Agenda of Council - Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Council Meeting

18 February 2025

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 3 December 2024

Meeting commenced at 6:33pm

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Mat Howard

Izabella Antoniou

Liz Atkins

Olivia Barlow

Andrew Blake

Jo Carlisle

Vicki Clay

Jessica D’Arienzo

Kerrie Fergusson

Victor Macri

Vittoria Raciti

Philippa Scott

Ismet Tastan

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Director Planning

Ryann Midei

Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Beau-Jane De Costa

Julian Sakarai

Matthew Pearce

Manod Wickramasinghe

Scott Mullen

Chris Sleiman

Erin White

Rocco Sergei

Director Community

Acting Director Corporate

Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Traffic and Transport Planning Manager

Strategic Investments and Property Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Resource Recovery and Fleet Manager

Coordinator Strategic Investments and Properties

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:

Motion: (Howard/Clay)

That apologies from Councillor Smith be accepted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 – Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 November 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 Barlow declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 – Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 November 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.

Councillor Fergusson declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 39 – Notice of Motion: 10km/h Shared Zone Brett Avenue, Balmain East as she is on the Parents and Citizens (P&C) for Nicholson Street Public School, and Brett Avenue is widely used by school families on their daily commute. She will exit the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.

Motion: (Carlisle/Scott)

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Barlow/Scott)

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on Tuesday, 12 November 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott 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 7:07pm and vacated the Chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard, assumed the Chair.

Councillor Macri left the meeting at 7:25pm

Councillor Macri returned to the meeting at 7:26pm

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, returned to the meeting at 7.34pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard, vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne, assumed the Chair.

C1224(1) Item 48 Mayoral Minute: Inner West Sustainability Hub Next Steps

Motion: (Byrne)

1. That Council postpone the Circular Economy Round Table (scheduled for Monday 9 December) to be held in January 2025 instead and incorporate into the agenda of that forum a consultation on a promotional plan for the Sustainability Hub in 2025.

2. That Council table a report for the February 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting with a draft promotional plan for the Sustainability Hub in 2025, incorporating feedback from the tenants as well as other relevant organisations. This should include consideration of a budget allocation for communications, promotion and events to be developed in consultation with these organisations, and a plan to increase signage and wayfinding to the Hub.

3. That Council identify a senior officer to be the primary point of contact for tenants at the Sustainability Hub and the coordinator of Council’s oversight of the Hub. This is to be addressed in the report to the February 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 49 Mayoral Minute: Survey of Recreational Needs for Girls and
Young Women

Motion: (Byrne)

That Council officers report to the March 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting with a draft survey for consultation with local girls, young women and young gender diverse people about their recreational needs and preferences for new facilities. This should include a plan for how the survey would be widely promoted and disseminated, including use of social media and local organisations and networks.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)

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

Item 4 Public Exhibition - Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy
Item 9 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review
Item 13 Update on Alcohol Free Zone at Loyalty Square Balmain
Item 14 Cycling Education Courses
Item 20 Investment Report at 31 October 2024
Item 24 Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024
Item 25 Notice of Motion: Wicks Park Tennis Courts
Item 26 Notice of Motion: Automated Waste System
Item 28 Notice of Motion: George Street Sydenham dog park
Item 30 Notice of Motion: The Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre
Item 32 Notice of Motion: South Princes Highway, Tempe and Sydenham
Item 33 Notice of Motion: Hygienic disposal in men’s toilets
Item 35 Notice of Motion: World War I memorial in Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield
Item 37 Notice of Motion: Wellington & Terry Street Pedestrian Crossings, Rozelle
Item 38 Notice of Motion: 2025 Mode Shift Forum
Item 41 Provision of 2 FOGO bins for Inner West Schools and Council-run Early Learning Centres
Item 43 RFT 40-24 Design and Construction All Weather Outdoor Dining Coverage
Item 45 Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Tender
Item 47 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of Carriageway Over Community Land

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)

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

Item 4 Public Exhibition - Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy
Item 9 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review
Item 13 Update on Alcohol Free Zone at Loyalty Square Balmain
Item 14 Cycling Education Courses
Item 20 Investment Report at 31 October 2024
Item 24 Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024
Item 25 Notice of Motion: Wicks Park Tennis Courts
Item 26 Notice of Motion: Automated Waste System
Item 28 Notice of Motion: George Street Sydenham dog park
Item 30 Notice of Motion: The Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre
Item 32 Notice of Motion: South Princes Highway, Tempe and Sydenham
Item 33 Notice of Motion: Hygienic disposal in men’s toilets
Item 35 Notice of Motion: World War I memorial in Richard Murden Reserve, Haberfield
Item 37 Notice of Motion: Wellington & Terry Street Pedestrian Crossings, Rozelle
Item 38 Notice of Motion: 2025 Mode Shift Forum
Item 41 Provision of 2 FOGO bins for Inner West Schools and Council-run Early Learning Centres
Item 43 RFT 40-24 Design and Construction All Weather Outdoor Dining Coverage
Item 45 Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Tender
Item 47 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of Carriageway Over Community Land

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 4 Public Exhibition - Work Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 9 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council approve the draft submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2025 Annual Review, as detailed in Attachment 1 of the Council report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 13 Update on Alcohol Free Zone at Loyalty Square Balmain

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 14 Cycling Education Courses

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 20 Investment Report at 31 October 2024

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 24 Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September
2023 to 31 August 2024

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Wicks Park Tennis Courts

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council consider the upgrade of the Wicks Park Tennis Court synthetic turf as a part of the 2025/26 budget planning process.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Automated Waste System

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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 (Attachment 1 of the Council report). The report should be submitted back to Council for consideration within 6 months of this motion.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: George Street Sydenham dog park

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: The Robyn Webster Indoor Sports Centre

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 32 Notice of Motion: South Princes Highway, Tempe and Sydenham

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 33 Notice of Motion: Hygienic disposal in men’s toilets

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 35 Notice of Motion: World War I memorial in Richard Murden
Reserve, Haberfield

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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, i.e., 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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 37 Notice of Motion: Wellington & Terry Street Pedestrian
Crossings, Rozelle

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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 prioritise funding for design and construction in the 2025/2026 budget.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 38 Notice of Motion: 2025 Mode Shift Forum

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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 utilised 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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 41 Provision of 2 FOGO bins for Inner West Schools and Council-
run Early Learning Centres

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 43 RFT 40-24 Design and Construction All Weather Outdoor Dining
Coverage

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council in accordance with clause 178 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) declines to accept the tenders submitted by C2DA Developments Pty Ltd, Perfect Remediation Pty Ltd, and Spacecube Pty Ltd.

2. That Council in accordance with clause 178(3)(e) of the Regulation, enter into negotiations with any person (whether or not the person was a tenderer) with a view to entering into one or more contracts in relation to the subject matter of the tender on the basis that there is currently no acceptable tender provided.

3. That Council delegate the General Manager (or their delegate) to negotiate the terms of the new contract(s) and execute the new contract(s).

4. That Council once finalised, a Councillor Briefing Note is to be presented summarising the terms of the new contract(s).

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 45 Leichhardt Oval Food and Beverage Tender

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council accept the tender for catering services by VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, ABN 79 612 305 898 a wholly owned subsidiary of VenuesLive Management Services Pty Ltd ABN 34 612 296 312 (VenuesLive).

2. That Council authorise the General Manager to finalise negotiations and sign all associated documents and enter into a contract with VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, ABN 79 612 305 898 a wholly owned subsidiary of VenuesLive Management Services Pty Ltd ABN 34 612 296 312 (VenuesLive) to provide catering services at Leichhardt Oval.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 47 1 Chadwick Avenue, Marrickville - Grant of Easement for Right of
Carriageway Over Community Land

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

1. That Council approve, under Section 46(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 grant of an easement in favour of 1 Chadwick Avenue Marrickville (Lot A DP181106) for vehicular and pedestrian access over Council-owned Community land known as Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course.

2. That Council authorise the grant of the easement to the owners of Lot A for a sum of $130,000 being a negotiated amount based on a valuation report prepared for Council by BEM Valuations (June 2023), subject to:

a) public notification of the proposed easement in accordance with Section 47(2) of the Act and consideration of any submissions received;

b) payment by the grantees of all costs incurred by Council including the preparation of the Deed Granting Easement and terms thereof and a Construction Deed;

c) payment of all other costs incurred by Council for registration of the Easement and preparation of a survey and terms of the easement; and

d) agreement with Council’s engineers on the width and length of the easement, the design and surface material of the carriageway and any associated drainage arising from construction of the carriageway.

3. That Council approve delegation of Authority to the General Manager to sign all associated documents for survey, creation and grant of the easement.

4. That Council note any objections arising from public notification of the proposed easement will be required to be referred to the Minister for consideration of consent to grant the easement.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Carlisle)

That Council allow Clr D’Arienzo to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 1.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Scott/Howard)

That Council allow Clr Byrne to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 1.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 1 Update - LGA Wide Local Environmental Plan

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Byrne)

1. That Council thanks the staff for the well advanced work on rezonings that will cover precincts nearby to train stations, light rail stops and main streets in a LGA wide Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

2. That Council notes that investigations and feasibility studies undertaken by Council show that the 6-storey rezonings proposed under the Government’s Transport Orientated Development scheme will not lead to the required number of new homes actually being delivered.

3. That Council notes that the feasibility studies undertaken demonstrate that small lot sizes and high land values in the Inner West mean that higher densities will be required to make amalgamation and development of these sites commercially viable.

4. That Council commits to finalising and bringing a draft LGA-wide LEP no later than the April 2025 Council meeting.

5. That Council commits to a public exhibition in April 2025.

6. 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;

b) seek approval to use the Accelerated Plan Making process for the LGA-wide LEP;

c) seek clarification on 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

d) seek 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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 2 Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park Draft Plans of Management
and Masterplans

Motion: (Byrne/Fergusson)

1. That Council endorse both Rozelle Parklands and Easton Park draft Plans of Management for public exhibition following their amendment as outlined in the relevant section of this report, noting the draft Plans of Management for Easton and Rozelle Parklands have been developed together due to their proximity, nevertheless they have separate pathways thereafter due to their different ownership status.

2. That before giving public notice of the draft Plan of Management for Rozelle Parklands (amended), Council forward a copy of the draft POM (amended) to TfNSW and to the Minister for Roads, and proceed immediately to public exhibition for a period of 42 days.

3. That Council note the failure of Transport for NSW to make the sporting fields available for safe usage by local clubs for the 2024 winter season or the commencement of the Summer Season.

4. That Council write to the Secretary of Transport for NSW expressing our frustration that Transport for NSW has failed to make the fields available for use by local clubs and requesting a meeting between the Secretary and the Council’s General Manager to resolve this and to progress agreement over Care, Control and Management of the Parklands being transferred to Council following the adoption of the Plan of Management.

5. That Council endorse the draft Plan of Management for Easton Park for that portion owned by Council (Lot 70&72 DP 1254804) and publicly exhibit this for a period of 42 days concurrently with the Crown land section of the Easton Park, once the Minister for Lands and Property has been notified.

6. That Council place the draft Plans of Management on Public Exhibition throughout December 2024 and January 2025 to allow for the final Plans to be tabled for adoption at the February 2025 Ordinary Council meeting.

7. That Council note that draft Plans of Management achieve an increase of parking on Lilyfield Road of more than 80 parking spaces which will greatly improve parking access for local residents and sporting users.

8. That Council note that Council advised Transport for NSW of the need for safe pedestrian crossings to be incorporated into the initial design of the Parklands and that failure to do so has resulted in ongoing safety problems for pedestrians crossing Lilyfield Road to the Park.

9. That Council note that Council officers have completed the design of the two proposed pedestrian crossing on Lilyfield Road and that construction can be completed in February pending approval of lighting by AUSGRID.

10. That Council direct the General Manager to engage with AUSGRID to insist that they urgently expedite the approval of the lighting necessary for the pedestrian crossings to be installed on Lilyfield Road.

11. That Council include in the Plan of Management to be reported in February 2025 addition provisions to support the use of the Amphitheatre including lighting, seating, staging and storage.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 3 Post Exhibition - Draft Biodiversity Strategy

Motion: (Fergusson/Scott)

1. That Council adopt the Biodiversity Strategy with the inclusion of the following items in the Action Plan:

a) continue investigations into establishing microforest trial sites in the Ashfield-Djarrawunang and Stanmore-Damun wards;

b) investigate opportunities to progressively remove Camphor laurel and Himalayan ash trees on Council-owned land and replace them with appropriate native trees, including the feasibility of setting a target for removal;

c) investigate opportunities to reduce or cease regular maintenance and mowing of areas of green space in parks and other Council-owned land to allow native bush to regenerate and establish bushcare corridors, including a trial at Robson Park, Haberfield;

d) recognise that well-planned medium and high density housing can provide opportunities to increase biodiversity, and investigate and prioritise opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity when planning for housing growth and accompanying infrastructure, including as part of the Inner West LEP and DCPs;

e) report annually to Council on progress of key actions, implementation plans, and targets contained within the strategy; and

f) explore how data collection undertaken by volunteers can be provided by Council to the public, with sensitive data removed.

2. That 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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment (Antoniou/Atkins)

That Council includes in the Action Plan that Council investigates and reports back on current and potential future biodiversity offset sites that may be impacted in upcoming works such as Gadigal reserve, and instances that may risk biodiversity in these offset sites are to require approval by resolution.

Motion Lost

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

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

Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)

That Council allow Clr Howard 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, Raciti, Scott and Tastan

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 5 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 18 November 2024

Motion: (Howard/Barlow)

That Council receive and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 18 November 2024, subject to the following amendments:

a) Item 16 - Mackey Park and Carrington Road Survey Area, Marrickville: Request for extension of M2 Residential Parking Scheme: that Council write to affected residents explaining the actions taken to date and inviting residents to attend a town hall meeting to be organised in February 2025 and held in South Marrickville; and that council investigate and consult the Marrickville Red Devils on establishing a kiss and ride zone at a location near Mackey Park on Saturdays; and

b) Item 17 - Tempe Reserve - Parking Study: that Council write to affected residents explaining the actions taken to date and inviting residents to attend a town hall meeting to be organised in February 2025 and held in Tempe.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Byrne/Carlisle)

That the meeting be adjourned for 10 minutes.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

The meeting was adjourned at 8.28pm

The meeting recommenced at 8.41pm

C1224(1) Item 6 Love your Club: Support for local clubs

Motion: (Howard/Carlisle)

1. That Council endorse the proposed Love Your Club program including the establishment of the Inner West Small Clubs Network.

2. That Council host a forum of the Inner West Small Clubs Network once established, inviting all local small clubs to attend and provide input on the program, and with George Catsi invited as guest speaker.

3. That as part of the program, Council develop:

(a) a pledge which local clubs can opt to sign onto, committing their intention to transition away from poker machine revenue; and

(b) a grants application process open to clubs who sign the pledge through which Council can assist local clubs with minor infrastructure projects.

4. That Council include information in the program on how local clubs can apply to be designated as Special Entertainment Precincts.

5. That Council receive a report back on the above initiatives to the March 2025 Council meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment (Atkins/Barlow)

6. That Council initiate preliminary conversations with the current leaseholders of Gladstone Park Bowling Club and Ashfield Bowling Club, the two council owned venues which currently house poker machines, to begin discussions on possible steps towards becoming pokie-free venues and to help develop a supported transition plan and, in the interim, encourage the operators to display and actively promote harm minimisation support services as an immediate initiative.

7. That Council replace “Love your Club” with “Love your Community” in point 1 of the primary motion.

Motion Lost

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

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

C1224(1) Item 7 Making use of Leichhardt Oval for live music and performance

Motion: (Byrne/Fergusson)

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.

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.

That Council Arts and Events Officers be granted delegated authority to review and expand the expression of interest criteria and plans for the promotion of the process.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 8 Bill Smoothing and Pensioner Rebate

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

1. That Council defer consideration of bill smoothing and the pensioner rebate to February 2025.

2. That a Councillor briefing on the mechanism and cost of bill smoothing and options for expansion of the pensioner rebate be held before the February 2025 meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 10 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital
Projects Committee Schedule

Motion: (Scott/Carlisle)

1. That Council endorse the following Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule in 2025:

January – Recess

Tuesday 18 February

Tuesday 11 March

Tuesday 29 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

2. That Council approve the publication of the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres.

3. That Council endorse the following Major Capital Projects Committee Meeting Schedule in 2025:

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 11 Gambling Harm Minimisation

Motion: (Atkins/Howard)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council receives a further report in 6 months updating Council on progress on the actions listed in the report as being underway.

3. That Council recommits to holding a Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable in August 2025.

4. That Council shares gambling harm minimisation campaign materials from the Office of Responsible Gambling and GambleAware, including information about free counselling services, in English and other languages in libraries and on the Inner West Council website to help increase awareness of gambling harms and to broaden the reach of these important campaigns.

5. That Council investigate and receive a report back on the feasibility of phasing out gambling advertising on council-owned property prior to the next Gambling Harm Minimisation Roundtable, exempting advertising pertaining to local clubs.

6. That Council writes to the Minister for Communications seeking a government response to all of the recommendations of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs report of its inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm, You Win Some, You Lose More.

7. That Council includes resources and information on reducing gambling harm in the Inner West Council Seniors Directory.

8. That Council work with organisations in the sector such as Wesley Mission to develop means of quantifying the harm in the Inner West caused by gambling, and community sentiment for removing poker machines.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 12 Two New All-Weather Sporting Fields in Callan Park

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

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

C1224(1) Item 15 FOGO Food Recycling Update

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council note the Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Bill 2024 and that Inner West Council is ahead of the game.

3. That Council confirm that the Rebate for Reusable Nappies, Sanitary and Incontinence products is to permanently continue, funded through the Domestic Waste Reserve.

4. That Council increase the number of intended social media communications with “how to help” hints making FOGO work over the Summer to three in each of the weeks in December, January and February.

5. That Council update the FOGO Summer Comms Campaign schedule and circulate to councillors via councillor briefing no later than 6 December 2024.

6. That Council ensure the Inner West Council website is up to date and contains new information with “how to help” hints about managing pests, smell and other common complaints around FOGO in warmer weather and that this information is prominently displayed on the Inner West Council website.

7. That Council include “how to help” hints in each of the community newsletters to be printed in Summer months.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 16 Door knocking residents as an engagement technique on major
projects

Motion: (Clay/Carlisle)

1. That Council defer consideration of Doorknocking Residents as an Engagement Technique Report to February 2025.

2. That Council Officers table further information in relation to how the initiative can be more broadly applied to consult the community on Council’s policies, programs and projects, for report to the Council meeting in February 2025.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub

Motion: (Carlisle/Howard)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council officers report back to Council no later than March 2025 on options to rebuild a new purpose-built facility, potential funding sources, procurement strategies, and possible temporary alternative locations that might be accessed while work is underway or in the event the former Jets Club is not a viable location.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 18 Reconciliation Action Plan - Quarterly Report

Motion: (Carlisle/Antoniou)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 19 Together2 Social Enterprise Cafe

Motion: (Byrne/Fergusson)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 21 Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment Update

Motion: (Scott/Byrne)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council report back at each meeting on the progress of the Leichhardt Oval refurbishment including progress against the budget, project milestones, and reporting on risks.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 22 Update on Creative Use of Town Halls

Motion: (Howard/Barlow)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council report back in February 2025 with further information about an Expression of Interest process for the use of the basement or other spaces within Marrickville Town Hall as a venue for live music and multicultural performance.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 23 Mandatory Reporting to Council of Report received from Fire &
Rescue NSW

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Antoniou)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council investigate potential grant or additional support opportunities that the Boarding House Inspection Program could undertake to help boarding houses in the Inner West reach and maintain compliance. This report is to be brought to Council for the March 2025 meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Open Space

Motion: (Macri/Howard)

1. That Council investigate 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. That the findings be reported back to Council within 3 months of this Notice of Motion.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Schwebel Street, Marrickville

Motion: (Howard/Macri)

1. That Council progress plans to make Schwebel Street one-way in a west to east direction from Illawarra Road to Carrington Road.

2. That Council report to the Local Traffic Committee no later than May 2025 with:

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 31 Notice of Motion: Pedestrianisation of Illawarra Road,
Marrickville

Motion: (Howard/Barlow)

1. That Council include in the upcoming consultation on the draft Masterplan for Marrickville Town Centre consideration of options to activate, pedestrianise or create either a temporary or permanent shared zone on Illawarra Road between Marrickville Road and Petersham Road.

2. That Council investigate grant opportunities to progress the idea if it has broader public support.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

**Clr Scott tabled a community submission on Albert Parade Park and Playground, which is available at the end of these minutes.***

C1224(1) Item 34 Notice of Motion: Albert Parade Reserve, Ashfield

Motion: (Scott/Carlisle)

1. That Council convene an onsite meeting at Albert Parade Reserve 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.

2. That Council receive and note the tabled community submission on Albert Parade Reserve and considers its contents when preparing an improvement plan.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 36 Notice of Motion: New Kitchen Clontarf Cottage Balmain

Motion: (Fergusson/Byrne)

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; and

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 2025 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 2025 meeting.

5. That Council investigate planning for disability access at Clontarf Cottage in advance of the 2025/26 capital works budget. Plans were previously drawn up that considered the heritage status of the building that may be utilised.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Councillor Fergusson left the meeting at 9:33pm as she had declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 39 as she is on the Parents and Citizens (P&C) for Nicholson Street Public School, and Brett Avenue is widely used by school families on their daily commute.

C1224(1) Item 39 Notice of Motion: 10km/h Shared Zone Brett Avenue, Balmain
East

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Fergusson

Councillor Fergusson returned to the meeting at 9:34pm

C1224(1) Item 40 Notice of Motion: Integrity in Local Government – Property
Developer and Lobbyist Register

Motion: (Blake/Howard)

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 ministers and report back to Council by April 2025 with a draft policy for council to consider putting on public exhibition.

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.

4. That if the consultation draft be released prior to the development of an Inner West Council policy, it be used as the basis for the development of Inner West Council’s policy.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Confidential session

Procedural Motion: (Carlisle/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, Raciti, Scott 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:

C1224(1) Item 42 Finalisation of Negotiations of Collection Service Garbage, FOGO and Recycling (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.

C1224(1) Item 44 Petersham Town Hall Creative Hub EOI (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.

C1224(1) Item 46 Update on the EOI for the development of affordable housing on Council land (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: (Clay/Fergusson)

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, Raciti, Scott and Tastan

Against Motion: Nil

resolutions passed during closed session

C1224(1) Item 42 Finalisaton of Negotiations of Collection Service Garbage, FOGO
and Recycling

Motion: (Howard/Scott)

1. That Council approve the SWS offer for the recycling services in the North and South area, for the contract term of 7 years with 3 x 1 year extension options, commencing on 31 March 2025, in line with the terms tendered.

2. That Council consider the expansion of the day labour service prior to the calling of tenders for the West area (FOGO, garbage and recycling) collection services in 2025 with an expected commencement date of 16 December 2026.

3. That Council establish an Inner West Waste Management Working Group for a period of one year:

a) with the objective of:

i. Investigating complaints and concerns about waste collection in the Inner West and making recommendations on possible improvements

ii. Informing a strategic pathway for waste management contracting into the future

iii. Exploring opportunities to expand day labour operations in the collection of waste across the Inner West into the future, including for the West area (FOGO, garbage and recycling) due to commence in December 2026;

b) comprising Cr Mat Howard (Chair), Cr Philippa Scott, Cr Vic Macri and Cr Andrew Blake, the Director of Corporate (Alternate Chair) and other staff as determined by the General Manager;

c) to meet at least bi-monthly, unless otherwise determined by a majority of councillors and the Director of Corporate; and

d) with agendas and minutes recorded and made available as appropriate and as determined by the Director of Corporate.

4. That Council staff meet and form a separate working group comprising Council staff, representatives from Homes NSW and community housing providers to improve and streamline waste collection in large social and community housing communities in the Inner West.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 44 Petersham Town Hall Creative Hub EOI

Motion: (Howard/Scott)

1. That Council receive and note the report.

2. That Council staff report to the March 2025 Council meeting with a recommendation for a license agreement with the successful applicant.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

C1224(1) Item 46 Update on the EOI for the development of affordable housing on
Council land

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Antoniou)

That Council defer this matter to the next Council meeting and request staff to provide a councillor briefing prior to that meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion: Nil

Meeting closed at 9.57pm.

Public Speakers:

Item #	Speaker	Suburb
Item 1:	Paul Mortimer Michael Deller Justin Simon Mark Skelsey	Marrickville Croydon Summer Hill Dulwich Hill
Item 2:	Paul Avery	Balmain
Item 3:	Naomi Margaret Scott Neil Kenzler	Dulwich Hill Haberfield
Item 5:	Anja-Mia Woodward-Watson Neil Tonkin	Marrickville Lilyfield
Item 12:	Matthew Bowen Chris Hall Paul Avery	Lewisham Lilyfield Balmain
Item 27:	Noel Corkery Michael Barnett	Marrickville Vaucluse
Item 34:	Noni Hollonds	Ashfield
Item 35:	Graeme McKay	Haberfield
Item 38:	Bruce Ashley Fiona Campbell Neil Tonkin	Dulwich Hill Lewisham Lilyfield
Item 39:	Will Atkins	Balmain East
Item 46:	Simon Konstantinidis Arthur Alepidis Peter Calligeros	Marrickville Beverly Hills South Coogee

***tabled community submission on Albert Parade Park and Playground***

Council Meeting

18 February 2025

Item No: C0225(1) Item 6

Subject: Community Engagement Outcomes - Mort Bay Park Upgrade

Prepared By: Michael Craven - Acting Senior Manager Capital Works

Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

That Council, as a part of the upgrade to amenities and facilities at Mort Bay Park, endorse the following improvements:

a) a playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails;

b) fixing park drainage, muddy areas and upgrade to existing park footpaths

c) improved lighting throughout the Park to make night-time use safer;

d) progressing water and sediment quality testing to allow a swim site;

e) picnic tables and BBQ's and seating; and

f) outdoor gym equipment.

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

5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report highlights the outcomes of community engagement for upgrades to Mort Bay Park, Birchgrove as called for by the Council resolution on 22 October 2024.

From 22 November to 20 December 2024, the community was invited to provide feedback on upgrading the facilities at Mort Bay Park. Through Council’s “Your Say” platform the community was invited to provide feedback on the improvements identified in the Council resolution. This included:

a) A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf;

b) A playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails;

c) Fixing drainage and muddy areas;

d) Improved lighting throughout the Park to make night-time use safer;

e) Progressing water and sediment quality testing to allow a swim site;

f) Table tennis tables, picnic tables and BBQ's and seating; and

g) Outdoor gym equipment.

The engagement platform was widely advertised through local residential letter drop, Council’s website, social media and through posters within the park.

During the engagement period 1,093 people visited the Your Say project page and 40 people attended an on-site drop-in session.

A total of 68 participants completed the online survey, 7 emails responses were received, and 67 comments were provided at the on-site drop-in session.

Overall, there was support for the proposed improvements at Mort Bay Park except for the installation of table tennis tables, with the majority of comments not supporting the tables.

The proposed planning pathway for the new toilet building near the playground and ferry wharf, will be via a Part 5 Planning Pathway and as such a development application will not be required.

It is proposed to deliver the works as expeditiously as possible and by the following timeframes:

Item	Completed By
A playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails	June 2025
Extra Seating	June 2025
Improving lighting throughout the park to make night-time use safer	June 2025
Picnic tables	August 2025
BBQs	August 2025
Outdoor gym equipment.	November 2025
A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf	June 2026
Fixing park drainage, muddy areas and upgrade to existing park footpaths	June 2026

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:

1. That Council allocate up to $2 million in the draft 2025-26 Budget to the upgrade amenities and facilities at Mort Bay Park, including the following improvements:

a) A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf;

b) A playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails;

c) Fixing drainage and muddy areas;

d) Improved lighting throughout the Park to make night-time use safer;

e) Progressing water and sediment quality testing to allow a swim site;

f) Table tennis tables, picnic tables and BBQ's and seating; and

g) Outdoor gym equipment.

2. That Council commence community consultation in 2024 on the priorities of local residents for inclusion in the upgrade.

3. That Council receive a report to the February 2025 Ordinary Council meeting on the outcomes of the community consultation and identifying which of the improvements can be undertaken immediately and which will need to be subject to a procurement process.

Following the October 2024 resolution, Council officers initiated the community consultation on the priorities of residents for inclusion in the proposed $2m upgrade of Mort Bay Park.

DISCUSSION

Mort Bay Park is a waterfront park located in the heart of Birchgrove. Mort Bay Park is a unique place which is highly valued by the local community and visitors from all over Australia. It is used as a space for informal recreation and play. The park has multiple informal turf areas which are used for informal ball sports and a place to relax.

Community Engagement

From 22 November to 20 December 2024, the community was invited to provide feedback on upgrading the facilities at Mort Bay Park. Through Council’s “Your Say” platform, the community was invited to provide feedback on the improvements identified in the Council resolution. The engagement platform was widely advertised through a local residential letter drop, Council website, social media and through posters within the park.

The online survey and the onsite drop-in session asked participants to provide comments on the following improvements or to give general feedback on Mort Bay Park:

· A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf

· Fixing park drainage and muddy areas

· Improving lighting throughout the park to make night-time use safer

· Table tennis tables

· Picnic tables

· BBQs

· Seating

· Outdoor gym equipment.

During the engagement period 1,093 people visited the Your Say project page and 40 people attended an on-site drop-in session.

A total of 68 participants completed the online survey, 7 emails responses were received, and 67 comments were provided at the on-site drop-in session.

Overall, there was support for the proposed improvements at Mort Bay Park except for the installation of table tennis tables with the majority of comments not supporting the tables.

On Site Park Engagement

A drop-in information session was held at the park on Saturday 30 November 2024 at 10am-12pm. A total of 40 people attended the onsite drop-in session and provided 67 comments.

Summary of Community Engagement feedback

Proposed Improvements at Mort Bay Park	Supported	Not Supported
A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf	31	4
Fixing park drainage and muddy areas	20	0
Improving lighting throughout the park to make night-time use safer	25	2
Table tennis tables	5	9
Picnic tables	9	6
BBQs	11	4
Seating	14	3
Outdoor gym equipment.	9	5

General feedback
You said	Council response
Upgrade the existing basketball court to a multi-purpose court by adding pickle ball lines and a tennis practice wall. 5 comments	Noted. Council will investigate the feasibility and incorporate feedback where possible and if funding is available.
Request to retain dogs off leash area, add more poo bag stations and a fence for the dogs off-leash area to prevent dogs from running into the playground. Signage is needed to remind owners to keep dog barking to a minimum. 8 comments	Noted. The signage request will be passed onto the relevant officers to action.
Bins are often over filled and not emptied often enough. 2 comments	Noted. This will be passed onto the relevant officer to investigate and action.
Receptacles for fishing lines and hooks and clear signages 3 comments	Noted. This will be passed onto the relevant officer to investigate and action.
Plantings near McKell Street need to be tidied and maintained to make the paths safe. 2 comments	Noted. This will be passed onto the Parks operations team to action.
Request for a café or food truck to operate in the park. 3 comments	Noted. This will be passed to Parks Planning and Strategic Property to investigate its feasibility.
Support for swim site 5 comments	Noted. This is being considered as a separate project.

Emails Received

A total of seven emails were received which have been reviewed.

Of the seven emails, three supported the upgrade to Mort Bay Park. Other emails included support for table tennis, pickleball instead of table tennis and concerns on the delay of the Mort Bay swim site.

Community Engagement Outcomes

Community Comments

IWC Comments

“A playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails” (Supported)

Mort Bay Park playground is included in the 2024/25 capital works program for upgrade.

During the community engagement for the Mort Bay Park playground upgrade, Council received multiple requests for waterplay elements and additional shading for the playground. The playground design has now been amended to include Waterplay and shade sails with construction to commence in February 2025.

“Improving lighting throughout the park to make night-time use safer” (Supported)

The pathway lighting within Mort Bay Park was identified to be a direct commuter route from public transport and was upgraded in 2019 to comply with the relevant Australian Standards for path lighting.

The feedback received from the community engagement was that some of the existing lighting along the footpaths within the park were sometimes not working and some areas of lighting along the commuter route from the ferry wharf were very poor.

Council has engaged a lighting consultant to complete a lighting audit of the existing pathway lighting within Mort Bay Park. As the existing pathway lighting is the latest LED, the recommendations from the lighting audit are anticipated to be minor in nature e.g. switchboard service, overgrown tree branch pruning and replacement of broken globes. This work will be completed following the receipt of the audit recommendations and is expected to address the community’s concerns.

“A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf” (Supported)

The Mort Bay Park Plan of Management identified an area adjacent to the proposed playground near Mort Bay Wharf as a potential location for a public toilet which was discussed during the community workshops.

During the engagement, the community noted that the existing toilets located on McKell Street were too far away from the ferry wharf and playground. The community was very supportive of Council’s proposal to construct a new toilet building near the playground and ferry wharf.

The proposed location for the new toilet is shown within the area identified with the red boundary in Figure 1.

The proposed planning pathway for the new toilet building near the playground and ferry wharf, will be via a Part 5 Planning Pathway and as such a development application will not be required.

As the Mort Bay Park Plan of Management identifies the location adjacent to the proposed playground near Mort Bay Wharf as a potential location for a public toilet and that the community engagement was very supportive of this proposal, it is proposed to move directly into design and construction of the new toilet building and notify the community when the construction of the new toilet is scheduled to commence.

“Fixing Park drainage and muddy areas” (Supported)

Feedback from the community identified that all the existing asphalt pathways within Mort Bay Park are in the order of 40 years old and require maintenance due to uneven levels and water ponding in low areas for days after rainfall.

Council officers have inspected the pathways and recommended that all the pathways be regraded and re-sheeted with 30mm of asphalt to improve pathways levels, drainage and reduce water ponding after rainfall.

Picnic tables, BBQ’s, Seating and Outdoor Gym Equipment” (Supported)

The community feedback was very supportive of Council installing additional Picnic tables, BBQ’s and Seating within Mort Bay Park near the playground to allow for more group and family activities.

Council will now commence the design development stage with the intention to create a new picnic area that has a connection to the playground for families and group activities. The new picnic area will include picnic tables, seating, BBQ’s and landscaping.

The proposal to install outdoor gym equipment within Mort Bay Park was also supported by the community. Council will investigate the most suitable location for the equipment within Mort Bay Park and will deliver this item along with the new picnic area, pathway works and new toilet.

“Table Tennis Tables” (Not Supported)

As this item was not supported by the community, it is proposed not proceed with this item.

Figure 1: Aerial Picture of proposed location for the new toilet

Project Delivery Schedule

It is proposed to deliver the works as expeditiously as possible and by the following timeframes:

Item	Completed By
A playground upgrade with a waterplay area and shade sails	June 2025
Extra Seating	June 2025
Improving lighting throughout the park to make night-time use safer	June 2025
Picnic tables	August 2025
BBQs	August 2025
Outdoor gym equipment.	November 2025
A new toilet near the playground and ferry wharf	June 2026
Fixing park drainage, muddy areas and upgrade to existing park footpaths	June 2026

The above timeframes in particular for the new toilet building, and drainage and footpath works, take into account service investigations, design, any approvals, procurement and construction.

All items require a procurement process in some form.

Water and sediment quality testing to allow a swim site

As a result of the Council resolution, Council officers have established a Project Control Group (PCG) to manage the development of this project. The PCG consists of Council officers from across the organisation representing ecology, engineering, planning and parks capital.

Water quality needs to be measured over a set period to determine that water quality at the proposed location meets requirements for swimming or other water-based recreational activities according to the NSW water quality objectives. This includes monitoring any bacteria and levels of chemicals in the water and sediment.

To comply with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s requirements for Microbial Assessment, 100 samples are required which will take approximately two years at a weekly sampling rate. Water quality is strongly influenced by external factors such as rainfall in the catchment, potentially leading to short periods of elevated faecal pollution. Contamination of recreational water with faecal matter can lead to health problems because of the presence of disease-causing microorganisms (pathogens). Council officers have reached out to program and Government partners in the water monitoring area to obtain quotations for water monitoring.

This element is being managed as a separate project to the park improvements, with testing services currently in the procurement phase.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved to allocate up to $2 million in the draft 2025-26 Budget to the upgrade amenities and facilities at Mort Bay Park.

There is currently $340,000 allocated in the 2024/25 capital works program for the Mort Bay Park Playground upgrade, with an additional allocation of $207,000 to be made available this year to fully fund the playground upgrade and lighting works. This additional allocation will be funded from depreciation reserves.

It is planned to consider the remaining $1.45m for the Mort Bay Park upgrade as a part of the 2025/26 budget planning process.

It is anticipated that these funds are adequate to deliver the resolved works.

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

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇨

Engagement Outcomes Report Mort Bay Park Upgrade - Published separately on Council’s website

Council Meeting

18 February 2025

Item No: C0225(1) Item 11

Subject: Public Exhibition - Urban Forest Policy

Prepared By: Lindsay Field - Public Tree Manager

Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Urban Forest Policy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Policy.

2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Urban Forest Policy be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Inner West LGA tree management approach is currently guided by three separate document sets being Ashfield, Leichardt and Marrickville. These documents are over ten years old and whilst similar in some ways, are different in their approach and formatting. These documents are based on past best practice and do not provide a single holistic Inner West Council tree policy. This has resulted in complexity for tree management across the Inner West. It is worth noting that key processes, such as the notification of tree removal, are not articulated in the existing documents. This poses a risk for Council with inconsistent outcomes.

It is now time to harmonise the urban forest aspect of the three former Council areas to a single consistent approach, by updating to an Inner West Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan.

The aims and objectives of the Draft Urban Forest Policy set a timeless framework that informs Councils operations, documents and processes. This policy will provide a balanced, consistent, and integrated approach to managing the urban forest on private and public land, within the urban context through conservation, renewal and appropriately addresses risk.

The aims of the Urban Forest Policy are to:

· Ensure a liveable Inner West through a healthy and sustainable Urban Forest, that provides economic, ecological, and social benefits.

· Provide important directional statements that will maximise the potential, and integration, of the Inner West Urban Forest on private and public land.

· Emphasise the role of the Urban Forest as an intergenerational resource that provides multiple benefits to the community.

· Manage the tree resource holistically to maximise benefits, consider other land use functions in the urban context, reduce risk, negative interactions, and meet Councils legal obligations.

The key objectives of the Urban Forest Policy contain a range of actions that build on the policy aims to address all aspects of urban living, under the following headings.

· Policy and strategic action plan outcomes

· Value and Manage the Urban Forest

· Improve the Quality and Quantity of the Urban Forest

· Planning and Design Process

· Education and Research

· Community

The Urban Forest Strategic Action Plan is designed to achieve and deliver on these aims and objectives of the Policy through a suite of documents and actions which collectively contribute to harmonise the Inner Wests Urban Forest approach. The following lists the key Strategic Action Plan items:

a) Development Control Plan Private Trees Technical Manual

b) Tree Asset Management Program

c) Public Tree Management Technical Manual

d) Street Tree Selection Manual

e) Standard Drawings

The Strategic Action Plan tasks include:

i. Planning and development planting on public land

ii. Integration across Inner West Council

iii. Reporting annually on performance and status of the Urban Forest

iv. CSP and DPOP alignment.

v. Updating plans of management

vi. Developing greater community partnerships

vii. Information sharing, community education and undertake research.

It is proposed to that the exhibition period for the draft Inner West Urban Forest Policy extend over 28 days from 3 March to 4 April 2025. Engagement is planned to be based on Council’s your say page, promotions on Facebook and Instagram, digital displays at Council facilities, and an information session at customer service stalls in each Council ward.

The recommendation is for Council to exhibit the draft Urban Forest Policy in March 2025, and that following exhibition the policy be brought back to Council for adoption.

BACKGROUND

The urban context has a range of uses occurring in the same space, at the same time.

In the past there was a real need to promote trees so that they were recognised as part of the urban context. This was effectively achieved in 2004, with the first Australian Urban Forest Policy and Urban Forest Background Paper being adopted and supporting processes developed with Local Government NSW adopting the Urban Forest approach. Other Councils across the country then started developing urban forest policies.

The intention of the Urban Forest approach is to firstly acknowledge the importance and value of the Urban Forest in the Inner West LGA. Secondly, to manage the tree population so as to maximise benefits, to acknowledge trees have a limited life span in the urban environment and that the space is shared with other functions of daily living, and to provide for renewal. This provides a balanced approach to managing both green and built assets and associated risk.

At the Council meeting held on 24 September 2019, Council resolved to review and expand the Heritage Tree List or create a Significant Tree List. This resolution will be satisfied through the draft Urban Forest Policy.

DISCUSSION

Existing Tree Management Documents

The research into tree biology and biomechanics has continued over the last decade, and whilst some basics remain the same, there is significant new learnings that need to be incorporated into a new suite of documents. An example is the pruning of trees to reduce risk, whereas the research has now shown that pruning of trees can have a direct impact on tree stability.

A common result of pruning branches from larger species, is an increase in limb failure during wind events due to increased wind loading on the remaining branches, effectively creating the hazard. That is not to say we can never prune, rather that careful consideration is given to this learned knowledge.

It is now time to harmonise the urban forest aspect of the three former Council areas to a single consistent approach, by updating to an Inner West Urban Forest Policy and its Strategic Action Plan.

Holistic Focus - Draft Inner West Urban Forest Policy

The draft 2025 Inner West Urban Forest Policy and its Strategic Action Plan, builds on and adapts the concepts within these existing documents and current best practice thinking, to provide a single up to date approach. The wording in the Urban Forest Policy is timeless, and the documents that will be created under the Strategic Action plan can be modified easily over time and further research learnings come to light.

While the other operational aspects will be addressed in the Strategic Action Plan, the notifiable tree removal process is included in the Urban Forest Policy. This approach ensures that the appropriate community notifications are enacted when the intervention level is met. The process is holistic and practical in that it accounts for the impacts on residents when services are compromised, and delays are unreasonable.

This will ensure that Council legal and legislative requirements regarding risk are met, whilst improving the overall quality and sustainability of the tree population, which in turn will extend tree useful life and maximise the urban forest potential and benefits, including canopy cover. The tree planting program will support these aims through renewal where trees are required to be removed.

The intention of the Urban Forest approach is to manage individual trees appropriately on private and public land, supported by planting programs to renew the urban forest and ensure its sustainability on an intergenerational basis.

At times there has been a purely tree focused approach, which then compromises the other important aspects of the urban living, such as surrounding structures, or disability access. The consequence of trying to keep trees indefinitely, when there is no practical remedial option to extend their useful life, or reduce the impact on the tree during construction, is an increase of tree failures which increases during weather events.

The risk for Council is that the legal and legislative requirements are then compromised leaving council exposed and at risk with no suitable defense. This can also compromise Council’s insurance cover. The overall quality of the urban forest, and the many benefits it provides, is diminished through a purely retention approach as the tree population ages.

The draft 2025 Inner West Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan acknowledges the value and importance of trees and that they need to be integrated into the urban context. It also acknowledges the other uses of the public space for traffic, pedestrians including disability access, services and utilities and development, in addition to Council’s responsibilities to appropriately managing risk and negative interactions between trees and built assets, either directly or because of works.

In this regard, the aims of the Urban Forest Policy are to:

· Ensure a liveable Inner West through a healthy and sustainable Urban Forest, that provides economic, ecological, and social benefits.

· Provide important directional statements that will maximise the potential, and integration, of the Inner West Urban Forest on private and public land.

· Emphasise the role of the Urban Forest as an intergenerational resource that provides multiple benefits to the community.

· Manage the tree resource holistically to maximise benefits, consider other land use functions in the urban context, reduce risk, negative interactions, and meet Councils legal obligations.

The key objectives of the Urban Forest Policy contain a range of actions that build on the policy aims to address all aspects of urban living, under the following headings.

· Policy and strategic action plan outcomes

· Value and Manage the Urban Forest

· Improve the Quality and Quantity of the Urban Forest

· Planning and Design Process

· Education and Research

· Community

The Urban Forest Strategic Action Plan (attached to this report) is designed to achieve and deliver on these aims and objectives of the Policy through a suite of documents and actions which will collectively contribute to harmonise the Inner Wests Urban Forest approach. The following lists the key Strategic Action Plan items:

a) Development Control Plan Private Trees Technical Manual

b) Tree Asset Management Program

c) Public Tree Management Technical Manual

d) Street Tree Selection Manual

e) Standard Drawings

The Strategic Action Plan tasks include:

i. Planning and development planting on public land

ii. Integration across Inner West Council

iii. Reporting annually on performance and status of the Urban Forest

iv. CSP and DPOP alignment.

v. Updating plans of management

vi. Developing greater community partnerships

vii. Information sharing, community education and undertake research.

These documents will provide the means to assess all factors in any given situation, the feasibility of any options and a transparent decision-making process. The strategic action plan items will address urban forest management holistically, incorporating planned, systematic, and integrated management processes.

These documents will integrate trees into the design and infrastructure maintenance processes to provide a transparent and balanced approach, which in turn, will provide a consistent approach across the Inner West Local Government Area.

Council called through resolution to review and expand the Heritage Tree List or create a Significant Tree List.

This resolution is addressed in the Urban Forest Policy by acknowledging that the Urban Forest is significant, being made up of many parts. The criteria for listing of heritage trees are set withing the Heritage Act and trees either meet, or do not meet those criteria. Whilst some Councils have a significant tree register, it should be noted that there is no statutory basis for these lists, and it offers no additional protection.

The Inner West Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan approach is to treat all trees and vacant planting sites equally. That is all are considered under the same assessment approach with a view to retain trees where feasible, with trees removed where it is demonstrated that no feasible option exists.

The difference between a heritage tree and a smaller tree under these new processes will be the level of investment required to retain the tree, or, if the increased risk to other land uses or assets is acceptable and defensible in the circumstances.

Tree vacancies are treated the same way as these are limited in the public space, often due to below ground services or the required offsets above ground from infrastructure. It can be stated that tree vacancy is more valuable than the existing tree, as the space provides for successional tree planting across multiple generations. Whilst infrastructure needs and lawful development must be allowed to occur, it needs to be recognised that the loss of space is one of the key risks to the future Urban Forest. The Inner West Council draft 2025 Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan identify and address this issue.

Engagement

It is proposed to report the findings of the exhibition to the May Council meeting

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

An external consultant has been engaged to undertake community consultation which is costed at $71,555 incl GST. This includes internal workshop sessions and the wider consultation to the community.

Council has received a $50,000 grant to facilitate the policy, and consultation as part of NSW Government, Greening our City grants program. It is worth noting that the grant needs to be satisfied by 30 May 2025.

The available funds result in a $21,555 shortfall which will be funded from 2024/25 operational budgets.

The work to develop and implement the Strategic Action Plan items will be funded by existing 2025/2026 operational budgets.

ATTACHMENTS

1.⇩	Urban Forest Policy Draft
2.⇩	Urban Forest Strategic Action Plan

Council Meeting

18 February 2025

Item No: C0225(1) Item 12

Subject: Opportunities and Constraints associated with residents seeking to install EV charging infrastructure

Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager

Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council continue its current private kerbside charging trial until July 2026, by which time there should be over 200 public chargers across the Inner West, with a report to be tabled to Council at the conclusion of the trial.

2. That Council examine the risks and benefits of transient trenched charging and if feasible introduce it within the current trial.

3. That Council cap its current private kerbside charging trial at 140 permits to ensure effective management and analysis of the trial.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

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

2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In considering the opportunities and constraints associated with residents installing infrastructure to charge electric vehicles (EVs), it is important to consider all of the options available to residents for charging. In May 2023, Council adopted POWERING AHEAD, its Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy.

Potential opportunities for residents to charge electric cars fall into seven basic categories:

· Private charging on-site at home;

· Private charging at the kerbside;

· Private charging at their place of work;

· Public charging at their place of work;

· Public charging on private property (eg shopping centres);

· Public charging at the kerbside; and

· Public charging in Council car parks.

After adoption of POWERING AHEAD, Council initiated a number of actions to encourage electric vehicle uptake including:

· Preparation of an Expression of Interest (EoI), and subsequently Requests for Quotation (RfQ), for electric vehicle charging providers to partner with Council. These two RfQs are to provide kerbside public charging and public charging in Council car parks, respectively;

· Council’s kerbside partners then successfully gained State Government grant funding for 136 public kerbside charging ports in May 2024;

· Details of car park provision are yet to be finalised;

· A trial, temporarily providing the opportunity for residents to charge their own electric car at the kerbside, subject to conditions, with approx. 70 permits issued to date, primarily in Balmain, Birchgrove and Marrickville;

· Engagement with the State and other councils to provide a unified approach to the provision of EV charging; and

· Encouragement of private sites (such as shopping centres, service stations and other retail/commercial establishments) to provide public charging; with approximately 41 public chargers currently on private sites.

It is now anticipated that by the middle of 2025, some over 170 public chargers will be available across the Inner West LGA, with potential for over 200 by the end of 2025. Future rollout of public chargers is anticipated to be driven by demand.

In addition to accessing public chargers, Inner West residents can, subject to conditions, install their own private charging on their property if they have a driveway access.

As a “stop-gap” until sufficient public charging is available, Council has implemented a private kerbside charging trial which provides residents, who do not have driveways, the opportunity for temporary permission to place a protected cable across the footpath to charge their EV. This trial has currently issued some 70 permits, which are reviewed annually.

While no breaches have been noted to date, concern has been expressed over the implications of a large-scale roll-out of such temporary measures, particularly for wheelchair, personal mobility devices, pram users and child cyclists.

Under the Transport and Infrastructure SEPP, permanent “pop-up” private chargers are permitted at the kerbside, subject to Council approval. Concern has been expressed over the longer-term implications of such a charging system and to-date; indications are that no Sydney Council has approved such chargers.

It is considered that the constraints and risks associated with permanent private kerbside charging outweigh the overall benefits for the community as a whole. As such, it is considered that the existing kerbside private charging trial is serving as a valuable stopgap until sufficient public charging is available, but that in the longer-term, public charging should cater for the demand generated by dwellings which cannot have charging on-site charging.

As such, it is proposed that the current trial should be continued until July 2026, when it can be anticipated that Council’s charging partners will have completed:

· Stages 1 and 2 of the kerbside charging network;

· Stage 1 of Council’s public car park charging project; and

· Initial design work for the Balmain Depot public charging hub.

By this time, it is anticipated that over 200 public charging ports will be available in the Inner West and that significant destination chargers will be available in adjacent LGAs.

It is also proposed to examine the risks and benefits of transient trenched charging and if feasible introduce it within the current trial.

In relation to permanent kerbside pop-up chargers, it is considered that Council should not approve such chargers because of the potential longer-term implications, outlined earlier in this report.

Noting that the average growth rate of permit applications has been approximately 2/month, and to ensure efficient management and analysis of the existing trial, it is suggested that the current trial should be capped at 140 permits.

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 3 September 2024, Council resolved the following:

8. That Council asks Council officers to investigate opportunities and constraints for residents to install infrastructure to charge electric vehicles, reporting back to council by December 2024.

Due to the complexity of the electric vehicle public charging environment this report was held off until February 2025 to permit the most up-to-date information to be provided.

This report summarises the opportunities and constraints for residents wishing to install electric vehicle charging.

In response to growing demand for electric vehicle charging, Inner West Council prepared POWERING AHEAD (Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy) and subsequently launched a series of initiatives to support this uptake including:

· Partnering with charging providers to install kerbside public charging.

· Partnering with charging providers to install public charging in Council car parks.

· A successful trial permitting residents to run cables across the footpath to charge their electric cars, subject to conditions which included reassessment on a 12 monthly basis.

· Partnering with a provider to establish a public EV public charging hub in association with Council’s Balmain Depot.

· Encouraging the installation of public charging on private sites, such as shopping centres, service stations and other retail/commercial establishments.

· Working with adjacent councils, including the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), to establish a unified approach to kerbside charging.

· Working with power providers and charging providers to ensure suitable grid capacity to support EV charging in the Inner West.

DISCUSSION

Context

In March 2020, Council adopted GOING PLACES (it’s Integrated Transport Strategy) to guide its transport related policies and initiatives over the next 10 years. Key to this Strategy was its Road User Hierarchy (Figure 1) which outlined its modal priorities and emphasised the need to encourage mode shift away from private cars to active and public transport.

Figure 1 – Road User Hierarchy adopted in GOING PLACES Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy

Subsequently, Council prepared POWERING AHEAD (its Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy) based on over two years of consultation.

POWERING AHEAD’s Vision is that:

If trips are to use private vehicles they should be powered by the most sustainable means available and council will encourage this through actions such as partnering with public charging providers.

In considering charging opportunities for private electric vehicles, it is important to remember that Council continues to support its Road User Hierarchy and considers that it is essential to encourage a mode shift, away from private vehicles to active and public transport.

While this principle was initially embedded in GOING PLACES, it also supports many of Council’s basic principles and objectives including those in its Community Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Planning, Cycling Strategy & Action Plan, as well as it’s Climate & Renewable Strategy.

Additionally, while the use of an electric car powered by sustainable energy sources is preferable to the use of a fossil fuel powered car, it continues to be Council’s priority to discourage car trips in favour of travel by active and public transport. In prioritising a mode shift away from private car use it is important to encourage drivers to consider the numerous factors associated with private car travel prior to making their mode choice. These issues include environmental impacts, public health benefits, safety and amenity, as well as fuelling opportunities and costs.

Charging options for residents

In considering the opportunities and constraints associated with residents installing infrastructure to charge electric vehicles, it is important to consider the various charging options available to residents and noting that:

· Roughly two-thirds of homes in the Inner West (including older residential flat buildings) do not readily have opportunities for on-site charging, because they do not have driveways.

· Many older residential flat buildings do not have power provided to their parking spaces, or if power is provided to the parking spaces this is often common power paid for by all residents rather than being individually allocated. This means that residents without EVs would be “subsidising” residents with EVs.

· Many homes without driveways are older homes with wiring that may need to be upgraded should the resident wish to charge at a medium to high speed.

It should also be recognised that the State Government is currently examining opportunities to provide financial assistance for older residential flat buildings, in the form of subsidies and/or grants, to assist them in installing on-site charging.

Potential opportunities for residents to charge electric cars fall into seven basic categories:

· Private charging on-site at home.

· Private charging at the kerbside.

· Private charging at their place of work.

· Public charging at their place of work.

· Public charging on private property (eg shopping centres).

· Public charging at the kerbside.

· Public charging in Council car parks.

Current situation

To date, progress on actions to assist our Community has included:

· EV charging being integrated into the draft Development Control Plan (DCP) which is currently in preparation.

· Successfully partnering with three charging providers to obtain State Government kerbside charging grants for 136 charging ports (many of which will be on existing Ausgrid poles). These sites were exhibited in July and August 2024 then refined based on community comments. The refined sites were approved by Local Traffic Committee in October 2024 and by Council in November 2024.

· Council has also been encouraging the installation of public parking on private property, in association with shopping centres, service stations and other retail/commercial establishments. Subsequently, there are now approximately 41 public ports (ranging from 7kW to 400kW ultra-fast chargers) on private properties within the Inner West.

· Council has recently partnered with two charging providers to install public charging ports in 12 of its public car parks (as Stage 1 of Council’s public car park charging project).

· In addition to installing the kerbside ports approved under Round One of the State’s grants, Council’s partners have lodged applications for Round Two grant funding.

· Council has also recently partnered with a provider to create a public charging hub, with up to 10 ports, at Council’s Balmain Depot. (Noting that this is a longer-term project due to the project complexities).

To date, Council staff has focussed on assisting our Community by developing a network of public chargers across the LGA. This network will give residents a choice of charger type, provider, price and location.

As shown in Figure 2 the number of public charging ports available in the Inner West has been rapidly growing since the adoption of Council’s Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy in May 2023.

There are currently, 92 public charging ports installed on the kerbside of Inner West streets and 41 additional public charging ports are located on private property. Based on current (Round One) grant approvals, it is anticipated that approximately 136 kerbside ports will be available by July 2025.

This means that, by July 2025 and including public ports on private sites, the Inner West will have a public charging port density of approximately 5 public charging ports per square kilometre. This density is comparable to major European cities such as Oslo (6/km²), London (4/km^2),and Amsterdam (3/km^2).

To better understand the private kerbside charging environment, Council staff have also held discussions with several companies which offer mechanisms which permit residents to charge EVs at the kerbside immediately adjacent to their property. Council staff have also spoken with several other council’s where kerbside private charging has been considered.

Figure 2 – Growth in public charging since adoption of POWERING AHEAD (indicative locations)

Installation of private charging for premises with existing driveways

Under S2.124D of the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (The SEPP), installation of private EV charging on private property with an existing driveway is an exempt development as long as it is installed within the boundaries of that property. As such it may not require Council approval.

Council approval would be required if the car space, driveway or buildings require alteration or are non-compliant with existing planning controls (eg the prevailing Development Control Plan).

It must be installed by a licenced electrical contractor and comply with various technical requirements in relation to suitable power supply, safety etc.

Consequently, if a residential property has an existing driveway and suitable power supply, the residents can generally install their own private charging port on their own property.

Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy

In addition to the provision for private charging as exempt development referred to above, the SEPP currently provides the opportunity for residents to install private charging units at the kerbside, adjacent to their property, subject to Council consent through S2.124B (below).

124B Development permitted with consent—residential premises

(1) Development for the purposes of installing an EV charging unit may be carried out with consent on relevant public land if—

(a) the unit is installed adjacent to an area where a motor vehicle may lawfully be parked, and

(b) the consent authority is satisfied the unit is—

(i) for the non-commercial use of an owner or occupier of the adjacent residential premises, and

(ii) connected to the electricity meter of the owner or occupier, and

(c) all cables providing electrical power to the unit are located underground, and

(d) the unit is able to be fully retracted underground when not in use, and

(e) the unit is installed in accordance with specifications or instructions issued by the manufacturer of the unit.

(2) This section does not apply to an advertising-enabled EV charging unit

(3) In this section—

relevant public land means public land that—

(a) immediately adjoins a public road, and

(b) is adjacent to residential premises

The SEPP does not prescribe items for consideration in determining the charger’s suitability, other than the need for the private charger to be powered through underground cables and that the charging unit should be underground when not in use.

An example of pop-up charging types that may be permissible under the SEPP is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Example of pop-up charging device

Many councils, including the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), have expressed concern regarding this aspect of the SEPP and subsequently requested its review.

In requesting reconsideration of this section, councils have highlighted issues including:

· Privatisation of the public domain and its precedent.

· Insurance and liability issues.

· Setting of unrealistic expectations (there would be no guarantee of access to the kerbside space even if a charger is installed).

· Streetscape and visual impacts.

· Control and management of kerbside space outside older apartment buildings, which do not have access to on-site parking, where residents from multiple apartments each wish to have a private charging port at the kerbside.

· Limitation of longer-term opportunities (eg future cycle paths, pedestrian crossings, landscaping etc).

Due to the concerns above, indications are that no Sydney Council has approved such chargers to date.

Council’s current private kerbside charging trial

In May 2023, Council initiated a trial approval process to assist in catering for demand while a public charging network was being established. This trial was initiated under the Roads Act to allow for approval (under section 138 and 139) for residents to apply for temporary permission to charge their EV at the kerbside, immediately adjacent to their property, using a suitably covered cable and subject to a series of conditions.

Approvals provided through this trial are valid for a maximum of twelve months and are subject to review at the commencement of each financial year. To date approximately 70 permits have been issued. The majority of these permits have been issued in Balmain, Birchgrove and Marrickville.

As the duration required to charge an EV varies greatly, the time spent with the cable across the footpath also varies, depending on the power source/charger type, type of car and desired level of charger being. For a 60kWh battery it would take 30 hours to fully charge from a 2kW power source, while from a 7kW source it would take around 8 hours. It is important to note that drivers are encouraged to “top-up” rather than letting their EV battery run low, however kerbside charging adjacent to a home may encourage overnight slow charging.

No breaches have been identified and no complaints have been received as a direct result of the cables being used.

The conditions applied to Council’s trial include:

1. This approval is limited to the use of an electric vehicle charging cable across a footpath with cable protection, only for the period of time for the electric e-vehicle to be charged. Cable protection is to be placed over the electric cable to minimise any trip hazard on the footpath for pedestrians. The cable and protection must be removed once charging of the vehicle is complete.

2. The cable protection must be a heavy duty, high visibility, hard cable cover.

3. The applicant shall display a copy of the “Approved Permit” in a prominent location at the front of the premises, facing the street so that it is publicly available for viewing at all times.

4. The electric vehicle charging cable shall be located so that pedestrian area is maintained for use, access and egress to facilities and vehicles is unimpeded.

5. The applicant must not obstruct access by the Council, any statutory authority, or any other person under the control of the Council of its express authority to carry out maintenance, repairs, or replacement of public works and utility services such as, electrical power, communication cabling, water, sewer, stormwater, or the like. Council will give no reduction or abatement in the fee for any interruption to the use of the Approved Area as a result of such works.

As part of the trial, all residents are informed that the permission is temporary and that there is no guarantee of a suitable parking space outside their property.

Insurance issues have not yet been fully resolved, however some insurance companies have advised that if the cable is attached to the car the insurance for the car would cover any issue for residential properties, while commercial properties or businesses can obtain public liability insurance. Council also has public liability insurance which covers incidents on the council footpath.

In considering the suitability of this trial being expanded to become a permanent measure, it is important to examine potential longer-term implications of larger numbers of cables being placed across the footpath, particularly in relation to safety, aesthetics and convenience for path users. Likewise, it is also important to note that this trial is likely to have reduced the number of unsafe charging cables illegally placed across footpaths.

The installation of public charging will not necessarily stop all demand for some cabling systems across footpaths as early adopters are often utilising their photovoltaic collection solar systems as part of their environmental footprint. There is also an economic benefit for those with solar power to charge their EVs from their own power source.

It is generally considered that the trial is a temporary solution (hence the 12 monthly review) to assist residents until alternatives, such as public charging is readily available.

Opportunities

Public Charging:

Council staff have identified public charging as a significant opportunity to cater for the charging desires of residents without on-site parking, particularly as it can cater for the needs of other potential users as well. The use of public charging requires residents to plan their journeys to ensure they have sufficient charge, much as they currently do with fuel in cars with internal combustion engines (ICE). This means visiting a charging station much as they would a service station, however, currently, the time taken to charge an EV is significantly longer than that taken to refill an ICE vehicle, so EV users are encouraged to “top-up” regularly rather than to wait for their battery to be low.

To assist with this, Council’s proposed charging network will provide a mix of slow, fast and ultra-fast chargers, where the slow chargers will generally be used in residential areas for longer charging periods and faster chargers (in car parks, shopping centres etc) would be used for quick “top-up” charging.

As such a network rolls out, and advancing EV technology helps EVs charge faster, charging an EV would generally be as simple as filling up an ICE vehicle, provided that the owner thinks through their specific charging needs.

Kerbside Private Charging:

The provision of kerbside private charging outside residential buildings, which do not have on-site parking, provides the residents with:

· Ready access to their own personal charging port using their own power supply. In considering this it should be noted, as previously mentioned, that many Inner West residents have their own solar power systems.

· Anecdotally, residents have advised that both cost of power and sustainability of power sources are key factors in their decision-making process for the purchase of an EV.

· Kerbside private charging also offers convenience for EV owners, permitting them to charge near their house (if the kerbside is available at the time). This is particularly relevant for residents who wish to charge their cars overnight.

· The current locations where trial permits have been issued are generally in areas such as Balmain, Birchgrove and Marrickville, where off-street parking is not readily available and kerbside parking is often in high demand.

· A legal, even if temporary, approach to charging their EV outside their home and so reducing the likelihood of cables being used in an unsafe manner to charge EVs at the kerbside.

While the trial currently permits the use of trip-covers, concern has been expressed over the hazards to wheelchairs, personal mobility devices and prams presented by trip-covers (Figure 4), particularly if multiple vehicles are charging within a short distance. Consequently, an opportunity may be available to examine alternative, more permanent systems, (as discussed earlier). The simple use of cables rather than mechanical devices has been accepted for the trial because they are low cost and as such are likely to create an expectation of permanency.

Figure 4 – Example of trip cover used in Council’s current trial

Should Council decide to formalise the approval of kerbside private charging more permanent devices could be installed. These devices are more expensive and have other risks and constraints, however they could address the desire to charger at home.

A lower cost alternative to the more permanent pop-up chargers could be transient trenched (also known as “gully charging”) shown in Figure 5. This approach uses a shallow slot cut across the footpath. The slot is then covered by either a split rubber insert or a lid. This permits cables to be placed in the slot when a vehicle is being charged and removed when charging is complete. There is currently no legal advice available to ascertain whether this form of charging fits within the SEPP.

Figure 5 – Examples of transient trench/gully charging

Constraints

In considering options for residents, who do not have the ability to readily charge on their own property, three methods appear available:

· Provision of their own private charging at the kerbside adjacent to their property.

· Use of private charging at their place of work.

· Use of public charging.

In relation to the latter two options:

· Use of private charging at their place of work – the key risk for the resident is that their employer may not provide charging. Council’s new draft DCP, currently being prepared, is establishing rates of on-site charging provision in new developments, both residential and non-residential. This will not, however, require existing developments to install charging.

Many fleet conversion programs, from ICE to EV, are providing their drivers with EV charging cards similar to fuel cards, and so encouraging use of public charging networks rather than charging at home.

· Use of public charging – as explained earlier in this report, Council is establishing a public charging network across the Inner West. Additionally, the State, is anticipating some 600 public charging ports to be installed across NSW over the next 12 months, many of which will be in the Sydney Region.

Consequently, it is considered that the two charging options above have only limited risks but may prove inconvenient for some residents.

It is considered that the risks and constraints associated with the first option, provision of their own private charging at the kerbside adjacent to their property, is more significant.

The following is a summary of potential constraints associated with use of the public kerbside for private charging:

· Privatisation of the public domain and the establishment of precedent for other future initiatives.

· Setting unrealistic expectations for residents as there could be no guarantee of access to the kerbside space even if a private charger is installed. This means that the owner must carefully manage their battery levels to include a contingency in case they arrive home, and no space is available outside their house. Anecdotally, staff are often told that residents are unable to park within 10s of meters of their house because parking demand is so high.

· Streetscape and visual impacts of permanent charging units when above ground.

· Limitation on some longer-term opportunities (eg implementation of future cycle paths, pedestrian crossings, landscaping etc).

· Lack of equity where houses without on-site parking would be provided the ability to charge at the kerbside but residential flat buildings without parking, would not have this opportunity. (If permission was extended to all flats in a building, occasions may arise where multiple users would wish to charge simultaneously and insufficient kerbspace would be available, potentially resulting in conflict between residents.).

· Unmanaged simultaneous charging of multiple EVs could result in excessive drain on the existing power grid reducing charging speeds and possibly having implications for nearby households and businesses.

· Uncertainty of insurance and liability issues, to clarify who takes responsibility should an incident occur, needs definitive clarification.

· Potential hazards if the charger malfunctions and does not retract after use. This would also leave it vulnerable to vandalism.

· Issues with unknown services under existing footpaths.

· Ability for Council to ensure that these chargers are (as required by the T&I SEPP) only for the use of the resident and not being used for commercial purposes.

· Additional demand placed on Council’s resourcing for enforcement.

· Encouragement of increased private car use because of increased ease of fuelling, in comparison to fossil fuel powered cars. This could potentially leach travel away from active and public transport, resulting in mode shift counter to Council’s adopted Road User Hierarchy and various environmental, and liveability objectives.

Additionally, should the existing trial continue (or increase), the large-scale use of trip-covers on Council footpaths has the potential to result in hazards for wheelchairs, personal mobility devices and prams. This is particularly a concern overnight, when the majority for temporary charging is done and visibility is lowest.

Consideration

As such, it is proposed that the current trial should be continued until July 2026, when it can be anticipated that Council’s charging partners will have completed:

· Stages 1 and 2 of the kerbside charging network.

· Stage 1 of Council’s public car park charging project.

· Initial design work for the Balmain Depot public charging hub.

By this time, it is anticipated that over 200 public charging ports will be available in the Inner West and that significant destination chargers will be available in adjacent LGAs.

It is also proposed to examine the risks and benefits of transient trenched charging and if feasible introduce it within the current trial.

In relation to permanent kerbside pop-up chargers, it is considered that Council should not approve such chargers because of the potential longer-term implications, outlined earlier in this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The cost of the private kerbside charging trial and any future replacement trial should be met by the applicant.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

Item	Costs
Playground upgrade and Shade Sails Provision $270k	$270k
Park Landscaping and Biodiversity Improvements (includes irrigation repairs , nest box installation, turf and garden improvements)	$60k
Signage improvements	$0 (costs to be met through existing signage maintenance budget)
Total Costs	$330K

Topic	Key Change
Commercial Sporting Providers seeking access to sporting grounds	Commercial providers of sport and recreation can now appeal allocations- so all hirers are on equal footing - previously they were excluded from appeals Commercial providers who have historic and strong links to the Inner West and can demonstrate community benefit through the provision of sporting activities are now given a 3-point weighting under Community Development in Weighted Criteria - previously they were allocated 0.
Access & Equity	Renamed to Planning, Programs and Leadership.
Child Safe Clubs Requirements	Introduced into the policy and a weighting applied.
Appeals Process	Change made- if the recommendation from the weighted assessment is not accepted by applicants, then an appeal process is available to the applicant. Appeals process involves a 3-person panel, 1 being external and clear terms of reference. Their recommendations and decision will be final.
Ground Conditions	Clauses on ground condition to allow Parks Operations to best protect and maintain the grounds for ongoing use have been strengthened.
Defibrillators at Council Sporting Grounds	The policy includes a clause that all sporting clubs and organisations (community and commercial) accessing Council sporting grounds must have operational Defibrillators (AEDs) in place by the winter sporting season in 2024. Portable devices are permissible.
Un-utilised Sports Grounds	Clauses strengthened on underutilisation to make it even clearer Council can reallocate if an allocation is not being utilised.
Arlington Recreation Reserve	Arlington Recreation Reserve has now been included in the Sporting Ground Allocations Policy. Council has not received any significant complaints on the operational management of the park in four years and the sporting ground is being managed successfully through close monitoring and liaison between Council’s Parks Planning Engagement Officer, Office of Sport Coordinator and the allocated Sporting users.

Club submission	Officer Comments
Lodging an appeal within 48 hours of draft allocation	This has been removed in the Sporting Grounds Allocations Policy to make the process on appeals clearer.
Formal changeover dates from the summer to winter season	Winter sport has the opportunity for pre-season use. Summer sport does not. The summer season starts on the third Tuesday in September to the third Sunday in March. (exempt are turf wicket and baseball grounds to fit their traditional and respective summer seasons in) Winter clubs have two weeks in March and the opportunity to use grounds for pre-season from January if they are available. Council has made sporting grounds available for Balmain and District Football Club for summer and pre-season use.
Winter sport should change over from the first Tuesday in March	This option is not supported- This approach would result in summer sports losing a month of sporting use to complete their competitions and is not equitable (most sports in summer shut down for a significant period in January)
Easter shutdown	The Easter shutdown for the start of the winter season is required for the sporting grounds for essential maintenance. Summer sports have a minimum of a two week shut down (and sometimes longer) due to the high wear and tear of the winter sports and maintenance and rest is needed.
Summer season allocation Change allocation period to end first Sunday in March	The summer season allocation is not recommended to change as both seasons need to be fair and equitable in terms of allocations for a range of summer and winter sports.
Winter season allocation Change allocation period to commence first Tuesday in March	The winter season allocation is not recommended to change as both seasons need to be fair and equitable in terms of allocations for a range of summer and winter sports.
Allocation process and determination should be retained at ten days	Majority of clubs are happy with the current process and there is no need to change the current process. Note no appeals in 2024 have been received for winter sports.
Appeal process / timeline	Amended to make it clearer.
Hours of Operation	Amended as per submission.
Smoking and vaping	Prohibition on Vaping has been added.

Change	Reason
Deletion of reference to recent reforms to the EP&A Act 1979 relating to community participation.	The changes referred to came into force in July 2018.
What is a public exhibition? Notifying individual land owners/occupiers Replaced with: Notifying affected and adjoining land owners/occupiers depending on the nature and potential impact of the change	Provides more detail on who will be notified when a planning matter is exhibited.
Submissions Council will advise people who made a submission in writing of the decision. AND The number of submissions will be reported to the elected Council and a summary of engagement outcomes published on the website. Replaced with: A report on feedback received in submissions will be considered by Council as part of the decision-making process. Council will advise submitters of reporting dates and Council decisions.	More accurately reflects the process of reporting on submissions and keeping submitters informed.
Decision making Planning proposals are determined by the relevant planning authority which may be Council, the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel or Greater Sydney Commission or another authority appointed by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. Replaced with: For planning proposals, Council resolves whether to proceed with a local environmental plan (LEP) amendment, however the final decision is made by the local plan-making authority which may be the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces (or the Minister’s delegate) or Council. In some circumstances, Council will not be the Planning Proposal Authority (responsible for the governance of a planning proposal, including preparation and exhibition) and this will be the Planning Secretary (NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure), the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel or another body appointed by the Minister.	More accurately reflects the role of Council in decision-making and governing planning proposals.
Notification process for planning proposals and development control plans This new section outlines how Council will notify the community about planning proposals that have received a Gateway determination to proceed, and draft development control plans. Consistent with the approach for development applications, minimum notification distances are stipulated based on the category of a planning proposal or DCP amendment and the extent of the potential impacts. This section also states that for amendments that are proposed to apply to many properties, Council may not send letters, however notification will be placed on Council’s website and electronic alerts will be sent to registered persons or groups. This is consistent with the NSW Government’s Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline.	The intent of this section is to ensure a consistent and transparent approach to the notification of planning proposals and draft DCPs.
How we notify This section is proposed to be deleted. It outlines the information that will be contained in a notification letter or email.	This section largely repeated content included in ‘what is a public exhibition?’
General housekeeping changes	Amend terminology to better reflect wording in legislation as well as update reference to now superseded SEPPs
Add note regarding notification radius of a development that encompasses a neighbouring Local Government Area	To inform that properties within the radius and in neighbouring LGAs will be notified in accordance that properties Council’s notification policy
Development Type A (no notification) – add internal building works to heritage items	Generally limited relevant planning implications affecting the community to warrant community engagement
Development Type A (no notification) – add tree removal in HCAs	Generally limited relevant planning implications affecting the community to warrant community engagement
Development Type A (no notification) – remove reference to amended plans	This is covered in ‘Amended plans and information’ section of document
Development Type A (no notification) – remove signage with minimal impact	Considered difficult to quantify/qualify. Generally signage may have planning implications affecting the community to warrant community engagement. Signage and advertising structures are already in Type B.
Development Type A (no notification) – add demolition of minor or ancillary structures in an HCA	Generally limited relevant planning implications affecting the community to warrant community engagement
Development Type B (14 days) – amend wording to encompass demolition of all buildings	Simplify requirement so that demolition of all buildings require notification unless found in ‘Type A’ i.e. ancillary structures
Development Type B (14 days) – add solar panels	Previously was not covered, may have planning implications affecting the community to warrant community engagement
Development Type C (21 days) – add Supportive accommodation, Group homes, Co-living and Build-to-rent housing	To reflect the new typologies in the Housing SEPP 2021
Development Type C (21 days) – change ‘schools’ to ‘educational facilities’	To better reflect terminology in LEP and encompass more uses (i.e. colleges)
Development Type C (21 days) – change ‘Residential aged care facility’ to ‘Seniors housing’	To better reflect terminology in LEP
Development Type D (28 days) – change from 30 days to 28 days	To reflect the 28 days requirement in Schedule 1 Division 2 of the EP&A Act 1979
Development Type D (28 days) – add ‘designated development’, ‘nominated integrated development’ and ‘Council-related development applications’	To reflect Schedule 1 Division 2 of the EP&A Act 1979
Development Type D (28 days) – add ‘Category 1 remediation works’	To reflect Schedule 1. Division 2 9A of the EP&A Act 1979
Section 4.56 modification – change wording	To reflect Part 5, Division 2 of the EPA&A Regs 2021
Add ‘Note 3: When the original notification method, period and/or radius cannot be determined, defer to the notification requirements in Table 2.’	To encompass modifications to legacy applications
Amended plans and information - amend wording so that the default is that applications will not be renotified ‘…unless there are perceivable additional impacts including (but not limited to):’ Add instances where applications may be renotified.	To simplify and better specify the ‘trigger’ requirements for re-notification.
Amended plans and information – add note that the application will be re-notified in the same manner as the original application	To clarify the notification method
Amended plans and information – add note Council has the discretion to alter any of the above (renotification ‘triggers’) where the nature of the changes warrants it	To provide Council with the discretion to renotify (or not) in instances that fall outside of the triggers

Ward	Item
Baludarri (Balmain)	Re-exhibition of proposed permanent road closure Jaggers Lane, Balmain
	Evans Street at Mansfield Street, Rozelle- Proposed Raised Pedestrian Crossing
	Fredbert Street, Lilyfield - Resident Parking Scheme Removal
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Empire Street, Haberfield - Proposed Motorbike Parking
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)	Review of proposed resident parking scheme in Croydon
Midjuburi (Marrickville)	Burrows Avenue and Railway Road, Sydenham - Proposed Bus layover and parking changes
	Wardell Road railway overbridge in Dulwich Hill - proposed modification to the existing delineation for associated footpath and barriers works
	Griffiths Street, Tempe - Request for extension of existing M18 residential parking scheme - resident parking questionnaire survey results
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)	Robert Street at Holden Street, Ashfield - New At-Grade Pedestrian (Zebra) Crossing
	Elizabeth Street, Ashfield (Frederick Street to Nixon Avenue)-Pedestrian and Parking facility improvements
	Clissold Street, at Holden Street, Ashfield- new at-grade (road level) Pedestrian (zebra) crossing
	Queen Street, between Hillcrest Avenue & New Street, Ashfield-Pedestrian Safety & Traffic improvement works
	Norton Street, Ashfield (between A'Beckett Avenue to Carlisle Street) - Proposed improved Pedestrian Facility and Traffic Calming Works
	Dulwich Hill Station Precinct - Proposed parking changes
	Review of proposed resident parking scheme in Croydon
Damun (Stanmore)	Edgeware Road and Camden Street, Enmore - Proposed kerb extensions
	Douglas Lane, Stanmore - Proposed 'No Parking' and 'No Stopping' restrictions
	Lincoln Street, Stanmore - Proposed angle parking
	West Street and Railway Terrace intersection, Petersham – Traffic and pedestrian safety review - C0924(1) Item 38 Notice of Motion
All Wards	LGA-Wide High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA) Investigations - Final Report

1.⇩	Final Quarter 2 Report 24/25
2.⇩	December 2024 Quarterly Budget Review Statement

1.⇨	Engagement Outcomes Report - Published separately on Council’s website
2.⇩	Plan of Management and Masterplans

1.⇩	1-13 Parramatta Road - VPA Variation - Final to Sign
2.⇩	Further Background

1.⇩	National General Assembly Discussion Paper 2025
2.⇩	Previous Inner West National General Assembly Motions
3.⇩	National General Assembly Proposed Motions - Template

1.⇩	Draft submission to the Office of Local Government
2.⇩	Consultation Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice
3.⇩	A new model code of practice consultation paper

1.⇩	Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - November 2024
2.⇩	Inner West Council Investment Report - November 2024

Venue	Jul-24	Aug-24	Sep-24	Oct-24	Nov-24	Dec-24
Annandale Community Centre	65	62	60	47	11	33
Ashfield Town Hall	54	37	27	59	23	31
Balmain Town Hall	0	0	9	31	25	41
Leichhardt Town Hall	25	54	56	65	30	30
Marrickville Town Hall	41	25	30	37	15	14
Petersham Town Hall	12	35	14	94	8	25
St Peters Town Hall	64	56	64	60	25	49
Others (non-Town Hall venue)	108	132	159	97	90	96
TOTALS	369	401	419	490	227	319

1.⇩	Community Venues Utilisation - Revenue & Fee Subsidy - 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024
2.⇩	Marketing Strategy for community venues

1.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Izabella Antoniou
2.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Olivia Barlow
3.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Andrew Blake
4.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Jo Carlisle
5.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Vicki Clay
6.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Kerrie Fergusson
7.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Victor Macri
8.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Vittoria Raciti
9.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (first return) - Clr Ismet Tastan
10.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Mayor Darcy Byrne
11.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
12.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Clr Jessica D'Arienzo
13.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Clr Vicki Clay
14.⇩	Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Clr Chloe Smith

1.	Confidential 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.
2.	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.
3.	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.
4.	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.

1.	Confidential Report - ARIC Independent Member Appointments - Confidential *This attachment is confidential in accordance to personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors) (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993).*
2.	ARIC Independent Member CVs - Confidential *This attachment is confidential in accordance to personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors) (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993).*
3.⇩	Draft ARIC Minutes 6 December 2024
4.⇩	Draft ARIC Annual Report 2023-24