurs interest charges, unless otherwise determined during the hardship application assessment process. The payment arrangement process is not completed through direct debits, instead the rate payer is required to make payments through BPAY or Australia Post.
Residents have two options to set up a payment arrangement:
· Submit a hardship application form available on the Inner West Council Website
· Contact the Council’s rates department directly and advise the amount they are capable to pay, the frequency and the date the first payment can be made.
Council processes direct debits on a quarterly or annual basis at the Instalment due date period. There are a total of 5,434 direct debits registrations, of which; 5,141 are set up quarterly and 293 are annual. Residents have the option to set up a direct debit by submitting a direct debit application form available on the Inner West Council Website.
To support Bill Smoothing initiative, the Council is providing the option of an additional payment facility that enables direct debit registration through the existing BPOINT enterprise system. BPOINT is a Commonwealth Bank payment gateway. Council has reviewed various solutions for improving payment options and determined that BPOINT offers the most cost-effective and efficient approach. By leveraging this existing system, Council can enhance service delivery without incurring significant additional costs.
The proposed solution will introduce an electronic direct debit registration function within BPOINT, allowing ratepayers to create their own payment schedules through a simple three-step process:
· Registration Details: Ratepayers will enter their payment information, including bank account details, either credit card, or bank account if enabled.
· Terms and Conditions: Ratepayers will review and accept the terms and conditions for their payment schedule, with an email sent to confirm their registration.
· Back Office Processing: A daily extract from BPOINT will be sent as a report to the back-office team, enabling automatic processing of payments from the nominated start date.
The key benefits of BPOINT are that it provides ratepayers flexibility to self-service payment options within Councils banking platform. The other benefit is it reduces manual processing of direct debit applications and payment handling.
The cost to implement Direct Debit process via BPOINT is estimated to be $15,660 assuming a 50% increase from Council’s current registration of 5,434. This is an increase cost to Council as direct debit fees are not charged to ratepayers. Costs are summarised below.
A communication plan has been developed to promote the new payment option, ensuring that ratepayers are informed about the benefits and how to utilise this service. It is expected it would take 8-10 weeks for Council to implement this service.
Pensioner Rebate
Under the Local Government Act 1993 section 575 eligible pensioners are provided a $250 rebate to their rates and annual charges which is funded by State Government. Council has approximately 6,161 pensioners that receive the rebate. Further, Council provides an additional Voluntary Pensioner rebate in accordance with section 582 of the Local Government Act 1993. Per the Council resolution on 21 November 2017 (C1117 Item 19) Council grants the additional rebate for eligible pensioners who have owned and resided in a residential property continuously in Council's LGA for a period of at least 10 years. The additional voluntary rebate for pensioners is for Domestic Waste charges and Stormwater charges. There are 5,466 pensioners that Council provides this rebate with maximum Domestic Waste rebate being $530 and maximum Stormwater rebate of $25. In the 2023/24 Financial Year, Council provided $2.8M in rebates to pensioners.
Council’s objective is to improve pensioners awareness of the pensioner rebate concession. Attachment 1 provides a draft communication plan on how Council intends to promote the rebate.
Council may consider the below options to expanding the pension rebate to pensioners by:
· Removing the 10-year rule for pensioners owning and residing in a residential property. This will provide 695 pensioners an additional maximum of $555 in rebates, with a cost to Council of $385,725.
· Council consider not charging pensioners interest on outstanding rates and annual charges. The current interest rate legislated to be charged to Council 10.5%.
· Providing a rebate based off the Health Care Card income tests for residents.
There is a demographic of rate payers who fall in line with Health Care Card status where their weekly income is:
· $783 a week single with no children
· $1,339 couple with no children
· $1,339 single one dependent child
· $1,373 couple with once child
Council needs further time to assess the financial impact of Health Care Card status so it recommends that this forms part of the 2025/26 budget consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost to Council to implement the Direct Debit process via BPOINT is $15,660 based off a 50% growth from current direct debit payments. Further, promotion of the pensioner rebate is estimated to cost $15,000 and will be considered as part of the 2025/26 budget process.
|
1.⇩ |
Communications Plan for Pensioner Rebate and Bill Smoothing |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai – Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk and Patricia Clive - Governance Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the draft submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review, as detailed in 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 |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (Tribunal) has written to councils advising the commencement of the annual review of the determination of fees payable to Councillors and Mayors. The Tribunal is inviting Council-approved submissions by 20 December 2024.
The draft submission, at Attachment 1, encourages the Tribunal to consider increasing fees for Councillors and Mayors to improve parity with other States and to develop a robust system for setting fees that recognises the significant workload of elected representatives.
The draft submission will be submitted following consideration and, if appropriate, approval by Council.
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to section 241 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the LG Act) the Tribunal is required to make an annual determination on the fees payable to Councillors and Mayors to take effect from 1 July 2025.
As outlined in the correspondence from the Tribunal inviting submissions (Attachment 2), in 2024 the Tribunal made its first determination after the repeal of section 146C of the Industrial Relations Act 1996, which had the effect of capping remuneration increases. Effective from the 1 July 2024, the Tribunal determined an increase of 3.75% in the minimum and maximum fees. In the annual review for 2025 the Tribunal will consider the minimum and maximum fee levels for each category as part of the 2025 review process.
The Tribunal is required to review council categories every three years under section 239 of the LG Act. In 2026 the Tribunal will consider the model, the criteria applicable to each group and the allocation of councils. It will only consider recategorisation on application. Inner West Council was recategorised to a Metropolitan Large Council in 2020.
The Tribunal is unable, due to section 249(5) of the LG Act, to make a fee determination for Deputy Mayors.
DISCUSSION
The draft submission to the 2025 annual review of fees encourages the Tribunal to consider the base fees paid to Councillors and Mayors in other states and to establish parity with other elected representatives across Australia.
Additionally, the draft submission notes the Office of Local Government’s advice, in “Stand For Your Community: Candidate Guide”, that being a councillor involves a substantial time commitment. The submission expresses the view that the fees currently payable to Councillors do not adequately compensate elected representatives for this time commitment.
The views expressed in the draft submission are consistent with Council’s submission in 2023 to the Tribunal, which notes Council’s view that fees for mayors and councillors are well behind acceptable levels and fail to recognise the work or workload of elected representatives.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Draft submission to LG Remuneration Tribunal |
|
2.⇩ |
Letter - Local Government Remuneration Tribunal |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital Projects Committee Schedule
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse the following Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule in 2025:
2. That Council approve the publication of the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres; and
3. That Council endorse the following Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting Schedule in 2025:
|
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
Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to meet at least 10 times a year, each time in a different month. Clause 3.1 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice requires Council to set the frequency, time, date and place of its Ordinary Meetings by resolution. This report recommends a schedule in 2025 of Major Capital Projects Committee and Ordinary Council Meeting dates, which have been set in consultation with the Mayor.
BACKGROUND
In 2024, Council adopted a meeting cycle of one Council meeting per month which also incorporated the January and July recess periods. The proposed meeting dates for 2025 remain in line with this structure.
DISCUSSION
Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to meet at least 10 times a year, each time in a different month.
In 2024, Council adopted a meeting cycle of one Council meeting per month which also incorporated the January and July recess periods. This option proposes that Council meetings be held on a Tuesday each month (except for the January and July recess periods).
|
January – Recess |
|
Tuesday 11 February |
|
Tuesday 11 March |
|
Tuesday 22 April |
|
Tuesday 20 May |
|
Tuesday 17 June |
|
July – Recess |
|
Tuesday 19 August |
|
Tuesday 23 September (Deputy Mayor Election) |
|
Tuesday 28 October |
|
Tuesday 11 November |
|
Tuesday 2 December |
The above schedule does not clash with the two major local government conferences in 2025 being:
· Australia Local Government Association (ALGA) Conference in Canberra to be held from 24 – 27 June 2025; and
· Local Government NSW Conference to be held at Penrith from 23 November - 25 November 2025.
2025 Major Capital Projects Meeting Schedule
At its Ordinary Council meeting on 8 March 2022 Council resolved to establish a Major Capital Projects Committee, to meet monthly. Under the Committee’s Terms of Reference, the proposed schedule of meetings for the year needs to be reported to Council for adoption. The following schedule is proposed:
2025 Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting Schedule
|
Monday 24 February 2025 |
|
Monday 31 March 2025 |
|
Monday 28 April 2025 |
|
Monday 26 May 2025 |
|
Monday 23 June 2025 |
|
Monday 25 August 2025 |
|
Monday 22 September 2025 |
|
Monday 20 October 2025 |
|
Monday 17 November 2025 |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no additional financial implications outside Council’s existing budget regarding the adoption of the 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting or Major Capital Projects Committee meeting schedules.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Gambling Harm Minimisation
Council at its meeting on 22 October 2024 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 03 December 2024.
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.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Two New All-Weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park
Prepared By: Michael Craven - Capital Projects 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:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council has commenced the planning phase for the delivery of two new all-weather sporting fields in Callan Park, one at the Balmain Road sporting ground and another at the Waterfront Drive sporting ground.
The construction of the two all-weather fields will require Part 4 planning approval (Development Application), with consent to be determined by the Regional Planning Panel, including referral to the Heritage Council of NSW.
Council officers will continue with the planning phase and develop design options for the consideration of Council at its March 2025 Council meeting. The report will also include details on project particulars including cost and delivery timeframes.
The detailed design will commence, concurrently with the preparation of DA documentation, following the March 2025 Council meeting.
BACKGROUND
In 2013 Leichhardt Council entered into a lease agreement with the Health Administration Corporation for the care, control, management and use of Balmain Road and Glover Street sporting grounds located within Callan Park, Lilyfield.
In 2020 Inner West Council entered into a new lease agreement with the Health Administration Corporation for the care, control, management, and use of the land described as “Part of the Land, collectively known as the Callan Park Sporting Grounds” being Glover Street, Balmain Road and Waterfront Drive sporting grounds.
The new lease agreement commenced on 1 September 2020 and extends to 31 August 2030.
At the Council Meeting held on 13 August 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council commit to delivering two new rectangular all-weather sporting fields in Callan Park, one at the Balmain Road field and another at the Waterfront Drive fields. The approximate cost of these facilities is $7 million - $8 million with the funds to be allocated from the additional $20 million committed by the NSW Government to completing to Rozelle Parklands and / or providing alternate sporting facilities nearby to the Parklands.
5. That Council commence the design process for both all-weather sporting fields with Leichhardt Saints Football Club and Balmain & District Football Club to be included in the design process from the outset and throughout the process. The two projects are to be undertaken concurrently with the aim being that works commence at the end of the 2025 winter season.
10. That Council prepare a report to be received at the October Ordinary Council meeting outlining the design and approval process and cost estimates for the project.
This report provides an update to point 10.
DISCUSSION
Two New All-Weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park
Planning Stage Update
Waterfront Drive sporting ground currently accommodates two senior natural turf soccer fields and one natural turf cricket field totalling approximately 15,000m2. Balmain Road sporting ground currently accommodates one senior natural turf soccer field totalling approximately 7,000m2.
Council has commenced the planning phase for the delivery of these fields, with geotechnical investigations, heritage considerations and design options currently in progress. It is expected these will be completed by February 2025.
Approval Process
A Part 4 planning pathway will be required to deliver the all-weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park and as such a Development Application (DA) is required. The State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021 – Schedule 6 identifies, as this project would be a Council related development over $5M, the DA consent would be determined by the Regional Planning Panel.
The DA will need to be referred to Heritage Council of NSW for assessment as Callan Park landscaping is on the NSW State Heritage Register.
The Part 4 approval process will ensure the community and stakeholders are aware of the upgrade and empowered to have their say.
Next Steps
Council officers will continue with the planning phase of the project and develop design options for the consideration of Council at its March 2025 Council meeting. The report will also include details on project particulars including cost and delivery timeframes.
The detailed design will commence, concurrently with the preparation of DA documentation, following the March 2025 Council meeting.
Leichhardt Saints Football Club and Balmain & District Football Club will be included in the design process and will be invited to attend the first design development meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council resolved at its August 2024 meeting to fund the project from the additional $20 million committed by the NSW Government to Rozelle Parklands and / or providing alternate sporting facilities nearby to the Parklands.
The financial implications of the all-weather sporting field will be reported to the March 2025 Council meeting.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Update on Alcohol Free Zone at Loyalty Square Balmain
Prepared By: 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:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An Alcohol-Free Zone was established for Loyalty Square Balmain in May 2024.
Leichhardt Police Area Command supported the establishment of the Alcohol-Free Zone as they are considered to be an additional tool for the Police to manage anti-social behaviour related to the consumption of alcohol in public places. Alcohol free zones give the Police the power, if necessary, to dispose and/or confiscate alcohol.
Since the Alcohol Free Zone was established, the Leichhardt Police Area Commend has regularly been called upon to respond to requests from the public to attend the location.
The Leichhardt PAC has advised that they support the Alcohol Free Zone and the continuation of the trial over the upcoming summer months as they expect alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour to increase during this period.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 9 April 2024 Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council approve the establishment of an alcohol-free zone at Loyalty Square, Balmain for 1 year pursuant to Sections 642-648 of the Local Government Act 1993.
2. That Council receive a report back within 6 months on the alcohol-free zone established at Loyalty Square, Balmain.
Following the resolution, local businesses were notified and signposting for the Alcohol Free Zone was installed in April 2024.
This report provides an update on the Alcohol Free Zone as per point 2 of the resolution.
The aim of an Alcohol Free Zone is to help prevent alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and crime in public places and to allow users of public roads, carparks and public spaces to do so without interference from people under the influence of alcohol.
An Alcohol Free Zone allows Police to stop, speak to and move on people, who are acting and drinking irresponsibly. The zones allow for the development and monitoring of alternative strategies to address any anti-social use of alcohol in these spaces.
Leichhardt Police Area Command has advised that Alcohol Free Zones are considered another tool for the Police to manage anti-social behaviour related to the consumption of alcohol in public places. Alcohol free zones give the Police the power, if necessary, to dispose and/or confiscate alcohol.
The focus of an Alcohol Free zone is to deter irresponsible drinking without imposing fines on potentially disadvantaged people. It should be noted that on occasion people exhibiting anti-social behaviour may be experiencing mental ill health, substance abuse and/or homelessness. The Leichhardt PAC advised that no fine is issued and therefore there is no official penalty for people consuming alcohol in these zones.
DISCUSSION
Since April 2024, the Leichhardt Police Area Commend have recorded 14 incidents where Police involvement was required at Loyalty Square.
This compares to 103 incidents responded by the Police at Loyalty Square between January 2023 and February 2024
The Leichhardt Police Area Commend have advised that they support the Alcohol Free Zone and the continuation of the trial over the upcoming summer months as they expect alcohol related issues and anti-social behaviour to increase during this period.
Whilst the above comparison hints at a positive impact since the introduction of the Alcohol Free Zone, it will be important to review the statistics again after the upcoming summer period.
If the Alcohol Free Zone is to be continued beyond the one-year period, Council will need to resolve accordingly following a consultation period. Staff will report to Council in early 2025 to consider whether to proceed with the consultation phase.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Cycling Education Courses
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager and Jon Stiebel - Urban Sustainability 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 in September 2024, resolved to 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.
Council’s Green Living Centre's free workshop program provides practical skills and knowledge on a broad range of sustainable living topics. These currently include a range of free workshops and courses focused on cycling skills and maintenance.
All offerings since June 2024 have been supported through an SSROC regional project (Renew Your Bike) funded from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s Local Government Waste Solutions Fund. The SSROC regional project will run until Dec 2025 with a request to continue until end June 2026 subject to approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held 3 September 2024, Council resolved the following:
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.
By way of update, Points 2, 3 and 4 of the resolution are ongoing. Opportunities to provide bicycle racks and bicycle pumps in any new capital works projects associated with the Bicycle Action plan (point 2) is being considered when scoping and designing new cycleway projects. The Cycling Strategy and Action Plan (point 3) will consider separated cycleways, modal filters, quietways and shared paths when next reviewed. The Addison Road cycleway (point 4) design is being reviewed to determine if there are design changes required before recommencing engagement with a view to address previously raised concerns where possible.
This report pertains to point 5.
DISCUSSION
The Green Living Centre runs workshops, webinars, events and programs around the Inner West to inspire and support the local community to reduce their environmental impact.
Council’s Green Living Centre free workshop program includes a range of workshops and courses focused on cycling skills, maintenance, and community engagement. The bicycle related offerings are currently funded from the SSROC regional project ‘Renew Your Bike’ made possible through a grant from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s Local Government Waste Solutions Fund.
The workshops and services include:
1. Free Tune-Ups (in partnership with the Bower)
o 25-minute booked bike tune-ups
o Bicycles inspected for safety and comfort
o On-the-spot repairs for minor issues
o Quotes for more complex repairs or gift voucher offered for replacement bikes from refurbished stock if repairs are uneconomical
o Frequency: 1-2 per month, typically on a Saturday
2. Repair Your Bike - Maintenance for Beginners (in partnership with the Bower)
o Teaches essential maintenance skills, including:
§ Getting to know your bicycle
§ Performing safety checks
§ Chain maintenance
§ Wheel removal
§ Puncture repair
o Empowers participants to keep their bikes in good condition and roadworthy.
o Frequency: once a month
3. Back on Your Bike (delivered with Pedal Set Go)
o Designed for individuals returning to cycling
o Conducted off-street in a safe, supportive environment.
o Focuses on:
§ Rebuilding cycling confidence.
§ Practicing starting, stopping, signalling, and gear changes
o Suitable for adults and children over 12 (minors require adult supervision)
o Frequency: once every 6-9 months
4. Cycling Tour (delivered with Pedal Set Go)
o Guided bike ride through the Inner West, beginning and ending at the Inner West Sustainability Hub
o Frequency: once a year
5. Bike Tune Ups @ Footprints EcoFestival 2024 (delivered with Bike Wise)
o 15-minute service, check tyres, gears and brakes.
o Fix small issues on the spot
o Advise if further repairs needed
The workshops and services related to bicycle maintenance (‘Free Tune Ups, ‘Repair Your Bike’ and ‘Bike Tune Ups’ at Footprints EcoFestival) have been well attended.
The Back on Your Bike workshop has been under subscribed and there is capacity for additional attendance at existing program sessions. Council officers are evaluating options to increase attendance for Back on Your Bike. It should be noted that due to the limited space available within the Sustainability Hub and due to competing uses, such as markets, EV charging and reverse vending machines, current attendance limits cannot be exceeded.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
All offerings since June 2024 have been supported through an SSROC regional project ‘Renew Your Bike’ funded from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s Local Government Waste Solutions Fund. The SSROC regional project will run until December 2025 with a request to continue until end June 2026 subject to approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.The annual cost to offer a similar level of cycling services funded by Council is approximately $30,000. Council will evaluate and review Council’s cycling offerings following the conclusion of the SSROC regional project to determine which courses have the highest demand from the community.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: FOGO Food Recycling Update
Prepared By: Helen Bradley - Manager Resource Recovery Planning
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council commenced the FOGO food recycling service on the 9th October 2023 and as of the 31 October 2024 had collected 17,546 Tonnes of FOGO. This equates to 36,848 tonnes CO2, equivalent emissions avoided.
The tonnages collected for October was 1,487 which exceeds what our modelling suggested where 1,122 tonnes per month would be recovered if half of the available food from the garbage bin was recycled.
The NSW Government set a target for 50% food recovery by 2030 and Council’s Zero Waste Strategy 2021 is aiming for a 60% food recovery target by 2030.
Industry standard for missed bins is 0.5% of total services which would equate to approximately 890 missed for the Inner West each week. Council missed services are consistently averaging approximately 400 per week across all streams (Garbage, recycling, and FOGO).
Assistance for residents adjusting to FOGO
Upsizing Red Lid Garbage Bins.
To help assist residents who are struggling with a fortnightly collection of the 120-litre red lidded bin, Council is offered a 240-litre bin. Council has delivered 5,587 upsized 240-litre red lidded Garbage bins since FOGO commenced to 21 November 2024 (up from 5,258 at the end of June).
Booked Overflow Red Lid Garbage Bin Collection
Optimo, Council’s current booking system for clean-up bookings, has been active since 9 October 2023 to support residents that would like to book the alternate week collection.
The booked system gives residents opportunity to adapt waste sorting behaviour before committing to an upsizing of bin. 1,200 bookings are available on each collection day and bookings reducing (due to opt-in and upsizing) to under 50 per day.
Due to the configuration of the Optimo software Council has been unable to collect booked overflow services on the same day of the week as the collection day. Council has implemented software to enable additional collections to be routed on the same day as the resident's scheduled red bin fortnightly collection. The software will also assist staff to automatically route weekly opt-in garbage runs.
Weekly opt-in garbage collection service
By 21 November 2024, 3,504 households have registered for opt-in weekly red lid garbage bin collection. The collection of the weekly opt-in service is currently being undertaken within existing day labour resources. Council completed the procurement process for additional contract resources should the need arise.
Comparison in FOGO performance for variable bin sizes and collection frequency will be measured as part of the FOGO evaluation report to be considered by Council in early 2025, which will include audits and review of tonnages. We will continue to monitor requests and measure customer satisfaction in the Inner West community satisfaction survey.
Waste Buster activity
Feedback on the FOGO service has been overwhelmingly positive from the community. Waste Busters continue to attend events such as festivals, markets, and customer service stalls across the Inner West.
Waste Busters completed the bin tagging inspecting bins at 5,481 households for contamination. They identified and communicated with households about the wrong items in FOGO. The key contaminants were:
· Items bagged in plastic
· Soft plastic and loose bags
· Tissues and paper towels
· Paper
· Food packaging plastic
Rebate for Reusable Nappies, Sanitary and Incontinence products
$30,000 was allocated by council resolution for the nappy and sanitary rebate which opened on 9 October to enable households to try subsidised reusable nappies or sanitary products and reduce the amount of garbage in their red lid bin. This rebate was extended for the 202425 financial year and $30,000 allocated from the Domestic waste budget for the program. Residents buy the items of their choice and submit their simple application and their receipt to qualify for the rebate (up to $150 for reusable nappies and $100 for sanitary or incontinence products).
Each financial year the available rebate is almost expended with the following claims:
· 71% reusable sanitary products
· 28% reusable nappies
· 1% reusable incontinence products
Compostable liner supply and delivery
Council currently offers collection of compostable liners (bags) at Inner West Customer Service Centres and libraries. Based on use of 3 liners per week, households use and average of 150 compostable per year. Council will deliver packs of 75 bags at 6 monthly intervals (with an opt-out process) as per the Council resolution in July 2024.
· October 2023 - 40 compostable liners delivered as part of the starter kit to houses.
· December 2023 - houses delivered 75 compostable liners.
· May-July 2024 – all houses and apartments delivered 75 compostable liners
· October/November 2024 – all houses and apartments delivered 75 compostable liners
Households can opt-out of bag delivery by contacting Council.
Welcome Home FOGO
Council used Inner West FOGO compost from TopSoil for Tree Planting at Richard Murton Reserve in Haberfield to celebrate National Tree Day. The compost produced is of a platinum standard (AS4454) and can be used on agricultural land or parks and public spaces.
FOGO Community Champions and Promotions
The final phase of the Community Champions work was completed which involved training residents as FOGO Food Recycling experts to enable them to influence and support people in their local area and networks. It involved a series of workshops and mentoring with about 20 participants having a positive impact in their household, street, and community. Many of the community champions have already (and more are) starring in the Inner West social media campaigns.
FOGO Summer Comms Campaign
Last summer was challenging for households adjusting to FOGO with common issues including smell and bugs. Our Summer campaign that has just commenced provides tips and tricks for our community to troubleshoot issues as they arise and make the most of their FOGO service.
The Summer schedule includes the following and will be adapted in response to community comments on posts:
|
Date |
Channel |
Topic |
Collateral |
|
WC 2 December |
Insta and FB |
Congratulations Inner Westies
|
Farmer Adam video. |
|
Insta, FB and Noticeboards Newsletter
|
Checklist of tips to help keep your FOGO bin fresh and bug free |
Social tile, Posters in community noticeboards Newsletter story |
|
|
WC 9 December |
IWC Website banner FB, Insta Digital screens
|
Plan ahead to book additional red bin pick up |
Video with Collection Crew |
|
|
Insta, FB |
FOGO Tips - Clean your kitchen caddy regularly and keep it out of the sunlight
|
Video with FOGO Champion |
|
WC 16 December |
Insta, FB |
FOGO Tips – how to control odours and pests |
Video with FOGO Champion |
|
|
Insta FB |
What Christmas foods can go into FOGO – All seafood scraps can be composted through the green lid FOGO bin. That goes for prawns, oyster and crab shells, even Christmas ham bones!
|
Basic animation video |
|
WC 23 December |
Insta FB |
Put your prawn shells in your freezer or make a nice stock with them |
Video with FOGO Champion |
|
|
Insta FB |
Wrap your food scraps in the Council-provided compostable bin liners, newspaper or layer with grass clippings to reduce odours inside and outside of your home.
|
Video with FOGO Champion – Your Chrissy presents aren’t the only thing that needs wrapping |
|
WC 30 December |
Insta FB |
Check your collection day reminder – Christmas tree collection
|
Social tile |
|
|
Insta FB Digital Screens |
My FOGO tips |
FOGO Champion video
|
|
WC 6 January |
Insta FB Digital Screens |
What can and can’t be in FOGO |
Animation |
|
|
Insta FB |
Lodge a request to have damaged or broken bin replaced
|
Video with Collection Crew |
|
WC 13 January |
Insta FB |
How to keep fruit flies away. Make a vinegar trap
|
FOGO Champion video |
|
|
Insta FB |
Collect more bin liners from libraries and service centres
|
Social tile |
|
WC 20 January |
Insta FB |
Reminder that food scraps are collected weekly in your FOGO bin
|
Video with Collection Crew |
|
|
Insta FB |
Your BBQ and party scraps love being part of FOGO
|
Social tile |
|
WC 27 January
|
Insta FB |
How I FOGO – tips and hacks
|
FOGO Champion video |
|
|
Insta FB Website |
Checklist of tips to help keep your FOGO bin fresh and bug free |
Social tile |
Constant Themes: FOGO is collected weekly. Flies are part of living in Australia.
Stay cool this summer As the weather warms up, we all start to sweat and smell – the same goes for our food scraps!
· Keep scraps cool by storing them in the fridge or freezer.
· Try recycling scraps straight from your compostable bin liner or use an old food storage container (like a yoghurt or ice cream container).
If you’ve eliminated odour and pests from your kitchen, it’s time to share your secret!
Give your food scraps this Christmas
· All seafood scraps can be composted through the green lid FOGO bin. That goes for prawns, oyster and crab shells, even Christmas ham bones!
· Check what is and isn’t accepted in your FOGO bin
· Using left overs can save you money and reduce what you throw out Love Food Hate Waste
§ Look at what you throw away
§ plan your meals
§ shop with a list
§ perfect your portions
§ store food correctly
§ love your leftovers
Gifts aren’t the only thing that need wrapping this festive season
· Wrap your food scraps the Council-provided compostable bin liners, newspaper or layer with grass clippings to reduce odours inside and outside of your home.
· Liners are particularly helpful for residents living in apartments. If you need more, pick some up from a service centre or library near you. Or buy the ones with the seedling logo from the supermarket.
· See our tips to keep food recycling easy and mess-free.
Avoid wet and wild
Compostable liners are designed to break down (compostable with light and moisture) and this happens faster with soggy scraps.
· Drain off liquid from fruit and vegetable scarps before putting into your benchtop bin to help the liners last longer.
· You can extra liners from an Inner West service centre or library if needed or buy them from the supermarket (with the seedling logo).
· Keeping your benchtop bin or preferred scraps container under the sink, out of direct sunlight or in the fridge helps too.
Bug off!
As the temperature increases so do the flies! Tips:
· Set up an easy fruit fly trap using apple cider vinegar and dish washing liquid. Adding a touch of honey or fruit scrap to attract the flies!
· Wash the wheelie bin out as needed
· Sprinkle salt around wheelie bin rim
Don’t hang around like a bad smell!
· Empty your kitchen benchtop bin alternate days to minimise smells and pests.
· Rinse it with warm soapy water after each use to prevent build-up of fly eggs.
*Emergency Christmas post if residents struggling with capacity*
We want to make sure your festive season is fun and stress free.
If you have family, friends or unexpected guests, remember you can book an additional garbage collection when you need it.
Plan ahead as we can’t accept bookings made in the same collection week.
FOGO your way?
If the green lid benchtop bin provided doesn’t work for you, try a DIY version:
· Old snap seal food storage container
· Used large yoghurt or ice cream container
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
The costs for the delivery of composable liners will from the existing domestic waste budgets with any shortfall funded from the Domestic Waste Reserve. The number of weekly opt in collections are currently being undertaken within the existing day labour budget.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Door knocking residents as an engagement technique on major projects
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report responds to the Council resolution of 22 October 2024 in which Council resolved to receive a report to the December 2024 meeting on expanding community consultation on major projects by door knocking residents. The report proposes inclusion of door knocking as an engagement technique on major projects, supplemented by ‘project update flyers’ delivered to letterboxes, promoting opportunities for feedback, and providing information on design plans and construction as the project progresses through its stages.
This approach ensures that Council maximises awareness and opportunities for input from local residents most impacted by a major project whilst being budget neutral.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council expand community consultation on major projects by doorknocking residents to obtain direct feedback on their views regarding the proposed project, to be funded by the project’s budget.
2. That Council receive by the December 2024 Council meeting a report on the feasibility and cost of expanding community consultation on major projects by doorknocking residents to obtain direct feedback on their views regarding the proposed project.
DISCUSSION
Council resolved to receive a report to the December meeting on the ‘feasibility and cost’ of doorknocking to consult on major projects. The Notice of Motion states that although Council uses a variety of engagement methods including the Your Say Inner West website, forums, Local Democracy Groups and social media, some members of the community 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”.
Door knocking is a useful engagement technique for residents who live adjacent to major construction projects to maximise awareness and opportunities for input.
It should be noted that Council currently uses door knocking for certain projects when a targeted approach is considered to add value. Examples include:
· consultation undertaken with the business community where a Vietnamese-speaking Council staff member accompanied Council’s Economic Development Officer to visit businesses in Marrickville for projects including the establishment of ‘Little Vietnam’ precinct, and for ‘Purple Flag’ accreditation in which Marrickville was recognised as a safe night-time destination
· consultation undertaken with people who live adjacent to Richard Murden Reserve where the design had changed significantly since the initial engagement was undertaken
· education of residents in response to tree vandalism at Mort Bay Park, where Council distributed a brochure along with door knocking by Council Rangers
It is therefore proposed that for major projects Council staff door knock residences immediately adjacent to the project site during the engagement period. Major projects are defined in Council’s Project Management Framework as being over $5 million, over 2,500 hours internal resource effort, high complexity and over 18 months duration. The Project Management Framework notes that the categorisation is indicative and should be used as a guide.
The proposed approach would add door knocking as an engagement technique during the design and/or concept plan stage of major place-based projects such as parks or sporting fields where there were going to be major changes or construction impacts to the immediate neighbours. It should also be noted that this focused approach could also be applied as required to other projects where it is determined there is strong community interest, complexity or sensitivity. This could be undertaken within existing resources.
It is also proposed that Council supplements the engagement methods listed above with ‘project update flyers’ delivered to letterboxes, promoting opportunities for feedback, and providing information on design plans and construction as the project progresses through its stages.
This approach ensures that Council maximises awareness and opportunities for input from local residents most impacted by a major project whilst being budget neutral.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report. The proposed approach can be undertaken within existing resources.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub
Prepared By: Julian Oon - Property Project Manager, Samuel Pagano - Property Project Manager and Michael Craven - Capital Projects 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:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Inner West Council understands our responsibilities and role in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to promote cultural heritage and history, address areas of disadvantage, and protect and preserve the environment as well as sites of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The creation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub is one of the significant commitments included in the Reconciliation Action Plan and will provide a fit for purpose cultural space for local community and for the delivery of culturally appropriate community services.
Council is currently in the planning phase for the Hub at the site of the former Tempe Jets Club located on Holbeach Avenue in Tempe Recreation Reserve.
The current concept design and site plan utilises the existing footprint of the former Tempe Jets Club and includes the provision of the following rooms:
Information, office space, health, kitchen, music, art, woman’s area, men’s area, cafe (potential social enterprise), multi-purpose Hall, WC’s, storage and covered outdoor space.
The current landscaping footprint has been designed to include:
A meeting point with fire pit, food prep areas, seasonal gardens, various seating and meeting arrangements, and an outdoor multipurpose sports court.
During the investigation of the building condition, significant termite and other damage were identified by the structural engineer and extensive remedial works will be required to the structure that was constructed in the 1970s. The cost to undertake this refurbishment and subsequently deliver the Community Hub has been estimated at $5,357,886 through a quantity surveyor. The full extent of damage to the existing building was not known at the time of the last quantity surveyor estimate and it is expected that the cost will increase further than anticipated.
Given this remediation cost, it is therefore proposed that Council explore an option to rebuild a new purpose-built facility and report back to Council with a funding source including grant opportunities.
BACKGROUND
Council’s commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub is contained in Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) July 2023 – June 2025. The RAP states that the Inner West Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee would love to see Council assist reconciliation through “the establishment of a Community Hub, a permanent cultural safe space for gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There is a need for this space to have access to technology and internet’” Action 2.5 of the RAP is to “Explore opportunities for the recognition and commemoration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander culture and heritage’” Deliverable 2.5.4 is to “Explore the opportunity for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub with a timeline of December 2023”.
Since the adoption of Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan on 13 September 2022, Council officers have explored opportunities for the creation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub. Council officers have collaborated to:
· Identify the preferred site at Tempe.
· Engage an architecture firm, Kaunitz Yeung, with the knowledge, skills, and experience to prepare concept designs guided by award winning local Aboriginal architect, Mari Reti.
· Worked with local Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, and internal stakeholders to develop a concept design based on the refurbishment of the existing former Tempe Jets Club building.
· Undertake investigations into the condition of the building, as significant remedial building works are required to make it fit for purpose.
· Commenced the process of amending the adopted Tempe Recreation Reserve and Tempe Lands Plan of Management and Master Plan with the NSW Government, Department of Crown Lands.
DISCUSSION
As previously reported to Council, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub will be located on the site of the former Tempe Jets Club in Holbeach Avenue in Tempe Recreation Reserve. The site encompasses the former club house building, the former Remote Control Car Track and the temporary off-lead dog park bound by the Cooks River to the north and west and Tempe Reserve to the east and south. The building is a single storey brick and timber framed structure that requires significant remediation works, including to the structure which has been significantly damaged by termites.
The current Tempe Recreation Reserve and Tempe Lands Plan of Management and Master Plan was adopted by Council on 27 October 2020. The Master Plan calls for the demolition of the existing Jets Club and dedication to public space. The existing remote-control racetrack was to be retained for open public flexible use.
Feedback from General Counsel is that Council will have to wait until the amended Tempe Recreation Reserve and Tempe Lands Plan of Management is approved by Crown Lands before any works can be carried out. The Crown Lands Management (CLM) Act makes it clear that unless there is a Plan of Management in place which permits the activity then that activity cannot be undertaken. Sections 3.36 (3) of the CLM Act suggest that until a Plan of Management is adopted, no activities may be undertaken on or in relation to the Crown Land unless they are in accordance with an approved Plan of Management. Subsequent feedback received was that maintenance and remedial building works to maintain the asset could proceed within this requirement.
In January 2024, an architect was engaged to prepare a concept design for the Community Hub. Following a process of early engagement with internal stakeholders, the local Aboriginal community, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee and site analysis, a preliminary concept design was prepared with enough detail to draft the amendment to the Plan of Management for the refurbishment of the existing building.
The current concept design and site plan utilises the existing footprint of the former Tempe Jets Club and includes the provision of the following rooms:
Information, office space, health, kitchen, music, art, woman’s area, men’s area, Café (potential social enterprise), multi-purpose Hall, WC’s, storage and covered outdoor space.
The current landscaping footprint is being designed to include:
A meeting point with fire pit, food prep areas, seasonal gardens, various seating and meeting arrangements, and an outdoor multipurpose sports court.
The amended Plan of Management was submitted to Crown Lands for review and approval on 11 September 2024. Once approved, Council will then publicly exhibit the plan for 42 days before bringing the draft Plan of Management back to Council for adoption. On the 12 November 2024 Council received an email update from Crown Lands that the assessment of the Plan of Management has commenced.
Investigations into the current state of the existing building has also progressed. Council officers engaged consultants to prepare a site survey and underground service location, a building condition report, preliminary structural reports, pest inspection reports and hazardous materials reports.
To further investigate the recommendations provided by these reports, Council engaged a local Aboriginal builder to undertake preliminary investigation works inside the building. Initially the ceiling lining was removed as extensive wood rot and termite damage was noted. Further evidence of timber damage was then sighted, and the scope of works was subsequently extended to remove the internal wall linings so that the extent could be assessed. Following the completion of the ceiling and wall lining removal works, the pest consultant returned to site and provided an inspection report. The report noted that greater than 50% of the structural timbers inside the building will require replacement and reconstruction due to major termite damage. The structural engineer has been asked to return to site to complete their reporting on the issues noted also.
On 20 September 2024, the architects provided Council officers with a more detailed concept design for costing with a Council engaged Quantity Surveyor. The concept plan is based on the refurbishment of the existing building and retention of the footprint. The external racetrack will be demolished to make way for an outdoor multi-purpose sports court, meeting point and ceremony area, seasonal gardens, and food prep area.
On 16 October 2024, the quantity surveyor found this design to have a cost estimate of $5,357,886.
The existing building already required significant remedial building works to make it fit for purpose. Subsequent investigations have exposed a greater extent of damage than originally thought with major structural remediation required to address structural inadequacies and damage, termite damage as well as remediation of hazardous materials. The full extent of this was not known at the time of the last quantity surveyor estimate and as such it is expected that the cost will increase further than anticipated.
It is therefore proposed that Council explore an option to rebuild a new purpose-built facility and report back to Council with a funding source including grant opportunities.
Once a concept design for the rebuild has been developed, Council will need to consider future operating models.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The FY24/25 budget for this project is $1,267,394 which was allocated for the remediation works required to make the building fit for purpose and did not envisage the work required to transform the site into a community hub.
It is noted that a funding shortfall exists for the project. This will be explored further in a report back to Council with a funding source including grant opportunities for the project.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Reconciliation Action Plan - Quarterly Report
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
This is a six-monthly update on implementation of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Key results in this period include:
· The Aboriginal Survival Memorial in Yeo Park has won two awards: an Australian Good Design Award for the artists and creative team, and Council has won the 2024 Community Spirit and Inclusion Award of the Keep Australia Beautiful Foundation
· Collaboration with Marrickville Golf and Community Club over the three Council funded illuminated Wurridjal’s (Mullets) on the greens of Marrickville Golf Course has led to a decision to retain these on site. Council has funded an upgrade for weather treatment and solar lighting to enable permanent display.
· Design work is underway for memorialisation of the birth of the Koori Knockout at Camdenville Oval.
BACKGROUND
Since the adoption of the Inner West Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in 2022/23, significant actions have commenced and been completed, delivering on Council’s commitment to the local community. The existing plan will conclude in June 2025 and will be redeveloped for a further two-year period from July 2025 in collaboration with the incoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Local Democracy Group.
DISCUSSION
Aboriginal Stakeholder Engagement
Council has expanded its relationship with Gadigal Information Service and Koori Radio. Council provides annual financial assistance for the Yabun celebration of $20,000. In 2024, this support has been expanded by another $10,000 to support three live broadcasts from Council events (the launch of the Aboriginal Survival Memorial at Yeo Park, the Culture X event in Pratten Park and Marrickville Music Festival). In addition, two library author talks by prominent Aboriginal authors have been recorded for later broadcast on Koori Radio and for Council’s digital archive in our libraries. Author talks recordings commenced with writer Mel Brown in conversation with Peta-Joy Williams.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub
The Community Hub is subject of a separate report to Council in December 2024.
Aboriginal Survival Memorials
The Aboriginal Survival Memorial in Yeo Park has won an Australian Good Design Award for the artists and creative team, and Council has won the 2024 Community Spirit and Inclusion Awards of the Keep Australia Beautiful Foundation for the Memorial. The Memorial is being used extensively by school groups and residents. One of Australia’s leading Aboriginal film makers, Ashley Gibb, has been commissioned to create a short film on the creation of this Memorial and filming will occur in November 2024.
In person community engagement for the second Aboriginal Survival Memorial in
Illoura Reserve occurred on Saturday 3 August 2024. The residents were positive
about the concept and the meaning behind the artwork. Work on applications for
approval from the NSW Government for the work is underway, as well as final
design work and GeoTech investigation for the location. Construction is
expected to commence in 2025, following land owners consent, which is required
from the NSW Minister for Heritage.
Closing the Gap health outcomes
Engagement with Sydney Local Health District continues in Aboriginal health, health education and wellbeing. In this period engagement with the district occurred on design requirements for the Community Hub to enable delivery of health clinics in the completed building, on education on the needs of Aboriginal people for health workers, and with user representatives for Balmain Hospital. In addition, vaccination planning for the 2025 winter season is underway, along with extreme heat preparedness for the coming summer season.
Celebrating Aboriginal culture with Marrickville Golf Club
Collaboration with Marrickville Golf and Community Club over the three Council funded illuminated Wurridjal’s (Mullets) on the greens of Marrickville Golf Course has led to a decision to retain these on site. Council has funded an upgrade for weather treatment and solar lighting to enable permanent display. This area of the course will be renamed Wurridjal. Council is working closely with the club on the potential naming of other areas of the golf course after the flora & fauna of the area with Aboriginal words. The golf course site has significance to Aboriginal peoples through relationships, very significant extant archaeology and the association with the death of Aboriginal warrior and resistance leader Pemulwuy in 1802.
Research on Aboriginal cultural heritage
Major new research on Aboriginal cultural heritage has been completed and digital copies will be published to the website and libraries shortly. A GIS mapping layer of current sites of significance has been produced and for use internally by Council’s planners and heritage teams to ensure archaeology is identified and protected, enabling awareness of cultural heritage sites and management of issues arising within the planning process. This research is informing development of Council’s heritage application for the Illoura Reserve Survival Memorial.
Memorialisation of the birth of the Koori Knockout
A budget of $40,000 has been identified for memorialisation of the fact of the Koori Knockout commencing at Camdenville Oval, and work is underway with the Landscape Architect working on the oval redevelopment on inclusion of these cultural elements. A decision on Council’s application for a blue heritage plaque is expected in November 2024. Finally, Council has provided $10,000 for a redevelopment of UNSW Professor Heidi Norman’s history of the Koori Knockout to tell the story of women’s participation in parallel with the existing story of male players.
Perfect Match projects by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
New works have been completed by Kyra Kum-Sing at 229 Denison St, Newtown and Chris Edwards (in collaboration with local artist Elbows) at Balmain East Village Hotel, Darling Street Balmain East.
Strategic Planning for Resilient Sydney
Engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people has occurred at Steel Park informing development of the strategic plan for Resilient Sydney. 13 local young people participated. Participants ranged from 13-20 years of age.
Improving employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
Extensive engagement is underway by the Community Wellbeing team on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with local high schools, and new collaborative work on growing post school employment for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people will commence in the new school year. It is intended that a pilot of school-based traineeships will be created with Council and other local employers.
On 20 November, Council held a Connect with the Buyer event to introduce Council officers undertaking procurement to local Aboriginal owned businesses. Increasing procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses is a key initiative of Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement strategy.
Finally, Council reported positively to Reconciliation Australia on year one actions under the Reconciliation Action Plan at end September 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Detail the financial implications applicable to the implementation of the proposed recommendations.
All initiatives in the RAP are included in Council’s adopted budget for 2024/25. Additional funding of $40,000 has been allocated from the approved budget for the Camdenville Oval redevelopment for the memorialisation work.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Together2 Social Enterprise Cafe
Prepared By: Adele Pittaway - Community Wellbeing 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
Council has an ongoing partnership with Together2 (formerly the Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre), which received over $26,000 in operational funding from Council in 23/24 as well as in-kind support and fee waivers.
The Director Community met with the CEO and project staff on 20 November 2024 to discuss the social enterprise café and has requested further detail in relation to the project scope and financial costs. Once this detail is available from Together2, Council’s potential financial commitment and partnership arrangements can be developed.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:
That Council consult with Together2 about joint project with Council to fit out and establish a social enterprise cafe at the Together2 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.
Together2 (formerly the Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre) fosters inclusivity and celebrates diversity through work with community including older people, youth and people living with disabilities. This ethos aligns to the Council’s values and our strategic aim to build a community that fosters inclusivity and participation.
DISCUSSION
Council has strong ongoing working relationships with Together2, including an annual grant of $23,000 and a one-off project grant of over $3,000 to assist its operations. They also receive “one off” in-kind support for events, fee waivers and grants for specific projects as they arise.
Together2 is also an active member of the Inner West Disability Forum, the local inter-agency for disability and inclusion where organisations network, learn and share practice. Council works with the forum to increase community awareness and participation of people living with disability in community life and local services.
Together2 successfully applied for funding offered by Inner West Council to deliver events for International Day of People with a Disability. The funding will support an All Abilities
Christmas Carols Concert on 29 November 2024 at its Rozelle Centre.
Further discussion and scoping of the resolution is required to adequately set budgets, timeframes and partnership opportunities. The Director Community met with the Together2 CEO on 20 November and has requested further detail about the proposed scope and costings for the project so Council can consider what financial support may be possible.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no funds currently available for this project. A report will be brought back to Council for consideration on conclusion of the discussions with Together2.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Investment Report at 31 October 2024
Prepared By: Deepa Desikan - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - 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 October 2024:
· Council matured investments:
o $5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.34%pa
o $2.0M 5 Year Floating Rate Note with Great Southern Bank at a current rate of 5.59%pa (purchased at issue)
· Council invested:
o $25.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 5.00%pa
o $7.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 5.04%pa
o $5.0M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.02%pa
o $5.0M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.94%pa
o $0.70M 4 Year Fixed Rate Bond with Bendigo and Adelaide at a fixed rate of 4.79%pa (purchased at issue)
o $1.536M 10 Year Fixed Rate Bond with South Australian Government at a fixed rate of 1.75%pa (purchased in the secondary market with a face value of $2.0M with current yield of 4.78%pa).
· Council sold the entire portfolio of Suncorp investments per Council Resolution, 22 October 2024 (C1024(2) Item 15):
o $10.0M 5 Year Floating Rate Note at a current rate of 4.80%pa
o $10.0M 5 Year Floating Rate Note at a current rate of 4.80%pa
o $8.75M 5 Year Floating Rate Note at a current rate of 5.16%pa
o $3.75M 5 Year Floating Rate Note at a current rate of 4.90%pa
o $6.40M 5 Year Floating Rate Note at a current rate of 4.80%pa
o $0.50M 10 Year Fixed Rate Bond at a fixed rate of 3.25%pa
o $1.30M 10 Year Fixed Rate Bond at a fixed rate of 3.25%pa
· Council is preparing for the maturity of further investments in November and December 2024, and it appears the rates are similar compared with prior months.
· Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 44% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel Lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 8% in Socially Responsible Investments, and 48% in Green investments.
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 $226.1M, $3.9M lower than the prior month market value of $230.0M. 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 4.70% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.50% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.94% pa on a marked-to-market basis.
In October, financial markets experienced some risk aversion, partly due to ongoing Middle East tensions, the impending US election and China’s economic situation. A combination of central bank rhetoric, a tight labour market and CPI prints have pushed out expectations of rate cuts both in the US and Australia.
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
Following the Council Resolution on 22 October 2024 (C1024(2) Item 15), Council sold its Suncorp (ANZ) assets during October 2024. The net loss realised by Council was $67,211.
Changes in the value of our portfolio
The maturities were:
· $5.0M 1 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.34%pa
· $2.0M 5 Year Floating Rate Note with Great Southern Bank at a current rate of 5.59%pa (purchased at issue)
New trades were:
· $25.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 5.00%pa
· $7.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 5.04%pa
· $5.0M 12 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 5.02%pa
· $5.0M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.94%pa
· $0.70M 4 Year Fixed Rate Bond with Bendigo and Adelaide at a fixed rate of 4.79%pa (purchased at issue)
· $1.536M 10 Year Fixed Rate Bond with South Australian Government at a fixed rate of 1.75%pa (purchased in the secondary market with a face value of $2.0M with current yield of 4.78%pa)
Council is looking to lock in rates above 4.50-5.00% 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 44% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 8% of the portfolio in Socially Responsible Investments, and 48% of the portfolio in Green investments.
Following the divestment of Suncorp (ANZ) assets during October 2024, Council’s investment portfolio no longer has any exposure to assets flagged as Fossil Fuel Lending as per the table above.
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 October 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 and 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.
External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds
Other Investment Information
The chart below shows the average Term Deposit bids available for Council over the next five years across banks from different credit ratings.
In the deposit market over October, at the very short end of the curve, the average deposit rates offered by the major banks have remained relatively flat compared to where they were the previous month (September). The biggest moves have been seen at the long end of the curve. The average rates offered for 9–12-month terms rose by around 10-15 basis points (bp), whilst for 2-5 years, they have risen around 30-35bp to where they were in September. The market has lowered their expectations, not only with regards to the timing of the first rate cut, but also how many cuts are pencilled in over 2025 (from multiple rate cuts, down to two).
Domestic issues:
· The RBA kept rates on hold at 4.35% as expected. The RBA Minutes contained little new information on top of the Governor’s press conference. The already flagged discussion of scenarios around “what would we need to see to go either a raise in interest rates or a lowering in interest rates” was detailed. Importantly, “each of these outcomes was conceivable given the considerable uncertainty about the economic outlook”.
Governor Bullock commented in her post-Meeting press conference saying, “the message clearly from the Board is that in the near term it does not see interest rate cuts”, but it seems the Board is broadly ok with markets pricing in cuts by early-mid 2025.
· Q3 inflation trimmed mean came in at +0.8% q/q and +3.5% y/y, in line with consensus and the RBA’s forecasts. Headline inflation came in at +0.2% q/q and +2.8% y/y. The drop in the headline inflation (which the RBA will look through) was mainly due to a -17.3% q/q fall in measured electricity prices due to the introduction of large rebates for households, and a -6.7% fall in fuel prices. Electricity rebates and higher rent assistance will also weigh on Q4 CPI. Overall services inflation was broadly stable at +4.6% from +4.5% y/y.
· Australian employment growth was 64.1k in September versus 25.0k forecast and 42.6k prior. This marks the sixth consecutive month that jobs growth exceeded expectations. The unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.067% (versus 4.2% consensus), which is also now well below the RBA's August SoMP forecast of 4.3% for Q4 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - October 2024 |
|
2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - October 2024 |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment Update
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - 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:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council adopted the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan at the 10 October 2023 Council meeting following public exhibition and significant public engagement.
The Commonwealth, State and Local governments have formed a funding partnership to secure the future of Leichhardt Oval. The Commonwealth is committing $20 million to the project, with the NSW Government and the Inner West Council investing $10 million each towards the upgrade.
Ernst and Young have been engaged as Project Managers to manage the first stage of the refurbishment and Project Initiation is underway.
Ongoing updates will be reported to each Council meeting.
BACKGROUND
Established in 1934, Leichhardt Oval is a significant cultural and recreational facility in the Inner West Local Government Area. The Oval plays an important role in both the local and state sporting environment as well as contributing to the cultural identity of the Inner West area.
Leichhardt Oval Masterplan
With many of its facilities over 30 years old, the Oval was overdue for a comprehensive Master Plan to bring facilities up to modern standards and to ensure the continued prominence of Leichhardt Oval as a premier destination for professional and community sports.
Cox Architects were engaged in 2022 to prepare a Master Plan for Leichhardt Oval that included the development of individual concepts (including costings) that provided options for the renovation of individual elements of the oval depending on the amount of available funding that could be sourced.
The Ten (10) Year Master Plan (adopted in October 2023) provides a clear direction to ensure the ongoing and future relevance of Leichhardt Oval as a compliant venue which can attract community and high-level sporting events and training; and maximises the use of all spaces, including increasing the use of the function rooms.
The Master Plan was developed to provide a sound basis for the ongoing management of Leichhardt Oval, in identifying and prioritising areas for intervention while working to uphold and preserve the ground’s iconic heritage features.
The Master Plan establishes a clear vision for future of Leichhardt Oval after being developed through an ongoing stakeholder engagement process with a list of the key considerations incorporated throughout the duration of the design. These key considerations included:
· To formally acknowledge the history and culture of Leichhardt Oval and the important role it has played within the community since its establishment in 1934
· To provide a multi-purpose, high standard, event, function and conference facility which is strategically planned and managed
· To consider the needs of the community and key stakeholders including accessibility and inclusivity
· To incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles
· To ensure an ongoing commitment to the management of the broader Leichhardt Park sporting precinct through the development of effective and innovative practices to minimise the impact that Leichhardt Oval may have on the surrounding area.
Preliminary Concepts
The Master Plan presents a series of opportunities to upgrade facilities across the precinct and was developed pending prioritisation and availability of funding.
The Master Plan presents a series of opportunities to upgrade facilities across the precinct. The concepts below have preliminary cost estimates prepared and are to be considered for implementation independently or in combination.
It’s important to note that Council are not seeking to build a new stadium but simply to upgrade this valuable community institution. All options include preserving the heritage of the historic Keith Barnes Stand & Wayne Pearce Hill and creating a Museum of Inner West Rugby League to celebrate the history of our Inner West foundation clubs.
There were two options developed for upgrading the existing Latchem Robinson Stand. Both included upgraded change rooms to accommodate male and female athletes as well as improved seating, toilet, and catering facilities. A brand-new covered grandstand was also developed as an option for the Northern end of the ground as well as improved seating around the entire concourse.
These preliminary concepts are further outlined below and included:
|
Concept |
|
Cost |
|
A |
Museum of Inner West Rugby League |
$1.25m |
|
B |
Additional northern grandstand |
$21m |
|
C |
New and upgraded lower seating bowl |
$4.9m |
|
D |
Additional parking and the development of a 2-level car park |
$12.3m |
|
E |
External works and general improvements to accessibility, amenity and lighting around the oval |
$4.99m |
|
F |
Upgrades to the western grandstand. Includes the following potential outcomes pending the level of funding: |
|
|
|
Moderate Option |
$33.4m |
|
· |
· Upgrades to corporate and media amenities to the upper level |
|
|
· |
· New mezzanine floors at rear with multi-purpose rooms |
|
|
· |
· New and upgraded players and public facilities to ground level |
|
|
· |
· New emergency ambulance ramp and broadcast access to lower level with new lift to ground level and above levels |
|
|
|
Major Option |
$98.3m |
|
· |
· New media level above the Centurions Lounge and new roof |
|
|
· |
· New corporate amenities to upper level |
|
|
· |
· New public amenities to ground level |
|
|
· |
· New and upgraded players and public facilities to ground level |
|
|
· |
· New emergency ambulance ramp and broadcast access to lower level with new lift to ground level and above levels |
|
Funding
On Friday 14 June 2024 the Federal an NSW Government announced they would contribute $20m and $10m respectively, securing a total of $40m including Council’s contribution to deliver critical upgrades to ensure the safety and comfort of competitors and fans.
The funding recognises the significant contribution Leichhardt Oval has made, and continues to make, to sport in Australia. It has hosted around 120 sporting fixtures in 2024, including both men’s and women’s national rugby league matches and dozens of other sport events including women and girls’ soccer. Venues like Leichhardt Oval are a platform for elite women and girls’ sporting competitions, such as NRLW and Women’s A League.
Major Stakeholders
At the Council meeting held on 24 June 2024, Council resolved the following::
1. That Council writes to the Prime Minister thanking the Federal Government for the $20 million funding contribution for the renovation of Leichhardt Oval.
2. That Council writes to the NSW Premier and Sports Minister, thanking the State Government for the $10 million funding contribution for the renovation of Leichhardt Oval.
3. That Council establish a design panel of relevant stakeholders to provide advice on the development of the design of the renovation of Leichhardt Oval. The CEO of Wests Tigers and the CEO of Sydney FC are to be invited to join the panel.
4. That Council immediately begin engagement with stakeholders as the first stage of the renovation, that will see Leichhardt Oval become a hub for women’s sport and a facility fit for elite sporting teams.
A stakeholder workshop was held on 20 August 2024 with attendees from Wests Tigers, Sydney FC, NRL, NSWRL, Australian Professional Leagues, and APIA Leichhardt.
The workshop was facilitated by COX Architects, responsible for delivering the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan. The major themes from the workshop identified as priorities were the provision of gender-neutral players and officials’ amenities as well as a seating bowl upgrade.
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia have also contacted Council to offer input into elements of accessibility and inclusivity for the project.
Prioritising the concepts
Now that the budget has been established at $40 million, and considering the concepts presented and costed in the Master Plan, and the feedback gained through the Masterplan Engagement process, Council has prioritised the concepts that it would like developed:
1. New and upgraded seating
2. Upgrades to the western grandstand including:
a. New and upgraded female friendly players facilities
b. Upgrades to corporate and media amenities to the upper level
c. New mezzanine floor at rear with multi-purpose spaces
3. New northern grandstand (seating with corporate facilities underneath)
4. Museum of Inner West Rugby League (Budget of $1.2 million). Note that this does not form part of the $40m budget.
Scope
The budget of $40 million is to include costs for all design, approvals and construction costs, consultant fees and any other costs necessary in achieving the refurbishment of the oval.
The Council has allocated $1 million to immediately undertake the design of the redevelopment that is to begin with the appointment of the Project Management Consultant.
Two Stage Project
It is envisaged that the Leichhardt Oval Redevelopment will be undertaken in two stages:
Stage One
Initiation, Stakeholder Engagement, Concept and Detailed Design, Statutory Approvals, and construction documentation.
Stage Two
Construction
Project Management Services
Council has considered the scale, complexity and budget of the project and has engaged Ernst and Young (EY) to provide project management services for Stage One following a public tender process.
EY will be required implement Project Management Services through Stage One of the project life cycle including the initiation, design, and procurement phases.
The strengths noted by the Evaluation Panel in EY’s submission included:
· Significant recent stadium as well as extensive sport sector experience
· Experience in program management, strategy formulation and implementation, dispute resolution, commercial negotiations, stakeholder engagement and management, project team procurement and selection, and project procurement and delivery management
· Multi-disciplinary capabilities and extensive back of house resources to support the project nominated personnel also have a strong background in building construction.
EY have proposed a project management team with extensive sport sector experience, complimented with multidisciplinary expertise and capability (particularly in design, planning pathway and procurement), and a strong track record for delivering similar projects including:
· Sydney Stadium - Stage 1 (demolition) and Stage 2 (construction) $760M @ 2018-22
· Western Sydney Stadium for Infrastructure NSW $360M @ 2017-19.; and
· Institutional clients such as Rugby League Central for NRL, Valentine Sports Park for Football NSW, and various projects (including for sports sciences) for the University of Sydney.
EY are also currently working on Penrith Stadium for Infrastructure NSW and are engaged to provide a Preliminary Construction and Environmental Management Plan for input into SSDA as well as providing Project Advisory Services including programming, demolition, and construction methodology. These functions are relevant to the proposed refurbishment of the Leichhardt Oval.
EY’s Proposal
EY’s proposal assumes an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) approach to deliver the project at minimal risk to Council. This was one of the few submissions that sought to shorten program and consider the requirements to limit the amount of time the stadium was offline for use.
An ECI approach has a distinct advantage in providing Council with early market input into managing delivery of the project scope within the Project Budget.
Through an ECI pathway, an ECI Contractor can be procured 12 months from the engagement of the Project Manager - assuming timely receipt of validation of the pathway, confirmation of the project scope, and approvals to progress through respective milestones, as well as timely receipt of SEARs from the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure (DPHI).
For comparison, a more traditional process - where the Project Manager works with Council to obtain an SSD consent, and the design is developed and documented for procurement of a D&C Head Contractor - would take at least 16 months (assuming best case 90 working days turnaround on the SSD application, which is unlikely) before a Contractor can be engaged. This would be a loss of opportunity to secure a Contractor’s market knowledge, to be part of the team with Council to collaboratively deliver the project.
During procurement, the participating Contractors will bid a fixed lump sum price to develop the design during the ECI phase. During the ECI phase, the successful ECI Contractor would be responsible for managing and delivering a design and lump sum price for construction, in accordance with the PPR, budget and program, procure and manage consultants to:
· Prepare and submit the State Significant Development (SSD) application in response to the SEARs, including Test of Adequacy, formal lodgement of application, response to RFIs (if applicable), Response to Submissions following exhibition, review of draft conditions through to receipt of consent.
· Explore and investigate project components and/or early works packages that may be possible without planning consent, or within other planning pathways (separate to the SSD) – to inform design, reduce risks and expedite roll-out of project.
· Develop design documentation, through agreed design milestones including Council and stakeholders’ approval.
· Establish an agreed Detailed Design scope for pricing of its Main Works Offer
· Undertake any enabling works (where possible) to prepare the site and achieve program efficiencies.
Program
As part of their submission, EY prepared a summary programme that includes the Early Contractor Involvement and shows that the project is currently in the Project Initiation phase.
Fig. 1 – Summary Programme
CURRENT WORKS
Following their engagement, works with EY have focused on:
· Structural inspection of the existing concrete tiers that support the lower seating bowl to understand the options to increase seating numbers by extending into the pitch, as per the Masterplan
· Detailed Levels survey of the concourse and seating bowl, as well as the main access points at Mary Street and Glover Street to ensure the seating options are achievable and are able to comply with accessibility requirements.
· Internal stakeholder meetings with various Council teams including Planning to define the scope for the Architect and Consultant Team, as well as develop strategies for gaining required approvals.
Next Steps
· Preparation of a detailed scope of works that will be used as part of the brief to the Design Consultant Team
· Preparation of the tender documents for the appointment of the Architect and Consultant Team (Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Access, BCA, Planning and Quantity Surveyor)
· Council will also engage an independent Quantity Surveyor to peer review the Consultant Team and ensure the budget is managed, risks are identified early and participate in value engineering workshops for the project.
Project Governance
A Project Control Group (PCG) has been established, with the General Manager as the Sponsor, that will have oversight of the project.
The PCG is tasked with high-level oversight of the project, making crucial decisions that affect the project's direction, funding, and overall success. Regular monthly PCG meetings will be held to review project status, address any issues or risks, and make decisions on changes or adjustments required to keep the project on track.
The PCG will provide a Report to each Council meeting.
A Project Working Group will also meet regularly to provide support the PCG. It will include subject matter experts, and stakeholders, including the Major Stakeholders identified above.
Live Music and Live Performance
At the 12 November 2024 Council meeting it was resolved 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.
This will be included in the development of the scope for the appointment of the Architect and Consultant Team.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
On 4 June 2024 Council resolved to amend the 2024/25 budget to incorporate $10 million in funding to be dedicated to the implementation of the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan.
On 14 June 2024 the Federal Government and the NSW State Government announced they would respectively contribute $20 million and $10 million towards the refurbishment of Leichhardt Oval.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Update on Creative Use of Town Halls
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property 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:
|
3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Marrickville Town Hall is currently being used for live music and community creative activities, which is permissible use under its current zoning as R2- Low Density Residential under IWLEP (2022). Once the draft LEP 2025 is complete, it will be rezoned as an Entertainment Facility, which will enable its commercial use. The works to the main hall and Winged Victory Room micro studio are complete and the venues are being used by local creatives. Fit out of the basement as a multi-functional “black box” space will require and RFQ for a contractor and it is anticipated to be complete by April 2025.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 12 November 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
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.
DISCUSSION
Current Status of Planning requirements and designation as live music venue
Marrickville Town Hall is currently zoned as R2 – Low Density Residential under IWLEP2022 and is used as a community facility for community activities with bookings by the public for functions and community events including live music, which is a permissible land use in the zone.
LGA wide LEP review – draft Inner West LEP 2025
Council is currently undertaking a Local Government Area (LGA) wide review to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (IWLEP 2022) to prepare the draft Inner West LEP 2025.
The review will rezone selected properties, including Marrickville Town Hall, to align with the existing uses. This will expand what is permissible and enable the use of the town hall as an Entertainment Facility which will permit its use as a commercial live music and entertainment venue.
Council has to submit the draft LEP to the NSW Government by the end of 2024. Public Engagement is scheduled for early 2025 and will then be reported back to Council. In the meantime, the new live music set up is being used by local community and creatives.
Detailed Outline of Proposed Works
The fit-out of the basement as a
multi-functional space has not yet started.
As significant internal works will be required, a Request for Quotation (RFQ)
will have to be developed and put to the market. Once the RFQ process is
complete and a contractor is appointed, construction will take approximately
six weeks. The space could be functional by April 2025.
Works to the basement will include set up as a multi-functional black box, that can be arranged to suit a variety of performance modes, providing space for music, movement, theatre, experimental arts, and multi-arts.
Attached to the main space in the basement are two rooms with separate access from the carpark. These rooms are intended to be soundproofed and could be used as music rehearsal / recording studios which can be independently accessed alongside the main space.
There is a third room with separate access from Petersham Road, which will be soundproofed and could also be used as a music rehearsal / recording space.
When there are presentation outcomes in the main space, these music rehearsal / recording spaces can be used as dressing rooms as their proximity to the main space and an independent bathroom lends itself well to this dual purpose.
The space will include:
· Installation of a sprung timber floor finished with black Tarkett (suitable for performance/dance/movement)
· Mirrors installed across one of the walls to support rehearsals for performers / dancers
· Retractable black theatre curtains installed around perimeter of space
There will also be a requirement for some furniture including:
· chairs and chairs trolly (for audiences, as per other Council venues)
· folding tables that can be stored and rolled out
Town Hall and Ground Floor Studio Micro Presentation Space
The main town hall space has already been fitted out with a multi-functional sound system and projector.
The fit out of the Winged Victory Room as a micro- studio is complete and it is currently being booked by creative individuals and organisations. During October it was used by
Sydney Fringe and Percussion Australia. Equipment includes:
· Audio: four powered speakers, two on stands as main speakers and two on the floor to act as monitor speakers (speakers can interchange roles to change quantities of monitors / main speakers, pending artist needs).
· Audio: One 8ch analogue mixer, with in built FX, and capacity for varied usage, whilst still easy to operate.
· Audio: Industry standard microphone package including three vocal microphones, two instrument microphones and a DI box.
· Lighting: One four-in-one LED lighting bar plus tripod stand.
· Staging: Four 2m x 1m lightweight stage pieces, with non-slip textured finish, all with 300mm high legs, plus clamps and levellers, to create a maximum 4m x 2m stage, or can be used to create smaller risers as required.
· Sydney Fringe and Percussion Australia have already utilised the space during October.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The program of all capital works at Marrickville Town Hall to fit out the main Town Hall and basement is $654,441.00 and has been incorporated into the FY 24/25 budget, as previously resolved.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Mandatory Reporting to Council of Report received from Fire & Rescue NSW
Prepared By: Michael Ryan - Senior Manager, Health & Building
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient, and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Correspondence was received from Fire & Rescue NSW (Attachment 1) identified fire safety matters in relation to a boarding house at 395-399 New Canterbury Road Dulwich Hill. Following an inspection of the premises by Council’s Senior Fire Safety Officer, it was determined that a Notice of Intention to serve a Development Control Order was warranted. This Notice will require either the installation or modification to the existing fire safety measures in the building to ensure adequate provision for fire safety and awareness. These works are able to be undertaken in accordance with State Planning provisions through the issuing of a Development Control Order under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
BACKGROUND
395-399 New Canterbury Road Dulwich Hill
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) advised Inner West Council on 12 September 2024 of an inspection they undertook in response to a complaint regarding concerns with the adequacy of the provision for the fire safety at the premises, including:
· Concerns that the hose lay coverage from a fire appliance (Fire truck) may exceed the provisions of the FRNSW Guideline – Fire Hydrant Concessions for Existing Buildings.
· The Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) does not include the window drenchers and fire shutters which are currently installed at the premises, and it appears that the existing awning windows could wind further then the fire shutter tracks.
· The door providing access to the fire sprinkling system isolating valve is not readily identifiable and the isolating valve has not been labeled in accordance with Australian Standards
· The Exit signage currently installed at the premises is inadequate
· Egress and exit doors were not fitted with compliant door hardware
· Numerous Fire Doors were fitted contrary to the requirements of Australian Standards
DISCUSSION
In accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPAA), FRNSW referred the matter to Council for follow up. In response, Council’s Fire Safety Team conducted an inspection of the premises as per below table:
|
Property |
Inspection Result |
|
395-399 New Canterbury Road Dulwich Hill |
An inspection was conducted on 14 October 2024 which revealed:
- The AFSS for the premises was missing essential measures - The location of the fire sprinkler isolating valve was not readily identifiable - Exit signage was not adequate - Multiple egress/exit doors were fitted with non-compliant door hardware (i.e. tulip sleave) - The gaps to multiple fire doors fitted to the sole occupancy units were contrary to Australian Standards
Direction: (EPA/2024/0153) A fire Safety Notice of Intention to serve a Development Control Order was issued on 13 November 2024, requiring certain works to be undertaken in keeping with the comments form FRNSW in their letter dated 30 August 2024 as well as the findings from Council’s inspection of the premises on 14 October 2024
|
Table above summarises the actions by Council officers since receiving the FRNSW report.
After all fire safety solutions are implemented, a Fire Safety Certificate is to be submitted to Council, which will conclude the matter.
Boarding House Inspection Program
Council has a boarding house inspection program that is based on a prioritised approach which meant that this purpose built, mixed use development containing a shop, boarding house rooms and studio apartment was inspected by Council officers in August of 2024. It received an Occupation Certificate in 2009 and has a current AFSS provided by an accredited fire safety practitioner. Notwithstanding the concerns raised by FRNSW – which must be addressed, council’s own inspection can confirm that the building has back to base monitoring with the following fire safety measures:
- Automatic fire detection and alarm system
- Building occupant warning system
- Emergency lighting
- Fire seals and penetrations
- Light weight construction
- Exit signs – noting from FRNSW inspection that maintenance is required
- Fire doors – noting from FRNSW inspection that hardware and fitting requires upgrade
Council is following up with the on site manager and building owner all the issues raised by FRNSW and will follow up with FRNSW as per usual protocol once all works are satisfactory.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
|
1.⇩ |
FRNSW Referral - 395-399 New Canterbury Road Dulwich Hill |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024
Prepared By: Elizabeth Renneberg - Internal Ombudsman
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints relating to Councillors and the General Manager for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Part 11 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (the Procedures) require that Council’s Complaints Coordinator must report annually to the Council and to the Office of Local Government on a range of complaint statistics within three months of the end of each September. The prescribed annual reporting period is from 01 September to 31 August each year.
The reporting period includes the results of matters that were commenced in the previous reporting period and finalised in this reporting period, to explain the difference in complaints received and finalised.
This report will also be provided to the Office of Local Government as required under the Procedures:
|
Number of Complaints |
|
||
|
1 |
|
The total number of complaints received in the reporting period about councilors and the General Manager (GM) under the code of conduct from the following sources: |
|
|
i |
Community |
0 |
|
|
|
ii |
Other Councillors |
0 |
|
|
iii |
General Manager |
0 |
|
|
iv |
Other Council staff |
0 |
|
2 |
The total number of complaints finalised in the period about councillors and the GM under the code of conduct in the following periods: |
|
|
|
|
i |
3 Months |
0 |
|
|
ii |
6 Months |
1 |
|
|
iii |
9 Months |
0 |
|
|
iv |
12 Months |
1 |
|
|
v |
Over 12 Months |
0 |
|
Overview of Complaints and Cost |
|
||
|
3 |
a |
The number of complaints finalised at the outset by alternative means by the GM or Mayor |
0 |
|
|
b |
The number of complaints referred to the Office of Local Government under a special complaints management arrangement |
0 |
|
|
c |
The number of code of conduct complaints referred to a conduct reviewer |
1 |
|
|
d |
The number of code of conduct complaints finalised at preliminary assessment by conduct reviewer |
2 |
|
|
e |
The number of code of conduct complaints referred back to GM or Mayor for resolution after preliminary assessment by conduct reviewer |
1 |
|
|
f |
The number of finalised code of conduct complaints investigated by a conduct reviewer |
0 |
|
|
g |
Cost of dealing with code of conduct complaints via preliminary assessment |
$4950.00 |
|
|
h |
Progressed to full investigation by a conduct reviewer |
0 |
|
|
i |
The number of finalised complaints investigated where there was found to be no breach |
0 |
|
|
j |
The number of finalised complaints investigated where there was found to be a breach |
0 |
|
|
k |
The number of complaints referred by the GM or Mayor to another agency or body such as the ICAC, the NSW Ombudsman, OLG or the Police |
|
|
|
(i) |
ICAC |
0 |
|
|
(ii) |
NSW Ombudsman |
0 |
|
|
(iii) |
OLG |
0 |
|
|
(iv) |
Police |
0 |
|
|
(v) |
Other |
0 |
|
|
l |
The number of complaints being investigated that are not yet finalised |
0 |
|
|
m |
The total cost of dealing with code of conduct complaints within the period made about councillors and the GM |
$4950.00 |
|
Preliminary Assessment Statistics |
|
||
|
4 |
The number of complaints determined by the conduct reviewer at the preliminary assessment stage by each of the following actions: |
|
|
|
|
a |
To take no action (clause 6.13(a) of the 2020 Procedures) |
1 |
|
|
b |
To resolve the complaint by alternative and appropriate strategies (clause 6.13(b) of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
|
c |
To refer the matter back to the GM or the Mayor, for resolution by alternative and appropriate strategies (clause 6.13(c) of the 2020 Procedures) |
1 |
|
|
d |
To refer the matter to another agency or body such as the ICAC, the NSW Ombudsman, OLG or the Police (clause 6.13(d) of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
|
e |
To investigate the matter (clause 6.13(e) of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
|
F |
Other action (please specify) |
0 |
|
Investigation Statistics |
|
||
|
5 |
The number of investigated complaints resulting in a determination that there was no breach, in which the following recommendations were made: |
|
|
|
|
a |
That the council revise its policies or procedures |
0 |
|
|
b |
That a person or persons undertake training or other education (clause 7.40 of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
6 |
The number of investigated complaints resulting in a determination that there was a breach in which the following recommendations were made: |
|
|
|
|
a |
That the council revise any of its policies or procedures (clause 7.39 of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
|
b |
In the case of a breach by the GM, that action be taken under the GM’s contract for the breach (clause 7.37(a) of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
|
c |
In the case of a breach by a councillor, that the councillor be formally censured for the breach under section 440G of the Local Government Act 1993 (clause 7.37(b) of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
|
d |
In the case of a breach by a councillor, that the councillor be formally censured for the breach under section 440G of the Local Government Act 1993 and that the matter be referred to OLG for further action (clause 7.37(c) of the 2020 Procedures) |
0 |
|
7 |
Matter referred or resolved after commencement of an investigation (clause 7.20 of the 2020 Procedures) |
0
|
|
|
Categories of misconduct |
|
||
|
8 |
The number of investigated complaints resulting in a determination that there was a breach with respect to each of the following categories of conduct: |
|
|
|
|
a |
General conduct (Part 3) |
0 |
|
|
b |
Non-pecuniary conflict of interest (Part 5) |
0 |
|
|
c |
Personal benefit (Part 6) |
0 |
|
|
d |
Relationship between council officials (Part 7) |
0 |
|
|
e |
Access to information and resources (Part 8)
|
0 |
|
Outcome of determinations |
|
||
|
9 |
The number of investigated complaints resulting in a determination that there was a breach in which the council: |
0 |
|
|
|
Adopted the independent conduct reviewers recommendation |
0 |
|
|
|
Failed to adopt the independent conduct reviewers recommendation |
0 |
|
|
10 |
The number of investigated complaints resulting in a determination where: |
0 |
|
|
|
The external conduct reviewer’s decision was overturned by OLG |
0 |
|
|
|
Council’s response to the external conduct reviewer’s recommendation was overturned by OLG |
0 |
|
Confidentiality
Clause 12.1 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW requires that information about Code of Conduct complaints and their management and investigation, is to be treated as confidential and is not to be publicly disclosed or discussed except as may be otherwise specifically required or permitted under the Procedures.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are cost implications for Council associated with this report. The total cost incurred in the reporting period was $4950.00 (including GST).
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Wicks Park Tennis Courts
From: Councillor Victor Macri
|
MOTION
That Council consider the upgrade of the Wicks Park Tennis Court synthetic turf as a part of the 2025/26 budget planning process.
|
Background
That Council upgrade the Wicks Park Tennis Court synthetic turf, as noted in the below response from the operator, community responses and condition images.
I wish to alert you to the dire state of the synthetic turf at Wicks Park tennis courts. All 8 baselines are extensively frayed with only the glue and patches we have applied holding them together.
This facility has a mixed use: players do tennis programs through our school and the Marrickville residents use the courts at other times for free. The last time the courts were, was about 20 years ago. The holder of the lease at Wicks is International College of Sport Education (ICSE).
The other important element of an upgrade is the need to replace the brick shelter. Water enters the ceiling cavity through the rusting roof while the bitumen apron in front of it has been lifted by tree roots; rain now pools and enters the structure.
I have included a number of letters of support from the community and Four Seasons Tennis students. There are photos too, of the turf damage sent in a following email.
Community submissions and dilapidation images are also attached.
It’s worth noting that Council is currently undertaking a new plan of management for the park which the shelter can be considered in.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
1.⇩ |
Letters |
|
2.⇩ |
Photos of Wicks Park Tennis Court |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Automated Waste System
From: Councillor Victor Macri
|
MOTION
That Council's waste management unit investigates the adoption of an automated waste management system for high density residential development, consistent with the guidelines adopted by neighbouring government areas such as Randwick Council (See Attachment 1). The report should be submitted back to Council for consideration within 6 months of this motion.
|
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
1.⇩ |
Localised Automated Waste Collection Systems Using Mobile Vacuum Vehicles Design and Implementation Guidelines |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Open Space
From: Councillor Victor Macri
|
MOTION
1. That Council investigates the opportunity to increase the provision of new open space in the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct masterplans and contributions framework within the rail corridor to meet the needs of the existing community as well as future needs of the incoming population. A potential location for the Dulwich Hill open space zone is shown on the attached aerial photographs. As part of informing this investigation, the following consultation must be undertaken: a) Consultation with the state government and TfNSW regarding feasibility analysis of a central green spine park above the rail corridor and potential funding arrangements for the project; and b) Consultation with representatives from Lane Cove Council on the delivery of the St Leonards South Masterplan rezoning and open space, including ownership / maintenance arrangements and key construction considerations.
2. The findings are to be reported back to Council within 3 months of this notice of motion.
|
Background
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
|
1.⇩ |
New Open Space from Thin Air |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: George Street Sydenham dog park
From: Councillor Victor Macri
|
MOTION
That Council install the double gated entry system in the George Street off leash dog park and concrete that entry area as a part of the 2024/25 operational budget.
|
Background
The local dog owners would like Council to install the double gated entry system that is widely used across the LGA for safety when entering or leaving the off leash dog area on George Street Sydenham.
In the double gated area it would be better if it was concreted as you can see in the photos the soil is constantly being washed away and staff are going back and replacing it only for it to be washed away in the next rain.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Schwebel Street, Marrickville
From: Councillors Deputy Mayor Mat Howard and Councillor Victor Macri
|
MOTION
1. That Council progress plans to make Schwebel Street one-way west to east between Illawarra Road and Carrington Road. 2. That Council report to the Local Traffic Committee no later than March 2025 with: a) a plan, indicative budget and timeline to develop and design road treatments to make Schwebel Street one-way and to undertake community consultation; b) an assessment of whether Schwebel Street is suitable for new active transport connections and opportunities to upgrade and improve lighting on the stairs between Schwebel Street and Charlotte Avenue; and c) Consideration of improvements at the intersection of Illawarra Road and Schwebel/Warburton Streets.
3. That Council report back to councillors on the status of works to restore the sandstone wall on the northern side of Schwebel Street via councillor briefing prior to 31 December 2024.
|
Background
Schwebel Street is a narrow street connecting Illawarra Road to Carrington Road. It serves as the primary connection between Marrickville, Tempe and the Princes Highway, and to the north via Victoria Road.
The street is narrow and the site of a significant number of near-misses and damaged vehicles.
Parking on the street is highly utilised and making the street one-way could help alleviate damage to vehicles, risk to pedestrians, cyclists and all road users, and improve the flow of traffic in south-east Marrickville without impacting parking.
The former Marrickville Council undertook significant work to designate Schwebel Street as a one-way road, initially planned to be delivered at the same time as Warren Road between Illawarra and Carrington was made one-way in a west-east direction.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: The Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre
From: Councillors Deputy Mayor Mat Howard and Councillor Kerrie Fergusson
|
MOTION
1. That Council commence work to undertake a significant upgrade of the Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre, Tempe, with the objective of construction work commencing within this term of Council.
2. That Council thanks staff for their work to repair and upgrade flooring and insulation and undertake other works in 2023.
3. That Council note the Robyn Webster Sports Centre is one of the only large-scale indoor sports centres in the Inner West and is being used more and by a broader selection of sports and other users.
4. That Council in the first quarter of 2025: a) Host a roundtable of regular hirers of the Sports Centre and outdoor courts, as well as potential future hirers, to determine the specific needs of local sports clubs and opportunities for upgrades; b) Write to all residents of Tempe inviting them to a public meeting, to be held at the Sports Centre, to determine community needs and opportunities for upgrades; and c) Hold a meeting between the Director for Infrastructure and the family of Robyn Webster to seek their feedback and input, if desired.
5. That Council commence the process of seeking grant and other funding from State and Federal governments to upgrade the Centre.
6. That Council add the upgrade of the Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre to the regular reporting to the Major Projects Committee.
|
Background
The Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre is one of the only large-scale indoor sports centres in the Inner West and is a popular destination for a diverse range of sporting codes.
The Centre was built in the late 1990s and received a new floor and insulation in 2023. There is an increased need for indoor sports facilities, especially as the diversity of sports played in the Inner West continues to expand, and as we continue to experience wetter weather and greater disruptions to sports seasons.
Upgrades council include expanding the existing building and the inclusion of additional indoor courts for volleyball, indoor netball, futsal and badminton.
The Centre would continue to be used for roller derby, indoor hockey and other sports, and critically, an upgrade could include community space for the broader Tempe community. The Developer Contribution Plan notes there is a need for a new community space in Tempe.
Construction should commence on the new Robyn Webster Inner West Indoor Sports Centre in the next term of council, working with State and Federal governments.
The Centre was named for Robyn Webster, a local resident who tragically passed away in the 2002 Bali bombings.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Pedestrianisation of Illawarra Road, Marrickville
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
|
MOTION
That Council include in the upcoming consultation on the draft Master Plan for Marrickville Town Centre consideration of options to pedestrianise or create either a temporary or permanent shared zone on Illawarra Road between Marrickville Road and Petersham Road.
|
Background
The Marrickville Public Domain Strategy went to initial consultation in May 2023 and council staff are working to prepare the draft plans for public exhibition in 2025.
The process provides an opportunity to examine opportunities to possibly pedestrianise a section of Illawarra Road, either permanently or temporarily, to facilitate better pedestrian access, support Marrickville’s bustling night-time economy and to promote local businesses on Illawarra Road.
Works are underway to undertake similar works to pedestrianise a section of Lackey Street, Summer Hill, with support of the NSW State Government. A similar approach for this section of Illawarra Road warrants consideration as part of the comprehensive community consultation due to occur next year.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: South Princes Highway, Tempe and Sydenham
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
|
MOTION
1. That Council provide a report to the May 2025 Council meeting detailing opportunities for public domain and other improvements on the section of the Princes Highway between the Cooks River and Railway Road, Sydenham, including: a) Support for local businesses on the Highway; b) Additional tree plantings; c) Incorporation of Water Sensitive Urban Design elements and principles; d) Improvements to pedestrian and active transport infrastructure; e) Street furniture updates; and f) Signage.
2. That Council before May 2025, host a Roundtable with businesses on the Princes Highway between the Cooks River and Railway Road to seek feedback on opportunities for public domain and other improvements.
3. That Council before May 2025, write to and survey residents in the surrounding streets about ways public domain and other improvements can be made to improve the Princes Highway between the Cooks River and Railway Road, Sydenham.
|
Background
The Princes Highway is a major State-managed and owned road connecting southern Sydney to the CBD.
For communities along the Highway, the Highway can act as a divider, being both challenging to traverse and challenging to beautify and develop in a way that supports amenity.
Residents living along the Highway are keen to see Council investigate ways to improve liveability, support a thriving shopping strip, and enhance one of the major gateways into the Inner West and Sydney more broadly.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Hygienic disposal in men’s toilets
From: Councillor Philippa Scott
|
MOTION
1. That Council investigate whether there are any hygienic disposal bins in any Council men’s toilets across the inner west.
2. That Council prepare a report with options for installation of one hygienic disposal bin in the men’s toilets in each of the Inner West Council’s aquatic centres and libraries, including identification of budget and options to add this service to the Sanitary and Hygiene Product Services contract approved in October 2023 for a 12 month trial.
|
Background
Sanitary disposal bins are located in all inner west council women’s amenities blocks and a number of all-gender toilets. Some men also need to dispose of medical or personal items in a hygienic way, including those who use incontinence products or change babies’ nappies.
Council offices are asked to investigate installing hygienic disposal bins in a number of men’s toilets so that men who have to dispose of these products have a sanitary and private way to do so.
The service may be able to added to the contract approved in October 2023. Council officers are asked to bring back a report indicating if this is possible, and at what cost and in which locations, on a trial basis with an assessment after 12 months.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Albert Parade Reserve, Ashfield
From: Councillor Philippa Scott
|
MOTION
That Council convene an onsite meeting at Albert Parade Park in Ashfield to consult local residents on implementing improvements to the Reserve as indicated in the Pocket Parks Plan of Management, including a timeline for those works in parallel with the preparation of the Pocket Parks Plan of Management.
|
Background
Albert Parade Reserve in Ashfield was listed as Priority 1 in the Pocket Parks Plan of Management on which community consultation was undertaken in mid 2023.
Throughout the process, this park received significant community interest in its improvement with 27 requests for improvement submitted to Council in June 2023.
While the draft Plan of Management for Pocket and Neighbourhood Parks is nearing completion and will shortly be brought to Council for endorsement, works planning at this stage is by necessity more responsive to immediate need.
A final Plan of Management is anticipated to be considered for adoption by Council by June 2025, however there are some parks for which an accelerated upgrade should be considered without having to wait until the prioritisation list, because community benefit and interest demands it.
Albert Parade Reserve is an example of excellent urban planning, as it is a park surrounded by unit blocks that make use of the reserve as their own backyard, serving many families on the immediate border to the park.
Council is requested to provide residents - who have been waiting more than a year for a response - with an update to their feedback and requests for improvement and timeline for their implementation, which does not need to wait until the Pocket Parks PoM is finalised.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: World War I memorial in Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield
From: Councillor Philippa Scott
|
MOTION
1. That Council seek grant funding for and support development of a World War I memorial in Richard Murden Reserve, to be included in the Park Plan of Management.
2. That Council investigate the various State and Federal Government grants available, ie, the Federal Government's Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, and begin the application process.
3. That Council make use of the extensive research conducted by Haberfield resident Graeme McKay in developing the memorial. |
Background
Council is in the process of developing a 10 year Plan of Management and Master Plan for Richard Murden Reserve on Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield. Community consultation has been undertaken and closed in May 2024. The plan will include the development of the Leichhardt-Gulgadya Ward inclusive playground, new amenities, the opening of the closed netball courts canteen and naming of the netball courts, among other upgrades.
As the former defence land at 140A Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield, is now in the final stages of a more than 20 year process of residential development as resolved by the former Ashfield Council, it is appropriate to commemorate the history of defence service in Haberfield within the precinct.
Council has previously acknowledged and supported the important and extensive historical research of Haberfield resident Graeme McKay regarding Haberfield residents who lost their lives in World War I.
In February 2024, Council resolved to update the Haberfield Roll of Honour Board with the additional 149 names so far identified by Mr McKay as missing from the roll, by adding an additional board to the Honour Roll in Haberfield Library, and seek grant funding for the same. The design has now been finalised including an estimated quote of $30,000. Officers have commenced researching appropriate grants for this work. Officers estimate this can be finalised by June 2025.
Council should include a World War One memorial as part of the new Plan of Management for Richard Murden Reserve, and make use of the research conducted by Mr McKay in designing it. The memorial would commemorate the 102 enlistees from Haberfield who lost their lives during the conflict.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: New Kitchen Clontarf Cottage Balmain
From: Councillor Kerrie Fergusson
|
MOTION
1. That Council note that work is in preparation to replace the Clontarf Cottage roof shingles in the first quarter of 2025.
2. That Council install a new kitchen in Clontarf Cottage by August 2025 that can be used for small scale functions for the purpose of reheating food, storing cold items such as platters and drinks and reconfigure in a way that maximises bench space for food preparation. Including; a) Replacing the existing gas oven with an electric oven b) Replacing the small bar fridge with a full-size fridge.
3. That Council investigate energy efficient heating and cooling options for the main rooms with a report back to the March meeting.
4. That Council create a marketing strategy for council community venues with a focus on an uptake in bookings for Summer 2025 and with a report back at the March meeting.
|
Background
Clontarf Cottage is a charming heritage property in Balmain. With beautiful gardens, a picturesque setting and indoor/outdoor options, the cottage offers a unique space for special occasions, community gatherings, meetings and small intimate functions.
This is the only community venue of this nature in the suburb of Balmain but is currently under-utilised at a booking rate of 7%.
There is a local appetite for a venue like Clontarf Cottage, however some work does need to be done in order to increase usage. The kitchen in its current state is not suitable for catering - there is insufficient room to store cold items, to reheat food and the general state of the fittings are old and in disrepair.
In winter the cottage is extremely cold and as a result, not suitable for indoor meetings and events.
Finally, awareness of Clontarf Cottage as a bookable space is low. A marketing plan to promote our local community venues across the Inner West would assist in increasing local awareness.
We are fortunate to have a venue rich in history and charm available for community use. A property that 30 years ago our local community and neighbours worked hard to save and restore for the enjoyment of future generations.
I am confident that a new kitchen, adequate heating and an increase in dedicated local marketing would result in a substantial uptick in bookings for Clontarf Cottage.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Wellington & Terry Street Pedestrian Crossings, Rozelle
From: Councillor Kerrie Fergusson
|
MOTION
1. That Council notes that the need for pedestrian crossings at the Terry Street and Wellington Street roundabout have been adopted as part of the Rozelle North Local Area Traffic Management Study.
2. That Council expedite delivery of the crossings and prioritize funding for design and construction in the 2025/2026 budget.
|
Background
Terry Street and Wellington Street in Rozelle are a popular route for traffic to exit the Peninsula to Victoria Road, it is also where traffic enters the suburb via the Wellington St roundabout.
This is an area of high pedestrian activity due to nearby schools, Balmain Secondary College and Rozelle Public School, the swim school JUMP and a pedestrian thoroughfare for residents walking to Darling Street shops and restaurants.
Both sides of the roundabout are busy thoroughfares where drivers are focused on entering or exiting the suburb and is precarious for pedestrians to navigate, particularly families with small children who are walking to and from school and swimming lessons.
A pedestrian crossing either side of the roundabout on Terry Street and Wellington st would greatly increase pedestrian safety and assist with traffic calming as cars exit and enter Rozelle.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: 2025 Mode Shift Forum
From: Councillor Kerrie Fergusson
|
MOTION
1. That Council acknowledge the vital role Active Transport will play in the design and liveability of our communities as population and density increases in the Inner West.
2. That Council convene a forum by April 2025 consisting of council representatives from the Planning and Transport departments, relevant community stakeholders and subject matter experts to; a) Agree on and produce a vision statement for our streets and community liveability in 10 years time; b) Identify key components of a holistic strategy to mode shift including education and infrastructure; c) Identify key projects and prioritise roll out and report back to Traffic Committee; d) Deliberate on Inner West mode shift targets and look at how these targets can be applied to corresponding council departments such as Planning and Transport; e) Identify potential shortfall in council resources to achieve targets and discuss solutions; and f) Identify State Government and Federal Funding sources and how they can be utlilised to achieve determined outcomes.
3. That Council write to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads, e-bike and e-scooter operators to request key staff attend the Forum.
4. That Council report back to council on the outcome of the forum and apply learnings to the 2025 revised Integrated Transport Strategy.
|
Background
We are at a pivotal time in the design of the liveability of our communities.
We know that the environmentally friendly approach to increasing housing supply is to increase density rather than suburban sprawl, but what does that mean for our lifestyle? The way we commute and gather?
The Inner West Council has committed to delivering the State Governments housing target of a minimum of 7,800 dwellings across the LGA over 5 years. Without a concentrated focus on a well planned integrated transport solution we will be facing increased congestion and travel times, strain on our infrastructure, parking shortage, sustained emissions and importantly, vehicles will continue to dominate our streets, impacting our sense of place and ability to walk, ride, gather and move freely.
Car ownership in the Inner West has increased by over 7000 extra cars at single car households from 2017-2021. Acknowledging that private vehicle ownership is still an integral part of our daily lives, around 60% of car trips in the Inner West are under 5km, centering our primary usage around trips to the local shops, transport links and schools.
This is something we can change!
With a holistic approach including driver education, subsidies and infrastructure investment, we can facilitate mode shift, replacing a percentage of short car commutes with walking, riding and scooting.
Too often Active Transport is looked at through the lens of what will be taken away. It’s time to shift our perception and look at what we can gain. Our local streets. We’ll get them back. By creating a balance between people and cars, we can reclaim space to gather and move in a more sustainable and healthy way.
It is our responsibility to envision and act for future generations. Now when climate targets, housing affordability, vibrancy, reinvigorating local economies and liveable cities are key conversations, there is no better time to embrace the role that Active Transport will play as a foundational component in achieving these goals.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: 10km/h Shared Zone Brett Avenue, Balmain East
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
|
MOTION
1. That Council note that the need for 10km/h Shared Zone in Brett Avenue has been identified as an option in the ongoing work preparing the Balmain East/Birchgrove Local Area Traffic Management review.
2. That Council prepare a report, including identification of budget and refer to the traffic committee for investigation.
|
Background
Brett Avenue is a small side street in Balmain East that connects Nicholson Street with Gallimore Avenue. It is situated next to Nicholson Street Public School and connects to the Gallimore Avenue council car park.
The street is an integral part of local families daily commute and provides a pedestrian link between the council car park and school. At the Gallimore end, the street becomes a laneway with room for only one vehicle and no footpath.
The current speed of 40kph on a heavily pedestrianised laneway with no footpaths has been an ongoing safety issue.
A shared zone of 10kph that openly acknowledges pedestrian and bike traffic will significantly decrease the risk of an accident and make the laneway more suitable for its predominant use as a pedestrian thoroughfare for local families and kids.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Integrity in Local Government – Property Developer and Lobbyist Register
From: Councillor Andrew Blake
|
MOTION
1. That Council note: a) the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 2023 exposed three former local government councillors in South Sydney for engaging in serious corrupt conduct; b) in 2023 Operation Tolosa found that the City of Canada Bay Council Mayor and others engaged in serious corrupt conduct between November 2015 and February 2019. Operation Tolosa reiterated the need for a lobbyist register in local government; c) the NSW Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) contains the framework for regulating conduct, honesty, disclosures of interest, misconduct, and corruption. Section 439 imposes a statutory duty on a councillor to “act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence in carrying out his or her functions”; d) the Act also allows for the creation of a “model code” which sets out the minimum standards of conduct for council officials. Its purpose includes assisting officials to act in way that “enhances public confidence in local government”; e) as local government officials we play a crucial role in the decision-making process, not limited to property development, however in the Model Code and the Act the word lobbyist is not mentioned; f) the Lobbying of Government Officials Act 2011 that is in place covers lobbyists, ensuring that lobbyists comply with ethical standards of conduct and other requirements set out in the Lobbyists Code. However, this Act does not apply to local government officials; g) the rules for lobbying that the state and federal government face, must be the same rules applied to local governments. Recent ICAC findings support this with Operations Dasha (2021), Eclipse (2021) and Witney (2022) specifically considering and making recommendations relating to corruption risks associated with the lobbying of councillors; h) on 22 August 2022, the Office of Local Government responded to ICAC’s findings by issuing a circular announcing it proposed to develop guidelines to enhance transparency around the lobbying of councillors and a model policy on lobbying to support councils to implement the guidelines, with the policy supplementing their codes of conduct; and i) we, as Councillors, must lead the way in holding our own integrity to the high standard we want, and our community wants, by pushing for the same rules to be had across all three levels of government.
2. That the General Manager be requested to develop a procedure by which Inner West Councillors be required to publicly disclose their meetings with registered lobbyists and property developers on the Council’s website in the same fashion as state parliamentarians and report back to Council by March 2025 with a process and timeline for commencing.
3. That Council writes to the Office of Local Government to acknowledge the model policy on the lobbying of councillors has been drafted by the Office of Local Government, and to express support for the release of the consultation draft as soon as practicable.
|
Background
The community must have confidence in Councillors to act with integrity and they must be able to know when Councillors are meeting with developers and lobbyists. The recommendations from the Independent Commission from Corruption for local government have not been adopted by the state government so the Inner West should be stepping up to set the standard.
The City of Sydney has adopted a disclosure program and since 1 April 2024, all meetings with developers and lobbyists must be disclosed.
This is the bare minimum that councils should be doing to bring back confidence and we cannot afford to wait for the state government to act
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Provision of 2 FOGO bins for Inner West Schools and Council-run Early Learning Centres
Prepared By: Helen Bradley - Resource Recovery Planning Manager
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council approve the provision of 2 FOGO bins per school or Council run Early Learning Centre at no additional cost, for weekly collection as part of the residential FOGO collection schedule.
2. That Council endorse a FOGO education program of ongoing support and engagement about how to transfer FOGO knowledge to the home, including a start-up pack, to assist schools and ELCs to take up the program successfully, being mindful of the budget implications discussed in this report.
3. That Council promote the availability of this service through Council’s Sustainable Schools Network, and via other appropriate channels.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The residential garden organics service has transitioned to FOGO and this report recommends offering FOGO to local schools and Council-run ELCs.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:
That Council investigate options to provide FOGO services to local schools and child-care centers, 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.
DISCUSSION
Schools and Council-run ELCs interested in FOGO
Local schools in the Inner West can request up to two green lid bins for the recycling of garden organics. The bins are collected weekly, free of charge. This decision was based on a Council resolution, as organics collections were not previously available in the NSW Waste Contract which is provided to schools.
With the introduction of the green lid Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service to houses in October 2023, several schools and Council-run ELCs have enquired about whether they can include food scraps in their green lid bins.
NSW Whole-of-Government Waste Contract includes organics
The NSW Waste Contract through which schools obtain garbage and recycling services was updated in September 2024 and includes the collection of organics.
Schools are provided with a budget for services and access to the state contract, with Veolia being the provider for the Sydney Central area, providing recycling, general and organics.
Positive response to Council survey
Council staff developed a survey about FOGO survey which was emailed to key contacts (administrators; Principals/ Directors; P&C groups) within local schools and Council-run Early Learning Centres at the end of September 2024, to gauge appetite for the FOGO service. Privately run ELCs are commercially operated and would need to engage private contractors like all other Inner West businesses.
A high proportion of each are already recycling food scraps through composts and worm farms (schools – 73%; ELCs – 92%). This indicates most survey participants have existing systems to separate and transfer food scraps, as well as the knowledge and skills to manage food recycling and awareness of composting.
Successful implementation requires high level of support
58% of respondent ELCs already have access to FOGO bins compared to 9% of schools. This will make implementation quicker for ELCs but requires additional planning and coordination for schools to have bins delivered and locations added to FOGO collection routes.
Both groups identified that FOGO implementation packs and meetings with their key stakeholders (Principals, teachers/educators, and other staff such as cleaning staff, cooks and gardeners) would best support the delivery of FOGO.
FOGO contamination risks
The existing FOGO stream (residential) has achieved low contamination (things that don’t belong in the green bin), between 2% to 6%. This is an impressive result for such a recently introduced service, outperforming councils with established FOGO services. The management of composting systems in ELCs is usually limited to one or two key people (such as the centre’s cook or a teacher champion) to minimise the risk of contamination.
However, significant contamination risks exist in schools due to the large number of collection touch points (classrooms, staffrooms, canteen etc.) and users. Significant Council staff resourcing is required to develop a start-up pack that aligns with school curriculum, and to meet with key stakeholders, to support the successful embedding of the service. FOGO and recycling bins should be avoided in playgrounds and other unmonitored or student-accessible areas to avoid significant packaging contamination. Bins would need to be managed only by trained staff and students.
Start-up infrastructure and service delivery costs – estimated at $62,728 in the first 12 months.
Under the Local Government Act and revenue guiding policies implementation of FOGO in schools and ELCs can be funded by the Domestic Waste Management charge on the basis that the FOGO collection service is accompanied by an education program which focuses on how children may support FOGO at home.
· Wheelie bins – 2x 240L FOGO bins will need to be provided to schools
· Benchtop bins – 30 per school (based on 1 per participating classroom)
· Collection costs – based on 2 lifts per school per week for a 40 week school year
· Processing costs – based on expected FOGO weight per bin (30kg per bin/wk.)
Implementation support costs
In order to support the provision of a FOGO service to schools and Council run ELCs the development of a robust start-up pack, guiding schools on how to get the best out of their existing contract, available services and successfully embed FOGO and recycling is recommended. This would be coupled with direct engagement in the form of phone/email and face-to-face support. The estimated staff costs are $25,000 - $30,000.
Key recommendations
· 2 FOGO bins to be collected weekly per school as part of the residential FOGO collection schedule.
· Schools to pay a one-off set up fee to cover the infrastructure cost (2 FOGO wheelie bins and 30 kitchen benchtop bins for classrooms).
· Council staff to inform schools of changes to the NSW Waste Services Contract and encourage them to request recycling services under the existing contract (to minimise waste to landfill).
· Council staff to develop a robust start-up pack and offer staff support in 2025, providing guidance on how to get the best out of the new waste contract and successfully embed FOGO and recycling services in schools.
· Service is not provided free to non-Council ELCs as they are commercial properties and IWC does not provide a commercial FOGO service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Start-up infrastructure and operational costs for the first 12 months is estimated at $62,728 in the first 12 months, to provide service for the 40 school term weeks.
|
Activity |
Per school |
Total cost (60 schools) |
|
|
Infrastructure (set up costs) |
Wheelie Bins (2) |
$180 |
$10,800 |
|
Kitchen benchtop bin (30) |
$150 |
$9,000 |
|
|
Collection costs (on-going operational) |
2.4T (30kg p bin per week) and 80 lifts pa (2 bins lifted pw) x 40 weeks |
$715.46 |
$42,928 |
|
Total Year 1: |
$62,728 |
||
At cost provision for the 60 local schools:
· Wheelie bins – 2 x 240L FOGO bins per school is $180 per school, total $10,800 (approx. $90 each)
· Benchtop bins – 30 per school (for each classroom) is $150 per school, total $9,000 (approx. $5 each)
· Compostable bags - It is expected that schools may request the provision of compostable liners, however staff recommend against this cost. The annual cost of providing these to schools is over $30,000 (and delivery costs of $5,000) and has not been factored into the cost of providing the service.
The residential FOGO service has demonstrated a 30% reduction in garbage, it is anticipated that schools would reduce the number of bins or services for their commercially contracted garbage services, saving money on waste management costs.
|
FOGO schools survey summary - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council. |
|
|
FOGO in schools results analysed - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council. |
|
|
FOGO in Council-run ELCs results analysed - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council. |
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: FINALISATION of Negotiations of Collection Service Garbage, FOGO and Recycling
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 closed session to deal with the Finalisaton of Negotiations of Collection Service Garbage, FOGO and Recycling for additional information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Finalisation of Negotiations of Collection Service Garbage, FOGO and Recycling - 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. |
|
|
Waste Collection Contract RFT29-24 - 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. |
|
|
Credit 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. |
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: RFT 40-24 Design and Construction All Weather Outdoor Dining Coverage
Prepared By: Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Strategic Planning
Authorised By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
|
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:
|
3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into a closed session to deal with the RFT 40-24 Design and Construction All Weather Outdoor Dining Coverage as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and section 10A(2)(di) (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 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 section 10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
RFT 40-24 Design and Construct All Weather Outdoor Dining Structures - 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. |
|
|
RFT 40-24 Tender Evaluation Summary Scoresheet and justifications - 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 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Petersham Town Hall Creative Hub EOI
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - 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:
|
3: Creative communities and a strong economy |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The implementation of the Creative Use of Council Venues Pilot Program (Pilot Program) is part of the initiatives set out in the Arts and Music Recovery Plan, endorsed by Council in May 2023.
Inner West Council is committed to creative spaces and is giving creatives more access to Council venues.
To support this initiative, Council is establishing Petersham Creative, a hub for organisations wishing to use Petersham Town Hall for the administration of creative activities.
Petersham Creative has been developed to support the establishment of a vibrant shared creative hub that enables the arts, cultural and creative sectors to further their production and provide opportunities for increased collaborations, strengthening their capacity to contribute to the Inner West's rich cultural and creative life.
DISCUSSION
Expression of Interest process
As part of the program to activate Council’s Town Halls, an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Petersham Town Hall was established for individuals and organisations wishing to use the town hall for the administration of creative activities.
The EOI was posted on Councils website:
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/venues-for-hire/petersham-creative
The EOI went live 3 July 2024 and closed on 4 August 2024 and Council officers have now reviewed all submissions received.
The spaces
The town hall has 5 small office spaces, in addition to a communal kitchenette and break-out area on the first floor. The spaces are further detailed in the Petersham Creative information pack in Attachment 1.
The spaces are offered "As Is" and all are currently fitted out with a desk, chair and under-bench storage credenza. All the doors are fitted with locks.
The proposal
Applicants were asked to provide details of their proposal, including, but not limited to the following:
· How your organisation would utilise one or more of Council's venues for creative use(s)
· What benefits they would bring to the Inner West community
· Key performance indicators that could demonstrate the benefit and be used by Council to further understand how creatives contribute to the community
· Annual reporting requirements.
Open day
Council held two open days to allow the community to view the spaces:
· 11am to 1pm on Saturday 13 July 2024
· 2pm to 4pm on Thursday 1 August 2024.
Next Steps
· Council received thirteen submissions which are currently being evaluated.
· All respondents who put in for the EOI have now received an email from Council staff, thanking them for their interest and providing a contact for the next steps following the evaluation process.
· Each successful applicant will be provided with a draft licence.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Licence and fee
The spaces will be offered as a licence, for a two-year term. The fee will be negotiated with reference to Council's Land and Property Policy and in particular to Section 14 - Accommodation Grants.
The grant will be detailed in the licence and the grant will specify the benefits to be provided to the community to ensure that the licensee's occupation/use of the premises continues to be in the public interest during the term of the licence.
|
1.⇩ |
Petersham Creative Information Pack |
|
Confidential Council Report Dec 24 Petersham Town Hall EOI SHORTLIST - 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. |
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Tender
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendation as detailed in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
DISCUSSION
As part of the selective tendering process, on 19 September 2024 Inner West Council invited tenders through Vendor Panel for RFT31-24, Catering Service for Leichhardt Oval. Tenders closed on 21 October 2024.
Tenders were evaluated in accordance with Council’s Purchasing Policy and Procedures and the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General Regulations) 2021.
The Tender Report including the Evaluation Committee’s report, discussion and recommendation is attached as Attachment 1.
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Catering Services for Leichhardt Oval Panel Tender Report, for information which 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.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Report - Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Tender - 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. |
|
|
Confidential Vendor Panel 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. |
|
|
Credit Watch - 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. |
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: Update on the EOI for the development of affordable housing on Council land
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the recommendations contained within 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 |
|
|
BACKGROUND
Council previously resolved to undertake an audit of Council owned land that could be used for affordable housing. In November 2023 a report was tabled to Council providing a summary of the progress of the assessment of the shortlisted highly rated sites.
DISCUSSION
This report provides a further update on outcomes of the Expression of Interest for the development of affordable housing on Council-owned land.
9 April 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting Resolution
Council resolved to prepare and launch to the open market an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign that invited suitably qualified, experienced, capable and registered Tier-1 Community Housing Providers (CHP) or registered Tier-1 CHP-led consortia, to finance, develop, operate, and manage affordable housing on up to three shortlisted Council-owned car park sites.
Expression of Interest (EOI) process
A comprehensive documentation package was prepared to enable an Expression of Interest process to be undertaken with CHPs to finance, develop, operate, and manage affordable housing on shortlisted Council-owned car park sites.
In preparing the Expression of Interest documentation package, there were several key factors that warranted consideration by Council, noting that CHPs would be investigating these through the EOI process as part of their feasibility assessments. These factors included:
· Continued provision of public car parking
· Affordable Housing and Market housing mix
· Offering development of multiple car park sites in one line.
Public Car Parking
As part of the investigations to date, car parking studies have been undertaken at shortlisted car park sites, with consideration given to the current utilisation/occupancy of these car parks and the need to maintain car parking for the community into the future.
As part of the EOI process, CHPs were asked to consider how public car parking can continue to be provided on each site, in addition to the requirements for private parking associated with the residential development itself, when considering the feasibility of the project.
Affordable Housing and Market Housing Mix
In considering Council’s focus to provide affordable housing in the development of Council’s car park sites, the market approach may demonstrate it is necessary to consider a development comprising both affordable housing and a minor component of market housing for a project to be viable to proceed.
Offering all sites in one line
It is recommended that opportunity be provided within the EOI process for all three shortlisted sites to be considered as one combined package, as well as separate offerings.
Consolidating the sites could offer opportunities for CHPs to harness economies of scale, resulting in improved overall project viability through cost savings and potential increases in financial returns.
It is expected that through the EOI process, CHPs will undertake thorough due diligence and stress-test the combination of sites to the point where one or more sites may not be considered viable for development either as a stand-alone site or as a combined offering.
Procurement Process The procurement process was structured as a multi-stage process, comprising:
· Stage 1 – the EOI process – requiring prospective respondents to download and sign a Confidentiality Agreement and once vetted and approved, directed to a controlled data room to access the EOI Documents and Returnable Schedules and make a submission.
· Stage 2 – an RFT process – a Preferred Respondent for each site (or all three sites) will be invited to participate in a second stage of the process after formal assessment of submissions and Council approval. Council will work with the Preferred Respondent(s) to finalise their proposal(s) including the execution of Transaction Documents (eg. Project Development Agreements) as part of their RFT submission, to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome for both parties.
Expressions of Interest Open Market Campaign
The EOI was active for approx. seven weeks, opening on Thursday 6 June 2024 and closing at 4pm (AEST), Friday 26 July 2024.
A total of nine addenda were issued, including an addendum for a 1-week extension of time. At the closing date, four conforming submissions were formally received via VendorPanel.
An Evaluation Plan has been executed (with assessment criteria and scoring weightings) and a Tender Evaluation Committee has been convened.
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Update on Affordable Housing on Council Land Report, for information which 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.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Council Report - EOI 2-24 Affordable Housing on Council Land - 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. |
|
|
Confidential Tender Report - EOI 2-24 Affordable Housing on Council Land - 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. |
|
|
Evaluation Committee Scoring Summary - 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. |
|
|
Invitation of Expression of Interest Document (EOI 2-24) - 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. |
|
|
Council Meeting 3 December 2024 |
Subject: 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of Carriageway Over Community Land
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - 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 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of Carriageway Over Community Land as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and section 10A(2)(di) (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 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 section 10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Report - 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of Carriageway Over Community Land - 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.⇩ |
Draft Plan of Carriageway (easement) |
|
BEM Valuation - 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. |
|
|
4.⇩ |
Signed Terms letter |
|
BEM Letter 1 Chadwick Avenue - 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. |
