AGENDA R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Meeting

                          

TUESDAY 8 MARCH 2022

 

6.30pm


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

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

 

Pre-Registration to Speak at Council Meetings

 

Speaking at a Council Meeting is conducted through an online software application called Zoom. 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 and 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. Public speakers will be allowed into the Meeting when it is their time to speak.

 

Where Items are deferred, Council reserves the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.

   


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

 

 

PRECIS

 

 

1          Acknowledgement of Country

 

2          Apologies

 

3          Notice of Webcasting

 

4          Disclosures of Interest

 

5          Moment of Quiet Contemplation

 

6          Confirmation of Minutes                                                  Page

Minutes of 8 February 2022 Council Meeting                           5

 

7          Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers

8          Condolence Motions

 

Nil at the time of printing.

9          Mayoral Minutes

 

Nil at the time of printing.

10        Reports with Strategic Implications

 

Nil at the time of printing.

11        Reports for Council Decision

 

ITEM                                                                                 Page

 

C0322(1) Item 1       Communicating with the Inner West community                                                 48

C0322(1) Item 2       Code of Meeting Practice                     51

C0322(1) Item 3       National General Assembly of Local Government 2022                                   101

C0322(1) Item 4       Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 7 February 2022                                         118

C0322(1) Item 5       2021/22 Second Quarter Budget Review     129

 

12       Reports for Noting

 

ITEM                                                                                 Page

 

C0322(1) Item 6       Investment Report at 31 January 2022     150

C0322(1) Item 7       Dawn Fraser Baths - Internal Audit Report                                                      175

C0322(1) Item 8       Council's response to COVID-19 and the Omicron wave                                   189

C0322(1) Item 9       Six monthly progress report               192

 

 

 

13       Notices of Motion

 

ITEM                                                                                 Page

 

C0322(1) Item 10     Notice of Motion: Amendment to NSW Public Libraries Association – Councillor Representation                                   228

C0322(1) Item 11     Notice of Motion: Stanmore Station Upgrade                                                   229

C0322(1) Item 12     Notice of Motion: Gender Inclusion    231

C0322(1) Item 13     Notice of Motion: Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme and an audit of council land for affordable housing    233

C0322(1) Item 14     Notice of Motion: Rainbow Pathway For World Pride                                             234

C0322(1) Item 15     Notice of Motion: Annette Kellerman and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centres: Transition to council management, current Belgravia staff, and recruitment 236

C0322(1) Item 16     Notice of Motion: Dulwich Hill Station Crossing                                                  237

C0322(1) Item 17     Notice of Motion: Demerger of Inner West Council                                           238

C0322(1) Item 18     Notice of Motion: Consultation on Projects of Significant Interest                239

C0322(1) Item 19     Notice of Motion: Railway Terrace and West Street Petersham Intersection  240

C0322(1) Item 20     Notice of Motion: Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy                              241

 

14       Questions From Councillors

 

ITEM                                                                                 Page

 

C0322(1) Item 21     Question on Notice: Development Assessment Processing times                242

C0322(1) Item 22     Question on Notice: Gym Fees (casual)     244

 

15       Reports with Confidential Information

 

Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper are confidential in their entirety or contain confidential information in attachments.

 

The confidential information has been circulated separately.

ITEM                                                                                 Page

 

C0322(1) Item 23     RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction Tender Further Advice                                                 246

C0322(1) Item 24     Licence of Leichhardt Oval to Counter Ruck Pty Ltd

C0322(1) Item 25     Licence of Leichhardt Oval to Waratahs Rugby Pty Ltd


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website on 8 February 2022

 

Meeting commenced at 6.33pm

 

 

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Jessica D’Arienzo

Liz Atkins

Marghanita Da Cruz

Mark Drury

Dylan Griffiths

Mathew Howard

Justine Langford

Pauline Lockie

Philippa Scott

Kobi Shetty

Chloe Smith

John Stamolis

Timothy Stephens

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Simone Plummer

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Director Planning

Cathy Edwards-Davis

Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Peter Livanes

Beau-Jane De Costa

Daryl Jackson

Matthew Pearce

Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

Chief Financial Officer

General Counsel

Katherine Paixao

Governance Coordinator

 

 

APOLOGIES:     Nil

 

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:   

 

 

Deputy Mayor, Clr D’Arienzo declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West as her partner is a long-term hall hirer of Marrickville Youth and Resource Centre (MYRC), a site identified for the trial. Through her partner’s business she regularly engage in exercise classes at MYRC. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting of the item as the conflict will not influence her in taking out her public duty.

 

Clr Drury declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 4 Extension of Flood Controls under NSW Flood Prone Land Package as his house is in a 1:100 flood zone which will be affected by this. He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting of the item. 

 

Clr Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West as his principal place of residence is adjacent to one of the trail sites. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the item as he will not access the trial and have no other conflict with the trail program or the community organisation.

 

Clr Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 Councillor Representation on Committees and Item 10  Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November and December 2021 as he works in the Office of the State Member who has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on both items as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.

 

Clr Atkins declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 20 Notice of Motion: Community Festivals as in the past they have been an participant and vaguely involved in the organisation of St. Anmore. They will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting of the item as the conflict is not sufficient enough to absent them from the item. 

 

Motion: (Scott/Stephens)

 

THAT Council note the disclosures of interest.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 23 November 2021 and Wednesday, 29 December 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

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.

 

C0222(1) Item 1      Mayoral Minute: ULURU Statement

Motion: (Byrne)

 

That Council:

1.     Reaffirm its support for the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart and Council’s commitment to enacting its principles;

 

2.     Consult with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee as to how to best incorporate the Uluru Statement from the Heart into Council's Community Strategic Plan;

 

3.     Seek a briefing on the current status of the Inner West Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan;

 

4.     Receive an update to the August 2018 Resolution to "THAT the General 
Manager write to the CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land 
Council with a view to commencing negotiations towards the signing a 
Principles of Co-operation Agreement between Inner West Council and The 
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council ('Metro').";

 

5.     Seek to establish links with other First Nations organisations such as Boomalli and Deadly Connections which are based in the Local Government Area and regional organisations such as Jumbunna at University of Technology Sydney and Koori Radio/Yabun; and

 

6.     Consult on supporting the creation of places and times for Truth Telling.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

C0222(1) Item 2      Mayoral Minute: Demerger Survey

Motion: (Byrne)

 

That Council:

 

1.     Commences the preparation of a business case for demerger and notifies the NSW Government of the commencement of the development of a business case for demerger;

 

2.     Notes the concerns expressed by Council officers through the resolution of the Joint Consultative Committee about the impact of demerger on morale and productivity within the organisation and commits to engaging with Council staff and their representatives throughout the development of the business case;

 

3.     Notes the overwhelming majority vote of the Inner West Community to demerge; and

 

4.     Involve the community in the preparation of the business case.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

Amendment (Langford/Shetty)

 

·                That Council:

·                 

1.     Note that the proposal to de-amalgamate must be a proposal in support of the de-merger (Section 218CC point 3); and

·                 

2.     Notes that the de-amalgamation process should be a whole of Council process and involve all 15 Councillors. All Councillors should be invited to all meetings with the Minister or her representatives. 

·                 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

 

C0222(1) Item 3      Mayoral Minute: Council's response to COVID-19 and the Omicron  
    wave

Motion: (Byrne)

 

That Council:

1.    Receive a report to the March Ordinary meeting outlining the range of actions Council is taking to support local residents, ​staff, organisations and businesses through the pandemic and proposing any additional actions Council can take now to assist in the crisis and recovery phases; and

2.    ​Continue to advise councillors on daily Inner West COVID numbers (positive cases, vaccination rates) and changes to the health order.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Drury)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

Amendment (Da Cruz/Atkins)

That Council consult with local mental health organisations such as Rough Patch Counselling, Summer Hill Safe Space, P&Cs etc. and receive recommendations on our role in providing the community with mental health support to emerge from COVID in a safe way and to recover from the isolation from work colleagues, separation from family and friends that we have all experienced with Covid.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

 

Procedural motion (Scott/Griffiths)

 

That Items 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12 be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report adopted and that Council change the order of business to bring forward these items.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 4       Extension of Flood Controls under NSW Flood Prone Land
     Package

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

 

That Council endorse the adoption of the proposed Special Flood Considerations clause in Section 5.22 of the NSW Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) into the Inner West Local Environmental Plans.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 8      National General Assembly of Local Government 2022

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

 

That Council:

 

1.       Give consideration to Councillors attending the National General Assembly of Local Government 2022; and

 

2.       Put forward any proposed motions, that meet the National General Assembly’s criteria, for Council consideration, by 7 March 2022.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 9     Proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission
   2022

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

 

That Council endorse and submit the proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission in Attachment 2, by Friday 11 February 2022.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 11       Investment Report at 30 November 2021

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 12       Investment Report at 31 December 2021

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 5      Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West

Motion: (Scott/Smith)

That Council:

1.     Supports the ending of period poverty and would like to initiate a 12-month trial of free period care product services using an End to End Servicing provider at the following locations across the Local Government Area:

a)    Addison Road Community Centre;

b)    Ashfield library/Ashfield Service Centre;

c)    Marrickville Youth Resource Centre;

d)    Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre;

e)    Ashfield Aquatic Centre;

f)      Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre;

g)    Marrickville Library;

h)    Balmain Library; and

i)      Newtown Neighbourhood Centre after its move to new premises or other appropriate site in Newtown.

2.     Endorse $225,000 funding for this trial to form part of the budget consideration for the 2022/23 financial year; and

3.     Works on this project commencing in February 2022, with a report back at the April 2022 Ordinary meeting of Council. 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

 

 

C0222(1) Item 6  Councillor Representation on Committees

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

 

THAT Council appoint the following Councillors as representatives on the identified Committees:

 

a)    Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee – Councillors Scott and Atkins;

 

b)    Flood Management Advisory Committee - Councillors Howard and Da Cruz;

 

c)    Local Traffic Committee – Mayor Byrne and alternative Councillor Langford;

 

d)    GM Performance Assessment Panel – Mayor Byrne and Councillors Howard and Langford;

 

e)    Club Grants – Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo;

 

f)      Cooks River Alliance Board –Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo and alternative Councillor Langford;

 

g)    NSW Public Libraries Association – Councillors Howard and alternative Councillor Langford;

 

h)    Parramatta River Catchment Group – Councillor Drury and alternative Councillor Scott;

 

i)      Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils - Mayor Byrne, Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo and alternative Councillors Da Cruz and Lockie;

 

j)      Sydney Airport Community Forum – Mayor Byrne;

 

k)    Sydney Coastal Council Group – Councillor Griffiths; and

 

l)      Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel – Mayor Byrne and Councillor Scott.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Cr Stamolis

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the amendment be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

Amendment (Griffiths/Langford)

 

That the General Manager’s Performance Review Panel have five representatives comprising Councillors Liz Atkins, Darcy Byrne, Justine Langford, Pauline Lockie and Philippa Scott.

 

 

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

 

Amendment (Stamolis)

 

That Clr Stamolis be appointed to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

 

This amendment lapsed for want of seconder.

 

C0222(1) Item 7      Local Government NSW Special Conference 2022

Motion: (Scott/Da Cruz)

That Council nominate the following Councillors to attend the Local Government NSW Special Conference 2022:

 

a)    Atkins;

 

b)    Da Cruz;

 

c)    Shetty;

 

d)    Lockie;

 

e)    Byrne;

 

f)      D'Arienzo;

 

g)    Drury;

 

h)    Stephens; and

 

i)      Smith

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

Amendment (Da Cruz/Atkins)

 

That Council put this motion forward to the LGNSW Special Conference:

 

That LGNSW advocate to the NSW government to assist councils to play a crucial to a Zero Waste Circular Economy, where there is no place for Incinerators including for Medical waste.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

 

 

 

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the amendment be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

Amendment (Atkins/Stamolis)

 

That Council insert the following clause:

 

Agrees to seek to move the following motion as a matter of urgency at the Local Government NSW Conference 2022:

 

That LGNSW:

 

1.     Note the 2020 demerger proposals resulting from community petitions in Cootamundra-Gundagai Council and Snowy Rivers Council area;

 

2.     Note the subsequent demerger proposal from Cootamundra-Gundagai Council;

 

3.     Note the poll results from Inner West Council area at the 2021 Council elections with over 62% supporting a demerger;

 

4.     Note the significant rate increases requested and approved by IPART for merged Councils (as attached);

 

5.     Call on the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman, and the NSW Government to show leadership by:

 

a)    Conducting independent polls of all eligible voters in each of the 2016 merged Council areas to determine the support for a demerger versus staying merged;

 

b)    Commit to conducting these polls by end of December 2022;

 

c)    Commit to implementing the results of the poll within 12 months of the result of the poll; and

 

d)    Commit to funding any Council demergers as determined by the polls

 

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

 

C0222(1) Item 10       Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November and December 2021

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

 

That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 15 November 2021 and 6 December 2021 be received and the recommendations be adopted subject to the following amendments:

 

a)    That a briefing of ward Councillors be held on the Rozelle North Local Area Traffic Management Study following community engagement and prior to it being reported back to the Local Traffic Committee; and

 

b)    That a briefing for all Councillors regarding Tempe Bunnings DA and traffic control issues and commit to a date for Council to hold a community forum in person, circumstances allowing, near Tempe Primary School. 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Byrne)

 

That the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8.47pm

 

The meeting resumed at 8.53pm

 

Councillor Da Cruz left the Meeting at 9:01 pm.

 

C0222(1) Item 13       Notice of Motion: Demerger of Inner West Council

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Absent:                        Cr Da Cruz

 

Councillor Da Cruz returned to the Meeting at 9:05 pm.

 

Motion: (Langford/Stamolis)

 

That Council:

 

1.     Acknowledge that the poll conducted by NSW Electoral Commission on 4 December 2021 showed that a significant majority of Inner West Council residents voted YES to de-amalgamate and return to the councils of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville;

 

2.     Respect the results of the poll and commit to working with the community, Council staff and the State Government to ensure the decision to demerge is upheld and implemented by Council and the State Government;

 

3.     Write to the Minister for Local Government, The Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP and the Premier, Dominic Perrottet asking them to respect and uphold the decision of inner west voters to de-amalgamate the Council and return to the three councils of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield;

 

4.     Seeks the assurance from the Minister for Local Government and the Premier that they will honour the government’s commitment as set out in the NSW Local Government Act and will pay the full costs of the demerger;

 

5.     Notes the procedure for the demerger of a Council is as outlined in Section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993 as below:

 

Schedule 1 Amendment of Local Government Act 1993 No 30

 

1.1 Amendments concerning local government rating system

 

[1] Section 218CC

 

218CC Proposals for de-amalgamations

 

(1) The new council may, within 10 years of the constitution of the new area, submit a written business case to the Minister setting out—

 

(a) a proposal for the de-amalgamation of the new area, whether by reconstituting the former areas or constituting different areas, and

 

(b) the reasons in support of the proposal.

 

(2) The Minister must, within 28 days after the business case is submitted, refer the de-amalgamation proposal to the Boundaries Commission with a direction that it conduct an inquiry and report on the proposal.

 

(3) Without limiting subsection (2) or section 263, the Boundaries Commission may in its report recommend that—

 

(a)   the de-amalgamation proposal be supported, or

 

(b)  the de-amalgamation proposal be rejected, or

 

(c) a different de-amalgamation proposal be supported.

 

(4) The Minister must ensure that the report of the Boundaries Commission is publicly released within 48 hours after it is provided to the Minister.

 

(5) The Minister must, within 28 days after the report is provided to the Minister, provide a written response to the new council setting out—

 

(a)   whether or not the Minister supports the de-amalgamation proposal or a different de-amalgamation proposal recommended by the Boundaries Commission, and

 

(b)  the reasons for the Minister’s decision, and

 

(c) if the Minister supports the de-amalgamation proposal or the different de-amalgamation proposal—the anticipated time frame for giving effect to the proposal.

 

(6) The Minister is, by making grants under section 620 or using money otherwise appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, to ensure that the cost of any de-amalgamation of the new area resulting from a business case submitted under this section is fully funded.

 

(7) This section extends to new areas constituted before the commencement of this section.

 

(8) In this section—

new area means the area constituted by the amalgamation of areas (former areas) by the relevant proclamation.

new council means the council of a new area constituted by section 219.

relevant proclamation means the proclamation made pursuant to Chapter 9, Part 1 that amalgamates former areas into the new area and constitutes the new council.

 

6.     Immediately commence preparation of a business case pursuant to Section 218CC of the Local Government Act for approval by Council and then submission to the Minister for Local Government setting out:

 

a)    the proposal for the de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council, and reconstituting the former areas of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield Council areas, and

 

b)    the reasons in support of the proposal.

 

7.     Works with the community, staff and the State Government to ensure a strong business case FOR de-amalgamation is developed by Council.

 

a)    The cost of the development of this business case to be funded from the 2022/23 Budget with reimbursement sought afterwards.

 

8.     Prepare a report outlining the proposal for governance, process, timeline and community consultation with regards to the development of the YES business case for de-amalgamation for the first Council meeting in March;

 

9.     Works with the community, staff and state government to ensure the business case for a demerger is developed and fully funded and delivered to the Minister for Local Government by 30 November 2022;

 

10.  Work to ensure the business case is approved and implemented by the state government with a goal to have all three councils re-established by the start of the next term of council, being September 2024;

 

11.  Keep the community informed about the project through Inner West Council News, social media and a webpage dedicated to the demerger project on the Council website;

 

12.  In line with its commitment to provide protection for Council staff jobs, immediately commence proactive negotiations with the unions and the Joint Consultative Committee to enter into an Memorandum of Understanding which will confirm existing employment protections for non-senior staff as provided for in the Local Government (NSW) Act 1993 and seek to extend these employment protections by a further two years following the de-amalgamation;

 

13.  Commits to no-forced redundancies of staff employed by Council during the demerger process and supports the right of staff to return to employment with their original Council, or express a preference to move to another local government area following the demerger; and

 

14.  Form a Demerger Committee involving a minimum of 4 Councillors to meet every 4 weeks (and at other times as needed). 

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

 

Councillor Stamolis left the Meeting at 09:15 pm.

 

C0222(1) Item 14       Notice of Motion: Inner West Labor Policy Platform

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie and Shetty

Absent:                        Cr Stamolis

 

Motion: (Howard/Scott)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the policy objectives put forward by the Labor Councillors as detailed in Attachment 1;

 

2.   Notes that these objectives enhance and support the Community Strategy Plan; and

 

3.   Takes into consideration these policy objectives when drafting Council's four-year Delivery Plan and annual Operational Plan and Budget.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie and Shetty

Absent:                        Cr Stamolis

Councillor Stamolis returned to the Meeting at 09:16 pm.

C0222(1) Item 15       Notice of Motion: Enhancing Democratic Participation

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Amend the meeting schedule for 2022 to resume the practice of one Ordinary Council meeting per month to be held on the 2nd Tuesday, with a recess in January and July each year;

 

2.   Notes that these meetings will alternate with Councillor briefings;

 

3.   Notes the terms of the current Local Democracy Groups conclude in June 2022 and commences planning to improve the current Committee system and strengthen the involvement of local citizens in policy development and decision making;

 

4.   Prepares a report on this to be tabled at the April 2022 Ordinary meeting; and 

 

5.   Notes that the Council must adopt a Code of Meeting Practice, and requests that staff report back on amendments to the current Code of Meeting Practice Policy that would enhance the efficient management of Council meetings and more effectively respond to residents’ concerns.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Councillor Stamolis left the Meeting at 9:28 pm.

C0222(1) Item 16       Notice of Motion: Customer Service Review

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Initiates a Customer Service Review and reports to Council on what actions could be implemented to make the Council more responsive to the ratepayers;

 

2.   Convenes a sub-committee comprising Councillors, staff, resident representatives and external advisors to assist with the scope and preparation of a report that will investigate initiatives designed to:

 

a)    A timeline and implementation plan for developing a Customer Experience Plan including a Citizen Service Charter;

 

b)    A timeline and implementation plan for reducing the time to assess development applications to 60 days;

 

c)    Review Council’s complaints function including expansion of the functions of the Ombudsman to be more focused on customer service;

 

d)    The review and adoption of new technologies to improve transparency around maintenance schedules so residents can know when and where maintenance is due to occur in their Neighbourhood;

 

e)    The development of “Your Say” stalls directly in neighborhoods on key issues impacting the community;

 

f)      The establishment of a citizen service point in every library and a mobile citizen service van to bring Council administration directly to ratepayers;

 

g)    Improve interactions between residents and Council; and

 

h)    Improve responsiveness of council to resident requests or complaints.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

Absent:                        Cr Stamolis

Councillor Stamolis returned to the Meeting at 9:33 pm.

C0222(1) Item 17       Notice of Motion: Expediting the Greenway Project

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

 

Motion: (Stephens/Drury)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the vital importance of the GreenWay Project as an integrated active transport and environmental corridor for communities in the Inner West;

 

2.   Notes that the suspension of services on the Inner West Light Rail may provide opportunities for expediting the construction of the Greenway Project; and

 

3.   Reviews the timeline for the completion of the project and brings forward where possible the delivery of planned works within the Light Rail Corridor.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

C0222(1) Item 18       Notice of Motion: City West Link and Waratah Street

Motion: (Stephens/Howard)

 

That Council:

1.     Acknowledges that the intersection of City West Link and Waratah Street is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists;

 

2.     Notes the intersection now requires a two-stage crossing, with inadequate storage in the middle of the busy road leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk;

 

3.     Notes there have been a number of accidents at the location and while Transport for NSW have proposed a future pedestrian and cyclist overpass, urgent action must be taken now;

 

4.     Requests staff write to Transport for NSW to request that the crossing be changed to a single phase crossing as a matter of urgency while further safety plans are developed; and

 

5.     Note and request an update on LTC1021(1) Item 15 in the Minutes of the 18 October Council meeting, subsequently adopted by Council on 9 November, that TfNSW will investigate this: "The IWBC representative requested a review of the intersection of the  City West Link and Waratah Street to prevent vehicles from hitting the pedestrian refuge. The representative also requested that improvements be made to the pedestrian crossing signals on the City West Link at Waratah Street to prevent confusion where pedestrians are crossing the western section of the road on the red pedestrian phase when the green pedestrian phase is only active for the eastern section of the road. "

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

C0222(1) Item 19       Notice of Motion: FOGO Food Recycling

Motion:  (Howard/Atkins)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Commits to provide food organics and organics waste recycling (FOGO) to every home in the Inner West in the current term of Council;

 

2.   Requests Council staff report on progress to achieve this objective and on how FOGO expansion will be included in the 2022-2023 Council Budget;

 

2.     Requests Council officers provide a briefing on the status of work being conducted with Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) to establish a food recycling transfer station in the Inner West Local Government Area (LGA);

 

3.     Thanks staff for the work to implement FOGO in apartment buildings in the Inner West;

 

4.     Recommits to provide FOGO to every home in the Inner West in the current term of Council;

 

5.     Requests Council staff report to Council in April on progress to achieve this objective and on how FOGO expansion will be included in the 2022-2023 Council Budget; and

 

6.     Requests Council officers provide a briefing on the status of work being conducted with SSROC to establish a food recycling transfer station in the Inner West LGA.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

C0222(1) Item 20       Notice of Motion: Community Festivals

Motion: (Smith/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes that many residents are seeking entertainment in outdoor venues as per public health advice that outdoor gatherings reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission;

 

2.   Notes the detrimental impact that ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks have on the arts and culture sector in the form of lost revenue and employment;

 

3.   Notes the imperative for Council to provide immediate and ongoing support to the arts and culture sector and prioritise local community engagement, including holding community events which can be enjoyed safely;

 

4.   Notes the success of the St.Anmore music festival in supporting live music events in outdoor public spaces;

 

5.   Notes the intention of festival organisers to run St.Anmore in November 2022, and the support of organisers for expansion of the festival;

 

6.   Commences immediate planning work with festival organisers to support St.Anmore to proceed in November 2022, in a COVID-safe manner as per public health advice, and be included in the 2022-23 budget;

 

7.   Commences immediate planning work with festival organisers to facilitate expansion of St.Anmore across all five wards of the Local Government Area (LGA) during this term of Council;

 

8.   Commences immediate planning work to support and budget for a series of outdoor film screenings, to be held when feasible as per public health advice, in local parks across the LGA on a rotating basis; and

 

9.   Commences immediate planning work to support and budget for an Inner West Film Festival to be established in partnership with local cinemas, theatres, and filmmakers, to take place in summer 2022-23.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

 

 

 

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

Amendment (Atkins/Griffiths)

That Council:

 

1.     Amends Clause 6 to:

 

Seeks a report from Council staff about the funding and resources necessary to support festivals similar to St.Anmore across all five wards of the Local Government Area (LGA) during this term of Council, including an analysis of the effect of this expansion on currently resourced festivals and events across the Inner West;

 

2.     Inserts the following clause:

 

Consult  the community across the LGA about the types of festivals they would like to see in their ward;

 

3.     Amends Clause 9 to:

 

Seeks a report from staff about support and budget for an Inner West Film Festival to be established in partnership with local cinemas, theatres, and filmmakers, to take place in summer 2022-23.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion:           Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Councillor Griffiths left the Meeting at 10:26 pm.

C0222(1) Item 21       Notice of Motion: Tree Development Control Plan

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Absent:                        Cr Griffiths

 

Councillor Griffiths returned to the Meeting at 10:27 pm.

 

Motion: (Smith/Drury)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the many benefits tree plantings provide to our suburbs, including street cooling, beautification, carbon dioxide absorption, and wildlife habitation;

 

2.   Notes Council’s support for a record $3m budget commitment for new tree planting in the 2021-22 financial year, and the more than 4,000 trees planted across the Inner West between 2020-2022;

 

3.   Notes Council’s support for an amendment to the four year operating plan to include a minimum $2m investment in tree planting each year;

 

4.   Notes that the Tree Management Development Control Plan (DCP) is scheduled for review in this term of Council;

 

5.   Notes that plantings of ‘micro forests’ are being trialed in cities across the world and in Australia, with research showing they have the potential to exponentially increase biodiversity and carbon reduction in dense urban environments;

 

6.   Supports a commitment to allocate funding of no less than $2m for new tree planting in the next Council budget for the 2022-23 financial year; and

 

7.     Supports in principle Council staff’s amendments to the Tree Management DCP. Commences immediate planning work to support a trial of ‘micro forests’ planted across the Local Government Area.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

C0222(1) Item 22       Notice of Motion: Local Environmental Plan

Procedural Motion (Scott)

 

That the motion be put.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

 

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Griffiths)

 

That Council:

 

1.   Upon completion publishes the place based and heritage studies that will be informing the Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan; 

 

2.   Develops a community consultation plan demonstrating broad community and stakeholder engagement; and

 

3.   Provides a briefing on the timeline and strategies of the consultation plan.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

 

Confidential Session

 

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

 

That Council enter into Confidential session.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

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:

 

C0222(1) Item 23 RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction Tender (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.

 

C0222(1) Item 24 Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

 

 

Motion: (Lockie/Atkins)

 

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

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

Reports with Confidential Information

 

C0222(1) Item 23       RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction
        Tender

Motion: (Drury/Griffiths)

 

That Council note the report and commit to completing the Greenway in this term of Council.  However, Council defer consideration of the Tender to be considered  at the next Council meeting after we have more advice on:

 

a)    Alternative funding sources if the state and federal government do not provide adequate financial grants to support the project;

 

b)    Councils current budget and debt position;

 

c)    Whether it was possible to get support from Sydney Water or any other source for the wetlands;

 

d)    How the Arts program will be funded; and

 

e)    On what additional steps Council could afford take to maximise the biodiversity and ecological value of the Greenway.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

C0222(1) Item 24       Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot 
         Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the
         rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

 

That:

 

1.     Confidential Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the report be treated as confidential in accordance with section 10A of the Local Government Act, 1993 as they relate to a matter or matters specified in sections 10A(2)(c) and (d)(ii) of that Act;

 

 

2.     Council resolves to:

 

a)    acquire by agreement an easement being a right of carriageway at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt in accordance with the Draft Deposited Plan prepared by D Singh of Total Surveying Solutions Pty Ltd, dated 19 November 2021 and the S88B instrument setting out the terms of the easement (Easement) at Confidential Attachment 5 to the Report;

 

b)    pay compensation to Western Prestige Pty Ltd of $260,000 for the Easement and the additional associated costs of fencing, creating and registering the Easement, Western Prestige’s legal and valuation fees and bank costs and Council’s valuation fees;

 

3.     Authorise the General Manager to sign all documents to acquire the Easement by agreement, any deeds setting out the terms and obligations of the parties, and register the Easement; and

 

4.     Authorise the General Manager to negotiate a compensation amount up to $50,000 for any other persons establishing an interest in the land as defined by the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedural Motion (Lockie/Scott) 

 

That the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 matter be considered urgently.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

The Chair, Councillor Byrne ruled this matter urgent.

 

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

 

That the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 as attached to the minutes of the Council meeting 8 February 2022 be noted and determine whether it be adopted at the next Council meeting.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                  Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion:           Nil

 

Meeting closed at 10.46pm.

 

 

Public Speakers:

 

 

Item #

 

Speaker                     

Suburb

Item 1:

Pat Anderson AO

Carlton

Item 2:

Brian Halstead

Spit Junction

Item 7:

Grantley Ingram

Bombala

Item 13:

Pip Hinman

Markela Panegyres

Brian Halstead

Newtown

Newtown

Spit Junction

Item 16:

Liz Locksley

Dulwich Hill

Item 22:

Liz Locksley

Dulwich Hill

Item 23:

Alex Lofts

Summer Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tabling of Urgency Motion 2021/22 Second Quarter Budget Review 

 

Subject:          2021/22 Second Quarter Budget Review           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 be adopted.

 

BACKGROUND

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 Regulation 2004 (Cl203(2)), namely that the Responsible Accounting Officer report quarterly on a budget review statement to adequately disclose the Council’s overall financial position.

 

DISCUSSION

This second quarter budget review has been built in line with the new reporting structure replacing the past structure.  The reporting structure now includes twenty-nine service units, against the past sixteen reporting service units.

 

This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 December 2021. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2022. Council has updated its projected budget result to $32.3 million, this is an increase of $11.6 million from the 2021/22 Adopted Budget.  Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $6.9 million has been projected against the Adopted Budget Deficit of $4.4 million.

 

During the quarter, a detailed review of both operating and capital budgets have been 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 predominantly due to:

 

·    User Charges and Fees increased $1.1m primarily reduce due to

Increase in revenue from aquatic services due to restrictions being eased early than projected as well as higher utilisation

Increase in revenue from restorations and road access income from higher-than-expected construction activity

Decrease in revenue for environmental compliance levy for the second half of the financial year due to change in regulation.

·    Other Income has been adjusted by $0.7m predominately to reflect year to results in the second quarter

·    Employee Costs net reduction is allocated towards Materials and Services for contracted works in relation to restorations

·    Increase in Material & Services to fund expenditure of agency costs (funded by vacant positions in Employee Costs), additional expenditure for restoration works (offset by revenue generated) and grant funded project expenditure.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

The graph below at figure 1. illustrates these movements.

 

Figure 1. Changes in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions

 

 

 

Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget.  December 2021 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $19.9m.

 

 

Summary of Budget Movements

 

The following are key movements with a brief explanation and impact on Council’s budget:

 

-     Decreased Capital Expenditure $6.1m is primarily due to deferral of projects to future years - refer to Item 1 in Attachment 1 and illustrated below in figure 2.

 

-     Forecast Increase in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees -

·    Development Assessment – ($0.6m) as a result of removal of environmental compliance levy for second half of financial year

·    Aquatics Services - $1.1m as a result of earlier easing of restrictions and higher utilisation of aquatic facilities

·    Engineering Services - $0.5m restorations and road access income from higher-than-expected construction activity.

 

-      Forecast Increase in Other Income –

·    Parking & Ranger Services - $0.6m to reflect year to dates results

 

-      Forecast decrease in Capital Grants $0.3m - Item 5 & 27 in Attachment 1.

 

-      Forecast decrease in Employment Costs –

·    Vacant positions moved to Material & Services to fund agency costs for the and vacant positions funding contractors for restoration works.

 

-      Forecast increase in Materials and Services -

·    To fund expenditure of agency costs (funded by vacant positions in Employee Costs), additional expenditure for restoration works (offset by revenue generated) and grant funded project expenditure.

 

The Capital Budget will be reviewed throughout the financial year on an ongoing basis with the capital works managers.  Changes to the Capital Works will be brought to Council through future QBRS. The graph at figure 2. reflects changes in the timing of projects. Details can be found within the December 2021 QBRS Movement (attached)

 

Figure 2. Changes in the Full Year Capital Budget including Capital Grants and Contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 December 2021 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.”

 

            Daryl Jackson, Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer)

- Inner West Council

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

December 2021 QBRS Financial Statements & Movements

 


 

















 

 

 

Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 8 February 2022.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 1

Subject:          Communicating with the Inner West community           

Prepared By:      Prue Foreman - Communications and Engagement Manager  

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council:

 

1.   Commence a Request for Quote (RFQ) process in accordance with Council’s Procurement Policy to advertise a regular Council news page in one or more free, locally distributed print publications;

2.   Receive a briefing to consider the results of the RFQ process and potential expansion of Inner West Council News editions; and

3.   Receive a report and determine the mix of advertising and Inner West Council News editions at a Council meeting on completion of the RFQ process.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council formerly contracted regular advertising in the two Inner West Courier print editions which serviced the local government area via a household distribution model. Council’s advertising included a weekly full page Council column, weekly half page Development Assessment column and online 'run-of-network' advertising at a cost of approximately $212k p.a.  

 

Other advertising was booked on an as needs basis such as jobs, statutory notifications and event promotion in various publications.  

 

The Inner West Courier print edition ceased publication in 2020 as part of News Corp’s decision to move titles online.  

 

During Covid, legislation was amended removing the requirement for ‘public notice’ to be printed in a newspaper, replaced by an online public notice on Council’s website.  

 

Resolutions

 

There are three resolutions relevant to this report:

·    On 13 April 2021 (item 8) Council resolved to advertise a weekly news page in a new local print publication, the Inner West Review. 

·    On 24 May 2021 (Item 3) Council rescinded the decision and resolved that:

1.     A Councillor briefing to be held to discuss how Council can best communicate with the Inner West community; and 

2.     Any commitment to newspaper advertising require an expression of interest process to be undertaken. 

 

·    On 23 November 2021 (Item 3) Council considered a report recommending expansion of the Inner West Council News, a Council owned publication which is delivered to every household, from bi-monthly to monthly. Council resolved to defer the decision to the new Council term. 

 

Impact on community

Provision of Council information to the community is a vital service and a key driver of overall satisfaction with Council, ranked third in the demographically representative and statistically valid 2021 Community Satisfaction Survey (available to view on Council’s website).  

 

Council has a range of channels to communicate with residents including: 

·     Owned channels – Inner West Council News, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter YouTube and LinkedIn), post, letterbox drops, banners, posters, digital screens and electronic newsletters 

 

·     Paid/earned channels – paid advertising in print, online and out-of-home media (e.g. bus stop advertising), media releases and pitches  

 

The demise of the Inner West Courier print edition removed one key communication channel by which the community could access regular Council information. This particularly impacted older residents, and those without computer access. Thirty-three per cent of residents would like to receive information about Council in a print newspaper, rising to fifty per cent of people aged 65 and over (source: Community Satisfaction Survey).  

 

In the same survey fifty-eight per cent of residents wanted to receive information about Council via the Inner West Council News print edition, rising to seventy-five per cent aged 65 and over. 

 

It is recommended that Council seek quotations from current print newspaper publishers to advertise a Council news page and receive a briefing to consider the results along with the potential to increase frequency of the Inner West Council News. It is further proposed that Council determine the appropriate mix to meet the needs of the community via resolution at a subsequent meeting.  

 

Current options for Council to advertise to the Inner West community in a free print publication

 

Two main publishers now distribute free print publications in the Inner West local government area: 

 

1.   Alternative Media – publishes Inner West Independent, CityHub and Sydney Star Observer  
 

2.   Australian Community Media – publishes Inner West Review magazine (new title) 
 

Indicative comparison based on information provided in 2021

 

Note that through the RFQ process, publishers will have the opportunity to quote on their current model of distribution as well as distribution to all Inner West households

 

Inner West Independent, CityHub and Sydney Star Observer 

 

Inner West Review 

 

Frequency 

Monthly (different weeks for each publication) 

Weekly 

Time in publication  

IWI was published from 2009 to 2014 and relaunched as a stand alone monthly publication in 2020 following the closure of the Inner West Courier 

CityHub published for > 25 years 

SSO published for > 40 years 

New masthead - print version commenced 2 February 2022 (digital commenced in late 2021) 

Audience and distribution model 

 

Print and online 

 

Print - 20,000 copies of each title bulk dropped to inner Sydney locations, 300 of which are in the Inner West including Council venues.  

 

Combined inner Sydney readership is 180,000 based on a pass-along rate of three readers/paper  

 

>350,000/month audience for print and online across three titles 

 

Weekly EDMs 35,000 subscribers 

 

Facebook 35,000 followers 

 

 

Print and online 

 

Print - 70,000 copies in total distributed to the door of over 65,000 of the 80,000 IWC households with the remainder bulk dropped to Council and local venues 

 

As the title is new, digital reach is still establishing but includes Facebook, Twitter and the Inner West Review website 

 

Procurement process

For contracts below the tender threshold of $250k, Council’s Procurement Policy requires selective/ open quotations via VendorPanel, or a RFQ. This is the appropriate method for procuring advertising from a small pool of suppliers. It would allow an initial contract period of one year, with a provision to extend for one more year. This would allow Council to review the effectiveness of the advertising after one year. This process would take 4-6 weeks.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Financial implications will be considered by Council once quotations are received.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 2

Subject:          Code of Meeting Practice           

Prepared By:      Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk 

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council:

 

1.     Place the Draft Code of Meeting Practice in Attachment 1 on public exhibition for a period of 28 days; and

 

2.     Consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting a final Code of Meeting Practice.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

Councils must adopt a Code of Meeting Practice (COMP) that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the Model Code of Meeting Practice, in accordance with section 232 of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021, no later than 12 months after each ordinary council elections.

 

The Office of Local Government released a new Model Code of Meeting Practice that contains new provisions that allow councils to permit individual councillors to attend meetings by audio-visual link and to hold meetings by audio-visual link in the event of natural disasters or public health emergencies.

 

Amendments have also been made to the provisions governing the webcasting of meetings and disorder at meetings to reflect amendments to the Regulation since the previous iteration of the Model Code of Meeting Practice was prescribed.

 

An amendment has also been made to the Model Code of Meetings Practice implementing recommendation 6 in the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) report in relation to its investigation of a NSW Local Government (Operation Dasha). ICAC recommended that the Model Code of Meeting Practice be amended to require that council business papers include a reminder to councillors of their oath or affirmation of office, and their conflict of interest disclosure obligations.

 

The above amendments as well as additional amendments have been made to the COMP and are outlined in the table below, also included at Attachment 1, is the proposed amended COMP.

 

If the proposed COMP is endorsed by Council it will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days prior to being reconsidered by Council for ultimate adoption.

 

Section Change

Clause

Reason

Meeting Principles

2.2

A supplementary provision has been included to allow Council to make changes to the COMP without the need for public exhibition when those changes are to only incorporate amendments that have been mandated by legislation or formal advice from OLG.

Timing of Ordinary Council Meetings

3.1

Change made to appropriately reflect Council practices and allow for Council to resolve Council meeting dates, as opposed to updating the entire COMP if a change occurs.

Extraordinary meetings

3.2a

Has been removed as this supplementary provision is inconsistent with a mandatory provision of the Model Code and with the Act and is therefore invalid.

Giving Notice of Business to be Considered at Council Meetings

3.11

Removal of duplication in relation to the GM providing an additional recommendation for the referral of the NOM, this was stated twice in the current COMP with the GM also having the ability to advise that the NOM be deferred. The reiteration allows the GM to advise that a NOM should be deferred as one of the three options.

Statement of Ethical Obligations

3.22

Inclusion of a new mandatory OLG provision.

Pre-Meeting briefing sessions

3.34

 

And

 

3.35

Inclusion of a new non-mandatory OLG provision to hold meetings via audio-visual.

 

Amendment to briefings being chaired by a Councillor to briefings be presided over by the General Manager to reflect the OLG Model COMP and is more appropriate given the informality of Councillor briefings.

Public Forums

 

4.2

And

4.3

Inclusion of a new non-mandatory OLG provision to hold meetings via audio-visual.

 

Inclusion of the non-mandatory OLG provision that identifies the Mayor or their nominee to Chair the meeting to reflect current practices.

Coming Together

5.2

 

And

 

5.3

Inclusion of the ability for Councillors to attend via audio-visual link, inclusion of a new mandatory OLG provision.

 

This Clause is not part of the Model COMP and is unnecessary as a supplementary provision with the new audio-visual provisions now included in the COMP.

The Quorum of a Meeting

5.13

Additional wording, in accordance with an inclusion of a new mandatory OLG provisions.

Meetings held by Audio-visual Link

5.15-5.17

Inclusion of a new non-mandatory OLG provisions around Council meetings being able to be held online instead of in person when applicable.

Attendance by Councillor at meetings by Audio-visual link

5.18-5.29

The inclusion of a new non-mandatory OLG provisions around Councillors having the ability to attend Council meetings remotely when applicable.

Webcasting of meetings

5.33-5.38

Updated to reflect the amended mandatory OLG provision wording regarding the webcasting of meetings.

Attendance of the General Manager and other staff at meetings

5.43

The inclusion of a new non-mandatory OLG provision around staff  having the ability to attend Council meetings remotely when applicable.

Order of Business for Ordinary Council Meetings

8.1

Inclusion in point 3 of a new non-mandatory OLG provision around Councillors being able to request attendance virtually.

 

Amendment to point 10 to align with OLG provisions and remove superfluous wording.

 

Amendment to point 11 to include questions on notice and remove notice of rescission as this is just a different form of a notice of motion.

 

Amendment to point 14 to ensure clarity of the meeting being over as opposed to just being closed to the public, it also aligns to the OLG wording.

Obligations of Councillors attending meetings by Audio-visual link

14.20

Inclusion of new mandatory OLG provision around Councillors attending virtually when in confidential session.

 

Acts of Disorder

15.11

 

And

 

15.12

Point D has been updated with minor grammatical changes, in accordance with OLG mandatory provisions.

 

Has been updated with minor grammatical changes, in accordance with OLG mandatory provisions

 

Expulsion from Meetings

Note

Removal of note and subsequent warning system that is in conflict with the Local Government Act 1993

How Disorder by Councillors attending meetings by audio-visual link may be dealt with

15.20 and 15.21

Inclusion of clauses 15.20 and 15.21 in accordance with OLG non-mandatory provisions

Use of Mobile Phones and the unauthorised recording of meetings

15.24

Has been updated with minor wording changes, in accordance with OLG mandatory provisions

Conflicts of interest

16.2

Has been updated with wording to manage COI when Councillor are attending meetings via audio-visual link, in accordance with OLG non - mandatory provisions

Minutes of Meetings

19.2

Additional section for Councillors attending via audio-visual link, in accordance with OLG non -mandatory provisions

Minutes of Council Committee meetings

20.22

Additional section for Councillors attending via audio-visual link, in accordance with OLG non -mandatory provisions

Definitions

S22

Inclusion of the definition of Audit-visual link

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Amended - Inner West Code of Meeting Practice 2022

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 
















































Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 3

Subject:          National General Assembly of Local Government 2022       

Prepared By:      Beau-Jane De Costa - Senior Manager Governance and Risk  

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council:

 

1.       Determine the Councillors attending the National General Assembly of Local Government 2022; and

 

2.       Decide which proposed motions, that meet the National General Assembly’s criteria, will be submitted on behalf of Council.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Convened annually by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government is the peak annual event for Local Government, attracting in excess of 800 Mayors and Councillors each year.

 

This event provides a unique opportunity for Local Government to engage directly with the Federal Government, to develop national policy and to influence the future direction of councils and communities. The NGA will be held in Canberra from 19-22 June 2022, but Councillors also have the opportunity to attend virtually if they choose.

 

The purpose of the NGA is to bring together councils from around Australia to discuss, debate and adopt motions of national significance with a focus on how partnerships, particularly between the Australian Government and Local Governments, can tackle immediate challenges facing communities.

 

In previous years (2021 and 2019) Council has determined that 5 Councillors would attend the NGA.

 

The theme for the 2022 NGA is ‘Partners in Progress’.

 

Submitting Motions

The National General Assembly calls for Councils to consider submitting motions for debate, this is an important opportunity for councils to influence the national policy agenda and promote new ways of strengthening the local government sector and communities we serve.

 

When submitting motions Council should focus on how partnerships can address national issues at the local level, and new ways the Australian Government could partner to strengthen the local government sector to advance community well-being, local economic development, create jobs, address environmental challenges, climate change and complex social issues such as housing affordability.

 

If Council chooses to submit a motion/s there is an expectation that a council representative will be present at the NGA to move and speak to that motion, if required.

 

Motions will need to be adopted by the Ordinary Council Meeting on 8 March 2022, at the latest, to ensure we are able to submit the motion/s for consideration at the Conference by the deadline of 25 March 2022.

 

Criteria for motions

To be eligible for inclusion in the Business Papers, and subsequent debate on the floor, motions must meet the following criteria:

 

1.   be relevant to the work of local government nationally

2.   not be focused on a specific location or region – unless the project has national implications. Council will be asked to justify why a motion has strategic importance and should be discussed at a national conference

3.   be consistent with the themes of the NGA

4.   complement or build on the policy objectives of your state and territory local government association;

5.   be submitted by a council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association

6.   propose a clear action and outcome i.e. call on the Australian Government to do something; and

7.   not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government.

 

Motions should generally be in a form that seeks the NGA’s support for a particular action or policy change at the Federal level which will assist local governments to meet local community needs.

 

To further assist Councillors with the development of potential motions Councillors have been previously provided with the ALGA discussion paper, the previous 3 years of Inner West motions and the format and information required for each motion, as detailed in attachment 1, 2 and 3.

 

Councillors have submitted the following motions for Consideration at the Council meeting, refer attachment 4:

 

·    Yes to the Circular Economy and No to Incinerators

·    Uluru Statement

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The cost for registration, travel and accommodation for the General Assembly will be approximately $2000 per Councillor attending in person and $689 for virtual attendance. Funds will be sourced from the Councillors Conference and Training Budget, in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

National General Assembly Discussion Paper 2022

2.

Previous Inner West National General Assembly Motions

3.

National General Assembly Proposed Motions - Template

4.

Proposed Motion from Councillors

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 










Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 





Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 4

Subject:          Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 7 February 2022           

Prepared By:      Manod Wickramasinghe - Traffic and Transport Planning Manager  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 7 February 2022 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

 

 

ITEMS BY WARD

 

Ward

Item

Baludarri

(Balmain)

O'Neill Street, Lilyfield (West of Foucart Street) - Proposed 'No Parking' restrictions

Gulgadya

(Leichhardt)

Canal Road and Charles Street, Leichhardt – Proposed traffic calming and pedestrian facility

Kegworth Street, Leichhardt at intersection with Tebbutt Street–Intersection development for pedestrian and children safety– traffic facilities

Annandale Street, Annandale - Removal of 'No Parking Police Vehicles Excepted' Restrictions

Midjuburi

(Marrickville)

Addison Road, Marrickville – Proposed new pedestrian refuge - Design Plan 10117_A

Marrickville Road, Marrickville near Livingstone Road - Implementation Of Short-Term Parking Restrictions

Djarrawunang

(Ashfield)

Dulwich Hill Station Precinct Public Domain Improvements - Stage 2 Works

Intersection of Edward Street and Mungo Scott Place/ Wellesley Street - Interim treatment of intersection for improved sight line

Overgrown vegetation near Smith Street and Longport Street roundabout, Summer Hill

Damun (Stanmore)

Nil. See All Wards.

All Wards

Monthly reports for State funded projects

 

DISCUSSION

The February 2022 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held remotely. The minutes of the meeting are shown at ATTACHMENT 1.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Projects proposed for implementation are funded within existing budget allocations.

 

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Specific projects have undergone public consultation as indicated in the respective reports to

the Traffic Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Minutes of Local Traffic Committee Meeting 7 February 2022

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 










Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Subject:          2021/22 Second Quarter Budget Review           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 be adopted.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

The Quarterly Budget Review Statement is a regular progress report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Should be Local Government (General) Regulations 2021 S203, namely that the Responsible Accounting Officer report quarterly on a budget review statement to adequately disclose the Council’s overall financial position.

 

DISCUSSION

This second quarter budget review has been built in line with the new reporting structure replacing the past structure.  The reporting structure now includes twenty-nine service units, against the past sixteen reporting service units.

 

This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 December 2021. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2022. Council has updated its projected budget result to $32.3 million, this is an increase of $11.6 million from the 2021/22 Adopted Budget.  Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $6.9 million has been projected against the Adopted Budget Deficit of $4.4 million.

 

During the quarter, a detailed review of both operating and capital budgets have been 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 predominantly due to:

 

·    User Charges and Fees increased $1.1m primarily reduce due to

Increase in revenue from aquatic services due to restrictions being eased early than projected as well as higher utilisation

Increase in revenue from restorations and road access income from higher-than-expected construction activity

Decrease in revenue for environmental compliance levy for the second half of the financial year due to change in regulation.

·    Other Income has been adjusted by $0.7m predominately to reflect year to results in the second quarter

·    Employee Costs net reduction is allocated towards Materials and Services for contracted works in relation to restorations

·    Increase in Material & Services to fund expenditure of agency costs (funded by vacant positions in Employee Costs), additional expenditure for restoration works (offset by revenue generated) and grant funded project expenditure.    

 

 

 

 

 

The graph below at figure 1. illustrates these movements.

 

Figure 1. Changes in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions

 

 

 

Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget.  December 2021 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $19.9m.

 

 

Summary of Budget Movements

 

The following are key movements with a brief explanation and impact on Council’s budget:

 

-     Decreased Capital Expenditure $6.1m is primarily due to deferral of projects to future years - refer to Item 1 in Attachment 1 and illustrated below in figure 2.

 

-     Forecast Increase in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees -

·    Development Assessment – ($0.6m) as a result of removal of environmental compliance levy for second half of financial year

·    Aquatics Services - $1.1m as a result of earlier easing of restrictions and higher utilisation of aquatic facilities

·    Engineering Services - $0.5m restorations and road access income from higher-than-expected construction activity.

 

-      Forecast Increase in Other Income –

·    Parking & Ranger Services - $0.6m to reflect year to dates results

 

-      Forecast decrease in Capital Grants $0.3m - Item 5 & 27 in Attachment 1.

 

-      Forecast decrease in Employment Costs –

·    Vacant positions moved to Material & Services to fund agency costs for the and vacant positions funding contractors for restoration works.

 

-      Forecast increase in Materials and Services -

·    To fund expenditure of agency costs (funded by vacant positions in Employee Costs), additional expenditure for restoration works (offset by revenue generated) and grant funded project expenditure.

 

 

The Capital Budget will be reviewed throughout the financial year on an ongoing basis with the capital works managers.  Changes to the Capital Works will be brought to Council through future QBRS. The graph at figure 2. reflects changes in the timing of projects. Details can be found within the December 2021 QBRS Movement (attached)

 

Figure 2. Changes in the Full Year Capital Budget including Capital Grants and Contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 December 2021 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.”

 

            Daryl Jackson, Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer)

- Inner West Council

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

December 2021 QBRS Financial Statements & Movements

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 


















Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 6

Subject:          Investment Report at 31 January 2022           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:  Peter Livanes - Director Corporate

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

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 monthly investment report includes details of the current proportion of investments that are non-fossil fuel investments and include details of progress in meeting the prevailing performance benchmark in respect of non-fossil fuel investments.

 

The investing of Council’s funds at the most favourable return available to it at the time whilst having due consideration of risk and security for that investment type and ensuring that its liquidity requirements are being met while exercising the power to invest, consideration is to be 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 safeguarding 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 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.

Council’s portfolio is in full compliance with the NSW TCorp requirements while continuing to adhere to Council’s socially responsible investment goals.

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s investment portfolio size is $252.7m.  All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s annualised return continues to exceed the bank bill index benchmark. Council’s portfolio had a return of 0.12%, which is above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.09%).

 

Changes in the value of our portfolio was due to maturing investments of $12.5m, interest received $1.5k and increasing investment with Suncorp Bank and Westpac Group through opportunities that was offered on the secondary market –

 

·    Investment

Members Equity Bank $1.5k (interest)

Suncorp Bank $13.8m

Westpac Group (Green TD) $2.5m

 

 

·    Matured in January

CBA (Green) $10m

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank $2.5m

 

 

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 31 January 2022.

 

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 made for the month January 2022 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

 

 

 

The performance chart below shows Council’s rolling 12 monthly return versus benchmark over the past 5 years. Each data point is the 12 month return for the stated month end:

 

 

 

Council’s investment performance has reflected the downward trend in interest rate markets over recent years accelerated by pandemic related interest rate cuts, but the portfolio has maintained returns in excess of the industry benchmark. With inflation pressures beginning to build, interest rates appear to have levelled off and are beginning to show signs of increasing again.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

IWC Investment Report - January 2022

2.

IWC Economic && Investment Portfolio Commentary - January 2022

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 



















Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 





Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 7

Subject:          Dawn Fraser Baths - Internal Audit Report           

Prepared By:      Peter Gainsford - General Manager   

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Dawn Fraser Pool, built in the 1880s, is the oldest pool of a swimming club in Australia.

 

In 2019, Council commenced heritage restoration works on the Baths.  The restoration included:

 

·    Replacing the pavilion including the decking;

·    Upgrading the lighting for water polo;

·    Raising the Baths floor level to mitigate sea level rise and to future-proof the facility;

·    Improving the entry configuration and access from the harbour foreshore;

·    Renovating the male and female showers, toilets and change rooms; and

·    Providing new unisex family change rooms.

 

Construction of the project commenced in September 2019 with an original completion date of October 2020, however, the final occupation certificate was received in July 2021.  The Pool was initially expected to be closed for one summer and the delays in the project created significant community concerns. Upon my commencement back at Inner West Council as General Manager in May 2021 I noticed that there was a lack of communication between staff and Councillors regarding changes to the scope of works and subsequent financial impacts as they related to major projects, this included the Dawn Fraser Pool. Given the lack of transparency it is understandable that the Mayor raised significant concerns throughout the life of the project and wanted the project reviewed by a third party. Additionally, Council also resolved in September 2021, that the external audit being undertaken by Ernst and Young (EY) on the Dawn Fraser Pool Project, be brought back to Council when available.  

 

Council engaged EY to audit the Dawn Fraser Pool Project in July 2021. The objective of this audit was to assess the design and operating effectiveness of the project governance and delivery processes executed for the Dawn Fraser Pool refurbishment project.  Refer to the detailed Audit at Attachment 1.

 

The EY Audit report was tabled for discussion at the 23 February 2022 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC). It was agreed that future major projects would include the provision external  consultant to undertake project assurance to assist in mitigating the risks that were realised throughout the Dawn Fraser Pool  Project. This will ensure that Council will continually monitor and report on the progression of the project including the completion of milestones whilst also identifying and communicating any concerns, delays or challenges that occur. This would be formally reported to the ARIC but also communicated to Councillors throughout the life of the project. The next major project the Construction of the Greenway will be managed in this manner.

 

The EY Audit report and subsequent comments and recommendations are supported by management.  Council has developed a project management framework, which will address many of the recommendations identified in the EY Audit report. This will include providing training to staff to ensure all project managers understand their roles and responsibilities and that Council has a consistent and best practice approach to the management of Council projects moving forward.

 

Additionally, Council has already commenced providing Councillors with additional oversight of the major projects via quarterly briefings. Council will work towards implementing all of the additional recommendations outlined in the EY Audit report, which will also be continually reported to the ARIC. This will enable Council to better manage its capital works program and provide the best possible outcomes for the community.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Dawn Fraser Baths Audit Report

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 













Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 8

Subject:          Council's response to COVID-19 and the Omicron wave           

Prepared By:      Peter Livanes - Director Corporate 

Authorised By:  Peter Gainsford - General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

At the Ordinary Council meeting on 8 February 2022, Council resolved to:

 

1.    Receive a report to the March Ordinary meeting outlining the range of actions Council is taking to support local residents, ​staff, organisations and businesses through the pandemic and proposing any additional actions Council can take now to assist in the crisis and recovery phases; and

2.   ​Continue to advise councillors on daily Inner West COVID numbers (positive cases, vaccination rates) and changes to the health order.

 

DISCUSSION

Council is aware of the hardship faced by many in our community in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. To assist members of our community (property owners, renters or others) that need support of all kinds, Council has partnered with ten (10) local community organisations and leveraged their existing networks and capacity to support those in need. This has been achieved through the allocation of $250,000 endorsed by Council resolution on 14 September 2021.

 

Further to the allocation of these funds, Council provided another $50,000 and $25,000 to Addison Road Food Pantry and Bill Crews Exodus Foundation to support the increased demand for food security for families in the Inner West. This approach was intended to enable support to be provided expeditiously to those who need it most.

A range of other support measures have been in place to assist our community.

 

These include:

 

A rate relief program which remains in place. The program allows approved applicants to defer their rates payment up to 12 months with no interest charged. Council continues to receive applications from both residential and business and to date has resulted in:

 

- 43 residential rates applications that were approved; 50 have been signed and returned totaling $68k in deferred residential rates payment

- 81 business rates applications that were approved, to date 71 applications have been signed and returned totaling $374k in deferred business rates payment.

-     The deferral program remains open to applicants.

 

 

 

Council has establishing a dedicated COVID19 page on Council’s website with all relevant information to keep our community informed including:

 

- the latest Health advice including Public Health Orders

- links for Government support including financial support.

 

Council has been working with tenants in Council owned properties ensuring no tenants will be evicted and working with tenants depending on their circumstances

Council has established a list of food businesses that are open for takeaway or delivery, and a social media campaign encouraging residents to support their local restaurants and cafes

Council’s parking officers have prioritised public safety over other enforcement activity during the lockdown period.

 

Main street parking meters in Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain shopping strips were turned off after 7pm to help the night time economy. 

 

Council abolished outdoor dining fees, saving local businesses $1.5 million over three years.

Council held public meetings to inform our community with officials from Health and Police providing links to relevant community groups and support organisations to support vulnerable people during this time

 

Council created a support page for the local arts and cultural sector, which lists relevant grants, information and resources, including mental health support.

Council provided additional lighting hours to our parks and sportsfields to extend the hours available for exercise.

 

Council provided Summer Hill Depot as a testing site to NSW Health to assist members of our community to seek COVID-19 testing. NSW Health has now advised that the site was vacated on Monday 28 February.

 

Council has created and implemented an Outdoor Dining and Live Music Performance Program. The program is multi-faceted, designed to support hospitality businesses and local artists. To support local business no charge was associated with the outdoor dining permits, and an expedited process was developed to ensure that permits could be issued within a week if simple and no more than two weeks when more complex.  A small grant and permit process was also developed for live performances.

 

From 4 October 2021 until the end of February 2022, the following outdoor dining permits were issued:

-      48 new footpath licences

-      12 new roadway uses

-      50 renewals.

 

Artwork from Leichardt based Boomali’s Aboriginal artists was sourced to decorate the concrete barriers used for the successful roadway applications, as well as to support the artists.

 

Twenty-five (25) live music performance grant applications were received to support local performers and businesses. Live music performance grants remain open for businesses who wish to make an application to support local performances and enhance the vibrancy of their premises and precincts.

Incident Management Team

 

Council has convened an Incident Management Team (IMT) comprised of staff and aligned to the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS).  The team meets weekly to understand the evolving situation, take stock of public health orders and any changes, impacts to staff and the delivery of services to our community and communicates regularly to staff and Councillors.

 

As public health orders and restrictions continue to decline, it is crucial that recovery plans, activation and investment continue to focus on local areas not limited to those that were defined as ‘areas of concern’ or focus solely on the central business district (CBD).

Council could advocate strongly for support from the State Government to support Inner West residents and business to rejuvenate town centres and main streets and enliven the Inner West local government area.

 

Council staff are also preparing a rescheduled events program for the 2022/23 financial year to  support the economic recovery.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

As reported in Council’s Second Quarterly Budget Review Statement, Council has experienced a $8.25m reduction in total income (year-to-date) offset by $8.1m of savings resulting from COVID-19 related impact of $164k loses.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 9

Subject:          Six monthly progress report           

Prepared By:      Prue Foreman - Communications and Engagement Manager  

Authorised By:  Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s commitment to delivering on the community’s vision for the Inner West is outlined in the key plan: Combined Delivery Program 2018-22 and Operational Plan 2021-22.

 

The attached report details progress against the plan during the period July–December 2021.

 

Of the 189 actions in the plan, 95.7% are completed or on track. The remaining 4.3% are behind schedule, on hold or rescheduled. The report contains detailed commentary for each action under the service responsible for delivery.

 

Actions status

 

 

 

 

Highlights over the six months include:

 

·    Significant support for community during the COVID-19 pandemic

·    Major infrastructure improvements - Dawn Fraser Baths heritage restoration, Alex Trevallion Plaza upgrade, Balmain Telstra Exchange new plaza and Henson Park upgrade

·    Community advocacy campaigns – Callan Park, Western Harbour Tunnel, Tempe and St Peters Bunnings traffic, and Haberfield army land

·    Community project grants - Seventy-nine local projects received over $440,000 in Council grant funding

·    New public art - Parramatta Road urban amenity program and Perfect Match

·    Awards – won the prestigious Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award for the Gadigal Wangal Wayfinding Project, finalist in the world Public Library of the Year for Marrickville Library, and our Community Refugee Welcome Centre won the inaugural 2021 Salvos Multicultural Welcome Project Award

·    New Council elected

 

 

Key statistics

 

The report also contains key statistics for the period July–December 2021, set out under the five strategic directions of the Community Strategic Plan Our Inner West 2036.

 

Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of performance measures for the 2022-2026 Delivery Program.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Financial implications for the six month period July-December 2021 are outlined and addressed through Quarterly Budget Review Statement reports, prepared by the Finance team.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Six Monthly Report - July to December 2021

  


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 



































Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 10

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Amendment to NSW Public Libraries Association – Councillor Representation           

From:             Councillor Kobi Shetty   

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council appoint Councillor Shetty as the alternative representative for the NSW Public Libraries Association.

 

 

Background

 

At the Council meeting held on 8 February 2022, Council appointed Councillor representatives to various Committees, however, the Councillors identified for the NSW Public Libraries Association were Councillor Howard and alternative Councillor Langford instead of Councillor Howard and alternative Councillor Shetty, which was the intent. This motion rectifies the appointment of representatives for the NSW Public Libraries Association.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 11

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Stanmore Station Upgrade           

From:             Councillor Liz Atkins  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Note the very welcome progress on design of the Stanmore Station upgrade and the most recent Transport for NSW community consultation which closed on 15 February 2022;

2.   Notes that the design currently includes removal of one mature Syzigium (Lilly Pilly, 2.3m trunk diameter, 10m high) and 5 small Orange Jessamine shrubs to accommodate the lift shaft on platform 3;

 

3.   Notes that the lift locations proposed show small side tunnels to reach the lifts rather than opening directly into the underpass;

 

4.   Notes that there is no canopy proposed over the stairs to the underpass on platform 3;

 

5.   Notes the level of graffiti along the walls owned by Transport for NSW along the railway on Trafalgar St, Stanmore; and

6.   Agree to write to the Minister for Transport and Transport for NSW seeking a revised design which:

 

a)   accommodates retention of the mature Lilly Pilly;

 

b)   if that is not possible, commits to new large sapling plantings as replacements;

c)   has the lifts opening directly on to the underpass;

d)   includes an additional canopy to cover the stairs to the underpass on platform 3;

 

e)   includes a mural or vertical gardens to be installed on the walls along Trafalgar Street, Stanmore, to be paid for by Transport for NSW; and

f)    defaults the traffic lights at the Trafalgar St entrance to the station to pedestrians, with cars needing to trigger a change of lights to pass.

 

 

 

 

Background

 

Transport for NSW consulted publicly on the design of Stanmore Station in October 2021 and February 2022. A number of residents have raised the loss of trees, particularly the mature Lilly Pilly, to accommodate the lift shaft on Platform 3. While most of the heritage planting has been lost over the years, this important tree remains. In addition, some residents have raised the question of safety in the underpass if the lifts are accessed via small side tunnels, which are potential lurking places after hours and will make the underpass less safe. Residents have also pointed out that the stairs to the underpass from Platform 3 are not covered and become unsafe in heavy rain.

 

Staff have made comments to Transport for NSW:

 

·     The Manager Traffic & Transport Planning sought clarification on the new raised threshold crossing Trafalgar St and how it will tie-in with the footpath in our plaza area.  Transport responded saying details will be presented in the next design phase, but that they wouldn’t be upgrading the plaza area.

·     The Manager Engineering Services raised the issue of drainage around this new raised threshold.  Transport responded saying further details would be presented in the next design phase.

·     The Manager Engineering Services highlighted the existing flooding on Trafalgar St and suggested to Transport a potential solution.  Transport responded saying the suggestion will be looked at.

·     The Manager Traffic & Transport Planning indicated that existing bike hoops in the Trafalgar St plaza area can be considered for the capacity requirements for bike commuters coming into the Trafalgar St entrance.  Comment was noted by Transport and will consider if any new bike hoops are necessary on Council land

·     Opposition was raised to removing the large heritage tree on Platform 3 (next to Trafalgar St), but Transport indicated that there was no other option than to remove the tree so they could construct the elevator.

 

The crossing at the Trafalgar St entrance to the station is heavily used by commuters and students at both Stanmore Public School and Newington. Changing the default setting at the lights to favour pedestrians will help with crowding at the station entrance and traffic calming.

 

Separately to the upgrade, residents on the Trafalgar Street side of the Stanmore Station have raised the issue of graffiti on the railway walls on numerous occasions. It is appropriate to raise this in the context of the upgrade. Staff have already met with Transport for NSW to raise this matter.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 12

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Gender Inclusion           

From:             Councillor Liz Atkins  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Condemns the Religious Discrimination Bill 2022 currently before the Federal Parliament;

2.   Condemns the Sex Discrimination and Other Legislation Amendment (Save Women’s Sport) Bill introduced by Senator Claire Chandler in the Senate on 10 February 2022;

 

3.   Condemns One Nation’s Education Legislation Amendment (Parental Rights) Bill 2020;

 

4.   Notes the defeat in the NSW Upper House of One Nation’s Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Freedoms and Equality) Bill 2020 on 23 February 2020;

 

5.   Assures the diverse Inner West community that it does not support the blanket banning of transgender athletes from women’s sport or indeed the banning of trans athletes from any sport;

 

6.   Supports and encourages those sporting organisations in the Inner West seeking to be more inclusive;

 

7.   Reaffirms its commitment to providing safe and accessible gender neutral public toilets as set out in the Public Toilet Strategy; and

 

8.   Calls on the NSW Government to amend the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 to enable legal gender recognition without the requirement of surgical intervention.

 

 

Background

 

The Inner West is a diverse and inclusive community with one of the biggest LGBTIQ+ populations in the country. Newtown, St Peters, Enmore, Camperdown and Tempe all featured in the top ten suburbs in Australia for same sex couples in the 2016 Census. The Inner West Council has a well-deserved reputation for taking action to support and protect that community.

Since 2013 the national Sex Discrimination Act has offered protection from discrimination on the grounds of sex, intersex status, sexual orientation and gender identity. Both bills currently before the Federal Parliament, the Religious Discrimination Bill and the Save Women’s Sport Bill, would remove at least parts of this protection. In relation to sports, the existing Sex Discrimination Act already permits discrimination on the grounds of sex or gender identity if competition would be uneven because a disparity of relative strength, stamina and/or physique exists. Using this provision, many sporting organisations already have their own rules, generally based on international sporting organisations rules, dealing with the participation of transgender athletes.

While the Religious Discrimination Bill would introduce protections against discrimination based on a person’s religion, it would also permit discrimination on the basis of a person’s religious beliefs against LGBTIQ+ people, women and people with disability. The effect of the Save Women’s Sport Bill is to permit discrimination against transgender people, in particular to allow women’s sporting teams to completely exclude transgender women. It re-inserts the sex-based definitions of “man” and “woman” in the Sex Discrimination Act with the intention of allowing the blanket exclusion of transgender people from sports without any reference to effective competition or disparities in relative strength, stamina and/or physique as currently required by the Sex Discrimination Act. It would also affect intersex people.

One Nation’s Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Freedoms and Equality) Bill 2020 was defeated in the NSW Upper House on 23 February and the Education Legislation Amendment (Parental Rights) Bill 2020 will be debated on 7 March 2020. The first elevated religious belief above other human rights, giving special protections to religious activities that may breach laws and harm others and contained a number of provisions which could adversely affect, among others, LGBTIQ+ people, divorced and unmarried people, as well as women. The second would entrench discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in schools. If passed, this Bill would deny children the right to be seen, to be protected from discrimination and harm, and to be treated with integrity by teachers and schools. It would deny children access to school counselling, leave them vulnerable to bullying, and make it even harder to get support and information during their critical formative years. The Bill also threatens the ethics and livelihoods of teachers – and non-teaching school staff – who support equality and safety for LGBTQI+ young people.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 13

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme and an audit of council land for affordable housing            

From:             Councillor Dylan Griffiths  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Audit public council land that could be used by council, in partnership with community housing providers, to develop new Affordable Housing units;

 

2.   Pursue the development and approval of an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme in this term of council; 

 

3.   Receive a briefing on the results of point 1, potential sites where an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme could be implemented, and any prospective updates to council's Affordable Housing policy. 

 

 

Background

 

At last census there were just over 2 500 people in the Inner West experiencing homelessness. Sydney is the third worst city in the world for housing affordability. Many essential workers and their families can’t afford to live near their place of work, homelessness is on the rise, and people and families are under financial pressure paying exorbitant rents to landlords. 

The Inner West Council should progress initiatives that increase the supply of affordable housing in the local government area. Inaction by state and federal governments have caused a significant shortfall in the provision of social and affordable housing, and councils have an important role to play in the meeting the affordable housing needs of the Inner West community. The Inner West Council has significant land holdings which may be able to play a role in increasing Affordable Housing in our LGA.

 

Through planning legislation (Housing Diversity SEPP/ SEPP70), councils have the ability to make developers pay for affordable housing by contributing a share of their windfall profits when an area is rezoned for higher density use. This mechanism has been available in selected parts of the City of Sydney since 2002, and recently became available across NSW. In Green Square, the City of Sydney gives residential developers the choice of contributing floor space or a cash contribution per square metre of the total residential floor area. Monies are collected in a trust fund and passed onto City West Housing, which is responsible for development and management of affordable housing in the area. The City reports the delivery of 835 new affordable housing dwellings with hundreds more in the pipeline.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 14

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Rainbow Pathway For World Pride           

From:             Councillor Pauline Lockie  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Commences immediate planning work with its LGBTQ Working Group to deliver a rainbow pathway in Newtown in time for World Pride 2023, noting that the proposal will be put to the community for consultation before it is implemented;

 

2.   Notes that initial discussions with the LGBTQ Working Group and Council staff have raised several viable options, including lighting one of the existing pathways in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park with rainbow lights; painting one of the existing pathways in this park in rainbow colours; or a painting a rainbow pathway outside Newtown Town Hall;

 

3.   Looks to incorporate elements that would share and celebrate our LGBTQ history as part of the project; and

 

4.   Develops options for funding this initiative as part of the 2022/23 Budget.

 

 

 

Background

 

Council had previously resolved in December 2019 to investigate installing a rainbow crossing at the intersection of King St and Enmore Rd in Newtown as a visible sign of pride and support for our LGBTQ community.

 

Such on-road rainbow crossings require the approval of Transport for NSW (TfNSW). TfNSW has advised Council that it would not support a rainbow crossing in this location, and is also unlikely to approve other locations for on-road rainbow crossings.

 

Noting that the idea was initially proposed by Council’s LGBTQ Working Group, I have been having discussions with them about potential alternatives. These initial discussions have seen the LGBTQ Working Group raise several alternative ideas, including the two options in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park noted above.

 

Council staff have also advised that the natural curvature of the pathway outside the Newtown Town Hall would lend itself to a rainbow pathway, especially given this is the site of Council’s proposed Pride Centre.

 

The LGBTQ Working Group has also noted that creating such a pathway would also provide an opportunity for Council to share key elements of our LGBTQ history, similar to the way Adelaide’s Rainbow Walk features a timeline that highlights key milestones for South Australia’s LGBTQ community.

 

With World Pride 2023 fast approaching, I am proposing that Council commences immediate planning work with the LGTBQ Working Group to propose a way forward that would allow a rainbow pathway to be installed in time for this global event in Sydney in February/March 2023. I am also proposing that we look at how the story of our own LGBTQ community can be shared and celebrated as part of the project.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 15

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Annette Kellerman and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centres: Transition to council management, current Belgravia staff, and recruitment           

From:             Councillor Dylan Griffiths  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Note Annette Kellerman and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centres are due to return to Council management on the 1st of July 2022; 

2.   Note that the staff at these facilities continue to make an immense contribution to the Inner West community;

3.   Officers investigate the prospect of recognising service of current Annette Kellerman and Fanny Durack staff for purposes of the local government award; and

4.   Produce a report to the April 2022 Council meeting outlining the transition process.

 

 

Background

Management of Annette Kellerman and Fanny Durack aquatic centres are due to be insourced on 1 July 2022. 

Management of the aquatic centres was outsourced by the former Marrickville Council. Current staff at the facilities have been provided with limited information about the transition and how it will impact their prospect of ongoing employment. The current employer of the staff is Belgravia not the Inner West Council. 

The Inner West's community strategic plan outlines that the community would like council to show progressive local leadership and to promote caring, happy, healthy communities, the strategic direction noting that 'we have a strong sense social justice'.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 16

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Dulwich Hill Station Crossing           

From:             Councillor Dylan Griffiths  

 

 

Motion:

 

That:

1.   Council note there is significant community support for works that will increase safety at the intersection of Wardell Rd and Dudley St including the Dulwich Hill station crossing (Wardell Road / Dudley Street);

2.   Council note the council has approved a raised, signalised intersection at Wardell Road / Dudley Street which is pending final approval from Transport NSW; 

3.   The works for this intersection are a council priority; 

4.   The Mayor write to the relevant minister addressing this motion and advocating for approval of traffic improvements currently awaiting assessment by Transport for NSW;

5.  Council receive a briefing on whether there are other significant traffic improvement works across the Local Government Area, including in the Dulwich Hill station precinct, which are currently behind schedule because they are awaiting Transport for NSW approval, or other issues. 

 

 

Background

 

At present, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville commuters use a faded at-grade pedestrian crossing to enter and exit Dulwich Hill station. The crossing is on a crest and is well known in the community as a dangerous crossing. 

Inner West Council's Traffic Committee has approved an upgrade to the intersection of Wardell Road and Dudley Street, Dulwich Hill into a raised, signalised crossing, which will slow cars and provide a safer intersection. 

 

These works were due to start construction in March-April 2022, however they still awaiting final sign-off from Transport for NSW. 

There is a community petition calling on Transport NSW to approve the works. 
https://www.change.org/p/transport-for-nsw-let-s-fix-sydney-s-worst-pedestrian-crossing?redirect=false

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 17

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Demerger of Inner West Council           

From:             Councillor Justine Langford  

 

 

Motion:

 

That:

 

1.   A timeline be developed for preparation of the business case for demerger;

2.   Council receive a progress report at each Council meeting on preparation of the business case for demerger, the first in April 2022 to include the above timeline, required resources, and proposals for involving the community; and

3.   That a regular update on the demerger be included in the Inner West News.

 

 

Background

 

At the meeting of 8 February, noting the overwhelming majority vote of the Inner West community to demerge, Council decided to commence the business case for demerger, to engage with staff and their representatives throughout the development of the business case, and to involve the community in the preparation of the business case. Council set no timeframes or parameters for the preparation of that business case.

This is a significant project and Council needs to be provided with regular reporting on progress.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 18

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Consultation on Projects of Significant Interest            

From:             Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

1.   Commits to community consultation and will develop consultation plans to encourage engagement and participation across our broad and diverse community; and

2.   Develops a consultation plan for projects of significant community interest, inclusive of public community forums attended by the Executive team, to provide whole of council approach to the project, discuss local issues, encourage open community dialogue and identify preferred solutions.

 

 

Background

The Inner West community has a strong desire to have a voice in Council’s decision making. Community engagement is the process by which the community participates in and influences Council’s decision making. Good community engagement is the basis for understanding decisions, sharing perspectives, improving outcomes and building trust between Council, the community and other partners. (Inner West Council Community Engagement Framework).

Community engagement is underpinned by five core principles; to be authentic, planned, tailored, inclusive and transparent. The program of community engagements are developed on a spectrum to meet engagement objectives.  Public community forums should uphold the fundamentals of community engagement and inclusiveness. The purpose of public community forums is beyond sharing information, it is an opportunity to collaborate and resolve problems.

The call for the Executive team of Council to attend Community public forums for projects of significant community interest will demonstrate to the community the Council’s commitment to genuine and authentic community consultation, to listen and respond to issues. Having decision makers present will be conducive to resolving problems and enhance project outcomes.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 19

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Railway Terrace and West Street Petersham Intersection           

From:             Councillor Chloe Smith  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes the serious concerns of residents, particularly parents and caregivers of local school children, about safety issues at the Railway Terrace and West Street, Petersham intersection, and their long-term campaigning on this issue;

 

2.   Notes the recent on-site meeting on 23 February 2022 between representatives of Inner West Council, Transport for NSW, the Office of Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill, Petersham Public School, and Petersham Public School P&C, which resulted in the following:

 

a)   Further investigation by Transport for NSW into the possibility of a school crossing supervisor at the site to reinforce driver compliance and reduce danger to pedestrians, and

 

b)   Discussion of long-term options for addressing safety concerns, including possible investigation to install a scramble crossing to reduce the amount of times pedestrians are required to cross at the busy intersection.

 

3.   Notes that two thirds of children are now driven to school, compared to 70% who walked or rode a bike to school 40 years ago, and that encouraging more families to take active transport to and from school will help reduce congestion, improve public health, reduce emissions, and improve air quality;

4.   Notes that Inner West Council is committed to supporting interconnected active transport networks and walkability as per Strategic Direction 2 and Strategic Direction 4 of the Community Strategic Plan;

 

5.   Writes to the Minister for Metropolitan Roads concerning safety issues at the Railway Terrace and West Street, Petersham intersection, requesting immediate investigation of the options discussed at the 23 February 2022 meeting and that a prompt update be provided on what is being done to address the concerns of residents; and

 

6.   Commits to working with local schools, P&Cs, and residents on measures to support safe walking and cycling to and from schools, and commences immediate planning work to identify and cost potential safety measures for implementation as part of the 2022-23 budget.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 20

Subject:          Notice of Motion: Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy           

From:             Councillor Mathew Howard  

 

 

Motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Acknowledges racism exists in all communities and that councils have a role and responsibility to confront and eliminate it;

 

2.   Develop a local Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy; and

 

3.   Continues to host and/or support events on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

 

Background

 

The Inner West is proudly the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism, fostered on land owned by the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation.

 

Our suburbs are home to people from across the world and we can proudly celebrate the success of our diverse, inclusive and harmonious community.

 

Still, racism exists in every community and continues to limit access to opportunity and full participation for people from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

 

Noting the success of the Racism Not Welcome campaign and the leadership role Inner West Council played in its development, developing an Anti-Racism Strategy provides the Inner West Council and the communities we represent with a further opportunity to raise awareness of racism; to identity, support and foster programs that reduce racism and promote inclusion; and to further empower our community to confront and eliminate racism.

 

The National Anti-Racism Strategy was first developed in 2012 and the Australian Human Rights Commission is currently undertaking consultation around a new strategy. Since 2012, a number of local councils have developed anti-racism strategies to complement and add to the strategy in a local context.

 

Monday 21 March is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 21

Subject:          Question on Notice: Development Assessment Processing times           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

 

 

Comment by the General Manager:

 

Answer to question will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in April 2022.

 

 

Development Assessment (DA) processing is an important function of Council and is regularly addressed by candidates as an election priority.

 

To assist with public accountability, answers to the following questions would be appreciated.

 

 

Question

 

How are DA processing times calculated?


Applicants generally think that DA processing time commences once the DA is lodged and uploaded to the portal. Is this correct?


Is the time taken for Council to review the DA and send an invoice included in the counting of the DA processing time?

Question

 

How is the “stop the clock” administered?

Question

 

Does the DA processing time include withdrawn DAs?

Question

 

Can the following data be supplied:

 

 

 

 

Question

 

What are the key measures that Council has taken since the merger to reduce DA processing times?

 

 

Question

 

Some of the biggest reductions in DA processing times have been seen during Covid.   How was this achieved?

 

 

Question

 

Are there any data to indicate that Pre-DA’s make the DA assessment faster?

 

Question

 

Does the data for approval times come from Councils’ internal records or via the NSW Planning Portal database?

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 22

Subject:          Question on Notice: Gym Fees (casual)           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

 

 

Comment by the General Manager:

 

Answer to question will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in April 2022.

 

 

Question

 

There has been concern from pensioners about affordability of casual entry to gyms at Council aquatic centres (AAC, LPAC and AKAC).  Prices range between $11.70 and $13.90 per visit for pensioners.

 

The table below shows that casual gym entry to these three centres for pensioners is half (50% to 51%) that of the Adult Rate.  The equivalent ratio for casual pool entry is 13 to 14% of the Adult Rate.

 

The data also shows that the Adult Rate for casual gym entry is close to 3 times more than the Adult Rate for pool entry.  For pensioners, however, the casual gym rate is 10 to 12 times higher than the casual pool entry rate.

 

Council set the pensioner casual pool entry at $1.20 in response to the very low incomes of pensioners.  This has not been reflected to the same extent for casual gym entry. 

This question on notice seeks information from Council in regard to the pricing of casual gym entry for pensioners.

 

 

This question on notice also asks Council to provide data on pool and gym usage by Adults, Pensioners and Seniors.   Two tables are requested for two years, one prior to Covid (2019) and one for the latest year (2021)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

8 March 2022

 

Item No:         C0322(1) Item 23

Subject:          RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction Tender Further Advice           

Prepared By:      Ryan Hawken - Project Manager Greenway Delivery  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the Director Infrastructure’s recommendation contained in the Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

The Cooks to Cove Greenway Master Plan was adopted by Council in August 2018 and sets out approximately $57m works.

 

On the 7 July 2021 Council invited select tenders from the four shortlisted contractors through Vendor Panel for the design and construction of the Greenway In-Corridor Works. Tenders closed on 3 November 2021.

 

A summary of the Tender Evaluation Committee’s report and discussion is attached as Confidential Attachment 1.

 

The tender was reported to the 8 February 2022 Council meeting where Council resolved:

 

That Council note the report and commit to completing the Greenway in this term of Council.  However, Council defer consideration of the Tender to be considered at the next Council meeting after we have more advice on:

 

a)    Alternative funding sources if the state and federal government do not provide adequate financial grants to support the project;

 

b)    Councils current budget and debt position;

 

c)    Whether it was possible to get support from Sydney Water or any other source for the wetlands;

 

d)    How the Arts program will be funded; and

 

e)    On what additional steps Council could afford take to maximise the biodiversity and ecological value of the Greenway.

 

The further advice requested is attached as Confidential Attachment 2.

 


 

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The financial implications are outlined in the confidential attachments.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

RFT 06-21 Tender Evaluation Summary - Confidential

This attachment is confidential in accordance to information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

2.

RFT 06-21 Further Tender Advice - 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.