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AGENDA R |
Council Meeting
TUESDAY 20 MAY 2025
6:30 PM
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Live Streaming of Council Meeting
In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. By speaking at a Council meeting, members of the public agree to being recorded and must ensure their speech to the Council is respectful and use appropriate language. A person who uses defamatory, discriminatory or offensive language may be exposed to liability for which Council takes no responsibility. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded.
Council meetings are streamed live on Council’s website. This allows our community greater access to Council proceedings, decisions and debate.
Pre-Registration to Speak at Council Meetings
Members of the public must register by 2pm of the day of the Meeting to speak at Council Meetings. If you wish to register to speak please fill in a Register to Speak Form, available from the Inner West Council website, including:
Are there any rules for speaking at a Council Meeting?
The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:
What happens after I submit the form?
You will be contacted by Governance Staff to confirm your registration. If you indicated that you will speak online, you will be provided with a link to the online meeting. Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Chairperson on the night of the meeting.
Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.
Accessibility
Inner West Council is committed to ensuring people with a disability have equal opportunity to take part in Council and Committee Meetings. At the Council Chambers at Ashfield, there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5536.
Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.
Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.
“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.
An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.
Statement of Ethical Obligations
The Mayor and Councillors are bound by the Oath/ Affirmation of Office made at the start of the Council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Inner West Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.
It is also a requirement that the Mayor and Councillors disclose conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
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AGENDA |
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies and Request for Remote Attendance
3 Notice of Webcasting
4 Statement of Ethical Obligations
5 Disclosures of Interest (Part 4 (Pecuniary Interests) and Part 5 (non-pecuniary conflicts of interest) of Council’s Code of Conduct)
6 Moment
of Quiet Contemplation
7 Confirmation of Minutes Page
Minutes
of 29 April 2025
Council
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8 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
9 Condolence Motions
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
11 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C0525(1) Item 1 Public Exhibition - Draft Lobbying Policy 33
C0525(1) Item 2 'Fairer Future for the Inner West’ – Council-Led alternate Planning Approach for New Housing 45
C0525(1) Item 3 Post Exhibition - Urban Forest Policy 63
C0525(1) Item 4 New Residential Development Panel 94
C0525(1) Item 5 Quarter Three - Progress Report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2024/25 and Quarterly Budget Review Statement 106
C0525(1) Item 6 Bill Smoothing - Updated Recommendation 226
C0525(1) Item 7 Hygienic Disposal in Men's Toilets 230
C0525(1) Item 8 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 14 April 2025 233
C0525(1) Item 9 RFT 41-24 Insurance Services - Addendum 251
C0525(1) Item 10 Review of Opportunities for EV Public Charging in Tempe Reserve and Balmain Depot - Addendum 252
12 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C0525(1) Item 11 Review of Opportunities for EV Public Charging in Tempe Reserve and Balmain Depot 255
C0525(1) Item 12 Investment Report at 30 April 2025 260
C0525(1) Item 13 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade - Monthly Project Update 314
C0525(1) Item 14 Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment - Monthly Project Update 318
C0525(1) Item 15 Clontarf Cottage Refurbishment and Marketing Strategy 322
C0525(1) Item 16 New Public Toilets - Weekley, McNeilly and Jarvie Parks 327
C0525(1) Item 17 Cleaning up our laneways 330
C0525(1) Item 18 Robert Street, Balmain - Opportunities for separated pedestrian/cycle lane 336
C0525(1) Item 19 Flood Improvement Plan for Evan Jones Playground and Whites Creek Lane, Leichhardt 341
C0525(1) Item 20 Transfer of goods to remote Indigenous communities 345
C0525(1) Item 21 Trans Pride Australia Proposal for Solidarity Crossing 347
C0525(1) Item 22 2024-2025 Updated Annual Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest Returns 349
13 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0525(1) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Driveway exit safety at Ara (141-143 Allen St and 220-224 Flood St, Leichhardt) 364
C0525(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Annandale Police Station: update and parking needs 375
C0525(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Haberfield Business Roundtable 377
C0525(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Inner West Pride Walk 378
C0525(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Eliminating Produce Stickers, Microplastics and FOGO Contaminants 379
C0525(1) Item 28 Notice of Motion: Cooks River fishing signage and disposal bins 380
C0525(1) Item 29 Notice of Motion: Gannon Street Pedestrian Crossing 381
C0525(1) Item 30 Notice of Motion: Calvert Street Carpark Plug and Play Events 382
C0525(1) Item 31 Notice of Motion: Supporting Solar Uptake as Part of the DCP 383
C0525(1) Item 32 Notice of Motion: Petersham Park – Nappy Change Table Facilities 384
14 Questions From Councillors
ITEM Page
C0525(1) Item 33 Question on Notice: SUV use in the Inner West 385
15 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C0525(1) Item 34 RFT 41-24 Insurance Services 390
C0525(1) Item 35 RFT 04-25 Mackey Park Amenities Construction 391
C0525(1) Item 36 RFT 09-24 Print and Associated Services Tender Evaluation Report 393
C0525(1) Item 37 Contributions and Reimbursements 394
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Minutes of
Ordinary Council Meeting held on 29 April 2025 at
Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.31pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Mat Howard Izabella Antoniou Liz Atkins Olivia Barlow Andrew Blake Jo Carlisle Vicki Clay Jessica D’Arienzo Kerrie Fergusson Victor Macri Philippa Scott Chloe Smith Ismet Tastan Simone Plummer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Director Planning |
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Manod Wickramasinghe Ryann Midei |
Acting Director Engineering Director Major Projects and Property |
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Ruth Callaghan Chris Sleiman Julian Sakarai Scott Mullen Daniel East Rocco Sergi Megan Jenkins |
Director Community Acting Director Corporate Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk Strategic Investments and Property Manager Senior Manager Strategic Planning Coordinator Strategic Investments and Properties Senior Lawyer |
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Katherine Paixao Darcie Huisman |
Business Paper Coordinator Business Paper Officer |
APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
Motion: (Macri/Howard)
That apologies from Councillor Raciti be accepted.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:
Councillor Macri declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 20 - Draft Economic Development Budget 2025-26 as he is a member of the Marrickville Chamber of Commerce. He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting.
Councillor Atkins declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 43 - Notice of Motion: Active Super Greenwashing as they are a contributing member of the Local Government Super Scheme/Active Super now known as Vision Super. They will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Barlow declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 March 2025 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 Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 March 2025 as Item 11 in the minutes considers amendments to parking restrictions on the street where his principal residence is situated. As the location of the proposed changes is not in close proximity to his principal residence and presents no impact to his principal residence, he will remain in the Chamber for discussion and voting.
Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 - Minutes of the Flood Management Advisory Committee of 26 February 2025 and Appointment of Community Representatives as he resides in a flood affected area impacted by the Marrickville Valley Flood Risk Management Plan considered in Item 2 of the minutes. As the report is a review only and does not seek to make further recommendations for work or future funding decisions, he will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Clay declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 - Minutes of the Flood Management Advisory Committee of the 26 February 2025 and Appointment of Community Representatives as she lives in the Johnston’s Creek Catchment Area which is referred to generally in this report, but her residence will not be affected by any of the content of the report. She has also previously worked at Stantec, which prepared reports related to this item. She ceased employment in 2020 and has not maintained a relationship with the company since leaving. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter, as her interests in this matter are sufficiently remote as to not require further action in the circumstances.
Councillor Scott declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 43 - Notice of Motion: Active Super Greenwashing as she is on the board of LGNSW and receives a sitting fee for attending meetings. She will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Atkins declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 - Minutes of the Flood Management Advisory Committee of 26 February 2025 and Appointment of Community Representatives as their principal place of residence is in the Johnston’s Creek Flood Zone. Given the nature of the item the conflict will not affect their ability to carry out duties and so they will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Motion: (Smith/D’Arienzo)
That Council note the disclosures of interest.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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That the Minutes of the Council held on Tuesday, 11 March 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
PUBLIC FORUM
The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the meeting at 6:50pm and vacated the Chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard assumed the Chair.
Councillor Macri left the meeting at 7:05pm
Councillor Macri returned to the meeting at 7:06pm
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the meeting at 7:10pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Howard vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the Chair.
Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time:
1. Item 4 - Mort Bay Park Upgrade - Pickleball and Tennis Practice Wall
2. Item 5 - Proposed Streetscape Improvements at the Boulevarde, Lilyfield
3. Item 6 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 March 2025
4. Item 9 - Burwood Council Proposed Boundary Changes Around Presbyterian Ladies College Croydon
5. Item 13 - Post Exhibition – 1-13 Parramatta Road, Annandale - Deed of Variation for Planning Agreement
6. Item 15 - Public Exhibition - Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
7. Item 18 - Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - Minutes and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest First Returns
8. Item 23 - Supporting the launch of Balmain Markets
9. Item 24 - Investment Report at 28 February 2025
10. Item 25 - Investment Report at 31 March 2025
11. Item 28 - Railway Avenue, Stanmore - Review of Traffic Accidents Adjacent to the Railway Avenue Cycleway
12. Item 33 - Notice of Motion: National General Assembly of Local Government 2025
13. Item 34 - Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossing - Park Road Marrickville
14. Item 36 - Notice of Motion: Open Space for Tempe
15. Item 37 - Notice of Motion: Marrickville Road Urgent Maintenance
16. Item 38 - Notice of Motion: Taxis in South Marrickville
17. Item 44 - Notice of Motion: Raised pedestrian crossing at Darley Road near Allen Street, Leichhardt
18. Item 45 - Notice of Motion: Inner West pedestrian and cyclist street furniture and parking audit
19. Item 46 - Notice of Motion: Reverse Garbage 50th Anniversary
20. Item 47 - Notice of Motion: Lighting in Marrickville Parks
21. Item 48 - Notice of Motion: East Tempe Parking
22. Item 49 - Notice of Motion: Camdenville Oval Koori Knockout Blue Plaque
23. Item 50 - Notice of Motion: Improved Collaboration with Homes NSW on rubbish dumping on and outside public housing properties
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)
That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the reports be adopted:
1. Item 4 - Mort Bay Park Upgrade - Pickleball and Tennis Practice Wall
2. Item 5 - Proposed Streetscape Improvements at the Boulevarde, Lilyfield
3. Item 6 - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 March 2025
4. Item 9 - Burwood Council Proposed Boundary Changes Around Presbyterian Ladies College Croydon
5. Item 13 - Post Exhibition – 1-13 Parramatta Road, Annandale - Deed of Variation for Planning Agreement
6. Item 15 - Public Exhibition - Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
7. Item 18 - Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - Minutes and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest First Returns
8. Item 23 - Supporting the launch of Balmain Markets
9. Item 24 - Investment Report at 28 February 2025
10. Item 25 - Investment Report at 31 March 2025
11. Item 28 - Railway Avenue, Stanmore - Review of Traffic Accidents Adjacent to the Railway Avenue Cycleway
12. Item 33 - Notice of Motion: National General Assembly of Local Government 2025
13. Item 34 - Notice of Motion: Pedestrian Crossing - Park Road Marrickville
14. Item 36 - Notice of Motion: Open Space for Tempe
15. Item 37 - Notice of Motion: Marrickville Road Urgent Maintenance
16. Item 38 - Notice of Motion: Taxis in South Marrickville
17. Item 44 - Notice of Motion: Raised pedestrian crossing at Darley Road near Allen Street, Leichhardt
18. Item 45 - Notice of Motion: Inner West pedestrian and cyclist street furniture and parking audit
19. Item 46 - Notice of Motion: Reverse Garbage 50th Anniversary
20. Item 47 - Notice of Motion: Lighting in Marrickville Parks
21. Item 48 - Notice of Motion: East Tempe Parking
22. Item 49 - Notice of Motion: Camdenville Oval Koori Knockout Blue Plaque
23. Item 50 - Notice of Motion: Improved Collaboration with Homes NSW on rubbish dumping on and outside public housing properties
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council investigates the potential creation of an open space in Tempe alongside the Goods Rail line overpass.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council note the feedback of the public meeting on 14 April 2025.
2. That Council consider “plain English” signage indicating the additional number of parking spots in the Robyn Webster Indoor Parking lot.
3. That Council provide a further report to the August 2025 Council meeting, considering options to improve parking at Tempe Reserve through: a) Establishing parking spots adjacent to the storage area for boats at the Tempe Motorboat Club, directly opposite the restricted parking on Holbeach Avenue; b) Engaging with the taxi mechanic on Holbeach Avenue regarding parking on Holbeach Avenue and other local streets; c) Engaging with Sydney Airport Corporation regarding passenger and airport worker parking in East Tempe streets, including communications deterring parking on East Tempe streets; d) Creating a mobility parking space on Holbeach Ave near the storage area for the Tempe Motorboat Club; e) Considering no stopping signage at the end of local streets in East Tempe f) Considering the establishment of shared streets and one way streets in East Tempe; g) Indicating the impact of the Inner West @40km project on local streets in East Tempe; h) The feasibility of establishing a footpath on South Street, Tempe; i) Conducting further traffic studies for the area after consulting with sports clubs about high utilisation rates of Tempe Reserve; j) Considering the timing of future Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) studies required as part of the Bunnings Tempe development; and k) Other initiatives.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Howard/Carlisle)
That Council allow Clr D’Arienzo to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 2.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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C0425(1) Item 3 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Stage 2 Upgrade |
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1. That Council note the outcomes of the Engagement Report, including that the vast majority of respondents supported the stage 2 works to Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, including three quarters of people who saw the plans in person.
2. That Council investigate options to include a small playground in the grassed area between the pools and the Bay Run, including funding sources.
3. That Council investigate options to include more shade over the concourse areas around the 50m and 25m pools, including funding sources.
4. That Council staff include the results of these investigations in their monthly reports to Council.
5. That Council adopt the revised conceptual designs in Attachment 2 of the Council report, for Stage 2 of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre.
6. That Council endorse proceeding with detailed design development, planning approval and delivery stages for the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade Stage 2.
7. That Council note that the required funding detailed in the funding implications of this report for the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade is included in the draft 2025/26 operational plan and budget.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C0425(1) Item 8 Expanding Jazz in the Park |
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1. That Council endorse the proposal to expand the Jazz in the Park event into a Balmain Street Festival.
2. That Council approve that, if the application for the NSW Open Streets Grant Program is unsuccessful, alternative funding sources and/or revised festival designs be explored. This includes consideration for inclusion in the 2025/26 budget, and whether the Town Halls Festivals funding allocated to Balmain could be used to support this festival.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council resolve that the General Manager negotiate the final terms of a Care Control and Management Agreement and Funding Deed with Transport for New South Wales.
2. That Council resolve the General Manager execute a Care Control Management Agreement and Funding Deed for Rozelle Parklands.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council endorse the following Policy statement for inclusion in the Parking Enforcement Operating Management Standard (OMS):
‘Where a Council officer verifies that a resident is prevented access to their driveway, a tow truck is engaged to move the vehicle.’
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C0425(1) Item 12 Leichhardt Oval Renovation Update |
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That Council endorse the Leichhardt Oval renovation final design concepts April 2025 (Attachment 1 of the Council report) and proceed with preparing detailed plans in order to seek planning approval.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That this report be deferred to the June 2025 Council meeting.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That this item be deferred to the May 2025 Council meeting.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Macri left the meeting at 7:50pm as he declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 20, as he is a member of the Marrickville Chamber of Commerce.
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a) a revised proposal that includes a competitive grant process open to all business groups from the 2026 financial year, and retaining existing allocations to the Marrickville Chamber of Commerce for the 2025-2026 financial year; and b) options to grow the amount available for grants.
2. That the grants process be run in the same manner as the current grant process.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Macri |
Procedural Motion (Howard/Clay)
That the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Macri
The meeting was adjourned at 7.59pm
The meeting resumed at 8.07pm
Councillor Macri returned to the meeting at 8:07pm
Procedural Motion (Howard/Carlisle)
That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 22.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council note and thank Council staff for promptly installing a ‘no right turn’ sign at the intersection of Murrell Street and Liverpool Road, and Ashfield Public School P&C for their advocacy.
3. That Council write to the Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen MP and the Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP, to request that the speed limit be reduced to 50kph along Liverpool Road between Holden Street and Nottle Street, Ashfield.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council expand the “Street Blitz” to include a main street in every ward, as follows: a) Ashfield-Djarrawunang: Liverpool Road; b) Balmain-Baludarri: Darling Street; c) Leichhardt-Gulgadya: Norton Street; d) Stanmore-Damun: Enmore Road; and e) Marrickville-Midjuburi: Marrickville Road.
2. That Council develop a communications plan related to the Street Blitz program, including but not limited to: a) Social media content and sponsored social media advertising; b) Specific signage promoting works under the program in locations where work is occurring; c) Letterbox drops to businesses and residences in proximity to main streets; and d) Inclusion of street blitz activities in the Inner West Community News.
3. That Council receive and note the report.
4. That Council investigate the service levels with the Council booked cleanups with regard to delays and extended waiting times.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C0425(1) Item 39 Notice
of Motion: Reaffirming our commitment to diversity, |
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1. That Council reaffirm the Inner West Council’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the continued implementation of policies and strategies that embody this commitment, including the Anti-Racism Strategy, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Reconciliation Action Plan, the Gender Equity Strategy, and the Workforce Management Strategy.
2. That Council note that staff are currently developing the Community Safety Action Plan and seek an update at the June 2025 Council meeting.
3. That Council commits to continuing to enhance community safety including through visible support from Council for marginalised communities and supporting local democracy groups for those communities to provide input into development and implementation of Inner West policies, strategic plans and/or programs.
4. That Council recommits to events which reflect our support for DEI including the Inclusion Festival, Feel the Love, National Reconciliation Week events, and Mental Health Month events and other events throughout the year such as Trans and Gender Diverse and Abilities swim events, reestablishment of a refugee swimming program and inclusive library events.
5. That Council agrees that in June 2025 it will hold a Pride Month event at Leichhardt Town Hall in conjunction with local LGBTQIA+ organisations, within existing budget.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council undertake consultation with residents and local businesses (including Camperdown Collision Centre and Artsite Contemporary) on increased in-road tree planting at St Marys Street, Camperdown between Salisbury Road and Chelmsford Street.
2. That Council prepare a report back on consultation outcomes as well as feasibility, cost, and impact on parking and road usage of increased in-road tree planting at this location.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council note that: a) Camperdown Commons is a site established on public land, owned by the NSW Government and managed by Inner West Council; b) the site was previously home to the Camperdown Bowling Club; c) the former Marrickville Council allowed the site to be sensitively redeveloped and upgraded when the bowling club closed; d) following an expression of interest process, Marrickville Council entered into a long term lease over the site with Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL with strong conditions that public benefit and access be continued, banning poker machines on the site, creating a new community room for discounted hire and establishing an urban community farm; e) since being leased to Camperdown Commons a number of not for profit and social enterprise activities have operated alongside Camperdown Commons’ commercial restaurant and bar; and f) Pocket City Farms has a long term arrangement with Camperdown Commons to establish and operate an urban farm. Over time the Pocket City Farms has received public grants which it has used to undertake significant upgrades to the site including water tanks. It also provides educational opportunities to schools, community and businesses about sustainable practices.
2. That Council also note that: a) the lessee at Camperdown Commons has offered the leasehold interest in Camperdown Commons for sale via Expressions of Interest which closed on 15 April 2025; b) the leasehold may be assigned with Council’s consent; c) the current lease term ends on 20 June 2026 with two options of 5 years each; d) the agreed manner of operation of the premises includes the operation of a market garden/urban farm; and e) this requirement is complied with via a licence to Pocket City Farms which expires on the same date as the current lease term, i.e. 20 June 2026.
3. That Council reaffirm its commitment to ensuring the site continue to deliver strong community benefits.
4. That Council receive an urgent report about the status of Pocket City Farms.
5. That Council receive a report on the outcome of the Expression of Interest process and any request for consent to assign of the lease at the first available Council meeting after such a request is made to Council.
6. That any request for assignment of the lease at Camperdown Commons be brought to Council for decision.
7. That Council commence discussions with the incoming tenant and report back to Council on opportunities to increase community activation of the site, including live music activations, markets, and other community events, and advertise the community space on Council websites, social media, and the newsletter.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Atkins left the meeting at 8:46pm as they had declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 43 as they are a contributing member of the Local Government Super Scheme/Active Super now known as Vision Super.
Councillor Scott left the meeting at 8:46pm as she had declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 43 as she is on the board of LGNSW, and receives a sitting fee for attending meetings.
Councillor Atkins returned to the meeting at 8:54pm
Councillor Scott returned to the meeting at 8:54pm
Procedural Motion (Howard/Smith)
That Council enter into Confidential session.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Procedural Motion (Howard/Clay)
That Council move back into the Open Session of the Council meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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:
C0425(1) Item 54 Sydney Gateway Project and Hand Back of Council Leased Land (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
C0425(1) Item 55 Sydney Gateway - Lease of Industrial Lands – Tempe (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.
C0425(1) Item 56 RFT 41-24 Insurance Services (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
resolutions passed during closed session
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That the report be deferred to the June 2025 meeting of Council.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Blake, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Meeting closed at 9.01pm.
Public Speakers:
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Item #
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Speaker |
Suburb |
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Item 2: |
Michael Deller |
Croydon |
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Item 8: |
Trista Rose |
Balmain |
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Item 20: |
Morris Hanna Nicholas Smith |
Maroubra Marrickville |
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Item 34: |
Caitlin Rowe John Tsihlis |
Marrickville Marrickville |
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Item 39: |
Alex Watson |
Marrickville |
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Item 41: |
Jacqui Besgrove Tammy Yau |
Camperdown Camperdown |
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Item 50: |
Renate Barnett |
Balmain |
Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 29 April 2025.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Public Exhibition - Draft Lobbying Policy
Council at its meeting on 29 April 2025 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 May 2025.
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Lobbying 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 Lobbying 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:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Council meeting held on 3 December 2024, Council resolved to develop and consult on a procedure by which Councillors will 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.
The draft Lobbying Policy (Draft Policy) (refer to Attachment 1) outlines requirements for Council to publish details of meetings between Councillors and registered lobbyists and/or property developers.
Officers recommend placing the Draft Policy on exhibition for a period of 28 days.
BACKGROUND
Lobbying is an essential part of the democratic process that can enhance decision making. However, lobbying can also create corruption risks, and undermine public confidence in decision making due to perceptions of undue influence, bias, and preferential access. It is in the public interest that lobbying is conducted in accordance with community expectations of transparency integrity and honesty.
Current Lobbying Policy
Council’s current Lobbying Policy requires lobbyists to complete a lobbyist registration form if they intend to lobby Council. While the current Lobbying Policy obliges Council Officials, to avoid inappropriate conduct during the lobbying process, the regulatory model that the current Lobbying Policy is based on focusses on lobbyists, and the actions they must take in respect of proposed lobbying.
Council Resolution
At the December 2024 Council Meeting, Council resolved to develop and consult on a procedure by which Councillors will 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.
Lobbying of Government Officials Act 2011
The Lobbying of Government Officials Act 2011 (LOGO), among other things, obliges lobbyists to comply with a Lobbyists Code of Conduct, and register their details on a central Lobbyist Register maintained by the Electoral Commission. The Lobbyists Code of Conduct requires any lobbyist seeking to influence government policy or decision making to disclose certain information when interacting with Government Officials. LOGO and the Lobbyists Code of Conduct exclude local government officials from the definition of a Government Official. This means these requirements do not apply to lobbyists who lobby local government officials.
The requirements in LOGO and the Lobbyists Code of Conduct are supplemented, in respect of NSW State Government Ministers, by the Premier’s Memorandum “M2015-05 - Publication of Ministerial Diaries and Release of Overseas Travel Information”. The Premier’s Memorandum establishes a “meeting disclosure” model, whereby State Government Ministers must regularly publish extracts from their diaries detailing scheduled meetings held with stakeholders, external organisations, third-party lobbyists and individuals.
Ministers must publish their diary extracts one month after the end of each quarter. For third party lobbyists, the diary extract must contain the name of the lobbyist (that is, the entity), the individual lobbyists’ names, and the name of their client.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Draft Policy is based on a “meeting disclosure” model, and will apply to Councillors holding meetings with registered lobbyists or property developers in their capacity as Councillors.
The Policy will not require disclosure of any interactions with lobbyists or property developers at:
· meetings that are strictly personal, electorate, or party political;
· social or public functions or events (unless the interaction leads to a substantive discussion of issues).
The Draft Policy defines a registered lobbyist as a lobbyist required to register with the NSW Electoral Commission under section 9 of LOGO. This includes any third party lobbyist, or individual hired by a third party lobbyist. The Draft Policy uses the definition of a property developer from the Electoral Funding Act 2018, being an individual or a corporation that carries on a business mainly concerned with the residential or commercial development of land, with the ultimate purpose of the sale or lease of the land for profit.
The Draft Policy will require Councillors to document, in a template form, any meetings, or substantial or significant discussions held outside formal scheduled meetings, with registered lobbyists and/or property developers.
The Draft Policy proposes that Councillors will fill in the form and submit it to Council’s General Manager every three months, within two weeks of the end of the quarter. Councillors will still need to provide a “NIL” disclosure on the form for each quarter even if they do not have any meetings to disclose.
Officers will add the content from the forms to a register, and make the register available online on a quarterly basis, within four weeks of the end of the relevant three-month reporting period. Any updates made to the register will remain on Council’s website for 12 months after the initial date of publication of the updates.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with placing the Policy on public exhibition.
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1.⇩ |
Draft Lobbying Policy |
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: 'Fairer Future for the Inner West’ – Council-Led alternate Planning Approach for New Housing
Prepared By: Simone Plummer - Director Planning
Authorised By: Matthew Pearce - General Counsel
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse for exhibition Our Fairer Future Plan - Council's approach for new housing in the Inner West, including supporting technical studies, as shown at Attachment 1 and Appendices 1- 11, in accordance with the endorsed Community Engagement Plan for the following suburbs in the Inner West Local Government Area: a) Annandale b) Ashbury c) Ashfield d) Balmain e) Balmain East f) Birchgrove g) Camperdown h) Croydon i) Croydon Park j) Dulwich Hill k) Enmore l) Haberfield m) Hurlstone Park n) Leichhardt o) Lewisham p) Lilyfield q) Marrickville r) Newtown s) Petersham t) Rozelle u) Stanmore v) St Peters w) Summer Hill x) Sydenham y) Tempe
2. That Council delegate the Director Planning to make any minor editorial/ formatting/ technical modifications to the package prior to public exhibition.
3. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, an engagement outcomes report be brought back to Council for consideration prior to submitting the Council-led “Fairer Future for the Inner West” Plan to NSW Government for implementation through a State-led fast track approval pathway. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 3: Creative communities and a strong economy 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement for the public exhibition of Our Fairer Future Plan – Council’s approach for new housing in the Inner West. This is a Council-led alternate approach to deliver more housing in the Inner West that responds to the housing crisis and State Government’s Housing Reforms - Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Low-Mid Rise Housing (LMRH). It also responds to December 2024 resolution where Council endorsed to ‘finalising and bringing a draft LGA-wide LEP no later than the April 2025 Council meeting’.
Our Fairer Future Plan is based on Council’s endorsed Planning Principles. It provides a contextual response to create new housing opportunities supported by social, transport and open space infrastructure. The proposed changes as outlined in the Plan can deliver around 31,000 new homes as well as new jobs. These changes support local housing needs up to 2039 and exceed Inner West’s 5-year housing target and State Government’s targets.
This report outlines the:
· background of this LGA-wide approach and previous Council resolutions
· outcomes of previously undertaken community engagement for planning principles
· proposed Council-led alternate approach to the State Government Housing Reforms facilitates:
o consistent planning controls across the LGA relating to residential land use zones informed by the Residential Review
o new housing opportunities, including diverse housing types and affordable housing informed by Housing Investigation Area (HIA) Master plans
o other general matters relating to subdivision, special entertainment precinct etc.
This report also details the community engagement plan adopted by Council in April 2025 for the LGA wide planning changes that are Inner West Council’s response to the housing emergency and seeks to place this approach on exhibition for community input between May and July 2025.
Following consultation with community and stakeholders, an Engagement Outcomes Report and any amendments to the Plan will be reported back to Council. It is then intended that the proposal will be submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for approval and implementation through an accelerated State-led pathway to amend the Inner West Local Environmental Plan. The current NSW Government’s TOD and LMRH controls in the Inner West will then be requested to be removed.
BACKGROUND
In October 2023, Council received a letter from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces highlighting the housing crisis and the need to update planning controls to support new housing. In December 2023, the NSW Government launched the TOD Program to accelerate housing delivery by increasing density around 38 train stations, of which 5 are in the Inner West - Bays West (TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precinct), Ashfield, Croydon, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville (TOD Part 2).
Council was granted a deferral to introduce its own approach for Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville Stations until December 2024 and Croydon Station until January 2025. This approach needed to meet or exceed the theoretical housing capacities allowed by the NSW Government’s controls for TOD locations.
Separately, the NSW Government is leading preparation for the TOD Part 1 Accelerated Precinct for Bays Precinct, with more information expected for public consultation in mid-2025.
The following table summarises key milestones with respect to the NSW Government TOD/ LMRH Program and Council’s response.
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Timeframe |
Activity |
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October 2023 |
Minister for Planning’s letter to Council regarding the need to update planning controls to support new housing |
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December 2023 |
Initial NSW Government announcement regarding TOD program |
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13 February 2024 |
Council’s submission on the TOD to engage constructively with the NSW Government on the Housing Reforms |
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April 2024 |
Council granted deferral by NSW Government to prepare alternate TOD master plans by December 2024 and January 2025 |
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May 2024 |
Council resolved to exhibit planning principles to guide future amendments to the IWLEP2022 |
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June - August 2024 |
Community engagement on planning principles for the LEP |
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October 2024 |
Council resolved to incorporate planning principles into the development of a draft LEP for submission to the NSW State Government |
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December 2024 |
Council requested a further deferral from TOD and LMRH Reforms and endorsed to prepare an LGA-wide LEP by April 2025 with public exhibition of the draft LEP thereafter |
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January 2025 |
TOD controls for Inner West precincts came into effect |
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February 2025 |
LMRH controls for Inner West came into effect |
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April 2025 |
Council endorsed the proposed community engagement plan for the LGA wide planning changes |
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024 meeting, Council resolved the following in part, in relation to the Post Exhibition – Planning Principles for the Inner West:
2. That Council welcomes the 1,221 submissions from the community, providing valuable input and feedback on the proposed planning principles.
3. That Council commits to the timely development and finalisation of a LGA wide Local Environment Plan (LEP) that aligns with the State Government’s housing targets.
4. That Council incorporates all the planning principles we consulted the community on into the development of the LEP.
5. That Council prioritises affordable housing options within the LEP, including for social and public housing.
6. That Council reports back to Council a draft LEP for submission to the NSW State Government.
Further, at the Council meeting held on 3 December 2024, Council resolved the following in relation to TOD and LGA Wide LEP:
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.
This report describes Council’s alternate approach to these Housing Reforms. Given the urgency of the housing emergency and the need to meet DPHI’s housing targets, this approach is intended to be implemented quickly through a self-repealing SEPP pathway, which is faster than the more time-consuming Planning Proposal process. The implementation would be similar to how the NSW Government introduced the TOD and LMRH reforms.
DISCUSSION
In May 2024, Council resolved to exhibit planning principles that would guide future amendments to the Inner West Local Environmental Plan (IWLEP) 2022. These were exhibited between June and August 2024 and were largely supported by the community.
These principles and how these relate to Council’s proposed Alternate Approach is discussed below:
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Principle 1: delivering place-based planning through local planning controls |
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Council’s approach is based on a detailed analysis as part of a master planning process, to inform changes to planning controls which support new housing.
This place-based approach recommends changes to planning controls such as land-use zoning, floor space ratio (FSR) and height of building (HOB). It considers the unique characteristics and needs of specific areas. Further, the proposal is supported by a Design Guide to inform future Development Control Plan (DCP) amendments which will provide appropriate design guidance to transition from existing low-density neighbourhoods to the proposed medium and high-density areas.
Consistent with this principle, parts of the LGA have been strategically selected for inclusion in Council’s master plans, whilst certain areas have been earmarked as areas of no change to protect the local character, heritage or to respond to other significant environmental issues, like flooding. |
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Principle 2: upzoning of precincts around Ashfield, Croydon, Dulwich Hill, and Marrickville train stations |
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Council’s master planning was undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 relates to HIAs around Ashfield, Croydon, Dulwich Hill, and Marrickville train stations (approximately 800m). These areas were investigated in detail through the master planning process and areas have been strategically selected within these HIAs for upzoning to support new housing opportunities. Detailed technical studies such as flooding, transport, heritage etc. were also undertaken alongside the master planning to support upzoning in these precincts. |
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Principle 3: support for increased densities on main streets through shop top housing to protect high value heritage conservation areas from upzoning |
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As part of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the master planning process, Council explored opportunities to increase housing density above shops (shop top housing) in town centres along main streets. These include Old Canterbury Road, Wardell Road, and Liverpool Road in Stage 1, and Norton Street, Crystal Street, and Marion Street in Stage 2. As detailed in the master plan document, residential high-quality HCAs have been generally excluded from upzoning as the common forms of building in these locations (e.g. pitched roofs, gables, predominant roof features and street pattern) are not compatible with higher-density redevelopment. |
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Principle 4: providing density incentives for the amalgamation of land in areas identified for upzoning |
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Council’s approach includes FSR and HOB bonus mechanisms to encourage good design, environmental sustainability, active transport and productivity outcomes.
A key driver of density bonuses is to incentivise lot amalgamations for larger site areas, as many existing lots are either fragmented or not wide/deep enough to support higher-density development without amalgamation.
The master plan identifies where FSR and HOB incentives will apply over the mapped base FSR and HOB control, if sites meet minimum site area requirements. FSR and HOB incentives depend on site area, with larger sites receiving greater incentives based on a sliding scale.
Certain lots have also been identified for public realm incentives to contribute towards new through-site links and open spaces which would substantially benefit the wider area. These sites will be given FSR and HOB bonuses for delivering specified public realm improvements.
In addition, a new 5% Gross Floor Area (GFA) incentive is proposed for residential developments that go beyond the basic energy and water requirements in State Government requirements in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022.
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Principle 5: increased residential densities around light rail stations |
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Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Council’s HIA master planning have investigated increased residential densities around light rail stations.
For Stage 2, areas around light rail stations were investigated in detail and sub-areas unconstrained by flooding, heritage and employment lands have been strategically selected for upzoning to support new housing opportunities.
There may be more opportunity to increase residential densities around light rail stations in the future. Stage 2 did not include lots that are flood affected. These areas may have potential for additional housing subject to further flooding investigations. |
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Principle 6: incentives for the conversion of land owned by religious and faith-based organisations for social and affordable housing |
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Council’s approach includes a local provision to encourage affordable and social housing on land owned by faith-based organisations. Faith-based organisations often aim to provide more social and affordable housing. The proposed provision will create a flexible mechanism to provide more affordable housing in perpetuity through changes to land use permissibility. This is discussed further in Section 4.3 of this report. |
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Principle 7: progression of the new Special Entertainment Precincts which Council is currently undertaking consultation on |
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This approach includes a new Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Ashfield. Refer to Section 4.3. Ashfield will join the Enmore Road SEP which is already in-force, as well as draft SEPs in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Marrickville North and Rozelle (subject of a Planning Proposal). |
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Principle 8: protecting and expanding existing employment lands to attract increased employment and new industries. |
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Employment Zoned Lands (E3 and E4 zoned) have been excluded from the proposed changes in Council’s HIA master plans, to retain the existing supply of employment land for the growing Inner West population.
Future Council work will also examine ways to expand and intensify these employment lands as Council’s Employment and Retail Lands Strategy has identified a shortage in employment land supply to meet the future needs. Any future work will also need to consider the Industrial Lands Action Plan from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) released in January 2025. This plan outlines an approach to secure, manage and monitor the supply of industrial lands across NSW. |
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Principle 9: the finalisation of the Parramatta Road Corridor Stage 1 program through the rezoning of parts of Leichhardt, Taverners Hill and Kings Bay precincts |
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In accordance with Council’s resolution of 21 May 2024, the Parramatta Road Stage 1 Planning Proposal was sent to the State Government for finalisation. This is now a State-assessed Planning Proposal and DPHI has appointed itself as the Planning Proposal Authority to progress the proposal.
Our Fairer Future Plan includes rezoning of additional parts of Parramatta Road Corridor (areas that are not constrained by flooding, heritage, employment lands etc.).
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Principle 10: support for the suburb of Haberfield being listed on the State Heritage register and being excluded from upzoning |
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Council’s nomination of State Heritage listing of Haberfield is to be progressed by the State Government. For the purposes of this approach, Haberfield has been excluded from any upzoning. |
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Principle 11: support for the Master Planning of the Bays Precinct with dwelling targets to be determined on Government owned land prior to consideration of any additional rezoning in adjoining suburbs |
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Bays West is an Accelerated TOD Precinct and master planning is being prepared by DPHI. Community consultation of the draft master plan is anticipated mid-2025.
In accordance with Principle 11, suburbs surrounding Bays West Precinct (1.2km radius), such as Lilyfield, Rozelle and Balmain, are excluded from the uplift proposed in the master plans. |
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Principle 12: support for the State Government policy of 30% of all new housing on government owned land to be maintained in perpetuity as public housing |
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This position is supported and Council will continue to advocate for this with the State Government. |
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Principle 13: setting a target of 1,000 or more new public housing dwellings to be delivered on State Government and Council owned land |
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This target is supported and will continue to be delivered through new public housing on State Government and Council owned land.
Several State and Council owned sites are within the HIAs and are identified for uplift through the master plan. The proposed uplift will help create more housing, including affordable housing, on these sites. The master plan also includes a requirement for affordable housing contributions on the sites being uplifted which will help increase the supply of affordable housing in the LGA. |
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Principle 14: incorporating the NSW Government’s Pattern Book for improved design into Council’s planning controls |
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Council’s Alternate Approach includes Design Guides and intended built form outcomes in the master plan to drive good development outcomes. The NSW Government Pattern Book is being progressed by the State Government and once released, opportunities for the content to inform the DCP will be considered. |
SUMMARY OF OUR FAIRER FUTURE PLAN - COUNCIL’S APPROACH FOR NEW HOUSNG IN THE INNER WEST
Following Council resolutions from May, October, and December 2024, Council officers have prepared Our Fairer Future Plan as an alternate approach to the creation of new housing opportunities across the LGA. This approach also aims to provide clear and consistent planning rules for residential zones. The goal is to ensure that housing growth takes place in the right places, is well-designed, and is supported by infrastructure. This approach will lead to better outcomes than the general blanket controls in the NSW Government’s Housing Reforms.
The objectives of the alternate approach are to:
· Increase the number of homes in well-connected and well-serviced parts of the Inner West.
· Support a mix of land uses (residential, commercial, recreational and community) and diversity of dwelling types within walking distance of Metro, Heavy and Light Rail stations and centres.
· Ensure planning controls are based on good design and strong evidence base, while allowing for the infrastructure needed to support more people.
· Ensure housing is supported by attractive open spaces and streets and vibrant public places.
· Increase the supply of and retain existing affordable housing in the Inner West LGA.
· Encourage development that delivers well-designed sustainable buildings with long term affordability.
· Create consistent planning rules across the Inner West LGA.
This alternate approach is based on a detailed and evidence-based planning process. It supports several key priorities from both State and local planning strategies. The approach (see Attachment 1) outlines changes to planning controls that would create capacity for 31,000 new homes to be built, along with new job opportunities across the Inner West. The majority of these are in direct response to the NSW Government’s TOD Reforms, which required Council’s alternate plan to match or exceed the State’s proposal. The rest relate to the State Government’s LMRH reforms.
Council’s alternate approach comprises the following work:
1. Residential Review – review of residential zoned land and associated permissible uses
2. Master Plans for Housing Investigation Areas (HIAs) – new housing uplift areas and proposed planning control changes (FSR, HOB, key sites etc.)
3. Other Amendments – relating to lot size, special entertainment precinct etc.
Figure 1 – Housing investigation area precinct boundaries – also showing the Bays West Precinct.
The Bays West precinct is a DPHI TOD Tier 1 State Accelerated Precinct. Further information is expected from DPHI regarding this in mid-2025.Council is therefore awaiting those plans before undertaking any investigations.
A multidisciplinary consultant team was commissioned to undertake this work including:
1. Hassell - Master Plans for Housing Investigation Areas
2. Architectus - Review of Residential Zonings and Heights
3. Jenny Rudolph Consulting - Urban Planning
4. Djinjama - Connecting with Country
5. Atelier Ten - Sustainability
6. GML Heritage - Heritage Studies
7. Worley Consulting - Flood Impact Assessment
8. Urbis - Strategic Transport Plan
9. Cred Consulting - Social Infrastructure Needs Study
10. Biosis APEM Group - Biodiversity Study
11. Atlas Urban Economics - Economic Feasibility
The outcomes of this work are summarised below and detailed in Our Fairer Future Plan, Council’s approach for new housing in the Inner West (Attachment 1).
Residential Review
A full review of the current residential zones in the Inner West Local Environmental Plan (IWLEP) 2022 has been carried out to:
- improve consistency and transparency in how these zones are applied across the LGA.
- clearly define each residential zone to align with the objectives and support a wider range of housing types across the Inner West.
- align the height of building and housing densities within the residential zones (low, medium and high).
This review is accompanied with various changes to land use permissibility for Residential zones, specifically R3 – Medium Density Residential Zone by introducing Residential Flat Buildings (RFBs) in this zone, as a land use permitted with consent. Further, as discussed in the master plan section below, various parts of the LGA have been recommended for uplift to R3/ R4 zones where RFBs would be made permissible with consent.
Council has also reviewed residential zoning and building heights to make the LEP controls consistent across the LGA. This includes introducing HOB controls for all residential land in the former Leichhardt LGA, based on existing built form and how land is currently used. No changes are suggested to FSR controls as part of this review, noting that the master plan work as discussed further in the report recommends FSR changes for uplift locations.
This review will bring the former Leichhardt LGA’s controls in alignment with the rest of the LGA through:
· rezoning most of the former Leichhardt LGA from R1 General Residential Zone to R2 Low Density Residential Zone where most homes are single or two storey houses.
· rezoning parts of the former Marrickville and Ashfield LGAs from R3 Medium Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential, and vice versa, based on the existing HOB controls.
· introducing HOB controls in the residential zones that don’t already have them – mainly in the former Leichhardt LGA – using the existing building envelope controls from the Leichhardt DCP 2013.
The Residential Review has also identified certain sites to be rezoned to non-residential zoning to reflect their existing uses. For example, the Leichhardt Bowling Club is proposed to be rezoned to RE2 Private Recreation. The outcomes of Residential Review are included in Appendix 1.
Master Plans For Housing Investigation Areas (HIAs)
Master planning of housing investigation areas was carried out to deliver a place-based approach for increased housing density, especially near public transport and well-serviced local centres. The goal is to increase housing in a way that respects and protects the unique character of the Inner West. This includes offsetting densities from areas of high character value and recommending development controls which require new developments to positively respond to the local context through appropriate built form transitions, minimising adverse amenity impacts, lowering traffic impacts through limiting on-site parking and protecting and enhancing Inner West neighbourhoods, parks, streets and places.
These master plans offer a place-based alternative to the State Government’s “one size fits all” approach. These can deliver more housing with high quality urban outcomes. By focusing on the local area, walkability, and good design, the plans balance growth with the needs of the community. This helps make sure that new development supports—rather than harms—the vibrant, diverse, and liveable places that people value in the Inner West.
The master plans are supported by a framework for:
· Connecting with Country (Appendix 2)
· Sustainability (Appendix 2)
· Design Guides (Appendix 3)
· Social Infrastructure Needs (Appendix 4)
The Master planning was undertaken in two stages:
i. Stage 1 – The HIA Stage 1 master plans identify housing opportunity areas including potential community infrastructure and open space to accommodate population increase. The HIAs cover land in the vicinity of Ashfield, Croydon, Dulwich Hill, and Marrickville train stations (approximately 800m catchment) and Dulwich Grove, Arlington and Waratah Mills light rail stops (approximately 400m catchment). These master plans were informed by technical studies including:
o Heritage including:
§ Part 1 Heritage Health Check for review of certain existing heritage items and HCAs
§ Part 2 Heritage review of South Dulwich Hill
o Flood Impact and Risk Assessment
o Strategic Transport Plan
o Biodiversity
ii. Stage 2 - The HIA Stage 2 master plans identify additional housing opportunity areas across the remainder of the railway stations, light rail and local centre catchments, including Lewisham, Petersham, Stanmore, Leichhardt, St Peters, Sydenham and Tempe. Large areas in the LGA were investigated in detail through the master planning process and sub-areas have been strategically selected for upzoning to support new housing opportunities, specifically where sites are not constrained by:
o 100 year and probable maximum flood (PMF) affected properties
o HCAs (except where in a local centre) and heritage items
o Sydney Airport’s Australia Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) 30+ contours
o Employment Lands (E3 and E4 zones)
o Haberfield HCA and Camperdown Precinct (part of Tech Central)
It is noted that Bays West and surrounding suburbs such as Rozelle and Balmain are excluded, as The Bays precinct (1.2km) is an Accelerated TOD precinct, with planning being led by the State Government and to be finalised for community consultation by June 2025.
Key directions of the Master plans are:
General Directions:
- Establish growth corridor by identifying key streets, urban spines, local centres, railways stations. Local medium to high densities along the growth corridor and urban spines.
- Identify areas of consistent local/heritage character to be retained.
- Undertake targeted heritage investigations to review the significance of existing heritage listed items and Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs). This review has resulted in proposed delisting of certain heritage items and amendments to the boundaries of existing HCAs.
- Introduce development incentives to promote lot amalgamation and deliver public realm improvement including publicly accessible open spaces and active transport connections.
- Create active transport connections at key cul-de-sac streets and long urban blocks to improve accessibility and connectivity throughout neighbourhoods and to amenities including stations and open spaces.
- Retain existing tree canopy and consider provision for greener streets.
Stage 1 - Marrickville – Dulwich Hill Master Plan
- This Master Plan responds to local context by establishing a growth corridor in a circuit, connecting transport nodes, corridors and activity centres and distributing densities in well-located and well-serviced areas. This includes a substantial density uplift in Marrickville Town Centre, Dulwich Hill Village and Dulwich Hill Station. Open space and natural assets are also leveraged by increasing densities around parks and other key community facilities.
o The proposed densities vary from 3.5:1 – 3:1 (8-10 storeys) around Marrickville local centre, Dulwich Hill local centre and railway stations, stepping down to 2.2:1 and 1.5:1 (4-6 storeys) towards the lower density developments and / or HCAs.
o Retain and promote the fine grain character of commercial street frontages with active uses and appropriate street wall heights consistent with old and new
character.
o Opportunity to deliver a new public open space/ plaza (approx. 1200 sqm) on Illawarra Road and Calvert Street, Marrickville
o Proposed expansion of Greenway Corridor (approx. 1400sqm of new open space) to the rear of properties along Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill
o Opportunity to deliver new public plaza (approx. 200sqm), community facility with affordable commercial space, not for profit tenancies, district-level community hub (approx. 3200sqm) and through-site links on the Key Site between Seaview Street and new Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill.
Stage 1 - Ashfield – Croydon Master Plan
- This Master Plan uniquely responds to the existing context by concentrating housing density within Ashfield Town Centre, station catchments and a series of north-south and east-west urban spines. The key east-west spines include Liverpool Road and Norton Street to the south of railway corridor and Elizabeth Street to the north of railway corridor. Key North-south spines proposed for additional density include Milton Street / Frederick Street, Holden Street, Bland Street and Charlotte Street.
o The proposed densities vary from 4.3:1 – 3.5:1 (9 – 13 storeys) around Ashfield Town Centre and key streets like Liverpool Road, Elizabeth Street, stepping down to 2.2:1 and 1.5:1 (4-6 storeys) towards the lower density developments and / or HCAs. This approach locates higher densities along Liverpool Road, north of Ashfield Station and southeast of Croydon Station, reinforcing Ashfield Town Centre and Croydon Local Centres’ role and function.
o Identify key secondary streets with potential public domain and tree canopy enhancements. These include Edwin Street, Alt Street, Bland Street, Norton Street, Arthur Street, High Street, A’Beckett Avenue, Victoria Street and Loftus Street.
o Opportunity to deliver new public plaza up to 2000sqm on the Ashfield Mall site with mixed-use development up to 22 storeys and new through-site links.
o New open space and active transport corridor along Iron Cove Creek.
o Expand Lion Street Playground into an approximately 2,800sqm of new public open space in Ashfield.
Stage 2 – Lewisham, Petersham, Leichhardt, Marrickville, St Peters and Sydenham Master Plan
- This Master Plan identifies areas of the LGA, outside of Stage 1, which are well-located and well-serviced for additional housing opportunities. The master plan for these areas provides a framework to deliver a place-based response for low and medium density housing outcomes.
o Large areas of the LGA outside of Stage 1 were investigated for uplift through a process of eliminating constrained sites such as those affected by heritage, flooding, high aircraft noise exposure, significant strata sub-division, small lot sizes, restricted street widths and employment lands.
o New housing opportunities have been identified in Leichhardt, Petersham, Lewisham, Marrickville, St Peters and Sydenham for low and medium density housing while predominantly retaining the character of these areas.
o The Master Plan proposed medium-low to medium density uplift within opportunity areas along the primary and secondary urban spines, key open spaces of Pioneer Park and Lambert Park; key centres of Marrickville Metro, Lewisham and Petersham and around key railway stations of Lewisham, Petersham, Sydenham and Marion light rail stop.
o Allow FSRs of 2.2:1 up to 3:1 (3-6 storey developments) within the opportunity areas with limited opportunities of up to 8 storeys adjacent to Marrickville Metro
shopping centre.
o Expand the implementation of Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS) to unconstrained areas along Parramatta Road and Norton Street with FSRs up to 3:1 (6 storeys).
o Identify additional housing opportunity areas that are subject to further technical investigations, noting the existing constraints currently presented, including but not limited to flooding, transport, and public domain. This includes:
§ Summer Hill Town Centre;
§ Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre and the adjoining properties;
§ Residential areas bounded by Catherine Street, Hill Street, Balmain
Road and Moore Road in Leichhardt; and
§ Residential areas between Tempe Public School and Belmore Street, Tempe.
Refer to the detailed Master Plan in Appendix 2.
Proposed Public Benefits
The housing growth expected from both the State Government’s housing reforms and Council’s alternate approach will require additional investment on social infrastructure. As part of the master planning process, a social infrastructure needs analysis was undertaken. This examined how the increase in population will affect public services like community centres, libraries, parks, sports and recreation facilities, playgrounds, and civic spaces.
The Social Infrastructure Needs Study provides 16 key infrastructure moves in response to the uplift proposed in the master plans. These include the planned provision of two new district-level multipurpose community hubs, a new aquatic centre in the south of the LGA, and new recreational areas. These priorities will inform the development of a future Inner West Infrastructure Delivery Plan and future amendment to the Inner West Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2023. Mechanisms to deliver relevant infrastructure as related to HIAs have been developed and the relevant infrastructure will be delivered over time as redevelopment occurs:
§ Key sites (privately-led delivery or public-private partnership): the master plan identifies certain sites as key sites and recommends site-specific LEP provisions which will require commitment to the delivery of public benefits on these sites before an uplift can be provided. For these sites, existing FSRs and HOBs have been maintained in the proposed FSR and HOB maps. Site-specific LEP provisions will detail the intended public benefits and maximum permissible FSRs/ heights to offset these public benefits. Examples include the following sites, but not limited to, where future redevelopment must provide the following public benefits:
o New landscaped parkland (approx. 6000sqm) and active transport connection (6-10m wide) along the Iron Cove Creek – affecting various properties along the Creek in Ashfield/ Croydon
o Delivery of new public plaza 2000sqm and District-level community/cultural facility of minimum 3,200sqm on the Seaview Street car park site - 14-32 Seaview Street, Dulwich Hill
o New public open space of minimum 2000 sqm on the Ashfield Mall site – 260A Liverpool Road, Ashfield
o New public open space of minimum 1000sqm along Marrickville Road - 365-359 Marrickville Rd & 2-6 Woodbury St, Marrickville
§ Public realm incentives (privately-led): Sites or groups of sites have been identified for FSR and HOB incentives which can be accessed only where a developer chooses to provides specified public realm enhancements. These include publicly accessible open space and/or through-site links with active transport connections.
Privately-led delivery indicates that developers will have to bear the cost of infrastructure delivery however they would benefit from proposed additional uplift (FSR and HOB) and the wider area would benefit from the new public infrastructure. The proposed links are indicated in the Design Guide along with Development Incentives for these sites which will be identified through an LEP Clause.
§ Land Acquisition (Council-led delivery): Certain sites have been identified for land acquisition by Council. These will be identified in the LEP and occur over time through negotiations with the landowners and developers.
Land reserved for acquisition means that the council has identified a piece of land to purchase in the future for the benefit of the community, to be used as a park, road, or community facility.
This does not mean the council is going to take the land or force it to be sold. It just means that, if the owner ever chooses to sell, the council has the option to buy it first at market price. If land is identified for acquisition, Council seeks to negotiate future agreements with landowners for the acquisition of land that can be initiated anytime of the landowners’ choosing. It is likely that acquisitions will be incremental as redevelopment occurs in negotiation with the landowners.
Examples include but not limited to:
§ Expansion of McNeilly Park to serve the existing and future community
§ Extend Lion Street Playground to provide approx. 2,830m2 of public open space
§ Public domain improvements for tree planting, footpath widening, active transport improvements etc. along key constrained streets such as Elizabeth Street, Norton Street, Holden Street etc. in Ashfield and Constitution Road, Dulwich Hill
Council-led delivery will also comprise a number of projects which are medium-long term-plans such as:
- Delivery of new public plaza at Calvert Street car park along Illawarra Road
- Redevelopment of Leichhardt Service Centre and delivery of new community, cultural, and library hub
- Upgrade of Ashfield Service Centre
- Embellishment of Cooks River parklands and sporting uses
- Public Domain enhancements throughout the precincts
- Upgrade of Stanmore Library and Stanmore Reserve
These priorities will inform the development of a future Inner West Infrastructure Delivery Plan and amendments to the Inner West Contributions Plan. These will be reported to Council separately later in 2025.
Proposed Planning Control Changes
Following are the proposed and future amendments to the planning framework to implement this Alternate Approach:
Inner West LEP 2022
- Amendments are proposed to the IWLEP 2022 including changes to land use zones and development standards, such as FSR and HOB, to enable uplift in the selected parts of HIAs and to rationalise/ harmonise existing controls across the LGA.
- Associated LEP amendments are also proposed including affordable housing, development incentives, key sites, land reserved for acquisition etc.
Following parts of the IWLEP 2022 are proposed to be amended in line with this Alternative Approach:
o Part 2 - Land Uses; Land Use Table – New land uses introduced as permissible with consent and mapping changes to rezone land
o Part 4 - Principal Development Standards
§ 4.1 Minimum subdivision lot size – new minimum lot sizes including requirements for dual occupancies and associated modifications to reflect permissibility changes and introduction of new clause 4.1B
§ 4.3 Height of Buildings – Mapping changes to identify the proposed new height of building controls
§ 4.3A Exception to maximum height of buildings in Ashfield town centre applicability area amended
§ 4.3B Maximum height for street frontages on certain land in Ashfield town centre to be deleted
§ 4.3C Landscaped areas for residential accommodation in R1 General Residential Zone to be expanded to R2 Low Density Residential Zone
§ 4.4 Floor Space Ratio - Mapping changes to identify the proposed new floor space ratio controls
o Part 5 – Miscellaneous Provision
§ 5.1 Relevant acquisition authority – New land identified as Land Reserved for Acquisition - Zone RE1 Public Recreation and marked “Local open space” and Zone SP2 Infrastructure and marked “Local road” through mapping changes to be acquired by Council for new/ expanded parks and public domain improvements
§ 5.6 Architectural Roof Features - introduction of new clause
o Part 6 Additional Local Provisions
Following new clauses to be added:
§ Key Sites - Introduction of new clauses stipulating maximum HOB and FSR controls for 19 Key Sites to incentivise dedication of land for public use and meeting high-performance building standards. These public benefits include district-level community/cultural facilities, public plazas, footpaths, parks, through-site links, and other open spaces that are available for community use. Supplemented with Key Site Map changes to identify these sites.
§ Affordable housing – New Clauses requiring certain development types and sizes to contribute a percentage of GFA as affordable housing, subject to other requirements. Supplemented with map changes to identify where the Affordable housing contributions apply. New subclause for affordable housing on land owned by faith-based organisations.
§ Development Incentives - Introduce new local provisions stipulating bonus FSR and HOB controls for certain identified sites, to incentivise lot amalgamation, public realm benefits or higher than standard environmental performance and sustainability standards. Supplemented with Development Incentives Maps.
§ Minimising loss of existing residential dwellings – Introduce new local provision restricting net dwelling loss.
Following existing clauses of Part 6 to be amended:
§ 6.20 Diverse Housing - to be deleted
§ 6.20 Development on land in Haberfield Heritage Conservation Area to be amended in relation to semi-detached dwellings and dual occupancies
§ 6.32 Special Entertainment Precinct – New clause and map changes to identify the Special Entertainment Precinct in Ashfield
o Schedule 5 Environmental heritage
§ Part 1 Heritage items - Proposed delisting of, and amendment, to certain items of local heritage. Supported with Proposed Heritage Map changes.
§ Part 2 Heritage conservation areas - Proposed delisting of, and amendment to, certain heritage conservation areas. Supported with Proposed Heritage Map changes.
2. Future Draft Inner West DCP - This is a wider strategic planning project which requires harmonisation of the three existing DCPs (three former LGAs).
Council’s Alternate Approach includes Design Guides containing for detailed provisions regarding the intended built form, and streetscape outcomes – these provisions will be used to inform this future Inner West DCP.
3. Future amendments to Inner West Contributions Plan 2023 (CP) - Underpinning this Alternate Approach is the Social Infrastructure Needs Study which provides infrastructure priorities to support this level of growth and new housing in the Inner West. These priorities will inform the development of a future Inner West Infrastructure Delivery Plan and amendments to the Inner West CP and reported to Council in late 2025.
Community Consultation
Council’s alternate approach has been developed based on the endorsed Planning Principles which were consulted with the community between June and August 2024.
On 29 April 2025, Council resolved (C0425(1) Item 2) the following in relation to the Inner West LEP – Update and Proposed Engagement Plan:
1. That Council endorse the proposed community engagement plan for the Local Government Area wide planning changes that are Inner West Council’s response to the Housing Emergency.
Council’s alternate approach, as outlined in Our Fairer Future Plan – Council’s approach for new housing in the Inner West and all supporting documentation, will be exhibited for a minimum of four (4) week period. Consultation will include the following:
· Your Say Inner West website with the full suite of documentation, FAQs, digital mapping tool and links to contact and book time to speak with a planner
· Notification letters to all residents and landowners in the LGA
· Advertising across Council’s social media, website and collateral such as newsletters
· A survey, hosted on the Your Say Inner West page, will provide opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes
· Council planners will be available to speak with members of the community at the Ashfield Service Centre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from late May and throughout June
· Two community drop-in sessions in each Ward (weekend evenings and Saturdays) will provide the opportunity for the wider community to be informed about the project. Community members will also be able pre-book a time during these sessions to discuss the proposed changes with a Council planner
Proposed Drop-In Locations:
o Balmain Library
o Leichhardt Service Centre
o Ashfield Service Centre
o Petersham Service Centre
o Marrickville Library
o Dulwich Hill Library
· Inclusion on the agendas of relevant Local Democracy Groups (LDG)
· Consultation with local Aboriginal representatives and key First Nations stakeholder groups, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LDG
· Exhibition material hard copies in Council Service Centres and libraries
Formal feedback provided through the online survey (on Council’s Your Say Inner West website), emails, and mail will be reviewed. A detailed Engagement Outcomes Report on the feedback will be prepared, and any amendments to the Alternate Approach will be reported to Council.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council has received a $2.6m grant from the Federal Government - Housing Support Program Stream 1 to undertake planning and housing investigations. This project is jointly funded from this Federal Government Grant and Council’s Strategic Planning budget.
Our Fairer Future Plan – Proposal documents
Attachment 1 – Our Fairer Future Plan – Council’s approach for new housing in the Inner West
· Appendix 1 – Review of Residential Zonings and Heights
· Appendix 2 - Draft Master Plans for Housing Investigation Areas (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
· Appendix 3 – Draft Design Guides for Housing Investigation Areas
· Appendix 4 - Social Infrastructure Needs Study
· Appendix 5 – Heritage Studies
• Part 1 – Heritage Health check
• Part 2 – Heritage Review – South Dulwich Hill
· Appendix 6 - Flood Impact and Risk Assessment Stage 1
· Appendix 7 - Strategic Transport Plan for Housing Investigation Area Stage 1
· Appendix 8 – Biodiversity Study for Housing Investigation Area Stage 1
· Appendix 9 – Ashfield Special Entertainment Precinct Management Plan
· Appendix 10 – Proposed maps
· Appendix 11 – Economic Feasibility Report
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Post Exhibition - Urban Forest Policy
Prepared By: Lindsay Field - Public Tree Manager
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Engineering
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RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council adopt the Urban Forest Policy.
2. The Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally, and externally the adopted Urban Forest Policy.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The draft Urban Forest Policy was placed on public exhibition from 3 May 2025 to 4 April 2025. There were 1206 visits to the Your Say Inner West project page during public exhibition with 349 downloads of the draft document.
Eighty six percent (86%) of survey participants indicated support for the updated policy approach.
The most common items mentioned was a lack of canopy measures and planting targets. These are already captured in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2036 and Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget. Some residents were concerned that the Policy did not go far enough to deal with tree risk and public safety, and others felt it went too far.
Most matters raised during the exhibition will be delivered in the Strategic Action Plan. The canopy measures and planting targets will continue to be set in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2036 and Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget.
Overall, there was community support for Council’s need to deliver a new Urban Forest Policy and subsequent management approach. All engagement participants highlighted the need for improvement in this space, irrespective of their diverse visions for the urban forest in the Inner West.
BACKGROUND
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.
The intention of the Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan 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, that the space is shared with other essential functions of daily living, and to provide for renewal. This provides a balanced approach to managing both green and built assets and associated risk whilst maximising community benefits.
The draft Urban Forest Policy was considered at the Council meeting held on 18 February 2025, Council resolved the following:
That Council publicly exhibit the draft Urban Forest Policy for a period of 28 days and seek community feedback on the proposed Policy.
That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Urban Forest Policy be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
The draft Urban Forest Policy was subsequently placed on public exhibition.
DISCUSSION
The draft Urban Forest Policy was placed on public exhibition from 3 March 2025 to 4 April 2025. There were 1206 visits to the Your Say Inner West project page during public exhibition with 349 downloads of the draft document. There were 15 responses by mail or phone, 36 residents completed Online Surveys, and 56 residents engaged at the five popups across the Inner West LGA.
A copy of the Urban Forest Policy Engagement Outcomes Report is attached. The following table provides a summary of the key information from that report.
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Community Item |
Officer Comment |
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89% of engagement participants felt that achieving the objectives of the policy required a collective effort between private land holders, residents, and Council.
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Councils Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan will promote and develop a collaborative approach to achieve the aims and objectives of the Policy. |
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Community dissatisfaction with the previous Policy and management approach, which survey participants highlighted was particularly ineffective.
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Councils Draft Urban Forest Policy and Strategic Action Plan will promote the value of trees and balance this against all other essential urban functions to deliver fit for purpose outcomes, maximise the urban forest, reduce risk and improve livability on an intergenerational basis.
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86% of survey participants indicated support for the updated Urban Forest policy, but felt some elements could be further refined to ensure transparency and guidance for all stakeholders.
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Updates have been made to the draft Urban Forest Policy to improve clarity and inform stakeholders where further detail is held. The processes and documents to be developed under the Strategic Action Plan will deliver comprehensive and robust processes regarding existing trees, planting and the built environment.
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Lack of canopy measures, planting targets and reporting requirements |
These are already captured in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2036 and Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget. Council will defer to the targets set in those existing plans. No change to the Urban Forest Policy.
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Some residents were concerned that the Policy did not go far enough to deal with tree risk and public safety, and others felt it went too far. |
The draft Urban Forest Policy provides a balanced approach to achieve positive outcomes for both trees and the built environment. The Strategic Action Plan will deliver a full suite of operational documents and processes that will ensure robust process and decision making, that will maximise the benefits provided by the Inner West tree population and associated canopy, appropriately address risk and account for the built environment.
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A desire for biodiversity to be included |
This is addressed in the IWC Biodiversity Strategy, and it was important to not replicate this in the Urban Forest Policy. The Strategic Action Plan (under education) provides for an Urban Forest Background Paper that will incorporate biodiversity as one of the benefits.
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There was a desire by some for notification of all trees, or that a whole street could be removed if under the size index threshold |
The Draft Urban Forest Policy notification approach builds on the current approach, by expanding the potential listings for inclusion based on diameter x height, rather than just height. The process has further been enhanced to account for whole of street or groups of smaller trees under the size index, the memo for large trees over size index 1000 will improve transparency for management and Council.
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There was concern that 7 days was too short for Notification |
The reality will be that most trees will be on notification anywhere from 30 to 60 days prior to removal as quotes and other factors are managed. The 7-day minimum allows Council to act in circumstances where works need to be prioritised sooner, such as for civil works or service providers.
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There was concern that the notification process was not wide enough. |
Notifiable trees will have a notice attached that is visible, the nearby 10 residents directly impacted will receive a letter, with trees listed on Councils web site. This mix of measures will ensure that both nearby residents, and all other Inner West residents, have the ability to see which trees are listed for removal at any time.
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There was also confusion where some residents interpreted the notification process, as a decision process to determine if trees should be removed. |
The notification process is only used to inform residents once the decision to remove the tree has been made.
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92% of residents supported tree planting on both private and public land to maximise Urban Forest benefits.
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This will be supported through the technical manual, process and initiatives within the Policy Strategic Action Plan. |
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72% of residents would like to have a say about what species are planted on public land in front of their property.
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This will be supported through the Policy Strategic Action Plan Street Tree Selection Manual which will provide residents a choice of suitable species.
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83% agreed that compromise is required when balancing ecological and liveability outcomes in urban areas.
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This will be supported through the technical manual, process and initiatives within the Policy Strategic Action Plan. |
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Some felt it was a tree removal Policy and lacked detail and deferred to previous IWC documents. |
The Policy promotes the value of trees and balances this against all other essential functions within the urban environment. The Policy will set the overarching framework that will ensure all operational documents and processes seek to retain trees where practical, manage risk appropriately and undertake planting to sustain and maximise the urban forest canopy and benefits.
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Community members across all engagement methods highlighted several priorities that they wish to see the Policy and Strategic Action Plan respond to. Those most captured across the exhibition included:
1. Prioritising tree planting and urban canopy along major roads
2. Prioritising tree planting in town centres to mitigate the impacts of urban heat.
3. Prioritising tree planting adjacent to play spaces.
4. Developing accessible tree removal and pruning resources for community to better understand the process, response times and options available to them when exploring the removal of part, or all, of a tree on private land.
5. Designing a collaborative “tree custodian” program that enables residents to plant trees and large scrubs on verges and council owned land, whilst maintaining alignment with broader strategic direction and compliance
6. Council to nominate clear accountable actions and commitments to urban forest objectives outlined in the policy.
7. Exploring alternate tree removal guidelines besides the proposed size index, to remove ambiguity and prioritise the retention of healthy trees over enabling of compliant tree removal.
8. Increased and more robust tree removal public notice procedures and process to ensure all neighbouring residents are aware of impending removal and have the opportunity to raise enquiry.
9. Considered and clear species selection guidelines to ensure the delivery of urban forest that is resilience in the face of increasing density and climate change.
10. Utilising Council owned and managed parks and open space for large tree species and achieving tree canopy targets.
11. Recognising the value of urban forest in achieving biodiversity outcomes and designing appropriate response to achieve these.
The majority of the items listed 1 to 11 will be reviewed and included in the operational documents and initiatives to be completed under the Strategic Action Plan.
Overall, across all engagement methods there was high community support for Council’s need to deliver a new Urban Forest Policy and subsequent management approach. All engagement participants highlighted the need for improvement in this space, irrespective of their diverse visions for the Inner West urban forest.
A majority of survey participants highlighted the community’s dissatisfaction with the previous policies and management approach. The respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed draft document, and even more so of Council’s commitment to developing a renewed approach for Urban Forest management
After reviewing the feedback provided during the public exhibition period it is proposed to adopt the Urban Forest Policy, with the following changes to improve clarity and transparency for residents, whilst maintaining the Policy’s intent and improved link to the Strategic Action Plan.
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Section |
Change / inclusion |
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Purpose |
Inclusion of f) below to link the Policy to the Strategic Action Plan documents.
f) Provide the framework for development of operational plans and manuals, through the Strategic Action Plan, to deliver the aims and objectives of this policy.
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Scope paragraph 1 |
Inclusion of the below text to clarify the document Natural Areas are managed under.
…excluding Natural areas which are managed under the Inner West Councils Biodiversity Strategy.
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Scope paragraph 2 |
The performance indicators on urban canopy, tree planting targets and associated reporting are managed through Councils Community Service Plan and Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget (DPOP) and State Government Canopy mapping data.
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Background paragraph 5 |
Inclusion of “in some instances” to the below text to define that a poor outcome is not always the result.
….with inadequate consideration of site constraints, leading to poor outcomes in some instances.
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Background paragraph 7 |
Inclusion of the below text to further acknowledge the benefits of trees and urban greening.
Trees and other greening, provide many benefits that contribute to the liveability and biodiversity of the Inner West.
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Statement paragraph 1 |
Inclusion of the below text to state the benefits are widely known and provide a link between the Policy and the education component of the Strategic Action Plan.
The many benefits of trees within an urban environment are common knowledge amongst the community.
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Statement paragraph 2 |
Inclusion of the below text to improve the link between Policy and Strategic Action Plan.
includes the development of an Urban Forest Background Paper, operational documents, community initiatives and actions, that will ensure integration and collaboration across all Council divisions.
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Statement paragraph 3 |
Inclusion of the below text to clarify that tree permit applications will still be managed under the IWC Development Control Plan.
and private tree applications
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Statement paragraph 4 |
Inclusion of the below text to clarify where targets and performance indicators are stated and sourced.
The performance indicators on urban canopy, tree planting targets and associated reporting, are managed through Councils Community Service Plan and Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget (DPOP).
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Objectives paragraph 1 |
Inclusion of the below text to provide clarity on how the Policy Objectives will influence the documents and process under the Strategic Action Plan, and the relationship to future reviews of other polices and DCP.
The following objectives form the basis for development of operational documents, and process, and are to be considered when reviewing or developing other IWC strategies, policies or Development Control Plan.
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Key principles paragraph 1 |
Inclusion of the below text to provide clarity on how the Policy Principles will influence the documents and processes under the Strategic Action Plan, and the relationship to future reviews of other polices and DCP.
The following principles form the basis for development of operational documents, and process, and are to be considered when reviewing or developing other IWC strategies, policies or Development Control Plan.
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Holistic approach paragraph 5 |
Inclusion of the below text to ensure the processes and manuals under the Policy Strategic Action Plan look for continuous improvement in delivering tree planting outcomes.
facilitate improved tree planting
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Notifiable Trees paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 |
Inclusion of the below text to provide understanding and clarity of the process and where notification information can be found. Also that it is not a tree removal process, rather a notification post decision.
The decision regarding public tree retention or removal will be determined under separate operational process.
Once Council determines that public tree removal is required, then a notification process will be triggered based on a size index calculation. Size index is calculated using height m x diameter cm (measured at 1.4m above ground level). Appendix A provides further detail.
All notifiable tree removals undertaken by Council will be listed on Councils web site. The Council will investigate sites and undertake tree planting wherever practical.
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Notifiable Trees paragraph 4 |
Inclusion of the below text to advise it is a minimum time frame not maximum.
attached to the tree for a minimum of seven days
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Notifiable Trees paragraph 6 |
Inclusion of the below text to address concern that whole streets of small trees could be removed without notification. |
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Notifiable Trees paragraph 7 |
Inclusion of the below text to advise it is a minimum time frame not maximum.
Minimum seven-days
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Appendix A paragraph 1 |
Inclusion of the below text to advise the methodology has been used successfully.
Size Index is adapted from the Australian Standard, AS 2303-2018 Tree stock for landscape use, and has been used effectively for over a decade by other Councils to inform their notification processes.
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Appendix A paragraph 2 |
Inclusion of the below text to provide clarity on the ease of the process to measure / determine size index. to generate a single number. This methodology only requires a tape measure and visual estimate of height, which has been used successfully in the past to determine notifiable trees. There is no requirement for millimetre accuracy for this process to work effectively.
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Appendix A paragraph 7 |
Inclusion of the below text to inform and confirm the adaptability of the process to ensure trees of varying dimension are included. The species listed below as examples in Table A all have the potential to reach the notifiable threshold, and in some cases meet the requirement for a memo. The examples 5 and 6 demonstrate how varying tree height and trunk diameters can result in trees being notifiable.
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Strategic Action Plan |
The Strategic Action Plan under Education has been updated to include an Urban Forest Background Paper. This will provide the community a holistic view of trees in the urban environment, the many benefits they provide from a range of aspects, and the factors affecting trees and liveability in the Inner West, such as climate change and urban heat island effects. Existing research will be included to support this background paper.
|
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council has received a $50,000 grant to facilitate the policy development and consultation as part of NSW Government Greening our City grants program, with the grant needing to be satisfied by 30 May 2025.
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the Urban Forest Policy. The work to develop and implement the Strategic Action Plan items will be funded by existing 2025/2026 operational budgets.
Attachment 3 has been published separately in the Attachments Document on Council’s Website https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-meetings/current-council-meetings
|
1.⇩ |
Draft Urban Forest Policy |
|
2.⇩ |
Urban Forest Policy Strategic Action Plan |
|
3.⇨ |
Engagement Report - Published Separately on Council’s website |
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: New Residential Development Panel
Prepared By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the criteria describing significant residential development for items to be considered by the new Inner West Residential Panel as development applications or modifications that have: a) 20 or more residential dwellings; b) Boarding houses; c) Co living; or d) Subdivision for residential development that would result in new housing.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
At the Council meeting held on 18 February 2025, Council considered three reports that provided a number of development assessment initiatives to improve housing supply. They were the establishment of the new residential development panel, the creation of a position for a City Architect and a post development assessment survey.
At the Council meeting held on 18 February 2025, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council establish a new Residential Development Panel to assess significant residential development applications and proposals under the new Inner West Local Environment Plan (LEP).
2. That the new panel provide a simplified and consistent approach to the assessment of significant residential developments, accelerating the approval and determination process and contributing to the delivery of new housing in the Inner West.
3. That the new panel convene regularly and will be responsible for reviewing and assessing significant residential development projects in accordance with the new LEP. This should include both the determination of applications Council is the consent authority for, as well as the assessment process for applications that are to be determined by the Eastern Sydney Planning Panel.
4. That panel membership will include the following key decision-makers:
a) General Manager;
b) Director of Planning;
c) General Counsel; and
d) City Architect (once recruited).
5. That panel responsibilities will include:
a) reviewing significant residential development applications and rezoning proposals based on planning, infrastructure, and legal considerations;
b) ensuring efficiency, consistency and clarity in the assessment process; and
c) reporting regularly to Council on the outcomes of panel reviews and the progress of housing delivery within the Inner West.
6. That Council officers develop and report criteria for significant residential development assessments to the April 2025 Council meeting. These criteria will guide the new Panel in reviewing applications for major developments under the new LEP and should include a value threshold, the scale and size of the development, and high-quality design and sustainability standards.
At the Council meeting held on 29 April 2025, Council resolved the following in part:
1. That Council brief Councillors on the new Inner West Residential Panel and bring the matter back to the May 2025 Council meeting.
New Residential Development Panel
The proposed criteria describes significant residential development for the Inner West as development applications or modifications that have the following:
· 20 or more residential dwellings
· Boarding houses
· Co living
· Subdivision for residential development that would result in new housing
The panel will meet monthly or as required and consist of:
· The General Manager
· Director of Planning
· General Counsel
· City Architect
Matters that meet the threshold for consideration by the panel will be placed on the agenda at each of the following key stages of an application;
· Lodgment – when the application is lodged with Council and allocated to an assessment officer and referrals requested
· On receipt of specialist referrals
· Post neighbour notification
· Draft Request for Information (RFI)
· Request for Information response
· Draft Assessment Report including draft conditions
· Post Regional Planning Panel briefing (if relevant)
· Prior to determination
Additionally at each panel meeting, for information purposes, the Panel will be provided with an update on any:
· Request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARS)
· State Significant Development Applications
· EOI for Housing Delivery Authority
The panel will ensure reasonable assessment timeframes, by managing any resourcing or performance issues that may be impacting on referral and assessment timeframes. It will see first hand any process issues that may impact on timeframes and oversee any improvement initiatives in the development assessment area. The panel will also be reviewing the number of Land and Environment Court matters and ways to reduce the number these and their costs. Any survey feedback, customer sentiment analysis, assessment and referral timeframes will be reported to the panel.
A copy of the terms of reference for the Residential Development Panel is attached.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
All components of this report can be delivered within existing resources
|
1.⇩ |
Residential Panel Terms of Reference |
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Quarter Three - Progress Report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2024/25 and Quarterly Budget Review Statement
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager and Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council endorse the quarter three Progress Report on the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2024/25.
2. That Council adopt the quarter three Budget Review 2024/25.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Inner West Delivery Program 2022-26 (year three) and Operational Plan and Budget 2024/25 guide Council’s work to 30 June 2025. Council has determined to receive quarterly reports against this plan to monitor progress. This report also includes the Quarterly Budget Review Statement which is provided in quarters 1-3 of each year.
This quarterly progress report outlines achievements against the Delivery Program 2022-26 (year three) and Operational Plan 2024/25. It measures whether actions are on track, completed, behind schedule, on hold or rescheduled and provides commentary against each. It also measures whether key performance indicators (KPIs) are on target, within the tolerance (+/-10% of the target) or below target.
As at 31 March 2025, 91% of Operational Plan actions were completed or on track, while 83% of measures were on target or within 10% tolerance of the target.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2025 which includes the following:
1. Council’s operating deficit is forecast to be $3.0m, an improvement of $0.1m from the December Budget deficit of $3.1m.
2. Council’s capital expenditure is forecast to be $99.9m, a decrease of $20.2m from the December Budget capital expenditure of $120.1m.
BACKGROUND
Council’s Operational Plan 2024/25 details the actions that will be undertaken in the year to achieve the commitments made in the Delivery Program 2022-26 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (s404 and 405). Council receives quarterly progress reports to monitor performance and progress in achieving Council’s commitments to the community as outlined in the plan.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement is a regular progress report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (s404(5)) and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (s202), namely that the Responsible Accounting Officer report quarterly (in quarters one-three) on a budget review statement to adequately disclose the Council’s overall financial position.
DISCUSSION
Operational Plan 2024/25 progress
The quarterly progress report outlines progress against the 162 actions in the 2024/25 Operational Plan, and tracks measures (KPIs) achieved against annual targets. Council is tracking well against the Operational Plan 2024/25.
Actions – as at 31 March 2025:
· 91% (148) are ‘Completed’ or ‘On Track’
· 9% (14) are ‘Behind Schedule’, ‘On Hold’ or ‘Rescheduled’
Measures - as at 31 March 2025:
· 83% (54) are ‘On Target’ or ‘Within Tolerance’
· 17% (11) are ‘Below Target’
All actions off track or measures below target are monitored by the relevant manager and Director. These include: higher numbers of missed bins which occurred as Council changed to a new contract; staff vacancies and tree stock quality which impacted tree plantings and issuance of permits for tree pruning or removal; and percentage of customer requests received through the online service portal below target, which is being addressed through the development of the digital Customer Experience Platform.
Highlights for the quarter include:
· An important milestone in the GreenWay missing links construction: the breakthrough of the new tunnel under Longport Street in Lewisham West
· In March, Council welcomed our new Local Democracy Group members at Ashfield Town Hall
· Over 1,400 people have attended sessions this year at the Inner West Sustainability Hub including bike repairs, clothes swap and energy efficiency
· Highlights of the events program included Inner West Kids Fest, Mardi Gras parade screening, Summer Hill Social, Seniors Festival and Bairro Portugues. Council partnered with 2SER to deliver In Your Hood in Leichhardt. Council also expanded the Lunar New Year program in Ashfield with 473 performers and creatives and attracted 3,000 attendees.
· Progress on cycleway projects including the Pyrmont Bridge Road cycleway, Cooks to Cove Greenway, and Livingstone Road upgrades
· Tillman Park Early Learning Centre achieved an ‘Exceeding’ rating under the National Quality Standard
· More than 13,000 people attended our Library programs/events. Highlights included Storytime with Joyce, Chopsticks or Fork Speaker Series, Water Safety Storytime, and Little Greece
Quarterly Budget Review Statement
This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2025. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2025. Council has updated its projected budget result to $55.8 million, this is a decrease of $3.4 million from the December Budget. Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $3.0 million has been projected against the December Budget Deficit of $3.1 million.
During the quarter, a detailed review of both operating and capital budgets was undertaken, reconfirming the budget projections for the current financial year.
The change in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions is primarily due to:
· User Charges and Fees increase of $4.2m predominantly from higher restoration revenue received, higher utilisation of aquatic centres for the third quarter and higher utilisation in early learning centres. These revenue increases are offset by service-related expenditure.
· Interest Income increase by $2.0m due to higher than expected reserves allowing for longer investment returns.
· Other Income increase of $1.2m due to one off higher income from property leases, increase in compliance revenue and compensation relating to legal matter.
· Operating Grants and Contributions increase of $0.7m due to grants for Health & Development participation, inclusion subsidy, Office of Local Government Apprentice, Trainee and Cadet program, Illegal Dumping Prevention Program and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Grant.
· Capital Grants and Contributions decrease of $3.5m predominantly due to alignment of section 7.11 Developer contributions.
· Employee Costs net increase due to adjustment of attrition target resulting from lower than anticipated staff turnover during the Financial Year.
· Material & Services net increase due to restorations expenditure matched by increased income and compostable bag purchase and delivery.
Summary of Budget Movements
Operational Budget
The graph in Figure 1 summarises the key operating budget movements, with a brief explanation and the impact on Council’s budget provided below.
Figure 1. Changes in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions
· Forecast increase in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees:
- Civil Maintenance – $2.3m increase due to higher restoration income received.
- Aquatic Services - $1.4m increase due to higher utilisation of aquatic centres.
- Early Learning - $0.6m increase to higher than expected utilisation from early learning centres.
· Forecast increase in Interest Income by $2.0m due to higher than expected reserves allowing for longer investment returns.
· Forecast increase in Other Income:
- Properties & Strategic Investments - $0.8m due to one off higher income from property leases.
- Legal Services - $0.2m due to compensation relating to legal matter.
· Forecast increase in Operating Grants and Contributions $0.7m – grants for Health & Development participation, inclusion subsidy, Office of Local Government Apprentice, Trainee and Cadet program, Illegal Dumping Prevention Program and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Grant.
· Employee Costs net increase due to adjustment of attrition target resulting from lower than anticipated staff turnover during the Financial Year.
· Material & Services net increase due to:
- Restoration expenditure.
- Compostable bag purchase and delivery.
Capital Budget
The graph in Figure 2 over the page reflects changes in the timing of projects, with a brief explanation provided below. Details can be found within the March 2025 QBRS Movement (attached).
The decreased Capital Expenditure of $20.2m is primarily due to the realignment of capital projects to the next financial year.
Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget. March 2025 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $57.0m.
The Capital Budget will continue to be reviewed to financial year end on an ongoing basis with the capital works managers.
Figure 2. Changes in the Full Year Capital Budget
Responsible Accounting Officer Budget Review Statement
Section 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 requires a report by Council’s responsible accounting officer regarding the Council’s financial position at the end of each quarter. The following statement is made in accordance with this clause.
“It is in my opinion that the Budget Review Statement for Inner West Council for the period ending 31 March 2025 indicates that Council’s projected financial position at 30 June will be satisfactory, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgeted income and expenditure.”
Chris Sleiman, Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer) - Inner West Council
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Financial implications for the quarter are listed above and detailed in the attached Quarterly Budget Review Statement
|
1.⇩ |
Delivery Program and Operational Plan progress report - Quarter 3 2024/25 |
|
2.⇩ |
March Quarterly Budget Review Statement |
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Bill Smoothing - Updated Recommendation
Prepared By: Deepa Desikan - Acting Senior Manager Transformation
Authorised By: Darren Morris - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council introduces Bill Smoothing as an option for rate payers for 2025/26 Financial Year. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an update on Council’s assessment of a flexible bill smoothing initiative aimed at supporting community needs and enhancing the customer experience.
Three options were evaluated:
· Enhancing the existing Council’s TechnologyOne platform
· Leveraging BPOINT Council’s current banking payment solution
· Implementing Payble, a purpose-built digital platform
BPOINT was originally considered due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment.
However, further evaluation revealed that it did not sufficiently address key process improvement requirements or deliver the desired customer experience outcomes. In particular, BPOINT requires ratepayers to manually manage payment schedules and does not offer the necessary flexibility to tailor payment amounts based on the total amount due.
In response, Council undertook further market exploration to identify a solution that offered enhanced functionality, automation and user experience. This process led to the evaluation of Payble.
Following updated financial modelling and internal workshops, Payble is now recommended as the preferred solution. It is expected to deliver a measurable productivity gains and supporting Council’s commitment to service excellence and digital transformation.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 22 October 2024, Council resolved the following:
That Council staff bring a report back to the December 2024 meeting with a mechanism for the introduction of bill smoothing and a communications plan for promoting bill smoothing and the pensioner rebate.
This report provides an update on Council’s proposed introduction of a bill smoothing initiative, following a further market scan to identify a solution capable of delivering a more enhanced bill smoothing experience, alongside improvements in internal processes, customer journey design and automation.
DISCUSSION
As part of the market assessment process, a comprehensive review was undertaken of Council’s current rates capabilities for bill smoothing, along with an evaluation of alternative solutions available in the market.
This review identified several key pain points and process gaps:
· Limited bill smoothing options are currently available – Customers to contact Council via phone or email to request direct debit or payment arrangements.
· Manual forms are used for direct debit setup requiring Rates team to enter data and process manually.
· Customer information updates are manually re-entered into Council’s TechnologyOne system increasing the likelihood of data entry errors.
· The current process involves paper-based form, which are completed, scanned, save and emails.
· There is no self-service functionality available for customers/rate payers to create or apply for payment arrangements.
To provide further context, the figures below highlight the significant scale and complexity of current payment transactions and the associated processing fees. The data clearly indicates an opportunity to reduce costs by shifting transaction volumes from higher cost channels such as BPAY and Australia Post to more cost-effective alternatives like Direct Debit.
Summary of payment transactions and processing fees for 2023/24:
· The table below outlines the payment transactions for 79,726 properties
|
Payment Channels |
Transaction Volume |
% of Total Volume |
Average Cost / Transaction |
Total Cost |
|
BPAY |
199,323 |
71% |
$0.51 |
$101,655 |
|
Australia Post |
30,628 |
11% |
$5.56 |
$170,292 |
|
Direct Debit |
21,026 |
8% |
$0.03 |
$631 |
|
Credit/Debit Card |
25,489 |
9% |
Merchant Service Fee (MSF) on Sales 0.05% |
|
|
Over the Counter |
4,027 |
1% |
Cash or Cheque deposit |
|
|
Total |
280,498 |
100% |
|
|
These payments are managed directly by Council, underscoring the need for a more automated, scalable and customer-centric solution. To address this, the Council has embarked on reviewing potential solutions, with Payble being a key option under consideration.
Payble is a digital-first payment experience platform for local government. Payble allows ratepayers to break down their bills into manageable payments through Direct Debit, offering a streamlined and more accessible way to handle payments.
For instance, a ratepayer struggling with a $450 lump sum every three months could opt to pay $150 per month. This method aligns payments with income schedules and other financial obligations, helping households better manage their finances so they can avoid falling behind or incurring additional interest charges.
There are several features offered by Payble that are not currently available through Council’s existing systems. These enhancements are spilt across 4 key categories:
|
Categories |
Key Features |
|
Bill Smoothing/Flexibility |
Customers can select their preferred payment start date and choose from weekly, fortnightly, or monthly frequencies – without needing to contact Customer Service or Rates team. |
|
Customers can create their own payment agreements using either a bank account or credit/debit card. |
|
|
Payment amounts are recalculated dynamically, offering flexible adjustment options. |
|
|
Customers can opt to skip a payment, pay early or pay the remaining balance in full at any time. |
|
|
Customer Experience |
Customers can access their rates account using only their phone number. |
|
Live account balances are visible to customers in real-time as payments are made. |
|
|
Customers can easily modify or update their direct debit details online. |
|
|
QR code payment is enabled directly from the rates notice. |
|
|
SMS reminders and alerts can be customised by the customer. |
|
|
Property numbers are auto populated when using QR code payment, reducing data entry errors by linking accounts to customer phone numbers. |
|
|
The entire payment experience is optimised for mobile use. |
|
|
Process Improvement |
Customer self-manage their direct debits and arrangement requests. |
|
Receipt details are directly sent to Council’s TechnologyOne system to update Rates account. |
|
|
Direct debit data is automatically submitted to the bank, removing the need for manual file transfers. |
|
|
Failed direct debit payments (dishonours) are automatically re-tried for processing and a SMS notification sent to the customer. |
Based on this expanded capability and value proposition, Payble is now recommended as the preferred option to support the rollout of Council’s bill smoothing initiative with the following key benefits:
· The platform enables a more proactive and responsive approach to community needs particularly important in supporting residents facing cost-of-living pressures and greater self-service options.
· It has the potential to recover all the costs.
· Significantly enhanced customer experience through a modern, user-friendly platform.
· Payble will provide payment flexibility and support bill smoothing through a seamless, digital-first experience for ratepayers.
· The solution is expected to generate productivity gains equivalent to 782 hours annually, by automating manual tasks currently performed by Council staff.
· It fully integrates with TechnologyOne CiA and existing Council bank/payment processing systems ensuring alignment with current IT infrastructure.
The estimated implementation timeframe is 10–12 weeks, with delivery involving teams across ICT, Finance, Customer Service and Communications.
If Council resolve to proceed with Bill Smoothing at the May 2025 Ordinary Council meeting, it can be then implemented by the first rate instalment for 2025/26.
Communication materials will be developed including updates to Rates Notices, website content and other channels to effectively promote the initiative to the community.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The proposed costs for the implementation - $29,000 with the estimated annual ongoing costs $114,000. Some of these costs will be offset by rate payers opting for the Payble payment method over the traditional methods. This payment method will be reviewed after 25/26 rate instalment payments are made in time for 26/27 Financial Year.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Hygienic Disposal in Men's Toilets
Prepared By: Con Loukaitis - Facilities Management Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Property and Major Projects
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the installation of men’s hygienic bins within Aquatic Centres and Libraries across the Inner West as detailed in this report for a 12 month trial. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council called for the installation of one hygienic disposal bin in the men’s toilets in each of the Inner West Council’s aquatic centres and libraries as a part of a 12-month trial.
It is proposed to implement the 12 month trial by installing hygienic disposal bins within the accessible/ ambulant cubicles. This will necessitate 25 bins across aquatic centres and libraries which will be combined with nappy bins where possible to ensure a cost effective delivery of services.
The trial service will be incorporated into the existing Sanitary and Hygiene Services contract.
The Sanitary and Hygiene contractor will provide monthly reports on usage and contamination that will inform the trial. While national data on usage of like services in men’s toilets is limited, it is envisaged that for the trail to be successful, a monthly usage rate beyond 60% would be required.
To provide adequate planning time, it is proposed to commence the 12 month trial from 1 July 2025.
The total estimated cost per annum of the trial is $22,500 which will be accommodated within existing operational budgets.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 3 December 2024, Council resolved the following:
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.
Hygienic disposal bins are a standard facility in most female-designated toilets. However, they are not routinely provided in male-designated toilets. The introduction of hygienic disposal bins in male toilets may assist the needs of transgender men, non-binary individuals, and men managing medical conditions requiring sanitary products (i.e. incontinence pads, colostomy bags, etc.).
DISCUSSION
Providing hygienic disposal bins in men's toilets promotes inclusion, public health, and proper waste management.
A review of Council-managed public toilets found that there were no public facing hygienic disposal bins in any Council men’s toilets across the inner west though there were some disposal bins for males in service centres for staff.
The resolution calls for the installation of one hygienic disposal bin in the men’s toilets in each of the Inner West Council’s aquatic centres and libraries as a part of a 12-month trial. These facilities have the following number of male/ all gender cubicles:
|
Facility |
No of Male/ All Gender Cubicles |
|
Aquatic Centres |
|
|
1. Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre (AKAC) |
4 |
|
2. Ashfield Aquatic Centre (AAC) |
4 |
|
3. Dawn Fraser Baths (DFB) |
3 |
|
4. Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre (FDAC) |
3 |
|
5. Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) |
5 |
|
Libraries |
|
|
6. Balmain Library |
3 |
|
7. Emanuel Tsardoulias Library |
2 |
|
8. Haberfield Library |
3 |
|
9. Leichhardt Library |
3 |
|
10. Marrickville Library & Pavilion |
3 |
|
11. Stanmore Library |
2 |
|
12. St Peters Library |
3 |
|
13. Ashfield Library |
3 |
|
Total (13 facilitates) |
41 |
It is proposed to implement the 12 month trial by installing hygienic disposal bins within the accessible/ ambulant cubicles. This will necessitate 25 bins across all the facilities which will be combined with nappy bins where possible to ensure a cost effective delivery of services.
In addition to installation, appropriate signage will be developed to raise awareness and inform users of the availability/location of the bins and their appropriate use.
The trial service will be incorporated into the existing Sanitary and Hygiene Services contract. The Sanitary and Hygiene contractor will provide monthly reports on usage and contamination that will inform the trial. While national data on usage of like services in men’s toilets is limited, it is envisaged that for the trail to be successful, a monthly usage rate beyond 60% would be required.
To provide adequate planning time, it is proposed to commence the 12 month trial from 1 July 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The trial involves 13 Aquatic centres and Libraries within the Inner West, which necessitate 25 hygienic disposal bins.
The total estimated cost per annum of the trial is $22,500 which will be accommodated within existing operational budgets.
Ongoing maintenance costs are expected to be minimal and will be absorbed into existing Sanitary and Hygiene contract. Any increase in waste disposal volumes will be monitored and reviewed as required.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 14 April 2025
Prepared By: Jason Scoufis - Acting Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Engineering
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and adopt the recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 14 April 2025. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Local Traffic Committee meeting was held at the Ashfield Service Centre and has made recommendations for Council’s consideration and adoption.
DISCUSSION
The April 2025 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held at the Ashfield Service Centre. The minutes of the meeting are shown in Attachment 1.
ITEMS BY WARD –
|
Ward |
Item |
|
Baludarri (Balmain)
|
Mary Street, Lilyfield - Proposed Raised Pedestrian Crossing |
|
Final Draft Annandale LATM Study |
|
|
Darling Street at Nelson Street, Rozelle- Proposed Kerb Extensions & Relocation of Mobility Parking |
|
|
Elizabeth Street, Rozelle - Proposed 'No Stopping' Zone |
|
|
Gulgadya (Leichhardt)
|
Allen Street, Leichhardt - Proposed Raised Pedestrian Crossing |
|
Myrtle Street, Leichhardt - Proposed 10km/H Shared Zone And Line-Marked Parking Bays |
|
|
Catherine Street, Leichhardt - Proposed 'No Stopping' Zone |
|
|
Empire Street, Haberfield - Proposed Landscaped Island |
|
|
Easter Street, Leichhardt - Proposed Parking Changes |
|
|
Midjuburi (Marrickville)
|
Review of pedestrian crossings in various locations in Marrickville |
|
Shepherd Street, Marrickville - Proposed '1P 6pm-10pm Permit Holders Excepted Area M9' |
|
|
Goodsell Street, St Peters - Proposed line marking of parking spaces |
|
|
Djarrawunang (Ashfield)
|
Cobar Street at Old Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill – Proposed Kerb Extensions and Kerb Ramps - Design Plan 10334A |
|
Gower Street, Summer Hill - Proposed Kerb Extensions |
|
|
Damun (Stanmore) |
Nil. |
|
All Wards |
Inner West LGA - Proposal for GoGet car share parking spaces |
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report. Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.
|
1.⇩ |
Local Traffic Committee minutes - 14 April 2025 |
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: RFT 41-24 Insurance Services - Addendum
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Darren Morris - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council considers RFT41-24 Insurance Services at Item 34 at the 20 May 2025 Council Meeting, and not at the 17 June 2025 Council Meeting.
2. That Council undertakes an external service review in the 2025/2026 Financial Year into the insurance claims customer experience and receives a report back on the outcome of that service review. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 29 April 2025, Council resolved the following in respect of the Item RFT 41-24 Insurance Services:
That the report be deferred to the June 2025 meeting of Council.
DISCUSSION
Officers recommend a decision is made in respect of appointing an insurance services provider at the 20 May 2025 Ordinary Council meeting, and not the 17 June 2025 Council Meeting. This is on the basis that to place cover for Council insurance policies, the General Manager must confirm certain details in writing on 13 June 2025, to enable cover to take effect on 1 July 2025 (when our current cover will expire).
If Council does not place cover for insurance by this date, it will not be able to comply with the obligation in section 382 of the Local Government Act 1993 to make arrangement for adequate insurance against public and professional liability. Council would be self-insured and solely liable for all commercial liability claims from 1 July 2025.
Separately, Officers recommend that Council undertakes an external service review into the insurance claims customer experience, to be undertaken in the 2025/2026 Financial Year, and receives a report back on the outcome of this service review.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
Nil.
|
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Review of Opportunities for EV Public Charging in Tempe Reserve and Balmain Depot - Addendum
Prepared By: Ken Welsh - Coordinator Strategic Transport Planning
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Engineering
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RECOMMENDATION
That the provision of EV charging facilities in Balmain Depot no longer proceed noting that 102 public EV kerbside charging ports have been commissioned to date in the Inner West.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is an addendum to Item 17 of the May 2025 Council Meeting Agenda – Review of Opportunities for EV Public Charging in Tempe Reserve and Balmain Depot which was deferred at the March 2025 Council meeting and provides an update on changing circumstances since the previous report was prepared.
Council has been exploring the provision of public EV charging within Council’s Balmain Depot as part of the ongoing rollout of EV charging infrastructure. The conversion of the depot has been determined to be complex and would require significant funding to upgrade the depot so that EV charging could be provided. In addition, there will be impacts to Council operations and there are no viable alternative locations for the operational activities currently accommodated on the site.
Based on this analysis and the successful provision of 22 public charging ports on the Balmain Peninsula and a total of 102 ports across the Inner West to date it is considered that the creation of a public charging hub at Balmain Depot is no longer required.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 3 December 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
That Council report back by February 2025 about the feasibility, costs and timeline of potential works to upgrade power at Tempe Reserve to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle chargers in this location….
At the Council meeting held on 21 November 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
That Council incorporate Balmain Depot as a proposed location for electric vehicle charging in current procurements processes and in the exploration of opportunities with AUSGRID group.
A report on these two items was considered at its meeting on 11 March 2025, Council resolved that the matter be deferred for consideration at Council’s 20 May 2025 meeting.
This report is an addendum to Item 17 of the May 2025 Council Meeting Agenda – Review of Opportunities for EV Public Charging in Tempe Reserve and Balmain Depot which was deferred at the March 2025 Council meeting and provides an update on changing circumstances since the previous report was prepared.
DISCUSSION
Council’s current approach for the delivery of EV charging within carparks is via a partnership model with EV charging providers installing infrastructure which is funded by the provider/ state government grants.
The partnership model provides benefits to Council by reducing costs and leveraging the expertise of EV charging providers. The providers are tasked with installing, operating and maintaining the EV chargers at no cost to Council. The providers are also at the forefront of EV charging technology, allowing greater responsiveness to changing technology needs and leveraging the data they collect from use of their charging networks.
In addition, it should be noted that after Round 1 of the NSW EV Kerbside Grant, councils are not eligible to apply directly for subsequent rounds of funding. Council’s partnership model however, allows for EV charging partners to continue to apply for funding.
Progress Since the Previous Report (Item 11 of the May 2025 Council Meeting Agenda)
Current Kerbside Public Charging
As Council’s rollout of kerbside public charging continues, to date (1 May 2025) its partners have successfully installed 102 kerbside public charging ports associated with Round 1 of the State Government’s Kerbside Public Charging Grants. From Round 1 funding a total of 136 ports will be rolled out by July 2025.
It is also anticipated that the results of Round 2 of the State Government’s public charging grants will be announced by mid-2025.
The state government has announced that further rounds of funding may be considered but no timeline has been proposed.
Tempe Reserve
When Holbeach Road, within Tempe Reserve was considered for EV Charging ports, it was found that this portion of roadway was within the existing parks Plan of Management (PoM) and that the PoM did not permit third party EV charging.
The new Plan of Management (PoM) for Tempe Reserve is currently being revised and Council is intending to update this to include the potential for EV charging should such an initiative proceed in the future.
Changes to the PoM will permit Tempe Reserve car parks to be included in future grant applications.
Balmain Depot
Planning regarding the Balmain Depot Hub has indicated that the project is complex and requires many of the assets in the depot to be adjusted, relocated and/or rebuilt. The redesign also requires safe separation of the public charging area from the operational sections of the depot.
Additionally, the primary power source is on the northern side of the site and will require significant power to extend the full length of the depot to its Llewellyn Street frontage, where the charging hub is proposed.
Consequently, the project is a complex and will require a redesign of at least part of the depot.
Since the previous report, additional assessment of opportunities for a public charging hub at Balmain Depot has been carried out.
Included in this assessment was consideration of the use of the Depot for operating activities including:
· Parks Operations north and records/archive staff work from this depot.
· Access is required throughout weekdays by all operations teams.
· Weekend access is required to permit essential overtime works to be delivered.
· Storing of equipment and materials used in Parks maintenance.
· Storing of heavy, light and C class vehicles.
· Taking deliveries of materials, plants and equipment.
· Daily muster for staff working from depot.
Investigations have indicated that the Depot is fully utilised and that there are no viable alternative locations for the operational activities currently accommodated on the site.
Based on this analysis and the existing provision of 22 public charging ports on the Balmain Peninsula and total of 102 ports across the Inner West, it is considered that the creation of a public charging hub at Balmain Depot is no longer a necessary intervention and would require significant funding for the project to be realised. The project would also significantly impact on Council’s operational activities that rely on the Depot.
Therefore, Council staff will now work with Origin Energy to determine whether
a suitable alternative location is available to accommodate the proposed
increased public charging capacity.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Review of Opportunities for EV Public Charging in Tempe Reserve and Balmain Depot
Council at its meeting on 11 March 2025 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 20 May 2025.
Prepared By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Infrastructure
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides information regarding EV charging opportunities at Tempe Reserve and the potential establishment of a public charging hub as part of Balmain Depot.
Council’s current approach for the delivery of EV charging within carparks is via a partnership model with EV charging providers installing infrastructure which is funded by the provider/ state government grants.
The partnership model provides benefits to Council by reducing costs and leveraging the expertise of EV charging providers. The providers are tasked with installing, operating and maintaining the EV chargers at no cost to Council. The providers are also at the forefront of EV charging technology, allowing greater responsiveness to changing technology needs and leveraging the data they collect from use of their charging networks.
In addition, it should be noted that after Round 1 of the NSW EV Kerbside Grant, councils are not eligible to apply directly for subsequent rounds of funding. Council’s partnership model however, allows for EV charging partners to continue to apply for funding
In relation to Tempe Reserve:
· Council’s application for the state government’s Round One kerbside public charging grants, included several locations for EV public charging in the Tempe-Sydenham area. While Council was successful in obtaining grants for 136 charging ports, the Tempe-Sydenham sites we're not successful in attracting funding;
· Council’s Request for Quotation to provide charging in its car parks could not include Tempe Reserve, as the Reserve’s existing Plan of Management (PoM) does not permit EV charging. A new PoM is currently being prepared which will include the opportunity for EV charging.
· While there are some power grid constraints near Tempe Reserve, Council has included several adjacent sites (that do not have grid constraints) in its Round Two funding applications.
· It is anticipated that Round 2 funding announcements will be made by the state government early in the second half of 2025.
· Additionally, once the new PoM has been adopted, Council intends to include Tempe Reserve in the next stage of its car park charging program, currently programmed to commence in the second half of 2026.
In relation to the proposed Balmain Depot public charging hub:
· The site was included in Council’s car park EV charging Request for Quotation.
· Origin Energy have been appointed as the partner provider, to install approximately 10 public charging ports adjacent to the Llewellyn Street entrance to the Depot;
· Design of the depot EV charging will commence in the second half of 2025, including preparation of a business case.
· It is estimated that the project could be completed by early 2026 including design, procurement and construction of required changes to the depot and installation of EV charging infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 3 December 2024, Council resolved the following in part:
2. That Council report back by February 2025 about the feasibility, costs and timeline of potential works to upgrade power at Tempe Reserve to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle chargers in this location….
At the Council meeting held on 21 November 2023, Council resolved the following in part:
2. That Council incorporate Balmain Depot as a proposed location for electric vehicle charging in current procurements processes and in the exploration of opportunities with AUSGRID group.
This report details experiences with providing EV public charging within, and adjacent to, Tempe Reserve, as well as an update on progress with the proposed Balmain Depot public charging hub.
DISCUSSION
Council’s current approach for the delivery of EV charging within carparks is via a partnership model with EV charging providers installing infrastructure which is funded by the provider/ state government grants.
The partnership model provides benefits to Council by reducing costs and leveraging the expertise of EV charging providers. The providers are tasked with installing, operating and maintaining the EV chargers at no cost to Council. The providers are also at the forefront of EV charging technology, allowing greater responsiveness to changing technology needs and leveraging the data they collect from use of their charging networks.
In addition, it should be noted that after Round 1 of the NSW EV Kerbside Grant, councils are not eligible to apply directly for subsequent rounds of funding. Council’s partnership model however, allows for EV charging partners to continue to apply for funding.
Tempe Reserve
Council’s investigations into constraints associated with the installation of EV public charging in Tempe Reserve have indicated the following:
· Applications for Round One of the State Government’s Kerbside Public Charging Grants excluded Tempe Reserve because the grants were only available for kerbside charging. Power grid capacity issues were not experienced within Tempe Reserve.
· Kerbside locations in Holbeach Road were considered for the Round One grant applications, however Ausgrid advised that there were power grid constraints between Princes Highway and the Tempe Reserve boundary.
· When Holbeach Road, within Tempe Reserve was considered, it was found that this portion of roadway was within the existing parks Plan of Management (PoM) and that the PoM did not permit third party EV charging.
Council’s application for the state governments’ Round One kerbside public charging grants included several locations for EV public charging in the Tempe-Sydenham area. While Council were successful in obtaining grants for 136 charging ports, the Tempe-Sydenham sites were not successful in attracting funding because the area was not identified as a priority area, under Round 1 of the state funding.
At the time of Council’s RfQ for public charging in Council car parks; limitations placed on third party charging by Tempe Reserve’s PoM excluded consideration of Tempe Reserve car parks.
Since the time of the Round One applications and Council’s car park charging RfQ, several circumstances have changed, or are in the process of changing. In this regard:
· The State Government’s grant criteria has changed and now includes the Sydenham-Tempe-St Peters in its priority areas.
· Council is intending to update the Plan of Management for Tempe Reserve to include the potential for EV charging should such an initiative proceed in the future.
· Changes to the PoM will permit Tempe Reserve car parks to be included in future grant applications.
It’s worth noting that the exhibition of the PoM is expected in the second half of 2025.
Based on discussions with the State Government, Council’s charging partners and Ausgrid, it is considered that the most efficient way to provide charging in Tempe Reserve is to include Tempe Reserve in future stages of Council’s car park charging program once the revised PoM has been adopted.
Additionally, based on the State’s new grant criteria, Council’s partners have included several sites in Tempe and Sydenham as part of their Round Two kerbside grant applications. It is anticipated that Round 2 funding announcements will be made by the state government early in the second half of 2025. Installation of successful Round Two sites would commence early in 2026.
Currently, 11 public charging ports are available near Tempe Reserve, including:
· 3 in Arncliffe Street, Wolli Creek;
· 6 at IKEA;
· 1 at BP, Princes Highway, Sydenham;
· 1 in Terry Street.
Next Steps:
· Council has included several nearby sites in its Round Two grant application and will work with its partners to commence installation of successful sites early in 2026.
· Subject to the Tempe Reserve’s PoM being adopted, Council will include Tempe Reserve in the next stage of its car park charging program, aimed at commencing in the second half of 2026.
Balmain Depot:
The proposal to include a 10-port public charging hub in Balmain Depot was incorporated into Council’s car park charging RfQ. Review of the RfQ responses has been completed and the following 2 charging partners chosen:
EVIE will provide public chargers in the following car parks:
· Barclay Street, Marrickville;
· Beattie Street, Balmain;
· Leichhardt Town Hall, Leichhardt;
· Lennox Street/Church Street, Newtown.
Origin Energy will provide public chargers in the following car parks, as well as working with Council to create the Balmain Depot Public Charging Hub:
· Ashfield Aquatic Centre;
· Bedford Crescent, Dulwich Hill;
· Charles Street, Petersham;
· Federal Place, Haberfield;
· Fisher Street, Petersham;
· Haberfield Centre, Haberfield
· Hamilton Street, Rozelle;
· Merton Street (east), Rozelle;
· Summer Hill.
Planning regarding the Balmain Depot Hub has initiated and have indicated that the project is extremely complex; requiring many of the assets in the depot to be adjusted, relocated and/or rebuilt. The redesign also requires safe separation of the public charging area from the operational sections of the depot.
Additionally, the primary power source is on the northern side of the site and will require significant power to extend the full length of the depot to its Llewellyn Street frontage, where the charging hub is proposed.
Consequently, while the project is progressing, it is a complex, which will require a redesign of at least part of the depot.
It is estimated that the project could be completed by early 2026 including design, procurement and construction of required changes to the depot and installation of EV charging infrastructure.
To assist in the interim, Council has been working with its partners to ensure the availability of public charging with 136 kerbside public charging ports being installed across the Inner West. Of these ports; there are 16 public charging ports in the Balmain/Birchgrove/Rozelle area.
Next Steps:
· Design of the depot recharging will commence in the second half of 2025, including preparation of a business case.
· Costings will be considered as part of the design process.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Under Council’s partnership model, there are no capital costs to Council associated with the implementation of the proposed public EV chargers. However, the Balmain Depot charging and associated works will require Council funding to be allocated with costs to be determine through the design process.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Investment Report at 30 April 2025
Prepared By: Sajjad Ali - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Darren Morris - Acting Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive, and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of the total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value. During the month of April 2025:
· Council new investments:
· $5.0M 9 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.19%pa
· $5.0M 2 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 3.99%pa
· $5.0M 3 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.04%pa
· $5.0M 4 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.14%pa
· $5.0M 5 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.29%pa
· $2.0M 3 year Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 3.96%pa
· $3.0M 4 year Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.04%pa
· $7.0M 9 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 4.19%pa.
· Council matured investments:
· $25.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 5.00%pa
· $7.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 5.04%pa
· $5.0M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.94%pa.
· Council is preparing for the maturity of further investments in May and June 2025, with interest rates declining compared with prior months.
· Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 52% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel Lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 10% in Socially Responsible Investments, and 38% in Green investments.
Council’s investments are reported monthly to Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.
BACKGROUND
A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value.
The intention of investing Council’s funds is to seek the most favourable return available, whilst having due consideration of risk and security for that investment type and ensuring that its liquidity requirements are being maintained; with consideration given to the preservation of capital, liquidity, and the return on investment.
Preservation of capital is the principal objective of the investment portfolio. Investments are placed in a manner that seeks to ensure security and safeguard the investment portfolio. This includes managing credit and interest rate risk within identified thresholds and parameters.
Council determined to proactively invest in a non-fossil fuel investment portfolio.
Legislative Requirements
All investments are to comply with the following:
§ Local Government Act 1993;
§ Local Government (General) Regulation 2021;
§ Ministerial Investment Order dated 17 February 2011;
§ Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting;
§ Australian Accounting Standards; and
§ Division of Local Government Investment Policy Guidelines May 2010.
Council’s Socially Responsible Investments consist of Green Term Deposits/Floating Rate Notes from otherwise fossil fuel lending banks, such as CBA and Westpac and also long dated bond issues from a range of institutions and government agencies. These investments provide targeted funding to a wide range of green and socially responsible projects and initiatives. Council also utilises these investments to remain within the credit rating policy guidelines imposed by the NSW TCorp loan covenant requirements.
Certification
The Acting Chief Financial Officer, Sajjad Ali, as the Responsible Accounting Officer has certified that the investments listed in the attached report have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Section 212 of the Local Government General Regulation 2021, and Council’s Investment Policy.
DISCUSSION
Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s market value investment portfolio size is $202.2M, $0.3M higher than the prior month market value of $201.9M. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s portfolio during the month had a return of 4.87% pa, against the ‘AusBond Bank Bill Index’ Benchmark (4.38% pa) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 4.75% pa on a marked-to-market basis.
Volatility intensified early in the month after US President Trump’s tariff wars wreaked havoc across global financial markets. The losses in equity markets reversed over the second half of the month on hopes that trade deals would be achieved after Trump announced a 90-day moratorium on new tariffs. For now, recession fears have overwhelmed any concerns over a tariff-led spike in inflation.
As interest rates rise/fall the dollar valuations of existing bonds rise/fall in the market. While Fixed Rate Bond’s (or Floating Rates Notes) market value may drop below its face value (or par value) during the life of a security, providing Council does not sell the security and the issuer is sound (which all of Council’s holdings are) then the bond’s market value will come back to the face value by the time it matures.
Changes in the value of our portfolio
New investments were:
· $5.0M 9 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.19%pa
· $5.0M 2 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 3.99%pa
· $5.0M 3 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.04%pa
· $5.0M 4 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.14%pa
· $5.0M 5 year Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 4.29%pa
· $2.0M 3 year Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 3.96%pa
· $3.0M 4 year Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.04%pa
· $7.0M 9 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 4.19%pa.
Matured investments were:
· $25.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bank of Queensland at fixed rate of 5.00%pa
· $7.0M 6 month Term Deposit with Bendigo and Adelaide at fixed rate of 5.04%pa
· $5.0M 6 month Green Term Deposit with Westpac at fixed rate of 4.94%pa.
With additional rate cuts and a global economic downturn priced in over 2025, investors should consider diversifying and taking an ‘insurance policy’ against a potentially lower rate environment by investing across 1-5 year fixed deposits and locking in rates above 4.25 to 4.50% p.a.
Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested, with 52% of the portfolio in Non-Fossil Fuel lending authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), 10% of the portfolio in Socially Responsible Investments, and 38% of the portfolio in Green investments.
Council has two Emerald Investments that were purchased by the former Marrickville Council in July 2006 with maturity dates of August 2051 and August 2056 representing a market value $1.1M of Councils invested funds.
The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for the period ending 30 April 2025.
The Current Market value is required to be accounted for. The Current Market Value is a likely outcome if Council were to consider recalling the investment prior to its due date.
All investments held in the month of April were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations, and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds
Council’s external restriction reserves are funds that are restricted for use by external entities and have a specific purpose. Examples of such reserves include:
· Developer Contributions
· Grants
· Domestic Waste Reserve
· Stormwater Levy.
Internal Restriction reserves are reserves created internally by Council for a specific purpose. Examples include:
· Employment Leave Entitlements
· Investment Property Reserve
· Infrastructure Renewal Reserve
· Depreciation Contra Reserve.
External / Internal Restrictions & Working Funds
Other Investment Information
The chart below shows the average Term Deposit bids available for Council over the next five years across banks from different credit ratings.
In the deposit market, over April, at the very short-end of the curve (less than 6 months), the average deposit rates offered by the domestic major banks fell by around 15-20bp compared to where they were the previous month (March), with the market all but factoring in another rate cut in coming months. At the longer-end of the curve (1-5 years), the average rates have fell by another 25-30bp compared to where they were in March.
Domestic issues:
· The RBA kept rates on hold as widely expected. The post-Meeting Statement and the Governor’s press conference played a relatively straight bat in terms of not giving any indication of a live meeting in May. While the Board “did not explicitly discuss a rate cut”, the Governor noted “it did talk a little bit about downside risks and including the global downside risks”.
· The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose +0.9% in the March 2025 quarter and +2.4% annually. The trimmed mean annual inflation rose +0.7%, coming in at +2.9% in the March quarter, down from +3.3% in the December quarter - the lowest annual trimmed mean inflation rate since the December 2021 quarter.
· Retail sales came in a modest +0.2% m/m in February after a +0.3% gain in January. The rise was led by food retailing (+0.6% m/m).
· Financial markets are now pricing up to five additional rate cuts by early to mid 2026, despite Governor Bullock’s jawboning against such expectations. The next rate cut is fully priced in by June.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Inner West Council Economic and Investment Portfolio Commentary - April 2025 |
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2.⇩ |
Inner West Council Investment Report - April 2025 |
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade - Monthly Project Update
Prepared By: Stuart Hull - Senior Manager Capital Works
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Property and Major Projects
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A project team with demonstratable experience and capability to successfully deliver the project has been formed, with a comprehensive project assurance and governance framework being applied to the project.
Stage 1 (mushroom pool and a new kids’ splash play area) is currently in the construction phase with the contractor taking site possession of the works area on 1 April 2025. The works area is fenced, with the outdoor pools and indoor pools remaining operational. It is anticipated that Stage 1 will be completed in October 2025 (weather permitting).
Stage 2 (construction of new heated 8-lane 50m pool and a heated 25m pool) is currently in the design phase having its high level scope confirmed at the April 2025 Council meeting by endorsement of the revised conceptual designs.
Planning and design activities have advanced significantly with the 50% design package currently under internal review. The 50% design package is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Additional scope elements as identified in the April 2025 Council resolution for Stage 2 will now be investigated and these findings reported to Council through the monthly project update.
An Expression of interest (EOI) document was released to the market on the 31 March which closed on 28 April 2025. This process will deliver a short list of appropriately experienced and qualified contractors to participate in a selective tender process for the construction contract. The EoI submissions are now under evaluation
Stage 2 is due for completion in September 2027.
The LPAC upgrade is estimated to cost $55.5M which is accounted for in the draft Long Term Financial Plan for the 2025/2026 financial year.
BACKGROUND
With the existing 50m and dive pools reaching the end of their lifespan having been constructed in the early 1960s, Council is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade to revitalise the facility. This transformation will ensure the Aquatic Centre remains a vibrant and sustainable hub for the community for the next 50 years.
Council has appointed external consultants to provide Architectural design, Project Management and Project Assurance services for the delivery of the upgrade.
In this regard, CO.OP Studios were appointed as the lead design consultant in mid-2023 to provide all architectural and engineering design services. CO.OP and their sub-consultant team have extensive experience around Australia though their network of state offices designing elite level sporting and aquatic centre projects for both the private sector and government agencies. Some of these projects include Bayside Council Botany Aquatic Centre, Wyndham Council Aqua Pulse Leisure Centre (Victoria), Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Aquatic centre, City of Glen Eira Carnegie Aquatic Centre (Victoria), The Western Australian Institute of Sport, Dandenong Aquatic & Wellness centre (Victoria) and the City of Mount Gambier Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Altus Group were appointed in late 2024 as the Project Managers and bring with them a wealth of experience in delivering aquatic centre projects. This includes the Griffith City Council Sports Precinct which included a first-class multi-purpose regional sports complex comprising athletics track, new grandstand, all weather netball courts, indoor basketball stadium and a new 50 metre outdoor pool. The aquatic centre and sports complex were completed in early 2021 and late 2022 respectively and achieved World Athletics and FINA accreditation. Altus Group also worked closely with the City of Sydney for the design and delivery of the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre that opened in 2007.
There is a comprehensive project assurance and governance framework being applied to the project. In this regard, Council appointed Turner and Townsend (T&T) as the Project Assurance Consultant in late 2023 to have oversight of Stages 1 and 2 to ensure the highest standards of project integrity and risk management.
T&T have extensive experience in delivering aquatic centre projects which includes The Hills Shire Council Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre, Coffs Harbour City Councils Woolgoolga and Sawtell pools, Dandenong Aquatic & Wellness centre (Victoria) and the Surf Coast Aquatic & Health Centre (Victoria).
T&T have had an ongoing involvement through the development of the designs, project risk management, cost estimates and business case documents. This involvement will continue through to project completion and include monthly reporting to the Major Capital Projects Committee on the progress of the project.
Wilde & Wollard has been appointed as the projects Quantity Surveyor (QS) to prepare cost estimates. The QS will also have an on-going role through the construction stages in assessing progress claims and variation costs, and monitoring cash flows.
The project continues to be monitored in accordance with the Risk Management Plan and is reported to Governance forums including:
Project Control Group – Monthly
Major Capital Projects Committee – Monthly
Audit Risk and Improvement Committee – Quarterly
Inner West Council meetings – Monthly
At the Council meeting held on 29 April 2025, Council resolved:
1. That Council note the outcomes of the Engagement Report, including that the vast majority of respondents supported the stage 2 works to Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, including three quarters of people who saw the plans in person.
2. That Council investigate options to include a small playground in the grassed area between the pools and the Bay Run, including funding sources.
3. That Council investigate options to include more shade over the concourse areas around the 50m and 25m pools, including funding sources.
4. That Council staff include the results of these investigations in their monthly reports to Council.
5. That Council adopt the revised conceptual designs in Attachment 2 of the Council report, for Stage 2 of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre.
6. That Council endorse proceeding with detailed design development, planning approval and delivery stages for the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade Stage 2.
7. That Council note that the required funding detailed in the funding implications of this report for the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade is included in the draft 2025/26 operational plan and budget.
DISCUSSION
It is proposed to deliver the LPAC Upgrade generally in two stages due to construction practicalities and ensuring as many facilities at LPAC are open as possible during construction. It is also proposed to commence construction works during the winter months to minimise impacts on community pool users, sport groups, swim learners and LPAC operations.
Stage 1
This includes refurbishment of the outdoor kid’s pool known as mushroom pool and a new kids’ splash play area that will have a BBQ area, seating, and shade structures.
The indoor program pool hall will have HVAC upgrades, alongside the construction of a new fully electrified heating and filtration plant for the indoor program pool and kid’s pool.
Stage 1 is currently in the construction phase with the contractor taking site possession of the works area on 1 April 2025. The works area is fenced, with the outdoor pools and indoor pools remaining operational.
Demolition is continuing in the mushroom pool and excavations are underway for the new splash pad and plant room areas.
It is anticipated that Stage 1 will be completed in October 2025 (weather permitting).
Council has been successful in securing an additional $1,054,000 in Federal Grant Funding (Community Energy Upgrade Fund – Round 1) for stage 1 works, negotiation for the grant agreement execution is ongoing with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The execution of this agreement has been impacted by the Federal election caretaker period.
Stage 2
This includes the construction of new heated 8-lane 50m pool (1.1 to 1.8m deep) and a heated 25m pool (from zero to 2.1m depth with movable floor and accessible device), spectator seating and shade structures, new first aid, lifeguard, and storage rooms, new fully electrified pool heating system and filtration plants for 50 m and 25 m pools, accessibility lift and upgraded stairs to access the rear turfed area along with re-turfing, accessible pathway link and new picnic shelter.
Stage 2 is currently in the design phase having its high level scope confirmed at the April 2025 Council meeting by endorsement of the revised conceptual designs.
Planning and design activities have advanced significantly with the 50% design package currently under internal review. The 50% design package is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Additional scope elements as identified in the April 2025 Council resolution will now be investigated and these findings reported to Council through the monthly project update.
An Expression of interest (EOI) document was released to the market on the 31 March which closed on 28 April 2025. This process will deliver a short list of appropriately experienced and qualified contractors to participate in a selective tender process for the construction contract. The EoI submissions are now under evaluation.
Stage 2 has the following high level program:
· Complete 80% design for tender – July 2025
· Construction tender and evaluation – November 2025
· Contract award and execution – February 2026
· Construction commences on-site – May 2026
· Construction complete – September 2027
Leichhardt Park’s Plan of Management establishes the objectives and performance targets for Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre upgrade which includes implementing the conceptual plans.
The planning pathway approval for the project is via Section 2.73(2) of the State Environmental Planning Policy. This requires a Review of Environment Factors to confirm compliance and ensure the works are consistent with the Plan of Management and relevant environmental considerations prior to works commencing.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
An extensive value engineering and cost saving exercise has been undertaken to the project with oversight by the external Project Assurance Consultant and Quantity Surveyor.
The LPAC upgrade is estimated to cost $55.5M (Stage 1 - $9.78M and Stage 2 - $45.72M).
Council was recently advised of its successful application for the Federal Government’s Round 1 Community Energy Upgrade Fund grant in the amount of $1,054,000 for Stage 1 works.
The Chief Financial Officer has confirmed that funding to cover the estimated project cost is accounted for in the draft Long Term Financial Plan for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Nil.
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|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment - Monthly Project Update
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Property and Major Projects
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment is currently in the design phase having its high level scope confirmed at the April 2025 Council meeting by endorsement of the final design concepts.
This resulted in a project scope to the:
· Western Grandstand Player Amenities
· Western Grandstand – modern facilities for spectators, sponsors and media
· Lower Seating Bowl – All new ‘stadium type’ seating to ensure safety and compliance
· New Northern Grandstand
A project team with demonstratable experience and capability to successfully deliver the project has been formed, with a comprehensive project assurance and governance framework being applied to the project.
The project has the following high level program:
· Project Planning Scope Confirmation – May 2025
· Planning Approval Consent – August 2026
· Complete 80% design for tender – August 2026
· Contract award and execution – September 2026
· Construction commences on-site – October 2026
· Construction complete – February 2028
The Quantity Surveyor has confirmed the Project Budget breakdown and the estimated costs for the design concepts are approximately $50M which is subject to further value engineering and a future procurement process to ensure that Council receives the best value for money from the project.
There is $40M funding allocated in the draft Long Term Financial Plan for the 2025/2026 financial year and Council will seek further State and Commonwealth grant funding opportunities and could potentially stage some of the works.
BACKGROUND
In October 2023 Inner West Council adopted the Leichhardt Oval Masterplan following extensive public engagement. The Masterplan was developed in partnership with Cox Architecture.
In June 2024, the Commonwealth, State and Local Governments formed a funding partnership to secure the future of Leichhardt Oval. The Commonwealth committing $20 million to the project, with the NSW Government and the Inner West Council investing $10 million each towards the upgrade.
Ernst and Young (EY) were appointed as project managers in August 2024 and Cox Architecture brought on board to finalise the concept designs for the upgrade.
EY have experience from overseeing big stadium projects including Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium and the new Penrith Stadium.
Cox Architecture bring a wealth of expertise when it comes to designing and redesigning some
of Australia’s most outstanding sporting venues.
A stakeholder workshop was held on 20 August 2024 with attendees from Wests Tigers, Sydney FC, NRL, NSWRL, Australian Professional Leagues, and APIA Leichhardt.
The workshop was facilitated by Cox Architects. The major themes from the workshop identified as priorities were the provision of female friendly players and officials’ amenities as well as a seating bowl upgrade.
As one of the outcomes of the adopted Masterplan, Council has also allocated $1.2 million to develop new Museum of Inner West Rugby League that represents the five foundational Rugby League clubs - Annandale, Balmain, Glebe, Newtown, and Wests.
The work involves renovation of the caretaker’s cottage opposite the Mary Street entrance to Leichhardt Oval and the development of the museum to display memorabilia, as well as the history and related stories related to the clubs through the use of multimedia, and also includes and an immersive, virtual museum that provides alternative access to the fans and the public. The Museum will be ready for opening before the 2026 Season.
At the Council meeting held on 29 April 2025, Council resolved the following:
That Council endorse the Leichhardt Oval renovation final design concepts April 2025 (Attachment 1) and proceed with preparing detailed plans in order to seek planning approval.
This resulted in a project scope to the:
· Western Grandstand Player Amenities
· Western Grandstand – modern facilities for spectators, sponsors and media
· Lower Seating Bowl – All new ‘stadium type’ seating to ensure safety and compliance
· New Northern Grandstand
There is a comprehensive project assurance and governance framework being applied to the project. In this regard, a Project Control Group has been established, with the General Manager as the Sponsor, that will have oversight of the project.
Council is also engaging a project assurance consultant to ensure project integrity and risk management. This engagement will include reviewing performance, costs, and timelines, providing improvement recommendations, and preparing monthly reports for Inner West Council throughout the project.
The project continues to be monitored in accordance with the Risk Management Plan and is reported to Governance forums including:
Project Control Group – Monthly
Major Capital Projects Committee – Monthly
Audit Risk and Improvement Committee – Quarterly
Inner West Council meetings – Monthly
DISCUSSION
The Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment is currently in the design phase having its high level scope confirmed at the 29 April 2025 Council meeting by endorsement of the final design concepts.
The current design activities includes the development and finalisation of the design, including costing analysis and value engineering to ensure that Council obtains the maximum value from the works, and preparation of planning approval documentation for the project.
It is currently anticipated that the planning pathway for the scope would be a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) via the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
As such, a Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements (SEARs) is required to identify what information needs to be included in the environmental impact statement (EIS) of the application.
To obtain SEARs, an application and scoping report needs to be lodged on the NSW planning portal. The scoping report will be published online and seek advice from key government agencies during the preparation of the SEARs. The department may also visit the site and surrounds.
The SEARs will be published online within 28 days of the application being lodged. The Planning Secretary may revise the SEARs at any time.
It is anticipated that the SEARs application will be made in June 2025. It is estimated that it will take until June 2026 to have a determination of the SSDA.
Council will seek an Expression of Interest for building contractors at the end of 2025 then proceed through a select tender process to appoint a successful contractor to commence work at the end of the 2026 winter season.
The project has the following high level program:
· Project Planning Scope Confirmation – May 2025
· Planning Approval Consent – August 2026
· Complete 80% design for tender – August 2026
· Contract award and execution – September 2026
· Construction commences on-site – October 2026
· Construction complete – February 2028
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Quantity Surveyor has confirmed the Project Budget breakdown and the estimated costs for the recommended design concepts are approximately $50M which is subject to further value engineering and a future procurement process to ensure that Council receives the best value for money from the project.
There is $40M funding allocated in the draft Long Term Financial Plan for the 2025/2026 financial year and Council will seek further State and Commonwealth grant funding opportunities and could potentially stage some of the works
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Clontarf Cottage Refurbishment and Marketing Strategy
Prepared By: Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Property and Major Projects
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Clontarf Cottage is part of Council’s community venues and is available for community use through Council’s website.
Council is currently in the planning/design phase for capital improvements to the roof, kitchen and heating/cooling of Clontarf cottage.
A marketing strategy has been developed and is being implemented to promote all of Councils local community venues across the Inner West, including Clontarf Cottage
Investigation of the feasibility and costs to provide accessible access to the cottage is underway.
BACKGROUND
A historical cottage built in 1844, Clontarf Cottage (the cottage) was purchased by Council in 1974, and was restored for community use in 1988.
The cottage seats 50 people and is suitable for small community gatherings, meetings, celebrations, low impact events and activities, including weddings and functions, that can also utilise the outdoor spaces.
The cottage is small at 61m2, has two main rooms that are both dividable, a small kitchen with basic bar fridge and domestic stove, male and female toilets, and includes a variety of tables, and chairs and is currently heated by two oil heaters that are at the end of useful life.
The cottage offers the use of grounds at the front of the premises as part of the hire, however there is no accessible access from the grounds into the venue.
This venue is bookable daily from 8am to 11pm daily (including set up and pack down time) for hourly, day, evening, or whole day rates.
As this venue is located in a residential area and noise regulations apply, events deemed high impact are not permitted. Due to noise regulations, events must finish and have vacated by 11pm.
The cottage is located at the eastern end of Balmain Peninsular as soon in the below map and currently has a booking rate of 7% (2024).
At the Council meeting held on 3 December 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council note that work is in preparation to replace the Clontarf Cottage roof shingles in the first quarter of 2025.
2. That Council install a new kitchen in Clontarf Cottage by August 2025 that can be used for small scale functions for the purpose of reheating food, storing cold items such as platters and drinks and reconfigure in a way that maximises bench space for food preparation. Including;
a) Replacing the existing gas oven with an electric oven
b) Replacing the small bar fridge with a full-size fridge.
3. That Council investigate energy efficient heating and cooling options for the main rooms with a report back to the March meeting.
4. That Council create a marketing strategy for council community venues with a focus on an uptake in bookings for Summer 2025 and with a report back at the March meeting.
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.
DISCUSSION
The resolution called for capital improvements to the roof, kitchen and heating/cooling of Clontarf cottage.
In this regard, the planning/design phase for roof repairs is in progress though has been impacted by long lead times to source the required shingles given the heritage nature of the building, with works now anticipated to be completed by the end of August 2025.
The planning/design phase for a new kitchen is in progress with the design intention to better support catering related to events and functions at the cottage. These works are on track to be delivered by the end of August 2025.
The existing two oil heaters servicing the cottage are at the end of their useful life, and will be replaced with new sustainable, energy efficient split system air conditioning before 30 June 2025. It is worth noting that the two sides of the cottage will be able to be separately heated and cooled, and closing the internal doors during use will assist in the efficient use of the split system.
Marketing Strategy for Utilisation of Councils venues
The resolution called for a marketing strategy for council community venues with a focus on an uptake in bookings for Summer 2025.
Council officers continue to work on opportunities to improve the customer experience in relation to hiring. This includes making changes to streamline the booking process.
From September 2024, a Customer Satisfaction Survey with each application commenced to establish a baseline understanding of levels of satisfaction with the booking experience that can inform decisions moving forward.
It is considered that Council can significantly boost the utilisation of its venues, including Clontarf Cottage for community use by focusing on visual appeal through professional photography, highlighting local suppliers, enhancing the social media presence with engaging content and targeted ads, and fostering local partnerships.
In this regard, each of the strategies outlined below are designed to simplify the process for potential hirers, increase venue visibility, and build a strong sense of community engagement, leading to increase venue utilisation and user satisfaction.
1. Photography and Visual Appeal
Goal: Enhance the visual representation of the venues to inspire community members to envision how the spaces could be used for their own events.
Action Steps
· Provide higher quality photography: Source high-quality images of key venues. Ensure the photos showcase the venues in their best light, with particular focus on well-styled setups for various types of events (e.g., weddings, conferences, fitness classes, or community fairs).
· Styled Photoshoots: Arrange photoshoots that demonstrate the venues in use. Styled events, whether it’s a community gathering or a corporate seminar, will help prospective customers visualise how the space could work for their own needs.
· Before-and-After Photos: Include shots that show the venue both empty and set up for an event. This highlights the versatility of the space and helps future hirers imagine the potential.
· Update the website and all marketing materials with new images to create a fresh, inviting look.
2. Streamlining the Booking Process with Local Supplier Lists
Goal: Simplify the event planning process for those hiring the spaces and establish a clear, reliable network of local suppliers.
Action Step
· Highlight Local Suppliers: Focusing on local suppliers will foster community partnerships and create a supportive network that benefits both businesses and hirers.
3. Social Media & Paid Advertising
Goal: Boost visibility of the venues through effective use of social media and paid advertising campaigns.
Action Steps
· Update Social Media Focus: Currently, the social media presence highlights some of the creative uses of the spaces, but there’s limited promotion of the paid hire options. A strong focus should be placed on showcasing the venues as rentable spaces for events, meetings, and community activities.
· Leverage Visual Content in Social Media Campaigns: Once professional photos are obtained, incorporate them into a social media content calendar. Post images of venues in action, alongside customer testimonials and event highlights to build interest and engagement.
· Paid Advertising: Use targeted social media ads and Google Ads to reach both local residents and businesses looking for event venues. Ads can promote special deals, seasonal offers, or highlight venues that are currently available for booking.
· Hashtags and Community Engagement: Create and promote a branded hashtag that can be used by customers when posting their own event photos at the venues. This will help build a sense of community and showcase real-life events held at council venues.
Action Steps:
· Create a content calendar for social media that includes regular posts featuring high- quality images of the venues.
· Target specific demographics based on event type and venue size.
· Set up social media engagement opportunities, such as competitions, where users can win a discounted booking by tagging the council’s venues.
4. Local Partnerships and Community Engagement
Goal: Establish and strengthen relationships with local organisations to encourage regular use of council venues.
Action Steps:
· Establish Partnerships with Community Groups: Collaborate with local non-profits, schools, and businesses to offer venue space for community events, such as fundraisers, workshops, and local meet-ups. This can increase the venues' visibility while fostering a sense of community ownership.
· Incentives for Community Events: Consider offering discounts or priority booking for community events that benefit local initiatives or align with the council's social impact goals.
· Host Open Days: Organise an “open day” where community members can tour the venues, meet with event planners, and experience the spaces firsthand. This also offers the opportunity to promote the preferred supplier list and any booking incentives.
· Reach out to local organisations and schools and offer exclusive deals or support for their events.
5. Website Optimisation and Online Booking
Goal: Make the booking process seamless and user-friendly to encourage more online reservations.
Action Steps:
· Easy-to-Use Website: Ensure the council’s venue website is easy to navigate and features up-to-date information about availability, fees, charges and subsidies, and available facilities. Include a gallery of high-quality images of the venues, along with testimonials from previous hirers.
Access
The resolution called to investigate access at Clontarf Cottage in advance of the 2025/26 capital works budget.
It is a complex matter to achieve accessibility within the cottage given the heritage nature of the building, and the substantial change in finished floor levels from the front to the rear of the cottage. This has impacted the investigation timeline.
While some plans were previously drawn up, a detailed review is required along with the development of costings for the work. This review is currently in progress, with the findings to be reported to Council by August 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There is an allocation of $485,000 as a part of the draft 2025/26 budget for capital improvements to the cottage. This includes work associated with the roof repair, kitchen upgrade, and split system air conditioning.
There is currently no funding allocated for accessibility work. This will be a consideration of a future report to be tabled to Council.
The actions outlined in the Marketing Strategy are being funded by operational budgets.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: New Public Toilets - Weekley, McNeilly and Jarvie Parks
Prepared By: Michael Craven - Projects Delivery Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Property and Major Projects
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council resolved to construct new public toilets at Weekley, McNeilly and Jarvie Parks.
It is proposed to construct a single accessible all gender public toilet at Weekley and Jarvie Parks and upgrade the existing toilet at McNeilly park to include a new ambulant toilet.
Funding allocations have been made for these projects.
BACKGROUND
Council has an adopted Inner West Public Toilet Strategy that has an overarching aim of providing the community with the strategic framework for the management and provision of public toilets within the Inner West. This includes improving the standard of existing facilities, especially with respect to accessibility and safety and provides benchmarking tools for future new public toilet facilities. The strategy aims to deliver best practice outcomes in public toilet design, hygiene, safety and maintenance. The Strategy also notes priority locations for refurbishment and/or replacement over the next 5 to 10 years.
At the Council meeting held on 14 February 2025, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council commit to reinstating public toilet facilities in Weekley Park, Stanmore.
2. That Council prepare a report on costs and timeline for installation in this current term of council by the May Council Meeting.
At the Council meeting held on 11 March 2025, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council commit to upgrading the public toilet facilities at McNeilly Park, Marrickville.
2. That Council prepare a report on costs and timeline for installation in this current term of Council by the May 2025 Council meeting.
3. That Council scope the inclusion of additional left hand transfer grab rail, NCC compliant signage, and baby change station in the report on costs and timeline for installation.
At the Council meeting held on 11 March 2025, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council commit to building public toilet facilities at Jarvie Park, Marrickville.
2. That Council prepare a report on costs and timeline for installation in this current term of Council by the May 2025 Council Meeting.
3. That Council scope the inclusion of right- and left- hand transfer grab rails, NCC compliant signage, and baby change station for in the report on costs and timeline for installation.
DISCUSSION
Weekley Park
Weekley Park is located in Stanmore bounded by Percival, Albany and Clarendon Roads, and currently does not include a public toilet. In 2014, the previous public toilet located at the end of Clarendon Lane was demolished due to its age condition and unsuitable positioning within the park.
A draft concept plan prepared by Marrickville Council for 2006-2007 referenced proposed future works to construct a single accessible toilet on Percival Road, adjacent to the end of the Clarendon Road cul-de-sac with associated connections and paths of travel.
In line with this approach, it is proposed to construct a single all gender accessible toilet accordance with the design guidelines from the Public Toilet Strategy. This includes a baby change table and accessibility requirements such as grab rails and compliance signage.
Weekley Park has been added to the priority works program under the Public Toilet Strategy by inclusion of funding as a part of the 2025/26 budget planning process.
It is proposed to plan and design the facility in 2025/26, with construction in 2026/27 (Anticipated construction commencement February 2027, Construction completion May 2027).
It is worth noting that the planning and design year will be used to carry out site investigations, check where all the current services are located (power, sewer and water), prepare concept designs, facilitate planning pathways and approvals, and concept consultation with the community.
Following the concept plan consultation, detailed design and procurement for construction can take place.
McNeilly Park
McNeilly Park is located in Marrickville bounded by Herb Greedy Place and the railway line, and currently includes a single accessible public toilet.
The Park is referenced in the Public Toilet Strategy which notes long term works as ‘consider expansion of the facility to provide two unisex options, with municipal handwash’.
In this regard, it is proposed to construct an extension to the left-hand side of the existing toilet to create an additional single all gender ambulant toilet in accordance with the design guidelines from the Public Toilet Strategy. The existing accessible toilet will be upgraded to include a baby change table and meet accessibility requirements such as grab rails and compliance signage.
Planning and design are currently in progress, with construction scheduled in 2025/26 (Anticipated construction commencement February 2026, Construction completion May 2026).
Jarvie Park
Jarvie Park is located in Marrickville bounded by Yabsley Avenue and Malakoff Street, and currently does not include a public toilet.
It is proposed to construct a single all gender accessible toilet in accordance with the design guidelines from the Public Toilet Strategy. This includes a baby change table and accessibility requirements such as grab rails and compliance signage.
Jarvie Park has been added to the priority works program under the Public Toilet Strategy by allocating funding in the Delivery Program from the Public Toilet Strategy program budget.
It is proposed to plan and design the facility in 2025/26, with construction in 2026/27 (Anticipated construction commencement February 2027, Construction completion May 2027).
It is worth noting that the planning and design year will be used to carry out site investigations, check where all the current services are located (power, sewer and water), prepare concept designs, facilitate planning pathways and approvals, and concept consultation with the community.
In preparation of this report, early discussions were made with the CEO of the Youth Centre in Jarvie Park who indicated a preference to locate the new toilet away from being adjacent to the Youth Centre to maintain the privacy of the youth in attendance. This will be included as a design consideration moving forward.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The budget allocations made within the current 2024/25 budget, and draft 2025/26 budget which is currently on exhibition are as follows:
|
Project |
FY24/25 |
FY25/26 |
FY26/27 |
|
Weekley Park New Public Toilet |
$10,000 |
$40,000 Design |
$250,000 Construction |
|
McNeilly Park New Public Toilet |
$50,000 Design |
$150,000 Construction |
|
|
Jarvie Park New Public Toilet |
|
$50,000* Design |
$250,000* Construction |
*Jarvie Park proposed budgets are available from the Public Toilet Strategy Program budget.
It is estimated that the ongoing maintenance costs for each public toilet is in the order of $10,000 per annum.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Cleaning up our laneways
Prepared By: Erin White - Manager Resource Recovery and Fleet Services
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Engineering
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council previously resolved to undertake a 6 month trial of measures to improve the state of laneways adjacent to Enmore Road. Thirteen lanes were involved in the trial which was a collaboration between the Environmental Health Team, Waste Inspectors and Resource Recovery operations staff.
The trial period is now complete and included increases to the amount of servicing undertaken in the laneway as well as increased compliance activity and education.
Noting the success of the increased servicing, it is proposed that the trial service level in the Enmore laneways be maintained. It is also proposed that the assessment of waste storage be included in annual inspections of all medium and high risk food businesses and that the Waste Inspectors reinforce their usual educational approach with regulatory action when education fails to prevent illegal dumping.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 24 June 2024, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council undertake a 6-month trial of measures to improve the state of designated laneways off Enmore Road. The trial will include the following:
a. Increasing the street sweeping/cleaning cycle to ensure no laneway is cleaned less frequently than a 14-day cycle;
b. Increasing council inspections of laneways to no fewer than a weekly cycle to identify and manage illegal dumping;
c. Increasing inspections to check for correct storage of bins and waste by businesses;
d. Targeted outreach to businesses on Enmore Road to inform them of their obligations regarding bin storage on property and penalties for incorrect storage;
e. Where repeat offenders are identified, targeted follow up with businesses and relevant waste management companies; and
f. Writing to residents in neighbouring streets informing them about relevant waste collection and recycling services and penalties for illegal dumping.
2. That Council undertake an audit of lighting in laneways to identify areas with no or poor lighting and options to install additional lighting in these areas.
3. That following the trial period, a report be provided to council on the outcomes of the trial and audit and potential financial implications of implementing these measures Local Government Area wide in identified laneways near main streets.
4. That the report also consider additional opportunities and costs to beautify laneways, including but not limited to street art, street furniture, and planter boxes.
DISCUSSION
The following lanes adjacent to Enmore Road were included as part of the trial.
· Crescent Lane (east of Station Street)
· Reiby Lane (Reiby Street to Station Street)
· Pemell Lane (Simmons Street to Reiby Street)
· Wilford Lane (Wilfred Street to Station Street)
· Thurnby Lane (Phillip Street to Wilfred Street)
· Belmore Lane (London Street to Phillip Street)
· Cavendish Lane (Liberty Street to Cambridge Street)
· Cambridge Lane (Cambridge Street to London Street)
· Fotheringham Lane (Cowper Street to Newington Road)
· Scouller Lane (Llewellyn Street to Scouller Street)
· Juliett Lane (Scouller Street to Juliett Street)
· Enmore Lane (Edgeware Road to Simmons Street)
· Unnamed lane (rear of Nos.305-271 Enmore Road)
The following map highlights the subject lanes:
Figure 1: Trial Enmore Laneways
Auditing of business premises
Council’s Waste Inspectors and Environmental Health Team were tasked with auditing all business premises on Enmore Road with rear access to nominated laneways in order to check for correct storage of bins and waste and identify any issues. Following this, staff informed those with issues of their obligations regarding bin storage and penalties for incorrect storage. Targeted follow up was conducted for repeat offenders.
A total of 62 food businesses and 81 non-food businesses were inspected during the audit period. The majority (80%) of food businesses were found to have satisfactory waste storage arrangements at the time of inspection, with just under half (49%) of non-food businesses returning a similar result.
Fifty-three (53) businesses (both food and non-food businesses) were identified as having unsatisfactory waste storage arrangements, which resulted in 46 verbal warnings, 6 written warnings, 17 re-inspections, and 1 Improvement Notice being issued under the Food Act 2003.
Figure 2: Break down of follow up action taken for businesses with identified waste issues.
Most issues were able to be easily remedied by the business involved, though officers identified that poor design of some premises posed an ongoing challenge with respect to waste management. Specifically, some premises had approval (either via DA or CDC) without any internal waste storage area provided, and creating a suitable internal area was not feasible given likely impacts on food safety. Other premises had a significant drop in elevation between the back of the private premises and the laneway and therefore the movement of bins from the lane back into the property was very difficult, resulting in bins being left out permanently.
Finally, some businesses had carried out illegal works to convert internal waste storage areas to other purposes, necessitating a somewhat protracted process to have them converted back.
Further challenges were posed by a lack of regulatory options available to enforce requirements around use of residential bins for disposal of business waste. In the absence of a specific condition of consent requiring a commercial waste service to be utilised, there is little option to compel businesses to do so if the waste storage itself is not posing a direct public health or pollution risk at the time.
Nonetheless, waste storage issues within businesses can generally be resolved through a combination of regulatory action under the Local Government Act 1993, Food Act 2003, Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Lane cleaning
Council’s lane cleansing trucks service the trial lanes at a minimum three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and additionally if any dumped waste is reported. This is an increased level of servicing as the normal service level is once a week for hot spot run inspections (for the collection of illegally dumped items) and a 15 day cycle of weeding and cleansing.
The collection is mostly dumped clean up items and litter, although bags of commercial rubbish that are not containerised are also collected. The laneways are also weeded, and hand swept on a fortnightly cycle.
The collection of dumped rubbish and bagged rubbish equates to approximately 100 kgs of waste collected per day in the trial area, however this varied across the trial period. Lane cleaning staff have noted that there has been an improvement with a decrease in the amount of commercial waste that has been presented next to the bins. However, the dumped rubbish has remained consistent across the trial period and hence, letterbox drops have been undertaken of surrounding, multi-unit dwellings encouraging them to book in a Council Clean up collection.
Figure 3: Cavendish Lane following Council’s Trial (photo dated 12 May 2025).
An audit of the lighting in laneways off Enmore Road was conducted through an Electrical Lighting Assessment of the Ausgrid lighting network. It highlighted some areas within some lanes that have deficiencies in lighting.
Council staff are working toward gaining relevant approvals with Ausgrid prior to the installation of additional lighting in the laneways.
Consideration of Broader Rollout of Measures
Council’s Environmental Health Team already carries out annual inspections of all medium and high risk food businesses in the LGA as part of Council’s obligations under the Food Regulation Partnership with the NSW Food Authority. This equates to approximately 1240 food businesses inspected per financial year. The purpose of the inspections is to assess compliance with the requirements of the Food Act 2003, including some basic standards relating to containment of waste and recycling. It is proposed that these annual inspections include the additional assessment of proper waste storage noting the success of the trial.
With regard to the lane cleaning service levels, it is proposed that the increased servicing of the subject Enmore laneways be maintained. This will include the inspection of these laneways three times per week and includes the collection of additional or illegally dumped waste.
Based on ongoing review of laneways adjacent to main roads, or commercial districts throughout the Inner West, it is not considered necessary to increase the servicing of all laneways to the level that is being undertaken in Enmore.
The current service level includes a once a week inspection and collection of illegally dumped waste, and the 15-day weeding and cleansing service level.
Furthermore, Council currently has four Waste Inspectors. Whilst these staff to date have adopted an educational approach, this will be reinforced with regulatory action where education fails to prevent illegal dumping. This would allow Waste Inspectors to potentially undertake enforcement action for illegal dumping. The increased powers combined with proper enforcement training and the development of process that aligns with Council Enforcement Policies will provide a valuable tool in improving the environmental standards of Council laneways.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The current service is funded from the Resource Recovery budget, and this will continue through the trial being made permanent in Enmore.
Conclusion
Noting the success of the trial, it is proposed that the increased servicing of the subject Enmore laneways be maintained. It is also proposed that annual inspections of all medium and high risk food businesses include the assessment of waste storage and that the Waste Inspectors reinforce their usual educational approach with regulatory action when education fails to prevent illegal dumping.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Robert Street, Balmain - Opportunities for separated pedestrian/cycle lane
Prepared By: Jason Scoufis - Acting Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Engineering
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report notes ongoing discussions that Council is undertaking with Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW, and Port Authority of NSW to progress pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Robert Street, Balmain.
Further planning work is required to be undertaken prior to seeking funding for the design of pedestrian and cycling facilities in the area.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 18 February 2025, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council notes the significant investment of $17m committed by the Transport Minister to upgrade pedestrian accessibility and active transport links surrounding White Bay Power Station.
2. That Council liaise with Place Making NSW to convene a series of community consultation meetings in partnership with Transport NSW at White Bay Power Station to discuss proposed works.
3. That Council liaise with Transport for NSW, Place Making NSW and the Port Authority to determine design and explore shortfall funding opportunities (if required) for the Robert Street separated pedestrian/cycle lane.
4. That Council prepare a report on the above for the April 2025 Council meeting.
DISCUSSION
Council has been liaising with Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Port Authority of NSW to develop a consistent active transport plan with a vision to connect Council’s existing cycling network to White Bay Power Station, along Robert Street and connecting to Booth Street via White Bay Cruise Terminal.
At the time of this report, project meetings are ongoing in preparation for public engagement of the improved active transport links surrounding White Bay Power Station. The high-level plans are shown below in Figure 1.
Figure 1: NSW Government Active Transport Upgrades
Council staff have provided initial feedback on the proposed concept design for the signalised intersection of Mullens Street and Robert Street, Rozelle which is forecast for operation by the end of 2025, including a number of other active transport connectivity works in the area.
The project aims to provide improved pedestrian accessibility and safety at the subject intersection. The project will include the following features:
· Removal of existing slip lanes and median islands at the intersection and installation of kerb extensions and footpath widening. Pedestrian crossing signals on all legs of the intersection.
· Retention of the right turn lane from Robert Street to Robert Street eastbound.
· Upgrade of the public street lighting at the intersection.
· Integration of the White Bay Power Station Forecourt with the upgrade of the traffic signals.
· Changes to the road layout, including changes to on-street parking near the intersection.
· Short section of new Shared Path on the southern side of Robert Street (east of the intersection).
The existing on-road (mixed traffic) bicycle route along Robert Street will remain in place with a view to upgrade the route from Mullens Street to Buchanan Street in the future.
With both sides of Robert Street having 90 degree angle parking, the existing road layout does not provide capacity for improved walking or cycling facilities without the removal of on-street parking.
The existing road layout at the intersection of Robert Street and Mullens Street as well as Robert Street and Buchanan Street are illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3 respectively.
Figure 2: Existing road configuration at the intersection of Robert Street and Mullens Street, Rozelle. Source – Metromap
Figure 3: Existing road configuration at the
intersection of Robert Street and Buchanan Street, Rozelle. Source –
Metromap
Under the Inner West Council’s Cycling Strategy, Robert Street is identified as a prioritised cycling access route. Existing pedestrian and bicycle shared paths connect Victoria Road to the entrance of White Bay Power Station and continues to the east as an on-road bicycle route until Buchanan Street.
A pedestrian and bicycle shared path is available on the north side of Robert Street east of Buchanan Street. The path connects Buchanan Street to the entrance of the White Bay Cruise Terminal.
The nearby cycling route network from the adopted Inner West Cycling Strategy 2023 is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Existing cycling access routes (in pink) and place-based cycling access routes (in purple). Source – Inner West Cycling Strategy 2023
The provision of improved pedestrian/cyclist facilities on Robert Street on Council controlled land is only feasible through the removal of parking spaces on the northern side of Robert Street. This would include conversion of existing angle parking spaces to parallel spaces and removal of some existing parallel parking spaces.
A link on the northern side of Robert Street would require cyclists to cross Robert Street at Mullen Street (at the proposed traffic signals) and again across Buchanan Street at Robert Street to join with the existing shared path east of Buchanan Street.
Alternatively, improved pedestrian/cyclist facilities could be provided on the southern side of Robert Street, connecting to the short section of the proposed Shared Path near the Robert Street/Mullens Street intersection. This would require the crossing of a future access point into the Bays Precinct Stage 1 site as well as a crossing of Robert Street to reconnect with the existing shared path east of Buchanan Street.
It should be noted that the Port Authority of NSW has also agreed to collaborate with Council to develop a medium to long term strategy for improved access within White Bay Cruise Terminal land, including consideration of active transport corridors and the potential use of Booth Street as a network link connecting local communities.
Ports Authority of NSW have also advised that due to their White Bay Cruise Terminal Shore Power project work commencing in June 2025, the enabling of bicycle or pedestrian access through Booth Street in the short to medium term would not be possible.
Next Steps
Council staff will continue to liaise with Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Port Authority of NSW to develop a plan for active transport connections in and around White Bay.
Grant funding opportunities will be sought to progress design works for pedestrian/cyclist facilities outside the scope of current Placemaking NSW proposals.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The provision of any improved pedestrian/cycling facilities on Robert Street not being delivered by Placemaking NSW would require funding for planning, design and delivery.
The Inner West Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan 2023 includes transport works items on Robert Street which will be utilised to commence design works for improved active transport facilities along Robert Street commencing from the 2025/26 financial year.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Flood Improvement Plan for Evan Jones Playground and Whites Creek Lane, Leichhardt
Prepared By: David Paton - Engineering Services Manager
Authorised By: Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Engineering
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 2: Liveable, connected neighbourhoods and transport 4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On Monday 10 February 2025, Sydney experienced widespread thunderstorms affecting homes and flooding roads, including areas of Inner West Council.
Community members have reported extensive overland flow from Evan Jones Playground into the lane, together with the lid of the gross pollutant trap (GPT) near Evan Jones Playground dislodging and causing a dangerous hazard. Additionally, there has been debris accumulation, including soft-fall wood chips from the playground, regularly blocking the drainage system and impacting on flooding.
A subsequent investigation was conducted to examine opportunities to minimise flooding impacts on Evan Jones Playground and Whites Creek Lane. The primary mitigation options involve significant upgrades of the trunk drainage systems which are cost prohibitive to upgrade.
Therefore, the available actions to manage and mitigate the impact of flooding are non-structural measures such as planning controls, emergency response planning and inspection and maintenance of stormwater assets. To reduce the impact of future event, maintenance activity to the playground and gross pollutant trap (GPT) have been completed.
BACKGROUND
On Monday 10 February 2025, Sydney experienced widespread thunderstorms affecting homes and flooding roads, including areas of Inner West Council.
Rainfall data from nearby rain gauges at Sydney Olympic Park, Canterbury Racecourse and Sydney Observatory indicate that approximately 25mm water fell over the Inner West over the course of 30 minutes. This dispersion of rain is approximately equivalent to a 20% AEP event (sometimes known as a 1 in 5 year storm event). Council received more than 130 stormwater and flood-related requests following that event.
The local community have documented the impacts of recent weather events that have impacted Evan Jones Park and the adjacent Whites Creek Lane, including this event in February.
Community members have reported extensive overland flow from Evan Jones Playground into the lane, together with the lid of the gross pollutant trap (GPT) near Evan Jones Playground dislodging and causing a dangerous hazard. Additionally, there has been debris accumulation, including soft-fall wood chips from the playground, regularly blocking the drainage system and impacting on flooding.
At the Council meeting held on 11 March 2025, Council resolved the following:
a) reviewing and reporting on the timeline for the implementation of any relevant recommendations of the Leichhardt Flood Risk Management Plan which applies to flood management in this area;
b) undertake investigations of all components of the stormwater drainage system which drains from Emma Street to the Whites Creek Channel through Evan Jones Park, in collaboration with Sydney Water;
c) ensuring that stormwater improvements are included as part of the playground upgrade for Evan Jones Playground planned in FY2025/2026, including the replacement of bark chips in the playground with a surface that does not clog local drains;
d) clearing and preparing a maintenance plan for the stormwater drains in Whites Creek Lane, in collaboration with Sydney Water where necessary;
e) reviewing the street sweeping schedule for the lane and advising Whites Creek Lane residents via letterbox drop of the schedule;
f) Council officers to hold a public meeting with residents to publicly discuss and assess the grove of trees in the reserve land on the corner of Whites Creek Lane and Styles Street for any danger and soft soil as the result of recent heavy rains; and
g) reviewing and improving the dead-end signage at the entrance to Whites Creek Lane at Reserve Street.
2. That Council report this plan to the May 2025 Council meeting, in time to inform the budget.
Evan Jones Park is located at the confluence of two significant trunk drainage systems, being Whites Creek, which is located along Whites Creek Lane, and one of its tributaries which extends up to Balmain Road in Leichhardt. Both these drainage systems are owned and managed by Sydney Water.
Gross pollutant traps (GPTs) have been constructed to collect litter, silt and debris from these trunk drainage lines, with both located in Evan Jones Park. Sydney Water owns and cleans the GPT connected to the Whites Creek Channel, whilst Council is responsible for the GPT near the Evan Jones Playground which services the tributary.
DISCUSSION
a) Leichhardt Flood Risk Management Plan
Council adopted the Leichhardt Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) in 2018, which included mitigation options to address the risk of flooding across all catchments in the former Leichhardt Local Government Area, including this area of Whites Creek.
The Leichhardt FRMSP identifies the following potential flood mitigation options for this area:
· Upgrade of the Whites Creek stormwater channel, which is largely located within Whites Creek Lane, but extends from Rozelle Bay to Norton Street and upstream of Parramatta Road.
· Upgrade of the stormwater pipeline which extends from Whites Creek Lane to Balmain Road.
Although these trunk drainage lines are owned by Sydney Water, previous discussions with their representatives have indicated that the costs associated with any upgrade or amplification of these pipelines would need to be funded by Council. The combined cost for the above works was estimated in 2017 to be approximately $35 million, which is a prohibitive for Council to fund alone.
While Council does seek additional funds through state and federal grants to support these types of major upgrades, due to the limited funding available through these grant programs and the increasing level of detailed design required to support such a grant, it is likely that such works would be beyond the capacity of Council to deliver in the short to medium term without significant impact on other Council services.
Therefore, the current primary management actions to manage and mitigate the impact of flooding are therefore primarily dependent on non-structural measures such as planning controls (raising houses and garages above flood levels), emergency response planning (evacuation routes and education) and inspection and maintenance of stormwater assets (video survey of pipelines and cleaning where required).
It must be noted that any upgrade of Whites Creek and its surrounds would not remove flooding in its entirety through the former creek line and that these non-structural measures would still need to be kept in place regardless of the delivery of any stormwater upgrade.
b) Drainage system from Emma Street
The trunk drainage line between Emma Street and Whites Creek Lane extends as far north as Balmain Road. This drainage line is owned and maintained by Sydney Water.
Sydney Water advise that they undertake yearly condition assessments of their stormwater pipelines. Council has requested that they undertake a CCTV inspection of this line in light of the recent flooding event.
c) Playground Upgrade
Following the storm event in February this year, timber edging has been installed around the Evan Jones Playground to assist in holding the bark/ wood chips in place during rainfall.
The playground is scheduled for upgrade as part of the 2026/27 Capital Works program, with the scope including replacement of the wood chips with rubber softfall.
d) Drainage maintenance
Maintenance and cleaning of all Council GPTs is conducted on a quarterly schedule, with the Evan Jones GPT serviced in December 2024, then again in March 2025 following the storm event.
The most recent service indicated that the unit was operating as expected, with a volume of collected materials consistent with previous cleans. However, it was identified that the lids of the GPT had missing or damaged bolts which have been repaired/replaced.
A specialist consultant has also been arranged to conduct a comprehensive audit of the GPT in the next four weeks to confirm the unit is operating effectively and whether any improvements are necessary.
As above, Council staff have requested that Sydney Water undertake an inspection of their drainage pipeline to ensure that it is operating at full capacity.
Staff are also in discussions with Sydney Water to review our maintenance scheduling and processes to identify whether there is an opportunity for both organisations to collaborate to improve our respective maintenance services for the community.
e) Street sweeping
Whites Creek Laneway is currently serviced on Council’s endorsed 40 working day cleaning program for residential streets and laneways across the LGA. Council operations teams will continue to monitor this site and assess the need for an increase in service. White’s Creek Lane is next due to be serviced in May as per the current program. This service will include weed removal, collection of dumped rubbish, gutter cleaning, and debris removal. Council operations teams will letterbox drop the surrounding properties notifying them of the current service levels, the last service date and the next proposed service date as per the current service program.
f) Trees on corner of Styles Street and Whites Creek Lane
Council’s Public Tree team will lead a meeting on site to discuss any tree matters across the site. Council’s engagement and Public Tree team will work with the community to finalise a meeting date and time which is expected to be in the first week of June.
g) Street signage
The intersection of Whites Creek Lane and Reserve Street has been reviewed by the Traffic and Transport Planning team who advise that both approaches have sufficient signage indicating that the road (Whites Creek Lane) is a ‘No Through Road’ north of Reserve Street. However, the signage will be repositioned to improve visibility.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
An amount of $150,000 has been included in the draft budget for the 2026/27 financial year for the upgrade of the Evan Jones Playground.
Maintenance undertaken to date, including installation of timber edging in the park and cleaning of the Evan Jones GPT, was funded through existing operational budgets.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Transfer of goods to remote Indigenous communities
Prepared By: Adele Pittaway - Community Wellbeing Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Council meeting held on 18 February 2025, Council resolved the following:
That Council officers meet with Gamarada Boys and Together2 to discuss how we can assist with the transfer of goods to remote Indigenous communities, with a report of the outcome of discussions to be tabled at an Ordinary Council meeting.
Following discussions with Gamarada Boys and Together2, it is proposed that Council will provide a one-off grant of $3,000 as a contribution to cover truck hire and petrol for the delivery of the donated goods being provided by Bill Crews Foundation and Together2 to outback Communities. The funds are available within existing 2024/25 budget.
BACKGROUND
An informal arrangement to provide food and necessities donated by the Inner West community has been supported by Council in previous years. For 2025, the collection of donated goods has already been organised between Gamarada Boys and Together2, with the former identifying and liaising with remote communities in need at Engonia, Goodooga, Wanaaring and Brewarrina (TBC).
Council officers have been advised that in 2024, Together2 covered expenses relating to fuel, transport hire and accommodation. Following discussions for 2025 arrangements, Council has been asked to assist with trucks and petrol, with drivers being provided by Together2. As Council’s insurance does not cover the use of Council trucks by non-employees, Council can best assist by covering the cost of truck hire and petrol, which is estimated by Gamarada Boys at under $3,000.
DISCUSSION
Gamarada Boys is already working collaboratively with Together2 and Bill Crews Foundation to gather donations for delivery to remote Aboriginal communities between 7 June and 9 June 2025. Donations will include furniture, blankets, sheets, food, clothing and bikes.
Currently the three locations for delivery are Engonia, Goodooga and Wanaaring. A fourth location (Brewarrina) may be added by Gamarada Boys as logistical plans are finalised.
Gamarada Boys have confirmed that two (3 tonne) trucks are required and provided an estimate of fuel cost and truck hire of under $3,000. Two volunteer drivers have been sourced by Gamarada Boys.
Council can provide financial assistance up to three thousand dollars, for the hiring and fuel costs associated with the truck for the June 2025 scheduled dates and the funds are available within the Community Directorate budget for 2024/2025.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The one-off cost of $3000 can be met within the existing Community Directorate budget 2024/2025.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Trans Pride Australia Proposal for Solidarity Crossing
Prepared By: Adele Pittaway - Community Wellbeing Manager
Authorised By: Ruth Callaghan - Director Community
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At its meeting on 18 February 2025, Council considered a proposal from Trans Pride Australia for the “installation of a trans flag or a vibrant ‘trans solidarity crossing or steps at Marrickville Library to [drive] impactful change by creating a welcoming space that celebrates diversity and strengthens our community network”. Council requested a report on the possible location, feasibility and potential cost of such an initiative.
Trans Pride Australia suggested that a potential site for a crossing could be the intersection at Marrickville and Livingstone Roads in Marrickville or nearby at Marrickville library. Council staff have considered this proposal and neither site is considered feasible due to existing statutory requirements in relation to State Roads and the design and aesthetic of Marrickville Library. Consideration was also given to the footpath adjacent to the gender centre alongside Marrickville Road, however staff of the centre indicated that they do not support that site as it may draw unwanted attention and inadvertently make their clients feel unsafe.
Council staff have been consulting with the Secretary of Trans Pride Australia on progress to date and will continue to work with them to identify a Council owned public space or pathway that will be feasible.
BACKGROUND
At the Council meeting held on 18 February 2025, Council resolved the following:
1. That Council request a report on the feasibility, possible location and cost of installing a crossing or steps depicting the trans flag colours to show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inner West.
2. That that report be provided by the April 2025 Council meeting in order to allow consideration of the proposal in the context of the 2025/26 budget process.
DISCUSSION
In its proposal to Council, Trans Pride Australia suggested that a trans flag crossing be installed at either the Marrickville and Livingstone Road intersection or the concourse of Marrickville Library. While the intent of the proposal is strongly supported and is consistent with Council’s commitment to inclusion and solidarity with the trans community, neither of these sites are considered feasible.
The intersection identified is a State Road and Council has no authority to make any changes to it. Council’s traffic experts also advise that roads with motor vehicle traffic are not suitable whether they are State or Council owned because of the relevant Australian standards which prescribe what markings are allowed on roads. Any so-called “non-standard road treatment” is considered potentially dangerous to motorists and pedestrian traffic as bright colours and shapes can distract attention and contribute to accidents and create potential risk.
Marrickville Library is an important focus for all community. However, the architecture and aesthetic design of the building are not considered amenable to the proposal. Council staff also consulted with the Gender Centre about the possibility of a “crossing” on the Council owned footpath outside the Centre adjacent to Petersham Rd. This was not supported, as they were concerned that it may inadvertently draw negative attention to their work and clients. This was also noted in relation to Marrickville Library.
Council officers are consulting with Trans Pride Australia, who understand the issues involved. Officer are identifying other Council owned locations in Marrickville or nearby that may be suitable and meet the relevant requirements. For example, pathways in Sydenham Green and areas in or around Alex Trevallion Plaza. Any site being considered will need to be closed to vehicle traffic and Council owned. Trans Pride Australia are aware that depending on the options and Council consideration, community consultation and review by the Council Traffic Committee may be required in the scoping of this work.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report. Once viable sites for a crossing are identified, costings will be developed for consideration.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: 2024-2025 Updated Annual Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest Returns
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk and Patricia Clive - Governance Manager
Authorised By: Darren Morris - Acting Director Corporate
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the report.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
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5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is for Council to receive and note updated Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Returns lodged by Councillor Howard and Councillor Barlow.
BACKGROUND
Councillors’ Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest Returns have been submitted pursuant to Council’s Model Code of Conduct. These disclosures are a key transparency mechanism for promoting community confidence in council decision making from its elected representatives.
DISCUSSION
The Local Government Act 1993 requires the Code of Conduct to include provisions for disclosure of pecuniary interests. Councillors are required under clause 4.21 of the Code of Conduct to complete a Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest form within 3 months of becoming a Councillor
Additionally, Councillors must at any time during their tenure, submit updated returns if/when they become aware of any changes that may affect their previously submitted returns. Councillors Barlow and Howard have submitted updated returns since their last return post 30 June 2024, both attached.
The General Manager is required under clause 4.25 of the Code to table returns at the first meeting of the Council after these are lodged.
The information contained in the returns is made publicly available in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2009 and any guidelines issued by the Information Commissioner. Certain personal information has been redacted in attached returns in accordance with this requirement. The attached returns will be made available on Council’s website following this meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.
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1.⇩ |
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Clr Olivia Barlow |
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2.⇩ |
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest (updated return) - Clr Mat Howard |
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Driveway exit safety at Ara (141-143 Allen St and 220-224 Flood St, Leichhardt)
From: Councillor Philippa Scott
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MOTION
1. That Council notes the concerns raised by residents of the “Ara” building complex (Strata Plan 106156), located at 141–143 Allen Street and 220–224 Flood Street, Leichhardt regarding safety issues at the driveway exit due to limited visibility caused by adjacent parked vehicles.
2. That Council requests that the Traffic Committee investigate the feasibility of installing “No Stopping” signage as outlined in the Stanbury Traffic Planning proposal, including any implications for pedestrian and vehicle safety and existing parking supply.
3. That Council notes the proactive advocacy of residents for this solution, demonstrated through a local survey, and the findings of an independent report from Stanbury Traffic Planning commissioned by the strata committee, both of which are tabled for the benefit of Council.
4. That Council requests that the findings of the Local Traffic Committee be reported back to Council via the Local Traffic Committee report.
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Background
Residents of the Ara building complex at 141–143 Allen Street and 220–224 Flood Street in Leichhardt have raised ongoing safety concerns regarding limited visibility when exiting their shared driveway onto Flood Street. Parked vehicles adjacent to the driveway obstruct sight lines, creating a risk for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Following a site visit in March 2025, Cr Scott was provided with a resident survey demonstrating strong support for action, as well as an independent traffic assessment by Stanbury Traffic Planning commissioned by their strata committee. Their report confirms that installing “No Stopping” signage 4–5 metres on each side of the driveway would significantly improve visibility and safety without reducing available parking.
This Motion seeks to formally refer the matter to the Local Traffic Committee for investigation.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
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1.⇩ |
Resident Survey Report from Strata Plan 106156 |
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2.⇩ |
Stanbury Traffic Planning Safety Report (pages 1–2) |
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Annandale Police Station: update and parking needs
From: Councillor Philippa Scott
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MOTION
1. That Council writes to NSW Police requesting an update on the current and future use of the Annandale Police Station at the corner of Collins Street and Annandale Street.
2. That Council notes that NSW Police advised Council in 2022 that three existing ‘No Parking Police Vehicles Excepted’ angle parking spaces on the west side of Annandale Street north of Collins Street, Annandale in front of the Police Station may be reverted to unrestricted parking, and that this has not yet occurred.
3. That Council write to NSW Police requesting that they work with Council staff to immediately implement the proposed reduction in the number of dedicated on-street parking spaces reserved for police vehicles outside the Annandale Police Station and seek clarification as to whether the remaining two spaces are still needed, in recognition of the station’s non-operational status and the significant parking constraints in the area.
4. That Council reports the outcomes of that discussion to the Local Traffic Committee and to Council via the Local Traffic Committee report.
5. That Council notes that the site was subjected to a fire in 2024, further underscoring the importance of clarifying use of the building.
6. That Council writes to the Hon Yasmin Catley MP, the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, and the Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, the Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage requesting that the long-term future of this heritage-listed building be clarified, preserved, and activated in a way that reflects its heritage value and contributes to the Annandale community.
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Background
The Annandale Police Station at the corner of Collins St and Annandale St is a heritage-listed building designed by Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon in 1908. It ceased operational use as a police station in January 1981, and while it may have since been used for file storage or administrative purposes since that time, it has not served a frontline policing role for over four decades.
Despite this, five on-street parking spaces directly outside the station remain reserved for police vehicles. The station also has its own driveway, further reducing the need for these reserved public spaces. In a high-density area with limited off-street parking, adjacent to residential terraces, the shops and cafes in nearby Booth St and Johnston St, Hunter Bailie church, St Brendan’s Catholic Church and Primary School, and the Victoria Hotel this reservation significantly impacts local residents and visitors
In February 2022 Council was notified by NSW Police that the utilisation of the existing ‘No Parking Police Vehicles Excepted’ angle spaces on the western side of Annandale Street, Annandale in front of the Police Station is low and the spaces can be reverted to unrestricted parking. NSW Police also advised that the existing ‘No Parking Police Vehicle Excepted’ parking spaces on the northern side of Collins Street, Annandale, west of Annandale Street were then still required. Council staff should seek to implement the proposal by NSW Police which is now more than three years old, and seek clarification as to whether the two remaining spaces identified in February 2022 are also still required or can be returned for community use.
In 2024 the building was subject to a fire, highlighting ongoing risks associated with long-term vacant or underused buildings.
Given the current less-intensive use of the building it is appropriate that Council request updated information from NSW Police and the NSW Government as to the future of this site, as well as a reallocation of on-street parking back to general community use.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Haberfield Business Roundtable
From: Councillor Philippa Scott and Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council note the contribution local businesses make to Haberfield and the Inner West.
2. That Council host a Roundtable with local Haberfield businesses, AshBiz and the Member for Summer Hill, the Hon Jo Haylen MP, about ways Inner West Council and the NSW Government can better support local businesses in Haberfield.
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Background
Haberfield is home to unique and diverse small businesses and represents a dynamic local village with a variety of exciting offerings.
A Roundtable of local businesses can help representatives from various levels of Government to better understand the needs of local businesses and ways to better improve supports to help them thrive.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Inner West Pride Walk
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard and Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo
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MOTION
1. That Council acknowledge the Inner West is home to multiple sites of significance for national LGBTIQA+ history.
2. That Council note that many local LGBTIQA+ organisations are engaged in the important work of documenting, preserving and engaging our community with this history.
3. That Council establish an Inner West Pride Walk in consultation with key local groups, consisting of an audio tour, a printed guide, and physical markers or plaques at key locations detailing the significance of people, locations and events important to LGBTIQA+ people.
4. That the launch of the Inner West Pride Walk be included as part of the Feel the Love event in 2026.
5. That Council, as part of consultation for this program, consult with key local organisations and individuals including the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the LGBTIQA+ Working Group and others.
6. That funds for this project be drawn from the Mainstreet Revitalisation Fund and a report detailing a timeline for realisation, budget, list of proposed locations and potential third-party partners, as well as information regarding the consultation, be provided to Council by October 2025. |
Background
Each year, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host a popular and informative walking tour of key sites of importance to LGBTIQA+ communities in the Inner West and City of Sydney as part of the Mardi Gras season.
Establishing a permanent walk is a positive way to compliment this important work and to further commemorate and raise visibility about the important role Inner West communities, organisations, people and locations have played in the history of LGBTIQA+ liberation in Australia.
The establishment of the Inner West Pride Centre and Pride Square have created sites of significance for LGBTIQA+ people and the establishment of an Inner West Pride Walk is a good way to expand that work to other suburbs across the Inner West local government area.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Eliminating Produce Stickers, Microplastics and FOGO Contaminants
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
|
MOTION
1. That Council note the use of produce stickers (or Price Look-Up Codes) contributes to the prevalence of microplastics in our environment, including our local rivers, and forms a contaminant in our FOGO and other waste streams.
2. That Council writes to the Federal and NSW State Environment ministers requesting an update on the phasing out of plastic produce stickers and other microplastics.
3. That Council reports back to Council by October 2025 on: a) ways council is managing polluting microplastics, including plastic produce stickers, and any other opportunities to minimise or eliminate them in our waste streams; and b) Data and information on the types of contaminants in council’s FOGO waste stream and strategies to eliminate them as council continues to embed FOGO.
4. That Council include information in a future Inner West community news about removing produce stickers before disposing of produce in FOGO.
|
Background
Produce stickers, or Price Look-Up Codes, are often made of vinyl or single use plastic and since 1990, have become a popular way for retailers and wholesalers to identify and process produce sales.
While produce stickers may assist consumers to identify produce and obtain information about foods, including the country of origin and whether produce contains genetically modified organic matter, they continue to bear an environmental cost.
Our local rivers and waterways continue to be polluted by microplastics. Produce stickers inhibit the ability of wholesalers and retailers to adequately compost spoiled produce. Microplastics continue to be a source of contamination in FOGO and other waste streams, undermining the extraordinary work of Inner West residents when diverting over 20,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill since October 2023.
It should be noted that contamination rates in the FOGO waste produced by Inner westies continues to be far lower than in other comparable local government areas.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Cooks River fishing signage and disposal bins
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
|
MOTION
1. That Council install bins for fishing hooks along the Cooks River at key locations where recreational fishing occurs.
2. That Council consult with the Cooks River Alliance, Cooks River Mudcrabs, Transport for NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consider erecting signage along the river in multiple community languages: a) advising the regulations and laws pertaining to fishing in the Cooks River; b) providing information about the health and environmental risks of fishing in the Cooks River; and c) information about the proper and responsible disposal of fishing bait and tackle.
3. That Council report back by October 2025 advising on the consultation above, and any actions to be taken by Council.
|
Background
There have been reports of dogs ingesting fish hooks at sites along the Cooks River, requiring urgent and expensive veterinary care.
Recreational fishing occurs at sites along the Cooks River and there is minimal signage regarding the laws, regulations, health and environmental advisories.
It is prudent for fishing tackle disposal bins to be installed to assist to promote the safe disposal of fish hooks.
It is prudent for council and other regulatory bodies to consider whether improved signage might help to reduce any risk to recreational fishers who choose to fish in the Cooks River.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Gannon Street Pedestrian Crossing
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council note the raised pedestrian crossing on Gannon Street at Edwin Street continues to pose a significant risk to pedestrians.
2. That Council review safety at the crossing and consider further ways to improve pedestrian and road user safety at the crossing.
3. That Council report back to the Inner West Council Local Traffic Committee no later than September 2025 with options to improve pedestrian safety at this location.
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Background
The pedestrian crossing on Gannon Street and Edwin Street is critical for families and students at the Betty Spears Early Childcare Centre, Tempe Public School, Tempe High School as well as all residents living in South Tempe and those accessing Tempe Train Station.
The crossing has been raised and line markings put in place, however, Gannon Street is extremely busy and near-misses and accidents continue to be reported.
It is important that Council undertake a review of safety at the crossing in the interests of residents and all road-users.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
|
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Calvert Street Carpark Plug and Play Events
From: Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
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MOTION
1. That Council notes the success of the recent Sunday Sessions event held at the Calvert Street Carpark in Marrickville.
2. That Council thanks council staff, local Illawarra Road businesses, local brewers and distillers, and residents who attended for making the event such a success.
3. That Council acknowledges that Inner West Council was successful in receiving a grant from Transport for NSW’s Plug and Play program, designed to simplify and aid public events at key locations.
4. That Council hosts an information session, either in person or via webinar, advising interested parties as to how they might activate the carpark for public events and utilise the Plug and Play program to do so.
|
Background
The Marrickville Sunday Sessions event held at the Calvert Street carpark in Marrickville was a huge success, bringing together local businesses on Illawarra Road, local distillers and brewers and a huge contingent of local residents to celebrate our suburb.
Earlier this year, Transport for NSW awarded Inner West Council money to activate the Calvert Street carpark, Railway Parade in Sydenham and other locations for events like the Marrickville Sunday Sessions. The funding enables some infrastructure works to be undertaken at the site, as well as for logistical and bureaucratic barriers to be more easily overcome (such as a reduction is costs and requirements for traffic management studies).
Following the success of the event, organisations have expressed an interest in hosting other events at the site.
Providing further information about how these events can be hosted would help facilitate further activation and engagement with the site and ensure other high-quality, inclusive and fun events are held at the Calvert Street carpark.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Supporting Solar Uptake as Part of the DCP
From: Councillor Chloe Smith
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MOTION
1. That Council notes that the Inner West DCP is due to be considered by Council following the LEP.
2. That Council supports greater uptake of solar panels and installations across the Inner West and requests that measures to support and streamline this be considered as part of the DCP, including a review of current restrictions around installation on street-facing roofs and in heritage areas.
|
Background
Inner West Council is Australia's most sustainable Council, with the distinction of being the first council in the country to be both 100% divested from fossil fuels and 100% powered by renewable energy. Our Council is committed to reducing the community's carbon footprint while also supporting households to lower their energy bills, and we recognise that greater uptake of renewable energy is the best way to achieve this.
Solar installations are one significant way households can harness the benefits of the renewable energy transition. In many instances under the current controls, solar installations can be considered as exempt developments that don't require DA approval. However properties that are heritage items or within Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) can face significant restrictions on solar installations. Given that almost half of the LGA is under some form of heritage protection, these restrictions impact a significant proportion of properties and can act as a deterrent for greater solar uptake.
The Inner West DCP presents an opportunity to review these restrictions and identify a way forward that balances heritage concerns with the Council's commitment to supporting renewable energy and solar uptake.
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Petersham Park – Nappy Change Table Facilities
From: Councillors Vicki Clay and Chloe Smith
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MOTION
1. That Council install nappy changing facilities in the public toilets in Petersham Park outside Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre, as an additional option for parents visiting Petersham Park.
2. That Council install dedicated waste bin with the nappy changing facility
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Background
At a recent meeting with constituents at Splash Cafe, next to Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre (FDAC), a general discussion brought to light that the only nappy changing facility available for parents visiting the park, is within FDAC only.
There are no nappy changing facilities outside of/in closer proximity to FDAC, i.e. in or near the public toilet facilities.
This requires parents to enter/re-enter FDAC for the purposes of changing baby nappies. If it is a busy day, and there is a queue to enter FDAC, this is an additional impost on parents. Parents needing facilities outside of FDAC operating hours are also disadvantaged and would need to use the ground or benches (not deemed safe for the purpose).
Officer’s Comments:
No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.
Nil.
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|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Question on Notice: SUV use in the Inner West
From: Councillor Olivia Barlow
Question
What consideration has Council given to discouraging the uptake of SUVs in the Inner West
LGA, on the basis they emit more pollution and are more dangerous for pedestrians and other
vulnerable road users, than smaller cars?
Answer
The form factor of a vehicle is one factor influencing the emissions of a vehicle and must be considered with factors including vehicle size, weight, fuel type, engine efficiency, emission control systems and ongoing maintenance. In some jurisdictions, parking permit fees are tiered and have been indexed against vehicle emission ratings such as the Green Vehicle Guide, however, this has not been adopted by Council.
With relation to safety, the vehicle form factor alone is not an accurate predictor of road safety outcomes. Modern SUV’s benefit from a higher driving position and advanced safety features that can provide improved safety over older vehicle models.
Question
How many SUVs have been registered in the Inner West LGA since 2017, broken down by year?
Answer
Available registration information does not define a SUV. Approximately 89,598 passenger vehicles are presently registered in the LGA with 9,262 classed as “off-road passenger vehicles” (approx. 10%).
Question
How does this compare to the number of passenger cars registered in the Inner West LGA?
Answer
See above answer.
Question
How does this compare to the number of EVs registered in the Inner West LGA?
Answer
2,286 battery electric passenger cars and 5,355 hybrid-electric passenger cars (including 84 hybrid electric “off-road” passenger vehicles) have been registered in the Inner West.
Question
How many SUVs have been registered to the Inner West Council fleet since 2017, broken down by year?
Answer
|
Year |
SUVs Registered |
|
2017 |
23 |
|
2018 |
56 |
|
2019 |
33 |
|
2020 |
41 |
|
2021 |
31 |
|
2022 |
24 |
|
2023 |
51 |
|
2024 |
44 |
The Leaseback Motor Vehicle Policy was adopted in June 2020 and introduced Hybrid or Electric vehicles as one of the criteria for vehicle choice. From 2020 to 2022, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles transitioned into the passenger vehicle fleet with all SUV leaseback vehicles from 2022 being hybrid/electric vehicles.
Note, due to global supply chain issues during and after the pandemic, the supply of hybrid vehicles (such as RAV4s) was delayed in 2021-2022 which resulted in an increase in vehicles being delivered and registered in 2023 and 2024.
Question
How does Council monitor and track road safety across the Inner West LGA, including danger spots and/or trends in vehicle usage that may impact the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, children, and other vulnerable road users?
Answer
Council uses TfNSW crash data to monitor road safety and identify blackspots.
Question
What measures has Council put in place to prevent road injuries and fatalities in the Inner West LGA, particularly around schools and childcare facilities?
Answer
Council has various programs that reduce road injuries and fatalities throughout the Inner West, this includes:
· The implementation of the Road Safety Program
· Review of blackspots through the annual blackspot program
· Development of Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) studies
· Development of strategic plans such as InnerWest@40, Active Travel to Schools Study, Pedestrian Access and Mobility (PAMP) and Cycling Strategy
· Ad-hoc investigation of road safety concerns
· Delivery of the PAMP, traffic facilities and cycleways programs.
· Working with NSW Police and Council enforcement staff to enforce the Road Rules
Question
Has Council taken any specific measures to improve road safety across the Inner West LGA, given SUV use is increasing and children are 8 times more likely to be killed when struck by an SUV compared to a smaller passenger vehicle?
Answer
Council continues to deliver a range of treatments to improve road safety across the Inner West including Delivery of the PAMP, traffic facilities and cycleways programs. These works improve safety by slowing vehicle movements and separating vehicular traffic from vulnerable road users.
The road safety behavioural program has included the following:
· Child restraint car seat fittings
· Workshops for parents of learner drivers
· Pedestrian safety education program
· Support TfNSW road safety communication and campaigns
· Road safety around schools program
Question
How many pedestrian fatalities in road crashes involving an SUV in the Inner West LGA have been recorded since 2017, broken down by year?
Answer
Over the seven-year period (2017 to 2023), there was 10 pedestrian crashes involved in a fatal road crash. One pedestrian fatality involved an SUV/4-wheel drive vehicle, and four pedestrian fatalities involved a car (sedan/hatch). See below table:
|
Pedestrian Fatalities |
4 wheel drive / SUV |
Car (sedan/hatch) |
Other (Motorcycle, Large Rigid, Light Truck, Light Truck Utility, other Bus) |
|
2017 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
2018 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
2019 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2020 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2021 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
2022 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Question
How does this compare to pedestrian fatalities in road crashes involving a standard passenger car?
Answer
See above answer.
How many parking infringements have been issued to SUVs for parking in a manner that obstructs, including but not limited to footpaths, driveways, other parking spaces, and other traffic in the Inner West LGA since 2017, broken down by year?
Answer
Available data categorises vehicles as ‘smaller vehicles’ and ‘larger vehicles’. Smaller vehicles includes Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback and Sedan; where larger vehicles includes 4WD, Wagon and Station Wagon.
See below table for fines issued to ‘larger vehicles’ where an obstruction was occurring.
|
4WD |
Panel Van |
Station Wagon |
Wagon |
Utility |
Total Large Vehicles |
|
|
|
2018 |
1502 |
27 |
914 |
541 |
1186 |
4170 |
|
|
2019 |
2005 |
67 |
2198 |
1554 |
2443 |
8267 |
|
|
2020 |
1261 |
153 |
2346 |
1428 |
2084 |
7272 |
|
|
2021 |
711 |
176 |
2002 |
1341 |
1903 |
6133 |
|
|
2022 |
702 |
152 |
3046 |
1610 |
2195 |
7705 |
|
|
2023 |
894 |
120 |
3317 |
1762 |
2375 |
8468 |
|
|
2024 |
998 |
174 |
3866 |
2110 |
2658 |
9806 |
|
|
2025 |
258 |
53 |
1536 |
684 |
808 |
3339 |
|
Question
How does this compare to parking infringements issued to standard passenger cars for similar infringements?
Answer
Available data categorises vehicles as ‘smaller vehicles’ and ‘larger vehicles’. Smaller vehicles includes Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback and Sedan; where larger vehicles includes 4WD, Wagon and Station Wagon.
See below table for fines issued to ‘smaller vehicles’ where an obstruction was occurring.
|
|
Convertible |
Coupe |
Hatchback |
Sedan |
Total Small Vehicles |
|
2018 |
26 |
219 |
2068 |
4657 |
6970 |
|
2019 |
42 |
381 |
3155 |
8948 |
12526 |
|
2020 |
41 |
324 |
2199 |
8346 |
10910 |
|
2021 |
40 |
216 |
1973 |
6986 |
9215 |
|
2022 |
37 |
242 |
2427 |
7546 |
10252 |
|
2023 |
47 |
355 |
3545 |
7030 |
10977 |
|
2024 |
46 |
285 |
3484 |
8068 |
11883 |
|
2025 |
23 |
76 |
1190 |
2735 |
4024 |
Question
Was the Inner West Council approached to make a submission to the Standards Australia consultation on increasing the length of car spaces, and if so, what was the submission?
Answer
Inner West Council was not approached by Standards Australia to make a submission.
Question
How many complaints have been received by the Inner West Council regarding SUVs since 2017, broken down by year and the nature of the complaint?
Answer
This information is not obtainable.
Question
How much has the Inner West Council spent per year on roads repair and maintenance since 2017, broken down by year?
Answer
|
Description ($’000) |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
|
Roads Operational - Maintenance & Furniture & Signage |
2,996 |
3,105 |
3,186 |
2,652 |
2,803 |
2,734 |
2,873 |
|
Roads Capital |
2,958 |
6,474 |
4,826 |
7,460 |
5,724 |
8,504 |
11,118 |
|
Total |
5,954 |
9,579 |
8,012 |
10,112 |
8,527 |
11,238 |
13,990 |
Nil.
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: RFT 41-24 Insurance Services
Council at its meeting on 29 April 2025 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 17 June 2025.
Prepared By: Julian Sakarai - Acting Senior Manager Governance and Risk
Authorised By: Chris Sleiman - Acting Director Corporate
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into a closed session to deal with RFT41-24 Insurance Services as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and (10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential as, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential report - RFT 41-24 Insurance Services - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: RFT 04-25 Mackey Park Amenities Construction
Prepared By: Michael Craven - Projects Delivery Manager
Authorised By: Ryann Midei - Director Property and Major Projects
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
4: Healthy, resilient and caring communities |
|
|
DISCUSSION
In December 2023, Council adopted the Mackey Park Plan of Management and Masterplan. The plan calls for an upgrade of the existing amenities building with a purpose designed sporting amenities aligned with Richardson Crescent to improve access from Carrington Road.
The design of the new amenities was scoped with both internal and external stakeholders and includes: new public toilets including a full accessible, with external communal handwash basins, new kiosk, new external awning, meeting room with office space, storage rooms, two home and away changerooms with showers and toilets, new accessible paths of travel and associated landscaping works including the small pocket park. The works included the demolition of the existing amenities building.
It is anticipated that the works will commence in September 2025 and be completed by the end of March 2026 to align with the sporting seasons and minimise the impact on the winter sports season.
Council will move into a closed session to deal with Inner West Council RFT 04-25 Mackey Park Amenities Construction as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and (10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993
|
Confidential report - RFT 04-25 Mackey Park Amenities Construction - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
|
|
RFT 04-25 VendorPanel Evaluation Report - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. |
|
|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: RFT 09-24 Print and Associated Services Tender Evaluation Report
Prepared By: Margaret Merten - Marketing, Media & Communications Coordinator
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
1: An ecologically sustainable Inner West 5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into a closed session to deal with RFT 09-24 Print and Associated Services Tender Evaluation Report as the information is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and (10A(2)(di) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(dii) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential Report RFT 09-24 Print and Associated Services Tender Report - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council. |
|
|
VendorPanel Evaluation Report RFT 09-24 Print and Associated Services - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council. |
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|
Council Meeting 20 May 2025 |
Subject: Contributions and Reimbursements
Prepared By: Matthew Pearce - General Counsel
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the recommendations contained in Confidential Attachment 1.
|
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
This report supports the following strategic directions contained within Council’s Community Strategic Plan:
|
5: Progressive, responsive and effective civic leadership |
|
|
DISCUSSION
Council will move into closed session to deal with the Contributions and Reimbursements, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter contains advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.
Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(g) of the Local Government Act 1993.
|
Confidential report - Contributions and Reimbursements - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to advice concerning litigation, or advice (Section 10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege. |
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|
Advice from Lindsay Taylor Lawyers - Confidential This attachment is confidential in accordance to advice concerning litigation, or advice (Section 10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege. |
