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Council Meeting
9 December 2025 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 9 December 2025 at Ashfield Service Centre
Meeting commenced at 6.32pm
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Present: |
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Darcy Byrne Chloe Smith Izabella Antoniou Liz Atkins Olivia Barlow Jo Carlisle Vicki Clay Jessica D’Arienzo Kerrie Fergusson Mat Howard Victor Macri Vittoria Raciti Philippa Scott 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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Ruth Callaghan |
Director Community |
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Sharon Bowman Peter Shields Ryann Midei Matthew Pearce Manod Wickramasinghe Scott Mullen |
Director Corporate Director Engineering Director Property and Major Projects General Counsel Traffic & Transport Planning Manager Strategic Investments & Property Manager |
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George Georgakis Katherine Paixao Tia Camelin |
Administration Manager Business Paper Coordinator Business Paper Officer |
APOLOGIES AND REQUEST FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
Motion: (Howard/Atkins)
That apologies from Councillor Blake be accepted.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST:
Councillor Scott declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 58 - 67-75 Lords Road, Leichhardt - Dedication of Open Space as her primary residence is adjacent to the development site. She will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Antoniou declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 45 - Notice of Motion: Blueprint for Equity as she is currently an employee of Community Legal Centre Australia (CLCs) the national peak and negotiating party to the NAJP. As she does not receive any benefit from this motion and the organisation identified in the motion Inner City Legal Centre and is not a direct member at CLCs Australia, she will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting.
Councillor Raciti declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 58 - 67-75 Lords Road, Leichhardt - Dedication of Open Space as her husband is the President of Apia Leichhardt Tigers. She will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Raciti declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 63 - Mayoral Minute: Support for Rally to Save Wests Tigers as Wests Tigers give money to Apia Leichhardt Tigers where her husband is the President. She will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Clr Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 14 - Bringing Mardi Gras to the Inner West as his husband is the co-chair of the voluntary board of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. To avoid any perception of conflict he will leave the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter.
Councillor Barlow declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 1 - Local Transport Forum Terms of Reference and 2025 Authorisation and Delegation Instrument as she works in the Office of Kobi Shetty MP, who in her capacity as the Member for Balmain, has a representative on the Transport Forum. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter as the vote is exercised through a representative.
Councillor Barlow declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 - Local Transport Forum Meeting - 17 November 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 Transport Forum. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the matter as the vote is exercised through a representative.
Motion: (D’Arienzo/Atkins)
That Council note the disclosures of interest.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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That the Minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, 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.
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Carlisle)
That Council allow the public speaker Melissa Ashton-Garad to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 55.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the Meeting at 7:23 pm and vacated the chair. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith assumed the chair.
The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the Meeting at 7:27 pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Smith vacated the chair and the Mayor assumed the chair.
Councillor Raciti left the Meeting at 7:29 pm as she declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 63 as Wests Tigers give money to Apia Leichhardt Tigers where her husband is the President.
Councillor Raciti returned to the Meeting at 7:32 pm
Procedural Motion (Howard/Atkins)
That Council Suspend Standing Orders to bring forward the following items to be dealt with at this time:
1. Item 1 - Local Transport Forum Terms of Reference and 2025 Authorisation and Delegation Instrument
2. Item 3 - FOGO For Inner West Early Learning Centres
3. Item 5 - Update Report - Engagement Program for the Inner West Sustainability Hub
4. Item 6 - Sustainable Procurement Working Group Update
5. Item 10 - Remembering Carla Stacey AO
6. Item 16 - General Revenue, Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy
7. Item 18 - Customer Experience Update
8. Item 20 - 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital Projects Committee Schedule
9. Item 21 - Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2026 Annual Review
10. Item 22 - Financially Sustainable Service Delivery Program Update
11. Item 23 - Major Residential Development Panel and Housing Delivery – Quarterly Update
12. Item 25 - Tourism Action Plan Bi-Monthly Report
13. Item 29 - Cooks River fishing signage and disposal bins
14. Item 30 - Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade - Monthly Project Update
15. Item 31 - Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment - Monthly Project Update
16. Item 32 - GreenWay - Bushcare and maintenance, signage and public art
17. Item 33 - Loyalty Square Improvement Works - Memorial Walls
18. Item 35 - Disability employment in Council update
19. Item 36 - Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
20. Item 37 - Council At Your Door Update
21. Item 38 - Notice of Motion: Marrickville Library Multi-function tables
22. Item 43 - Notice of Motion: Plans of Management
23. Item 44 - Notice of Motion: Supporting Residents with Information on Rate Postponement Options
24. Item 45 - Notice of Motion: Blueprint for Equity
25. Item 46 - Notice of Motion: Cooks River Sheet Metal Piling
26. Item 49 - Notice of Motion: Pickleball Courts in Balmain Ward
27. Item 50 - Notice of Motion: TfNSW Tree Mortality Land Bridge Rozelle Parklands
28. Item 51 - Notice of Motion: Coordination of the King Street SEP with City of Sydney
29. Item 56 - Notice of Motion: Christmas at the Women’s Community Shelter Inner West Project
30. Item 59 - Sale of Bignell Lane, Annandale
31. Item 60 - Marrickville Town Hall - Basement Use EOI
32. Item 62 - Domestic Waste Collection Service Harmonisation
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, 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 1 - Local Transport Forum Terms of Reference and 2025 Authorisation and Delegation Instrument
2. Item 3 - FOGO For Inner West Early Learning Centres
3. Item 5 - Update Report - Engagement Program for the Inner West Sustainability Hub
4. Item 6 - Sustainable Procurement Working Group Update
5. Item 10 - Remembering Carla Stacey AO
6. Item 16 - General Revenue, Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy
7. Item 18 - Customer Experience Update
8. Item 20 - 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule and Major Capital Projects Committee Schedule
9. Item 21 - Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2026 Annual Review
10. Item 22 - Financially Sustainable Service Delivery Program Update
11. Item 23 - Major Residential Development Panel and Housing Delivery – Quarterly Update
12. Item 25 - Tourism Action Plan Bi-Monthly Report
13. Item 29 - Cooks River fishing signage and disposal bins
14. Item 30 - Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade - Monthly Project Update
15. Item 31 - Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment - Monthly Project Update
16. Item 32 - GreenWay - Bushcare and maintenance, signage and public art
17. Item 33 - Loyalty Square Improvement Works - Memorial Walls
18. Item 35 - Disability employment in Council update
19. Item 36 - Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
20. Item 37 - Council At Your Door Update
21. Item 38 - Notice of Motion: Marrickville Library Multi-function tables
22. Item 43 - Notice of Motion: Plans of Management
23. Item 44 - Notice of Motion: Supporting Residents with Information on Rate Postponement Options
24. Item 45 - Notice of Motion: Blueprint for Equity
25. Item 46 - Notice of Motion: Cooks River Sheet Metal Piling
26. Item 49 - Notice of Motion: Pickleball Courts in Balmain Ward
27. Item 50 - Notice of Motion: TfNSW Tree Mortality Land Bridge Rozelle Parklands
28. Item 51 - Notice of Motion: Coordination of the King Street SEP with City of Sydney
29. Item 56 - Notice of Motion: Christmas at the Women’s Community Shelter Inner West Project
30. Item 59 - Sale of Bignell Lane, Annandale
31. Item 60 - Marrickville Town Hall - Basement Use EOI
32. Item 62 - Domestic Waste Collection Service Harmonisation
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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1. That Council write to all the not for profit early learning centres inviting them to participate in the FOGO program.
2. That the costs of running this program be used to inform a charge that Council consider in providing a service to the for profit child care centres.
3. That Council endorse FOGO in Early Learning Centres as a pilot program, to accurately inform the direction on fee-for-service FOGO to childcare centres in 2026.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 5
Update Report - Engagement Program for the Inner West |
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That Council endorse the schedule, status and budgeting update for activations at the Inner West Sustainability Hub.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council establish the Carla Stacey Leadership in Sport Volunteer Awards Program with the inaugural award and held in conjunction with the Amy Large Community Awards in May 2026.
2. That Council proceed with naming the pathway between Amy Street and Centennial Street, Marrickville in Carla Stacey’s honour.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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That Council endorse the proposed changes to the correspondence templates, and delegate to the General Manager the ability to revise the templates as required to respond to customer satisfaction results and feedback.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 21 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal 2026 Annual Review |
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That Council approve the draft submission (Attachment 1) to be sent to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal in relation to the 2026 Annual Review.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 22 Financially Sustainable Service Delivery Program Update |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 23 Major
Residential Development Panel and Housing Delivery - |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, 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, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 29 Cooks River fishing signage and disposal bins |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 30 Leichhardt
Park Aquatic Centre Upgrade - Monthly Project |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council note the following Stage 1 progress since the last report: a) Stage 1 works have progressed significantly and are nearing completion, with major structural and mechanical installations finalised; b) Completion of concrete pavement around the Mushroom Pool and splash pad, waterproofing of pool gutters, and substantial tiling works; c) Installation of plant and equipment for new pool structures, successful mechanical changeover, and near completion of service connections; and d) Stage 1 is scheduled for completion in early Summer 2026, subject to weather conditions, with Council and the contractor continuing to collaborate to identify opportunities to accelerate delivery.
3. That Council note the following Stage 2 progress since the last report: a) The select tender process closed 7 November, and assessment of submissions is in progress.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 31 Leichhardt Oval Refurbishment - Monthly Project Update |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council note the following progress since the last report: a) The schematic design and associated design reports have been submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, as the Consent Authority, for the Test of Adequacy assessment; and b) The design is advancing into detailed development for the lower bowl seating, western grandstand, and northern grandstand, with support from specialised consultants.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 32 GreenWay - Bushcare and maintenance, signage and public art |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 33 Loyalty Square Improvement Works - Memorial Walls |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, 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, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 36 Statistical
Report on Code of Conduct Complaints 1 September |
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That Council note the Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints relating to Councillors and the General Manager for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D’Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, 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, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D’Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 38 Notice of Motion: Marrickville Library Multi-function Tables |
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1. That Council investigate the installation of a number of tables around the open space at the Marrickville Library they could be used by the community for a number of board games.
2. That Council investigate the potential for the Library to lend the games to users.
3. That the games could be any board game the community would seek to play Backgammon, Chess, Draughts to name a few.
4. That staff could also look at running events based on the games with competitions in the games as community building exercise for all ages and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse in the community.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council thanks Council staff for their ongoing work to deliver updated plans of management on behalf of the Inner West community and appreciates that these are time intensive and complex processes.
2. That Council notes the importance of Plans of
Management in guiding the use, maintenance and future development of local
parks, as required under the Local Government Act 1993 and
Council’s Open Space and Recreation policy. 3. That Council notes community members who take part in consultation on Plans of Management reasonably expect to receive prompt consideration of their feedback, and that timely reporting helps maintain community confidence in Council’s engagement processes.
4. That Council requests that staff establish a target of six months between public consultation on a Plan of Management and its return to Council for endorsement, whether for further exhibition or for final approval, meaning that Council’s internal processes for assessing plans of management take no longer than one year.
5. That Council requests staff, via briefing note no later than March 2026, provide a register of parks in the Inner West local government area, along with the status of their plans of management and the expected timeline for updating them.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 44 Notice
of Motion: Supporting Residents with Information on Rate |
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1. That Council upon gazettal of The Our Fairer Future Plan, proactively write to all ratepayers whose properties are included in areas proposed for upzoning to advise them of their option to apply for a postponement of the portion of rates that are calculated on unrealised uplift value (or “attributable land value”) under the Local Government Act 1993.
2. That Council make applying for postponement as simple and straightforward as possible by providing residents with either a hard-copy application form and a paid self-addressed return envelope, or a link to the online application form, along with simple instructions on how to apply.
3. That Council provide this information in multiple community languages.
4. That Council undertake to include in the next annual rates notice a reminder to all potentially affected residents of the availability of postponement, especially before the next revaluation cycle or rates increase.
5. That Council ensure that information about rate postponement is also available on Council’s website, in clear and accessible language, and that council officers consider other ways to simplify and promote this process for residents.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council note that: a) From 1 July 2025, LGBTQIA+ people are formally recognized as a national priority client group for legal assistance under the National Access to Justice Partnership (NAJP) 2025-2030; b) There are significant unmet legal needs within LGBTQIA+ communities driven by systemic barriers, service limitations and heightened exposure to legal risk, and that each year 6 in 10 LGBTQIA+ people will experience at least 1 legal problem, nearly double the national average; c) Community legal centres provide critical legal services, including strategic litigation to address systemic legal issues and advance rights and that where specialist CLC services for LGBTQIA+ people exist, such as the Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) in Kings Cross, they are often significantly under-resourced; d) We have recently achieved vital reforms in NSW through the Equality Bill, including a ban on LGBTQ+ conversion practices, the right for transgender people to update their birth certificates without surgical intervention and protections against “outing” people for their LGBTQIA+ or HIV status, however, improved rights without access to justice will mean that many people will be unable to have these rights realized; and e) That, while the ICLC receives a small community services grant to allow a solicitor to work from the Pride Centre 1 day per fortnight, it receives no funding from the State or Commonwealth to deliver their LGBTQIA+ Legal Service to residents in the Inner West.
2. That Council write to the Commonwealth Attorney-General calling for the provision and funding of specialist LGBTQIA+ legal services, including appropriate funding to increase the capacity in existing LGBTQIA+ CLCs, and to enable the implementation of socio-legal service models, investment in capacity building, and resourcing of contributions to policy and law reform.
3. That Council write to the Premier and NSW Attorney General calling for investment in the NSW LGBTQIA+ legal service.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 46 Notice of Motion: Cooks River Sheet Metal Piling |
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1. That Council notes Inner West Council’s ongoing commitment to restoring the health, habitat and water quality of the Cooks River.
2. That Council notes that sheet metal piling was installed along long stretches of the Cooks River from the mid twentieth century as part of earlier engineering works intended to control erosion and manage the river’s alignment.
3. That Council notes that the steel sheet piling is now severely deteriorated and that its hard, vertical structure reduces habitat, limits the return of natural riverbanks and negatively affects ecological health, as well as posing a risk to public health and safety.
4. That Council notes the long standing advocacy of councils along the river, local MPs, the Cooks River Alliance, the Cooks River Valley Association, volunteer groups such as the Mudcrabs and many community members who have worked to naturalise the riverbanks and improve water quality.
5. That Council writes to the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, requesting that the NSW Government commit to replacing the sheet metal piling and implement legislative or regulatory measures to improve water quality in the Cooks River.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 49 Notice of Motion: Pickleball Courts in Balmain Ward |
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1. That Council notes the inclusion of pickleball line markings as part of the recent Mort Bay Multi-Court upgrade.
2. That Council provide a report to the February 2026 Council meeting outlining: a) A list of existing Council owned pickleball facilities within the Balmain Ward; b) Potential Council courts within the Balmain Ward that could accommodate additional line markings to facilitate pickleball use; and c) Potential locations where constructing a dedicated pickleball court may be possible.
3. That Council investigate and include in the report the feasibility and estimated costs of adding pickleball line markings to the Punch Park Tennis Courts.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 50 Notice
of Motion: TfNSW Tree Mortality Land Bridge Rozelle |
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1. That Council note the significant mortality of Banksia trees along the Land Bridge in the Rozelle Parklands.
2. That Council acknowledge the Inner West Council’s prompt action in raising this issue with TfNSW and request that it be resolved as a matter of urgency.
3. That Council continue to press TfNSW to take immediate action to prevent further tree deaths, including: a) Removing dead trees and replacing them with new plantings; and b) Assigning a dedicated TfNSW officer to oversee the maintenance and care of trees on the Rozelle Parklands Land Bridge and any other areas of the park for which TfNSW remains responsible.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 51 Notice
of Motion: Coordination of the King Street SEP with City |
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1. That Council note Inner West Council’s endorsement of Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) on main streets across the Inner West to support live music and performance, streamlined approvals, and a stronger nighttime economy.
2. That Council note that the endorsed SEP on King Street, Newtown spans both the Inner West and City of Sydney LGAs.
3. That Council note that residents, businesses, and visitors experience King Street as one continuous precinct and do not distinguish between local government areas.
4. That Council note that Inner West Council’s standard SEP model differs from the City of Sydney’s and a consistent approach by both councils along King Street would benefit local businesses, residents, and visitors.
5. That Council note advocacy by local businesses on King Street for the implementation of the SEP to enhance the success and benefits of the Enmore Road SEP.
6. That Council endorses the following principles to guide collaboration between Inner West Council and City of Sydney Council in developing the King Street SEP: a) A consistent policy approach between both councils to provide clarity and certainty for local residents and businesses; b) Alignment between both councils will strengthen the delivery of the precinct, improve outcomes for live performance, and support shared objectives of a safe, inclusive, and sustainable nighttime economy; c) Work collaboratively with responsible officers at the City of Sydney to ensure a consistent approach to planning, regulation, engagement and consultation for the King Street SEP.
7. That Council request the Director, Planning and responsible officers to undertake the following actions: a) Establish regular meetings with responsible officers at the City of Sydney to coordinate development, delivery, and communication of precinct settings and initiatives; b) Coordinate joint community and stakeholder engagement processes with the City of Sydney to ensure consistent messaging and a shared understanding of precinct objectives; c) Ensure that community consultation on the SEP is conducted concurrently with City of Sydney processes where practicable; and d) Report back to Council on progress bi-monthly until the post-exhibition report is brought to Council.
8. That Council note that Cr Olly Arkins at the City of Sydney has submitted a similar motion expressing support for this coordinated approach to implementation of the King Street SEP.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 56 Notice
of Motion: Christmas at the Women’s Community Shelter |
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1. That Council note that tomorrow, 10 December 2025, is Human Rights Day and marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism which commenced on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
2. That Council acknowledge that many women and children are homeless during the Christmas holiday period because of domestic and family violence and that a Christmas / end of year event can ensure a sense of normalcy for women and children in crisis accommodation during a particularly high risk time of year.
3. That Council provide a sum of $1000 towards a Christmas/end of year event at the Women’s Community Shelter Inner West Project.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council, as the local roads authority, after considering the recommendation of the Local Transport Forum and submissions received as a separate report to the December Council meeting, resolves to close Bignell Lane, Annandale.
2. That Council authorises the sale of the closed Bignell Lane to Landcom for the agreed sum of $3.7 million plus GST
3. That Council authorises the General Manager or their nominee to undertake the necessary steps to close Bignell Lane, Annandale including a Notice pursuant to section 38D of the Roads Act 1993 being placed in the NSW Government Gazette.
4. That Council authorises the General Manager or their delegate to approach Land Registry Services to issue a certificate of title for the closed road, to negotiate the terms of the sale and sign all documents to facilitate the sale.
5. That pursuant to section 43 of the Roads Act 1993 the monies received from the proceeds of sale of the land be set aside for either acquiring land for public roads or for carrying out road work on public roads.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council accepts the recommendation from the Evaluation Committee to proceed with Brand X to manage and operate the Marrickville Town Hall Basement as a live music, entertainment and multicultural venue.
2. That Council delegates authority to the General Manager or their delegate to finalise the negotiations to enter into a lease with Brand X to manage and operate the Marrickville Town Hall Basement as a live music, entertainment and multicultural venue.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 62 Domestic Waste Collection Service Harmonisation |
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1. That Council endorses the planned harmonisation of all domestic waste collection services, with in-house staff collecting all red and green lid bins on weekday mornings, and an external service provider collecting yellow lid bins. All other collection services will remain unchanged.
2. That Council delegates authority to the General Manager to directly negotiate a contract variation to Council’s recycling collection contract with Sydney Waste Pty Ltd, to collect yellow lid bins for the whole local government area as of 16 December 2026. This variation is to be bought back to Council for approval.
3. That Council delegates authority to the General Manager to directly negotiate and execute an agreement to acquire up to six waste collection vehicles from Cleanaway Pty Ltd to facilitate continuance of waste collection in west service area.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Antoniou/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Barlow to speak for an 30 additional seconds on Item 2.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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That Council writes to the Sydney Coastal Councils Group to formally resign Council’s membership of the group.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott and Smith Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan |
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1. That Council endorse the identified steps toward becoming Carbon Neutral, including: a) actions from the Climate and Renewables Strategy, including streetlight upgrades, gas transition for Council building projects and electric fleet transition; b) additional, immediate measures which could provide emissions reduction such as the recently adopted actions for recycled materials in civil works projects; c) Purchase carbon offsets, and selecting the best value-for-money option this year; and d) Seek certification under the Australian Climate Active scheme.
2. That a briefing is brought to Council by June 2026 with options and recommendations, including a timeframe and a budget, to achieve Carbon Zero, as an alternative to purchasing carbon offsets.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor D'Arienzo left the Meeting at 7:51 pm.
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Smith)
That Council allow Clr Howard to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 7.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent Cr D’Arienzo
Councillor D'Arienzo returned to the Meeting at 7:54 pm.
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C1225(1) Item 7 Local Transport Forum Meeting - 17 November 2025 |
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Motion: (Howard/Macri)
That Council receive and adopt the recommendations of the Local Transport Forum meeting held on 17 November 2025, with the following amendments: a) An additional point 4 be added to the recommendations for Item 3: St Peters Triangle- Proposed reversal of traffic flows at Applebee Street and Lackey Street, St Peters that reads, “The General Manager seek an urgent meeting with the NSW Secretary for Transport expressing significant concern at the removal of the right hand turn from Princes Highway to May Street, outlining the adverse impacts for residents in St Peters, and demanding an urgent review that balances road safety improvements with resident access to their neighbourhood.”
b) An additional point 5 be added to the recommendations for Item 4: Schwebel Street - Proposed one-way eastbound treatment at Schwebel Street between Station Street/Leofrene Avenue and Junction Road, that reads, “That Council investigate and consult with residents and businesses about installing angle parking on the north side of Schwebel Street between Station Street and Leofrene Avenue and report back to a future Local Transport Forum.”
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 8 Community survey on preferences for future street design |
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1. That Council proceeds with a comprehensive Inner West wide survey of residents to provide community feedback on: a) priorities and preferences for the future design of streets and neighbourhoods; and b) identify infrastructure needed to create safer streets, more liveable communities, and reduce reliance on cars for short trips.
2. That Council allocate funding of $55,000 for external specialist costs at the next quarterly budget review.
3. That Council conduct the survey following the completion of the Development Control Plan consultation, and include the survey in the 2026/2027 annual budget.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 9.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
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C1225(1) Item 9 Cleaning Up Our laneways - Optimised Service Levels |
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1. That Council adopt the reviewed public domain cleansing service levels, being Premium, Very High, Enhanced and Standard, to meet current and evolving needs of the community.
2. That the adopted cleansing service levels are implemented within 4 weeks, including the ongoing publication of a map on Council’s website identifying the service level set for all public domain locations.
3. That Council monitor and review the new cleansing arrangements over the next three months, and report to Council on the status of the new cleansing service levels including work undertaken; reports of maintenance, weeds and waste management; complaints and response times; and other relevant data.
4. That in the same report, Council report on the same measures for the enhanced cleansing for laneways around Special Entertainment Precincts.
5. That pending the data and findings in the report, consideration be given to increasing the budget and resourcing for laneway cleansing in the 2026/2027 Budget.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 11 Public Exhibition - Wicks Park - Draft Plan of Management |
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1. That Council publicly exhibit the draft Plan of Management and Masterplan for Wicks Park for a period of 42 days and seek community feedback.
2. That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the draft Plan of Management and Masterplan for Wicks Park be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
3. That the exhibition period commence no later than early February 2026 and a report be brought back to Council as soon as possible and no later than August 2026.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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C1225(1) Item 12 Lackey Street Summer Hill Improvements - Project Update |
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1. That Council consult with the community for a period of 28 days on a Permit / Plug / Play approach to support temporary road closures of Lackey Street south, Summer Hill.
2. That Council consult with AshBiz as part of the community consultation.
3. That Council receive a report on the outcomes of the community engagement by April 2026 to enable implementation of the strategy by July 2026.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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1. That Council endorse the list of proposed sites for the Inner West Pride Walk, as outlined in the report, with the addition of a site in the Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward, to be determined by the Director Community in consultation with Councillors Howard and Atkins.
2. That Council work with the LGBTQIA+ Working Group to establish a list of second stage locations for consideration as part of the 2026-2027 Budget process.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Howard left the Meeting at 8:14 pm as he declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 14 as his husband is the co-chair of the voluntary board of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Carlisle)
That Council allow Clr D’Arienzo to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 14.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Howard
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1. That Council approve the use of Marrickville Town Hall or Marrickville Library Pavilion and outdoor forecourt or another suitable location as agreed with organisers for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ Sissy Ball in February 2026.
2. That Council approve financial support of up to $60,000 to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to deliver the Sissy Ball in 2026 to form part of the 2026/2027 second quarterly budget review.
3. That Council approve the provision of temporary workshop space to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras at the Sustainability Hub for the period January to March 2026 for float construction.
4. That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to continue negotiations with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on developing a longer-term partnership for 2027 and the 50 year anniversary in 2028.
5. That Council notes that Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has committed to the following partnership benefits as part of this collaboration: a) Festival partner recognition within the sponsor grid and logo placements; b) Inner West Council activation space at Fair Day; c) Inner West Council Parade entry including vehicle and up to 80 participants; d) 10-metre CCB signage at Fair Day and on the Parade route; e) Inclusion of up to five Inner West Council LGBTQIA+ events in the official 2026 Mardi Gras program, promoted via the Mardi Gras app, website, and social media channels; f) Advertising banner placement on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras website and Mardi Gras app; g) Two EDM newsletter mentions and two social media mentions; and h) Working collaboratively with Council on a three-year partnership framework covering the 2026, 2027, and 2028 festival periods.
6. That Council works with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to explore potential options for incorporating queer youth participation within the 2026 Sissy Ball event.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Howard |
Councillor Howard returned to the Meeting at 8:17 pm.
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1. That Council approve the allocation of $21,000 for a communications strategy for the Town Hall Festivals.
2. That funding of $9,000 form part of the 2025/26 second quarter budget review.
3. That funding of $12,000 form part of the 2026/27 budget consideration.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott and Smith Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan |
Procedural Motion (D’Arienzo/Carlisle)
That the meeting be adjourned for 10 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
The meeting was adjourned at 8.26pm.
The meeting recommenced at 8.37pm.
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C1225(1) Item 17 Current and proposed support for Inner West Tech + Start Up |
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1. That Council endorse the initiatives proposed to support IWTS: a) A hackathon-style technology challenge offering a $15,000 prize and a bonus $5,000 prize for the best solution from a woman or non-binary person; b) Linking local talent with community organisations for impactful projects; c) Support for a pop-up tech hub via free access to Clontarf Cottage; d) Visible support for women and non-binary individuals in STEM via the creation of an emerging technology cadetship for women and non-binary individuals; e) Creation of a tech advisory panel with Council ICT representatives to provide advice and guidance to startups; and f) Pursuing open data principles to promote innovation.
2. That Council report back to March 2026 Council meeting with a timeline for delivery for above initiatives.
3. That Council acknowledge that Inner West Tech Hub members will work with a range of technological disciplines, and that references to AI be removed from council's scope and materials.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil |
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Procedural Motion (Byrne/Smith)
That Council allow Clr Howard to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 19.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil
C1225(1) Item 19 Post Exhibition - Code of Meeting Practice |
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Procedural Motion (Smith/Howard)
That Council allow the Mayor, Clr Byrne to speak for 1 additional minute on the Atkins/Barlow amendment in Item 19.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Raciti, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil
During this item Councillor Raciti left the Meeting at 8:55 pm. Councillor Raciti returned to the Meeting at 8:56 pm (and was present for the vote on the amendment which was voted on prior to the motion.
Motion: (Howard/Scott)
1. That Council adopt the Code of Meeting Practice from 1 January 2026.
2. That Council update the Policy Register and publish, as applicable, internally and externally, the adopted Code of Meeting Practice.
3. That Council endorse a 5-month trial agenda management cycle as follows: a) Public forum remains immediately prior to the ordinary meeting, in line with current practice, and the agenda published 11 days prior to the meeting.
4. That Council resolves the general Order of Business for Ordinary Council Meetings will be as follows: a) Opening Meeting b) Acknowledgment of Country c) Apologies and requests for leave of absence or attendance by audio-visual link by Councillors d) Notice of Webcasting e) Statement of Ethical Obligations f) Disclosures of Interests g) Moment of Quiet Contemplation h) Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meetings i) Condolence Motions j) Mayoral Minute(s) k) Reports for Decision l) Confidential Matters m) Reports for Noting n) Notice of Motions/Questions with Notice o) Urgency Motions (If required) p) Conclusion of the meeting
5. That when publishing a notice of motion from a councillor, the General Manager will appoint and publish in the agenda the name of a staff member of the Executive to lead on questions in relation to that notice of motion and to be accountable for its execution if it is successfully adopted.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti
Amendment (Atkins/Barlow) which was voted on prior to the above motion and was lost
That point 3 of the motion be amended to:
That Council endorse a 5-month trial agenda management cycle being the Public Forum held 1 week prior to the Ordinary Council meeting, with agenda published 2 weeks prior to the meeting.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Macri, Raciti and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Scott and Smith |
Councillor Raciti retired from the Meeting at 8:58 pm.
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C1225(1) Item 24 Customer
Service in Development Assessments - Outcomes of |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council writes to the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW to invite the Department to work collaboratively with Inner West Council to review Council's Development Application processes, with a focus on benchmarking against best practice, identifying efficiency improvements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and recommending contemporary assessment frameworks and digital solutions.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
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C1225(1) Item 26 Inner
West Precinct - State-Led Rezoning Proposal for |
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1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council provide bi-monthly omnibus planning updates on the implementation of the Our Fairer Future Plan and related planning reforms, including our Affordable Housing Policy, Stage 2 planning, Parramatta Road Corridor rezoning, Bays West masterplanning, and DCP development, demonstrating how these initiatives collectively support housing delivery and liveable communities across the LGA.
3. That Council during this process advocate to the DPHI for their analysis to include: a) An investigation of feasibility for 20% affordable housing contribution for any additional proposed floor space beyond the baseline provision in upzoned area.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti
Amendment (Antoniou/Barlow)
That Council communicate to the DPHI, NSW Transport and relevant state ministers support for a light rail service to operate on Parramatta road.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Absent: Cr Raciti
Amendment (Antoniou)
1. That Council during this process advocate to the DPHI for their analysis to include: b) The provision of state funded open and public greenspace appropriate to the potential increase in dwellings be a clear priority of the proposal c) That required infrastructure including social infrastructure, to service the potential increase in dwellings be clearly identified.
The Mayor ruled points 1 b and c redundant as the original resolution of the Council in regards to Parramatta Road investigations cover all the issues. |
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C1225(1)
Item 27 Resource Recovery and
Social Housing update for last six
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Motion: (Howard/Macri)
1. That Council receive and note the report.
2. That Council add 35-41 Addison Road, Marrickville, to the list of key sites for engagement and ongoing focus to improve waste management and immediately engage with the building managers.
3. That Council write to Homes NSW advocating for: a) a government-led awareness program for residents in public and community housing regarding the rights and responsibilities around waste collection, and local services to assist with rubbish removal; and b) the establishment of a waste hotline for councils, providing an escalation point for Council staff when illegal dumping and other matters require urgent action.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
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C1225(1) Item 28 Mandatory
Reporting to Council of Reports Received from Fire & |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
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C1225(1) Item 34 Tempe Reserve - Future Use of the Former Jets Club Area |
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That Council receive and note the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Absent: Cr Raciti |
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1. That Council note that Sweltering Cities, a not for profit national advocacy organisation working specifically on issues related to extreme heat, conducts a national Summer Heat Survey every year.
2. That Council agree to include the link for Sweltering Cities’ Summer Heat Survey in the December 2025 issue of the Inner West News and on Council’s social media pages, encouraging as many Inner West residents as possible to complete the survey.
3. That Council note that Sweltering Cities has offered to provide briefings on the results specific to the findings in the Inner West.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Absent: Cr Raciti
Foreshadowed Motion (Scott/Clay)
1. That Council note the Inner West Council's Climate Risk Assessment Outcomes Report, developed by Inner West Council staff and published in May 2024.
2. That Council note that the next steps, as included Council’s Community Strategic Plan, Our Inner West 2036, and a major initiative in the 2025 / 2026 Operational Plan is to develop and implement a climate adaptation plan.
3. That staff bring forward that report by May 2026.
4. That Council note that the development of the Climate Risk Assessment Outcomes Report included consultation and data gathering from Council staff; community representatives from the Environment, Social Strategy and Access Advisory Committees; Sydney Water, Ausgrid, Sydney Local Health District, State Emergency Services; community groups most vulnerable to climate impacts; and community partners in climate adaptation action.
5. That Council note the Notice of Motion proposed by Crs Scott and Stephens and unanimously adopted by Council in December 2023 to designate certain Council facilities as Cooling Centres, including contingencies for late night opening during severe or extreme heatwave warnings, and a summer social media strategy to publicise them.
6. That Council note that this social media strategy has been running for three summers, and endorse that it continue each summer.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Against Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Absent: Cr Raciti |
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C1225(1) Item 40 Notice of Motion: Marrickville Squadron 90 Year Anniversary |
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That Council acknowledge the tremendous 90 year milestone the Marrickville Air League Squadron has achieved by a story in the next Council newsletter and on the Council website.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti
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The Mayor ruled the following motion redundant as Item 39 Notice of Motion: Summer Heat Survey has been carried.
Motion: (Barlow/Atkins)
1. That Council note the increase in extreme heat days and heatwaves across Sydney that will occur because of climate change.
2. That Council prepare a Heatwave Response Plan which includes: a) A risk analysis to identify the parts of the Inner West with the most vulnerable populations and locations to heatwaves, including those that may not have air conditioning or other effective cooling; b) Identification of stakeholders and possible partnerships and collaborative arrangements to better respond to extreme heat days and heatwaves; c) Initial stakeholder engagement to identify potential cool centres and associated services; d) A heat refuge emergency management plan that includes preparedness actions for cool centres, a heat refuge network and actions to activate it, monitoring and evaluation; and e) Investigation of ways to better prepare the community for extreme heat and heatwaves, including workshops provided by organisations such as the Red Cross. |
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1. That Council note the attendance at Rising Tide: The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port (27 November – 2 December) by many Inner West individuals and local chapters of organisations like the Knitting Nannas and the Climate Justice Coalition.
2. That Council write to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, and ask that the government: a) Immediately cancel all new fossil fuel projects; b) Tax fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund community and industrial transition, and pay for climate loss and damage; and c) End all coal exports from Newcastle – the world’s largest coal port – by 2030.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Absent: Cr Raciti |
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C1225(1) Item 47 Notice
of Motion: Terry Street, Belmore Street and Belmore |
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1. That Council investigate and consult with residents on calming measures on Terry Street between Henry Street and the Princes Highway, including narrowing the street by adding inroad plantings, extended verges or street gardens, or extending the angle parking.
2. That Council work with NSW Police to intensify enforcement of vehicles illegally entering Terry Street from the Princes Highway, and investigate and consult with residents on any other measures to stop through traffic and mitigate dangerous speeding.
3. That Council investigate and consult with residents around measures to support resident parking on Belmore Street, Tempe.
4. That Council refer these parking and traffic matters to the Local Transport Forum for consideration and recommendation to Council.
5. That Council undertake a high-intensity clean of Belmore Lane, Tempe, including removing rubbish, pruning vegetation and street sweeping, and add Belmore Lane to the list of hot spots for illegal dumping and increased maintenance.
6. That Council explore the opportunity to use green methods to achieve traffic calming to increase biodiversity and green corridors, and reduce the urban heat island effect in the area.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
Procedural Motion (Byrne/Howard)
That Council allow Clr Carlisle to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 48.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Raciti
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C1225(1) Item 48 Notice of Motion: Ashfield Aquatic Centre - Summer Spruce |
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1. That Council notes the fifth anniversary of the upgrade to the Ashfield Aquatic Centre in October 2025.
2. That Council recognises the ongoing importance of the Ashfield Aquatic Centre to the local Ashfield and Croydon communities and the broader Inner West, and thanks staff for extending opening hours during the warmer months.
3. That Council acknowledges that maintaining high-quality facilities at Inner West aquatic facilities is essential to ensuring the Centre's ongoing sustainability, presentation, and community value.
4. That Council approves a 'Summer Spruce' maintenance program for inner west aquatic facilities to include: a) Pressure washing of the entrance, grandstands, and high-use areas; b) Replacement of damaged or faded signage; c) Repainting of pedestrian and parking line markings in the car parks; d) Enhanced rubbish collection services; e) Vegetation trimming and grounds maintenance; f) Inspection of shower heads to ensure best quality water flows, and g) To be funded from the ongoing maintenance budget.
5. That Council commits to ongoing preventative maintenance of the Ashfield Aquatic Centre to preserve its quality and fitness for purpose.
6. That if shower head inspections identify issues requiring additional remediation that cannot be funded through the current maintenance budget, Council explores these through the 2025/26 budget planning process.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
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C1225(1) Item 52 Notice
of Motion: Supporting Local Community Groups Through |
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1. That Council note the increasing pressure for community groups, P&Cs and local for-purpose organisations to take on additional fundraising activities to support their work and communities due to the rising cost of living crisis and gaps in funding streams. Note that TOMRA Cleanaway have established a process that allows individuals who are making use of the Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and other Return & Earn collection points to donate their earnings to a nominated group or charity.
2. That Council note resolution C1025(1) from the October 2025 Council meeting that called, in part, for an audit of existing Return and Earn collection points and the development of a protocol to assist residents who collect eligible containers at council events as a form of income supplement.
3. That Council include in the report required by resolution C1025(1) options for how eligible containers could be collected and recycled at this outlet with the purpose of Council processing and donating the proceeds to local organisations and community groups, scoping but not limited to the following collection points: a) Inner West Council events and festivals that host external food/drink vendors: b) Inner West Council offices and venues on an ongoing basis; and, c) Incorporating Return and Earn into the new Leichhardt oval stadium development to lead the way in making it a low waste/zero waste venue and minimising waste.
4. That the report consider how these options would interact with the protocol that supports residents who collect eligible containers at council events as a form of income supplement.
5. That Council develop a draft EOI process to determine which local groups and organisations Council will support with donations associated with each event or venue. The EOI process should clearly outline: a) Eligibility of groups; b) How factors including location and connection to an event or venue may be prioritised and weighted in the process; and c) A rotation timeframe.
6. That Council draft and provide any policy updates required in order to support the trial in relation to fundraising to be examined simultaneously to the report.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
Councillor D'Arienzo left the Meeting at 9:58 pm.
Procedural Motion (Atkins/Byrne)
That Council allow Clr Barlow to speak for 30 additional seconds on Item 53.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Crs D'Arienzo and Raciti
Councillor D'Arienzo returned to the Meeting at 10:00 pm.
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1. That Council notes the unique and devastating impact that H5N1 Avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has had on global bird populations, particularly in North America.
2. That Council notes that waterfowl and shorebirds are considered the main natural reservoirs for avian influenza, many of which are migratory birds that visit Australia.
3. That Council notes that H5 has been found in the external Australian territory of Heard Island.
4. That Council prepares a report which examines the feasibility of responding to potential future Avian Influenza outbreaks or other biosecurity threats including by: a) Training staff on the current situation, what to look for and how to report, and baseline biosecurity procedures including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene practices for any council officers working with or around wildlife; b) Identifying and mapping sites within the Inner West that are known habitats for marine mammals, seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey; c) Considering what level of public interaction with animals is possible at these sites and conducting risk assessments to determine if public access restrictions should be planned for, and what suitable material resources such as NSW government biosecurity public signage and mobile barrier fencing should be prepared; d) Sharing advisory materials (including through public signage and on social media) with residents, contractors and stakeholders, providing information about symptoms in wildlife and reporting processes for H5 bird flu; and e) Working with key stakeholders, including the Cooks River Alliance and the Parramatta River Catchment Group, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority, to develop a biosecurity strategy H5 bird flu action plan for the Inner West.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Absent: Cr Raciti
Foreshadowed Motion (Smith/Howard)
That Council notes the importance of biosecurity to our local community’s health and wellbeing and receives a briefing note on our organisational biosecurity readiness and any additional measures or resourcing to be considered.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Raciti |
Procedural Motion (Barlow/Byrne)
That Council allow Clr Tastan to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 54.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Raciti
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C1225(1) Item 54 Notice of Motion: Updated Recreation Needs Study |
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1. That Council update the Recreation Needs Study: A Healthier Inner West (originally commissioned in 2018 and revised in 2021) to reflect the increased population density anticipated under the Fairer Future Plan, the Bays West Precinct development, and the Parramatta Road Revitalisation programs.
2. That Council maintain the existing study framework and ensures the updated study retains, at a minimum, the format and scope of the previous study, incorporating new population and dwelling forecasts from current and planned developments and accessibility requirements.
3. That Council staff provide Council with a preliminary report by June 2026 outlining: a) current and projected open space provisions and benchmarks, b) proximity benchmarks for parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities, and c) sporting and recreational needs across the LGA, broken down by Catchment Area/Ward, including a strategic plan to address identified gaps.
4. That Council ensures the study incorporates relevant community feedback, including input gathered through the Building Our Community engagement process and considerations related to the $500M community infrastructure allocation.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Macri and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Scott and Smith Absent: Cr Raciti |
Councillor Howard left the Meeting at 10:13 pm.
Councillor Howard returned to the Meeting at 10:15 pm.
Procedural Motion (Smith/Scott)
That Council allow the Mayor, Clr Byrne to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 55.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Raciti
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1. That Council notes the great deal of public interest in the proposed Callan Park Tidal Pool.
2. That Council supports the provision of more safe and accessible swim sites in the harbour.
3. That Council notes ongoing concerns raised by Rowing NSW and 13 rowing clubs and schools who use the Iron Cove Bay rowing course about potential conflict between the proposed swim site and the rowing course and marshalling areas.
4. That should the DA proceed, Council commits to working with the rowing clubs and First Nations stakeholders to ensure that the impact of the pool is minimised.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow and Tastan Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott and Smith Absent: Cr Raciti |
Procedural Motion: (Smith/Clay)
That Council enter into Confidential session.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Raciti
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:
C1225(1) Item 58 67-75 Lords Road, Leichhardt - Dedication of Open Space (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.
C1225(1) Item 61 RFT 35-25 Callan Park Tidal Baths Design & Construct Contract (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 (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.
Councillor Scott left the Meeting at 10:30 pm as she declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 58 as her primary residence is adjacent to the development site.
resolutions passed during closed session
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C1225(1) Item 58 67-75 Lords Road, Leichhardt - Dedication of Open Space |
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1. That Council note that following our correspondence to the NSW Government on this issue that no response had been received at the time the report was tabled.
2. That Council defer consideration of this matter so that a report can be prepared for the February 2026 Ordinary Council meeting on options for Council to propose alternative public benefits to be derived from the VPA.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Nil Absent: Crs Raciti and Scott |
Councillor Scott returned to the Meeting at 10:36 pm.
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C1225(1) Item 61 RFT 35-25 Callan Park Tidal Baths Design & Construct Contract |
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1. That Council accepts the tender submitted by SMC Marine Pty Ltd, for the Callan Park Tidal Baths Design & Construct Contract and approves to proceed with separable portion 1 - Detailed Design for the lump sum price of $301,066.00 (ex GST) on contract execution.
2. That Council accepts the tender submitted by SMC Marine Pty Ltd, for the Callan Park Tidal Baths Design & Construct Contract and approves to proceed with separable portion 2 – Construction Stage, if the Callan Park Tidal Baths DA is approved, for the lump sum price of $2,804,660.00 (Ex GST).
3. That Council delegates authority to the General Manager to execute an agreement with SMC Marine Pty Ltd for RFT 35-25 Callan Park Tidal Baths Design & Construct Contract and authorise variations which may arise.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan Against Motion: Cr Barlow Absent: Cr Raciti |
Procedural Motion (Howard/Clay)
That Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Antoniou, Atkins, Barlow, Byrne, Carlisle, Clay, D'Arienzo, Fergusson, Howard, Macri, Scott, Smith and Tastan
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Raciti
Meeting closed at 10.38pm.
Public Speakers:
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Item #
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Speaker |
Suburb |
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Item 11: |
Cato Strachan-Brown |
Lewisham |
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Item 14: |
Mark Driscoll |
Darling Point |
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Item 40: |
Michael Poonan Caitlin Roche Francesco Dickman |
Earlwood Concord West Earlwood |
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Item 42: |
Campbell Knox Liem Grimes |
Ashfield Newtown |
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Item 45: |
Katie Green |
Potts Point |
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Item 46: |
Brian Keogh |
Earlwood |
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Item 55: |
Melissa Ashton-Garard Frank A McHugh Andrew Mainsbridge Ballanda Sack Carina Hall |
Balmain East Leichhardt Roseville Haberfield Rozelle |
Unconfirmed Minutes from the Ordinary Council meeting held on 9 December 2025.