AGENDA R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Meeting

                            

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2021

 

6.30pm

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Live Streaming of Council Meeting

 

In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. By speaking at a Council meeting, members of the public agree to being recorded and must ensure their speech to the Council is respectful and use appropriate language. A person who uses defamatory, discriminatory or offensive language may be exposed to liability for which Council takes no responsibility. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded

 

 

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

9 February 2021

 

 

 

PRECIS

 

 

1          Acknowledgement of Country

 

2          Apologies

 

3          Notice of Webcasting

 

4          Disclosures of Interest (Section 451 of the Local Government Act
and Council’s Code of Conduct)
 

 

5          Moment of Quiet Contemplation

 

6          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                          Page

Minutes of 8 December 2020 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

 

C0221(1) Item 1       Post Exhibition - Planning Proposal and Draft Leichhardt Development Control Plan - 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale                                                    23

C0221(1) Item 2       Identifying a Greek precinct                                                                   56

C0221(1) Item 3       2020/21 Second Quarter Budget Review.                                             64

C0221(1) Item 4       Cleaning Schedule in Town Centres                                                     79

C0221(1) Item 5       Ashfield Aquatic Centre, Shading Project                                              82

C0221(1) Item 6       Office of Sport Coordinator Position                                                      88

C0221(1) Item 7       Local Traffic Committee Meeting - December 2020                              91

C0221(1) Item 8       Reponse to Continuation of Remote Access to Council Meetings for the Public 100

C0221(1) Item 9       National General Assembly of Local Government 2021                     104

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12        Reports for Noting

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                     Page

 

C0221(1) Item 10     Rates Harmonisation - January 2021 Progress Update.                     117

C0221(1) Item 11     Incidents at Ashfield Aquatic Centre                                                    119

C0221(1) Item 12     Investment Report as at 30 November 2020.                                      120

C0221(1) Item 13     Investment Report As At 31 December 2020.                                     142

 

13        Notices of Motion

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                     Page

 

C0221(1) Item 14     Notice of Motion: Submissions of Motions                                           164

C0221(1) Item 15     Notice of Motion: Potential park locations for the exercise equipment 165

C0221(1) Item 16     Notice of Motion: Council tree failures                                                 166

C0221(1) Item 17     Notice of Motion: Basic Council Services                                            167

C0221(1) Item 18     Notice of Motion: Fishing Hazard Assessment                                    168

C0221(1) Item 19     Notice of Motion:Cohen Park Tennis Courts                                       169

 

14        Questions From Councillors

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                     Page

 

C0221(1) Item 20     Question on Notice: Staffing Update                                                   171

C0221(1) Item 21     Question on Notice: Legal costs of Separation of the former General Manager 172

 

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

 

C0221(1) Item 22     Potential purchase of part of 49A Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill         173

C0221(1) Item 23     Stronger Communities Fund - Legal advice

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website on 8 December 2020

 

Meeting commenced at 6.31pm

 

 

 

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Victor Macri

Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury

Lucille McKenna OAM

Colin Hesse

Sam Iskandar

Tom Kiat

Pauline Lockie

Julie Passas

Rochelle Porteous

John Stamolis

Louise Steer

Anna York
Brian Barrett

Elizabeth Richardson

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Acting General Manager

Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

Cathy Edwards-Davis

Caroline McLeod

Director Infrastructure

Acting City Living

Katherine Paixao

Carmelina Giannini

Acting Governance Manager

Governance Support Officer

 

 

APOLOGIES:       Nil

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:   

 

 

Councillor York declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 16 Notice of Motion: Tempe Local Area Traffic Management as a close relative lives in the area directly affected and she will leave the meeting during discussion and voting.

 

Motion: (Byrne/Drury)

 

THAT Council note the disclosure of interest.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion: (Hesse/Kiat)

THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 be confirmed as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

-       Recording Councillor Passas as voting for Item 14 Notice of Motion: WestConnex Blasting.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

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.

 

Condolence Motion

 

Motion: (Byrne/Macri)

 

THAT Council send condolences to Councillor Raciti and her family for the passing of her father.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1220(1) Item 32       Mayoral Minute: 2020 Local Council of the Year Sports Award

Motion: (Byrne)

 

THAT Council:

1.    Officially conveys the thanks and heartfelt congratulations of Councillors to all of the infrastructure and recreation staff on winning the 2020 Local Council of the Year at the Sport NSW Community Sports Awards; and

2.    Notes the excellent work that Council’s Office of Sport has done in collaborating with local sports clubs and driving up participation in sport across the LGA, particularly among women and girls.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

En Bloc

 

Motion: (Byrne/Steer)

 

THAT Council move Items 7, 9, 23 and 24 en bloc and adopt the recommendations contained within.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1220(1) Item 7         Whites Creek Wetland: Update on current works

Motion: (Byrne/Steer)

 

THAT the report be received and noted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1220(1) Item 9         Telstra Building in Balmain

Motion: (Byrne/Steer)

 

THAT this report be received and noted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1220(1) Item 23       Notice of Motion: Support for Renters During COVID-19 Crisis

Motion: (Byrne/Steer)

 

THAT Council:

1.   Notes the “Supporting Renters Through the Pandemic” report by the Tenants’ Union of NSW; and

2.   Writes to the Premier and the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation to request that following recommendations be implemented as a matter of urgency:

·    Strengthen the current rent reduction negotiation process by providing the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) with appropriate powers to set ‘fair rents’;

·    Provide NCAT with the power to waive unpaid rent for impacted tenants where the NCAT is satisfied the landlord has failed to participate in ‘good faith’ negotiations;

·    Provide an exemption from citizenship or visa eligibility criteria that currently apply for the Rentstart Bond Loan scheme and the range of Rent Choice products offered through the Department of Communities and Justice during the moratorium period;

·    Introduce a Relief Grant Scheme to provide one off payments of up to $2000 to assist with debts or bills related to housing costs for impacted renters experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 health crisis; and

·         Introduce a No Interest Loan Scheme for loans of up to $3000 to assist with debts or bills related to housing costs for renters experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 health crisis.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C1220(1) Item 24       Notice of Motion: Food Organics Only Collections Service in   Marrickville

Motion: (Byrne/Steer)

 

THAT Council:

1.   Notes the food recycling motion adopted at the 28 July 2020 Ordinary Meeting;

2.   Writes a letter to the strata companies that service the apartments in the former Marrickville LGA that receive a Food Organics Only collection asking them to actively promote the service through promotional materials provided by Council in common areas of their premises;

3.   Writes a letter to the residents that live in the apartments in the former Marrickville LGA that receive a Food Organics Only collection informing them of the food recycling service and asking for advocates to volunteer to promote the service in their buildings;

4.   Actively promotes the service through all on its social media channels in in the Leichhardt and Marrickville LGAs;

5.   Notes that Council staff are targeting participation and contamination in the apartments that receive a Food Organics Only collection in the former Marrickville LGA, and receives a report at an Ordinary meeting in March on the data that has been collected; and

6.   Notes that Council received $60,000 from NSW EPA to conduct a feasibility study over the next two years for a Food Organics Only transfer station at Council land in Tempe that has been temporarily acquired by the NSW Government for the duration of the construction of WestConnex’s Sydney Gateway project.

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Motion: (Stamolis/Macri)

 

THAT Council defer Item 20 Notice of Motion: Submissions of Motions and Item 21 Notice of Motion: Potential park locations for the exercise equipment to the next Ordinary Council meeting.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Councillor Hesse left the Meeting at 8:00 pm.

 

C1220(1) Item 1         New Year's Eve

Motion: (Byrne/Passas)

 

THAT Council:

1.    Notes that the NSW Government has yet to respond to Council’s correspondence (sent to the Premier, Health Minister, Police Minister and Chief Health Officer), seeking clarification about how the NSW Government intends to safely implement the New Year’s Eve policy they have announced and ensure public safety in the Inner West Local Government Area on New Year’s Eve;

2.    Notes the specific health risks posed to our local community by the Government’s policy of having restricted access into the CBD and North Sydney but no restrictions to access at all into the Balmain Peninsula, incentivising large crowds to attend vantage points in Balmain and Birchgrove;

3.    Notes that Local Police have been provided with no additional resources or instructions about how to safely implement the Government’s New Year’s Eve policy in our local government area and have expressed serious concerns about safety and resourcing to Council;

4.    Reasserts that the primary responsibility for ensuring public safety and adherence to public health orders at public parks on the Balmain Peninsula on New Year’s Eve remains the responsibility of the NSW Government and the NSW Police;

5.    Closes all the foreshore parks on the Balmain Peninsula on New Year’s Eve, and erects signage there informing residents that the parks are closed. The signage can be determined by the Acting General Manager;

6.    Undertakes a “Support your local businesses, celebrate locally” marketing campaign that encourages residents and visitors to the Balmain Peninsula to stay away from public parks and to enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebrations by visiting and spending time in local businesses instead; and

7.    Writes to the Government informing them of the Council resolution and requesting again that the Government provide a thorough COVID-safety plan, endorsed by the Chief Health Officer, for the management of health risks in the Inner West and other local government areas on New Year’s Eve.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas and York

Against Motion:          Crs Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Absent:                        Cr Hesse

Amendment (Da Cruz)

THAT Council prevent non-local pedestrians and as well as vehicles from entering the peninsula.

The Mayor ruled this amendment Out of Order as Council would have no power to police this.

Councillor Hesse returned to the Meeting at 8:06 pm.

C1220(1) Item 2         2020 Inner West Council Annual Grants

Motion: (Byrne/Lockie)

 

THAT Council approve the funding recommendations for the Inner West Council 2020 Annual Grant Program.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C1220(1) Item 3         Ashfield Aquatic Centre Space Naming

Motion: (Drury/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Adopt the following names for Ashfield Aquatic Centre facilities:

 

a)    Grandstand: Warwick Webster;

b)    Olympic pool: Neville Bayfield OAM;

 

c)    Outdoor Leisure Pool and family area: Edna Wilson’s Pond; and

d)    Marshalling area: ‘The Green’.

 

2.    Restore the Warwick Webster Plaque on the Grandstand; and

 

3.    Incorporate interpretive signage into the name plaques for each of the spaces.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne left the meeting and vacated the chair at 8:14pm and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Macri assumed the chair.

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne returned to the Meeting at 8:30 pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Macri vacated the chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the chair.

 

C1220(1) Item 4         Review of General Manager's Delegations

Motion: (Macri/Drury)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Receive and note the report; and

 

2.    Maintain the General Managers Financial delegation at $1.5 million.

 

Motion Tied

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

 

The Chairperson used his Casting Vote for the MOTION and the MOTION was carried.

 

Amendment (Stamolis/Porteous)

 

THAT Council amend point 2 to:

 

2.    Set the General Managers Financial delegation at $500,000.

 

Motion Tied

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM and York

 

The Chairperson used his Casting Vote against the MOTION and the MOTION was lost.

Councillor Kiat left the Meeting at 8:50 pm.

 

C1220(1) Item 5         2021 Council Meeting and Briefing Schedule

Motion: (Porteous/Passas)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.       Adopt the following Council Meeting Schedule in 2021:


Tuesday 9 February; Tuesday 23 February;
Tuesday 9 March; Tuesday 23 March;
Tuesday 13 April; Tuesday 27 April;
Tuesday 11 May; Tuesday 25 May;
Tuesday 8 June; Tuesday 22 June;
Tuesday 20 July;
Tuesday 10 August; Tuesday 24 August;
Tuesday 21 September;
Tuesday 12 October; Tuesday 26 October;
Tuesday 9 November; Tuesday 23 November; and
Tuesday 7 December.

 

2.       Publish the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres;

 

3.       Receives a report on the operation of the meeting cycle at its May meeting; and

 

4.         Receive a briefing on communication processes incorporating site visits, councillor briefings, workshops and committees to complement Council Meetings.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM and York

 

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Lockie/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.          Adopt the following Council Meeting Schedule in 2021:

 

  Tuesday, 9 February

            Tuesday 9 March

            Tuesday 13 April

            Tuesday 11 May

            Tuesday 8 June

            Tuesday 20 July

            Tuesday 10 August

            Tuesday 21 September

            Tuesday 12 October

            Tuesday 9 November

            Tuesday 7 December

 

2.    Publish the Council Meeting Schedule on Council’s website and Service Centres;

 

3.    Receives a report on the operation of the new meeting cycle at its May meeting; and

 

4.    Receive a briefing on communication processes incorporating site visits, councillor briefings, workshops and committees to complement Council Meetings.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Absent:                        Cr Kiat

Councillor Porteous left the Meeting at 9:02 pm.

Councillor Kiat returned to the Meeting at 9:02 pm.

 

C1220(1) Item 6         Rates Harmonisation - Progress Update.

Motion: (McKenna OAM/Byrne)

 

THAT:

 

1.      The progress report on Rates Harmonisation be received and noted; and

 

2.      Council receive monthly progress reports at Council meetings until IPART deadline of 1 March 2021.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

Absent:                        Cr Porteous

 

Amendment (Passas/Stamolis)

THAT Council request a 2 month extension from the State Government.

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Passas, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM and York

Absent:                        Cr Porteous

 

C1220(1) Item 8         Shade Sail Program

Motion: (Kiat/Mckenna OAM)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    The report be received and noted; and

 

2.    Investigate installation of shade sails or coverings at Ashfield Aquatic Centre and receive a report back on possible works to improve sun safety for pool users and staff. Report to include estimate of costs and possible funding sources. Report to come by next quarterly budget review at the latest. 

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Porteous

At 9.09pm, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne issued a warning to Councillor Passas for continuously interjecting during debate.

C1220(1) Item 10       Damage to Council Property

Motion: (Steer/Da Cruz)

 

THAT the report be received and noted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

Absent:                        Cr Porteous

Councillor Porteous returned to the Meeting at 9:20 pm.

At 9:59pm, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne issued a second warning to Councillor Passas for continuously interjecting during debate.

 

C1220(1) Item 11       Notice of Motion to Rescind: C1120(1) Item 3 Adoption Leichhardt Park Plan of Management - 10 November 2020

Motion: (Stamolis/Da Cruz)

 

THAT Council rescind C1120(1) Item 3 Adoption Leichhardt Park Plan of Management.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, McKenna OAM and York

 

Motion: (Stamolis/Da Cruz)

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council find a more suitable location for the skate park in Leichhardt Park; 

 

2.    Council consult with the community about options for a new location for the skate park;

 

3.    A new location for a skate park be assessed by way of a standard Development Application process to allow full community participation; and

 

4.    Council readopted the Leichhardt Park Plan of Management without the Skate Park.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Macri, Passas and Stamolis

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Byrne/Porteous)

THAT:

 

1.    The Plan of Management for Leichhardt Park be readopted by Council with the requirement that the development assessment of the Skate Park is assessed to the same level as a Development Application. This assessment will require that the environmental assessment and public participation for the skate park assessment must be at least the same as the requirements for a Part 4 Development Application, therefore ensuring the community is consulted and able to make submissions. The location of the Skate Park should be retained in Leichhardt Park; and

 

2.    The matter be reported back to Council after the assessment.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Passas and Stamolis

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne retired from the meeting and vacated the chair at 10:09pm and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Macri assumed the chair.

 

 

 

 

Suspension of Standing Orders

Motion: (Lockie/Drury)

THAT Council Suspend Standing Orders to go into confidential session and deal with the confidential items at this time.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Macri, Passas, Porteous and Stamolis

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

Confidential Session

 

That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:

 

C1220(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Council's Insurance Claim Processing System contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors) (Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993).

 

C1220(1) Item 27 Bus Shelter contract for former Leichhardt Local Government Area contains information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

 

C1220(1) Item 28 Final Pool Costs - Ashfield Aquatic Centre  commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

 

C1220(1) Item 29 Strategic management direction of Annette Kellerman and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centres contains commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(iii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed reveal a trade secret.

 

C1220(1) Item 30 Camdenville Park – Construction Lease to Transport for NSW commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

 

C1220(1) Item 31       Globe Wilkins Preschool Tender commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

 

Motion: (Macri/Lockie)

 

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

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

Reports with Confidential Information

C1220(1) Item 26       Notice of Motion: Council's Insurance Claim Processing System

Motion: (Byrne/Stamolis)

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council prepares a summary report outlining the system for the assessment of insurance and compensation claims lodged with Council for damage to residents property. The report should include the assessment of any trends in the number of claims awarded under the current system. The report is to be tabled at an Ordinary Council meeting in March 2021; and

1.             

2.    A briefing to be provided to Councillors in regard to compensation and claims processes.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 27       Bus Shelter contract for former Leichhardt Local Government             Area

Motion: (Macri/Drury)

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council, pursuant to section 55(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, resolves to extend the existing contract with JC Decaux Australia Pty Ltd (Decaux) on its current terms until 31 November 2028 without the calling of tenders as it considers that a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders because of extenuating circumstances as follows:

 

a)    Desire to align the three separate contracts across the LGA upon the expiry of the Ashfield and Marrickville contracts in 2028;

 

b)    The benefit of certain revenue compared against the uncertainly of a running an RFT in the current COVID-19 affected economic climate;

 

c)    Avoidance of time and costs to resolve a contract interpretation dispute; and

 

d)    A positive sustainability outcome by continuing to use infrastructure in good condition rather than require its replacement.

2.    As part of its long term strategic planning investigate the feasibility of, and community support for, advertising-free bus shelters and associated infrastructure; and

 

3.    Refuse any request for waivers and subsidies on existing contracts from its existing advertising contractors.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Stamolis and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Porteous and Steer

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Da Cruz/Steer)

THAT Council seeks tenders for the Street Furniture Contract in the former Leichhardt Local Government Area.

 

This Foreshadowed Motion lapsed.

 

C1220(1) Item 28       Final Pool Costs - Ashfield Aquatic Centre

Motion: (Drury/Macri)

 

THAT the report be received and noted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 29       Strategic management direction of Annette Kellerman and Fanny       Durack Aquatic Centres

Motion: (York/Lockie)

 

THAT Council resolves, upon the expiry of the management contract of Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre, that the operations of these facilities be assumed by Inner West Council.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 30       Camdenville Park – Construction Lease to Transport for NSW

Motion: (Macri/Hesse)

 

THAT Council approves a 12 month construction lease to Transport for NSW for 4,320sqm of land at Camdenville Park, St Peters and delegates authority to the Acting General Manager to finalise the terms of the construction lease and associated agreement and execute the relevant documents.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

 

C1220(1) Item 31       Globe Wilkins Preschool Tender

Motion: (Macri/Hesse)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.  Authorises Officers to submit a tender for the fit-out and operation of the Globe Wilkins Pre-school; and

 

2.  Approves the use of Section 94 Marrickville Community Funds for the fit-out costs. 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

10.36pm – The Deputy Mayor, Clr Macri adjourned the meeting for a short recess.

10.40pm– The Deputy Mayor, Clr Macri resumed the meeting.

 

C1220(1) Item 12       Notice of Motion: Street Tree and Other Tree Planting by Council

Motion: (Stamolis/Macri)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Report on how many street trees have been planted (and removed) by Council, by year, since the merger;

 

2.    Report how many other trees have been planted by Council, by year, since the merger; and

 

3.    Advise on appropriate tree species and planting policy for footpaths which will ensure that the footpath and utilities are protected, and the trees will be able to grow. 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

C1220(1) Item 13       Notice of Motion: Councillor Carers Allowance

Motion: (Passas/Macri)

 

THAT Council be provided with information on the how many Councilors have taken advantage of the carers allowance, and the cost to date?

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Iskandar, Macri, Passas and Stamolis

Against Motion:          Crs Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 14       Notice of Motion: Same Sex Marriages in Town Halls

Motion: (Passas/Macri)

 

THAT Council be provided information on the number of same sex couples who took advantage of free use of town halls for marriages in the 12 months stipulated, and which Town Halls were used.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Passas and Stamolis

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

Motion: (Macri/Passas)

THAT the meeting be extended until 11.15pm.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 15       Notice of Motion: Pride Officer, Multicultural Officer and Sports           Officer

Motion: (Passas/Da Cruz)

 

THAT Council receive a report on the viability of the Pride Officer, Multicultural Officer and Sports Officer positions and whether they should continue in these roles.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz and Passas

Against Motion:          Crs Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

Councillor York left the Meeting at 10:59 pm as she has declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 16. She did not participate in discussion or vote on this matter.

 

 

 

C1220(1) Item 16       Notice of Motion: Tempe Local Area Traffic Management

Motion: (Macri/Hesse)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Extend the Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) for Tempe to include a supplementary report on an investigation into the feasibility of the signalising the exit only from Bunnings through the existing driveway on the Princes Highway;

 

2.    Seek a meeting with the planning minister Stokes and roads minister Constance on this issue to demonstrate the importance of this motion; and

 

3.    Inform the state member Mr Ron Hoenig of this motion and seek his support.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Byrne and York

Councillor York returned to the Meeting at 11:03 pm.

 

C1220(1) Item 17       Notice of Motion: Communication with our Community

Motion:  (Da Cruz/Stamolis)

 

THAT Council ensures every issue of the newsletter includes:

 

1.    The web address for the council website, your say address, where to view Development Applications and Council papers online;

 

2.    Basic information regarding waste service;

 

3.    Councillors & community services contact information;

 

4.    Increases the frequency of the newsletter to every two months; and

 

5.    No pictures of the Mayor or Councillors except for the contact page, and no editorial from the Mayor.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Drury, Iskandar, McKenna OAM and York

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 18       Notice of Motion: Incidents at Ashfield Aquatic Centre

Motion: (Stamolis/Macri)

 

THAT Council urgently:

           

1.    Inspect slippery surfaces (including the measures in place to resolve these problems) at Ashfield Aquatic Centre;

 

2.    Report back to Council on the number of accidents/incidents to date; and

 

3.    Report back to Council on measures being investigated to resolve these problems on a permanent basis and detail how the current (or temporary) solution can be monitored to ensure the public are protected.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

Motion: (Passas/Steer)

THAT the meeting be extended until 11.30pm.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 22       Notice of Motion: Gender Equal Representation

Motion: (York/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT Council adopt a policy of gender equal representation on Councillor committees, boards and panels.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

Amendment (Stamolis/Passas)

THAT Council:

1.    Prepare a briefing note on progress in regard to the resolution of August 2020 which requests that Council develops a gender equity strategy in collaboration with peak bodies ... that Council works to address gender inequality. The draft of this strategy to be reported to Council no later than July 2021; and

 

2.    Set key indicators for monitoring of gender equity in its strategy which includes gender equal representation. 

 

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Passas and Stamolis

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York

Absent:                        Cr Byrne

 

C1220(1) Item 19       Notice of Motion: Subscription to Daily Telegraph (Inner West Courier) and SMH for Councillors

Clr Stamolis withdrawn this motion.

Councillor Kiat retired from the Meeting at 11:15 pm.

Councillor Passas left the Meeting at 11:15 pm.

C1220(1) Item 25       Notice of Motion: Support for the Ratifying of the Treaty on the         Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Motion: (Steer/Lockie)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Endorses the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons ‘Cities Appeal’, which reads: Our city/town is deeply concerned about the grave threat that nuclear weapons pose to communities throughout the world. We firmly believe that our residents have the right to live in a world free from this threat. Any use of nuclear weapons, whether deliberate or accidental, would have catastrophic, far-reaching and long-lasting consequences for people and the environment. Therefore, we warmly welcome the entry into force of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 22 January 2021, and we call on our national government to sign and ratify it without delay; and

 

2.    Writes to the Prime Minister calling on the Australian Government to ratify the 2017 United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Byrne, Kiat and Passas

 

Councillor Passas returned to the Meeting at 11:19 pm.

 

Meeting closed at 11.20pm.

 

 

 

Public Speakers:

 

 

Item #

 

Speaker                     

Suburb

Item 11:

Jason Smith

Kate Graham

Sal Navarra

Lilyfield

Lilyfield

Lilyfield

Item 16:

Scott Liddicoat

Patrick William

Juliet Barr

Tempe

Tempe

Earlwood

Item 25:

Nick Deane

Marrickville

Item 31:

Pal Gupta

Dr Mei Ling Yap

Ruth Harrison

Dulwich Hill

Marrickville

Petersham

 

 

Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 8 December 2020.

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 1

Subject:         Post Exhibition - Planning Proposal and Draft Leichhardt Development Control Plan - 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale           

Prepared By:      Gunika Singh - Strategic Planner 

Authorised By:  Elizabeth Richardson - Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Note the engagement outcomes from the public exhibition of the Planning Proposal and the associated site-specific Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013 for 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale as detailed in Attachment 1;

 

2.   In response to submissions, endorse the proposed minor additions to the exhibited site-specific Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013 as outlined on page 2 of this report;

 

3.   Endorse the amendments to the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan 2013 and the associated site-specific Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013 for 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale as detailed in Attachment 2;

 

4.   Note that Council does not have the delegation to make the LEP amendment and submit the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Minister to make the amendment under Section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; and

 

5.   Adopt the site-specific amendment to the Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013 to come into effect on the same date as the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan amendment is published on the NSW legislation website.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

On 26 May 2020, Council resolved to endorse a Planning Proposal and a site-specific Development Control Plan (DCP) at 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale to be forwarded to Minister for a Gateway Determination in accordance with Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

 

On 9 October 2020, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) issued a Gateway Determination (see Attachment 3) for the Planning Proposal to proceed to public exhibition subject to conditions. The Planning Proposal seeks to amend the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan (LLEP) 2013 as follows:

 

·    rezone the site from IN2 Light Industrial to B7 Business Park;

·    allow a maximum floor space ratio (FSR) of 2:1 including minimum FSR of 0.75:1 for businesses and light industries in the technology, bio-medical, arts, production and design sectors;

·    restrict the maximum building height to 17 metres or 5 storeys;

·    allow a boarding house land use for student accommodation;

·    provide a 6 metre pedestrian and cycle path and landscaping along Johnstons Creek; and

·    include provision to ensure that the development will be environmentally sustainable with a minimum of 4-star Green Star rating.

Prior to issuing the Gateway Determination, DPIE requested removal of the RE1 Public Recreation zoning from the proposed 6 metres landscaped pedestrian and cycling path reserve beside Johnstons Creek. This is a minor technical change to comply with the Standard Local Environmental Plan (LEP) Instrument. The reserve and path will still be delivered through the proposed LEP local provision and dedicated to Council under a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). The VPA is currently being finalised and will be reported to Council separately.

 

The proposal is accompanied by site-specific amendments to the Leichhardt Development Control Plan (LDCP) 2013. The Planning Proposal and the site-specific LDCP were exhibited for 29 days between 28 October 2020 and 25 November 2020 in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Framework. Feedback was also sought from State and Federal Government agencies as required by the Gateway Determination.

 

23 responses were received during the exhibition period. 13 (56.5%) opposed the proposed LLEP and LDCP amendments on the grounds of key issues such as excessive bulk and scale, out of character, traffic and parking, heritage, noise and privacy impacts and proposed student housing use.

 

8 (34.7%) supported or had no objections in principle to the proposed amendments and 2 (8.8%) were neutral towards the proposed amendments. The reasons expressed for supporting the proposal included renewal of the area and provision of active transport infrastructure. The engagement outcomes are discussed in the Community Engagement Outcomes report which includes officers response to the submissions in Attachment 1.

 

2 new site-specific DCP provisions are recommended in response to community and public authority feedback:

·    C13 under G11.8 Student Accommodation to cease the use of outdoor communal areas after 10pm; and

·    C13 under G11.13 Parking and Access to improve service vehicle manoeuvrability.

 

These are minor changes and have been reflected in the revised site-specific LDCP in Attachment 2.

 

It is considered that all other community concerns can be addressed at the development application stage as the site-specific LDCP incorporates objectives and provisions to ensure adequate amenity, appropriate setbacks and built form transitions, mitigate visual privacy and noise impacts and require the provision of detailed traffic and parking impact studies.

 

In conclusion, it is recommended that Council support the amendments to Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan 2013 and adopt the site-specific Leichhardt Development Control Plan 2013 for 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Engagement Outcomes Report 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale

2.

Site specific LDCP 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale

3.

DPIE Gateway Determination 1-5 Chester Street, Annandale

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 2

Subject:         Identifying a Greek precinct           

Prepared By:      Prue Foreman - Communications and Engagement Manager 

Authorised By:  Caroline McLeod - Acting Director City Living

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Receive and note the Engagement Outcomes report;

 

2.   Determine whether to

 

a)    identify a Greek Precinct including the name and location, and submit an application to the Geographical Names Board; or

b)    determine to celebrate the area’s Greek heritage through a program of community cultural activities that celebrate the area’s many cultures without formalising a Greek Precinct

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council resolved C0420(2) Item 5 to:

 

1.   Note the long-standing relationship between the Inner West community and residents of Greek Cultural Heritage;

 

2.   Consult with the Greek Consulate General regarding the naming of a Greek Precinct;

 

3.   Launch a community consultation about a Greek Precinct;

 

4.   Consult with the local Marrickville and Dulwich Hill Greek residents, organisations community and businesses regarding: 

 

a)   An appropriate geographic area for a formal Greek precinct; and

 

b)   An appropriate name for the precinct or precincts.

 

The outcomes of the community engagement are presented in this report for Council’s consideration.

 

Between 15 June and 12 July 2020, the community could provide feedback on identifying a Greek precinct in Dulwich Hill and/or Marrickville. The community could influence an appropriate name and location for the precinct, and shared ideas for how they would like Council to recognise the precinct. 

Overall, 69 people participated in the engagement, which was conducted during the height of pandemic restrictions. Of these, 28 participated in the engagement online via the interactive map and stories tool.  The project page received 1,800 unique visits, COVID-safe conversations were held with two Greek seniors’ groups via an interpreter, totalling 36 participants. A letter was received from the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and two Greek cultural associations provided feedback over the phone. 
 

Overall, 63 participants supported the project, four people were opposed and two were neutral in their response. Those who opposed the project said it was not appropriate to name a precinct after one cultural group in a multicultural society and that Council should choose another way to recognise the Greek contribution. One respondent suggested a partnership with City of Canterbury Bankstown to include Earlwood. 
 

Those who supported the project stated their preferred name and location for the precinct. 

The most preferred name was ‘Little Greece’. 

 

The Consulate General supported the project and suggested naming a precinct ‘Little Athens’. They noted that 2021 was a significant year for the Greek community and suggested an announcement to coincide with 200 years of independence would be appropriate. 

 

Approximately 20 locations of significance to the Greek community were proposed spanning across Dulwich Hill and Marrickville. Most suggestions were in Marrickville, along Marrickville Road.

 

Respondents put forward ideas to recognise the precinct which can be summarised into three themes:

·    A celebration to mark 200 years of Greek Independence on 25 March 2021

·    Public art, such as mosaics or a statute of an Ancient Greek figure

·    Sharing historical information, such as a permanent exhibition of photographs, plaques on buildings of cultural significance or a heritage trail/tour

Compared to previous precinct engagements, the number of people submitting feedback was far lower (69) compared to the Italian precinct (228) and the Portuguese precinct (329).

 

Conflicting social media response

 

Social media comments are not included in formal engagement reports.  However, this project generated a strong response on social media with comments ranging from precinct naming is not appropriate in a multicultural area and does not recognise the other communities such as Vietnamese and Chinese.   There was a sense of nostalgia from people reflecting on places they used to visit and many suggestions that Earlwood should be included if a precinct is determined. 

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil implications to name a precinct. Activations or celebrations would require project plans to be budgeted. 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Greek Precinct - Engagement Outcomes Report

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engagement outcomes report

Greek precinct


 

Summary

Between 15 June and 12 July 2020, the community could provide feedback on identifying a Greek precinct in Dulwich Hill and/or Marrickville. The community could influence an appropriate name and location for the precinct, and shared ideas for how they would like Council to recognise the precinct.

Overall, 69 people participated in the engagement, which was conducted during the height of pandemic restrictions. The project page received 1,800 unique visits, with 28 participating in the engagement online via the interactive map and stories tool. COVID-safe conversations were held with two Greek seniors’ groups via an interpreter, totalling 36 participants. A letter was received from the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and two participants associated with a Greek cultural association provided feedback over the phone.

Overall, 63 participants supported the project, four people were opposed and two were neutral in their response. Those who opposed the project said it was not appropriate to name a precinct after one cultural group in a multicultural society. They believed that Council should choose another way to recognise the Greek contribution. This position was supported by one neutral responder who suggested Council consider other ways to share historical information. The second neutral response suggested a partnership with City of Canterbury Bankstown to include Earlwood in the precinct.

The Consulate General supported the project and suggested naming a precinct ‘Little Athens’. They acknowledged that 2021 was a significant year for the Greek community. An announcement to coincide with 200 years of independence in March would be appropriate.

Those who supported the project stated their preferred name and location for the precinct. The preferred name was ‘Little Greece’, supported by 58% of participants.

Approximately 20 locations of significance to the Greek community were proposed spanning across Dulwich Hill and Marrickville. Most suggestions were in Marrickville. For ease of reporting, this information has been summarised here based on roads.

Note: suggestions from the seniors’ groups were not quantified and therefore not presented numerically.

Location

Total

Marrickville Road

13 people plus members of the seniors’ groups

Livingstone Road

2 people plus member of the seniors’ groups

Illawarra Road

4 people plus members of the seniors’ groups

Other

4 people

 


 

Ideas to recognise the precinct can be summarised into three common themes:

·    A celebration to mark 200 years of Greek Independence on 25 March 2021

·    Public art, such as mosaics or a statute of an Ancient Greek figure

·    Sharing historical information, such as a permanent exhibition of photographs, plaques on buildings with cultural significance and a heritage trail/tour.

Background

At the Council meeting on 21 April 2020, the elected Council unanimously voted to engage communities in Dulwich Hill and Marrickville to identify a Greek Precinct.

This is a continuation of efforts to recognise the significant contribution that migrant communities have made to the Inner West and society more broadly. In 2019, following approval from the Geographical Names Board, a Portuguese Precinct was identified in Petersham and an Italian Precinct was identified in Leichhardt.

Engagement Methods

The community could provide feedback through the following methods:

·    Your Say Inner West storytelling tool: participants could share text, images and videos about their experiences of Greek culture. There were two contributions via this tool, one was an interview conducted by one of Council’s Engagement Officers.

·    Your Say Inner West places tool: participants could drop a pin on a map of Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.  They could then complete a short survey about their preferred name, suggest an alternative name and share how they would like to recognise the precinct.

·    The Greek Consulate was contacted and sent a letter via email

·    Your Say Inner West request a call back in either English or Greek

·    Covid-Safe face to face conversations in Greek with two groups of seniors

·    Email

Promotion

·    Facebook posts on 21 June, 28 June, 10 July 2020

·    Shared on the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum’s social media channels as an extension of their exhibition program

·    Linkedin post in June 2020

·    Twitter posts 22 June, 28 June, 11 July 2020

·    Media release

·    Direct email to business chamber and identified Greek stakeholders

·    Letter to Greek Consulate

·    YSIW e-newsletter

 


Engagement outcomes

Who did we hear from?
We heard from 36 seniors with Greek heritage, the Consulate-General of Greece in Sydney, and residents from Marrickville and Dulwich Hill. Two participants affiliated with the Athenian Association also responded.

What did they say?

Support for the project

The Consulate-General of Greece in Sydney welcomed the project in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill, supporting the name ‘Little Athens’. It was noted that 2021 will mark 200 years since the start of the Greek Revolution that led to the creation of the modern Greek state. It was indicated that 2021 would be a momentous year to announce a Greek precinct.

Overall, 63 participants (91% of all participants) welcomed the project, sharing lived experiences and positive memories of interactions with Greek businesses and culture in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.

The preferred name, ‘Little Greece’ was supported by 40 participants (58% of all participants). Using Greece/Greek/Hellenic was considered more appropriate because it is inclusive of all who have Greek heritage.

 

A summary of all names suggested:

Name

Total

Little Greece

40

Hellenic Precinct

8

Greek Precinct

5

Little Athens

4

Other – please specify:

 

Agora (Means marketplace in Greek and was the centre of the athletic, artistic, spiritual, and political life in the city)

3

Platia

2

Hellenic District

1

Hellenic Platia

1

Hellenic Topo (place)

1

People’s Agora

1

Ideas to recognise the precinct can be summarised into three themes:

·    A celebration to mark 200 years of Greek Independence on 25 March 2021

·    Public art, such as mosaics or a statute of an Ancient Greek figure

·    Sharing historical information, such as a permanent exhibition of photographs, plaques on buildings of cultural significance or a heritage trail/tour

 

Opposition to the project

There were four participants who opposed the project. They said that it was not appropriate to name a precinct after one cultural group in a multicultural society. Two people were neutral, not indicating a strong sentiment either for or against the project. They believed Council should choose another way to recognise the Greek contribution, such as considering Earlwood as a better location or focusing on highlighting individual sites of cultural significance with plaques, not an overarching precinct.

Overview of the sentiment on social media

This project generated a strong response on social media, with 222 comments and 87 shares on Facebook. There was a mixed sentiment for whether a precinct was an appropriate way to recognise the Greek-migrant contribution to the area. Comments posted that oppose the project included that Council is out of touch with the community, precinct naming is not appropriate in a multicultural area or it’s too late. The suggestion Earlwood should be included was mentioned 40 times. Those who supported the project were nostalgic and reflected on businesses they like/d to visit.

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 3

Subject:         2020/21 Second Quarter Budget Review.           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:  Brian Barrett - Acting General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2020/21 be adopted.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 December 2020. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2021. Council has updated its projected budget result to $24.3 million, this is an increase of $6.5 million from the 2020/21 Adopted Budget.  Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $7.1 million has been projected against the Adopted Budget Deficit of $7.4 million.

 

During the quarter, a detailed review of both the operating and capital budgets were undertaken to reconfirm the budget projections for the current financial year.

 

The change in budgeted result is predominantly due to –

·    Adjustment to the impact of COVID-19 and the increase of operating grants for Children and Family Services $2.3m.

·    Properties and Strategic Investments income from Transport for NSW and others $1.4m.

·    Environment and Sustainability, deferral of tree planting to 2020/21 due to timing of planting season and defer Urban Forest Policy and Street Tree Masterplan $ 2.2m.

 

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.

 

Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget.  December 2020 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $28.1 million.

 

Summary of Budget Movements

 

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

 

-     Decreased Capital Expenditure of $1.2m -

·    Deferral of projects to 2020/21 - refer to Item 1 in Attachment 1.

 

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

·    Children and Family Services - $1.9m adjusting for the impact of COVID-19 – refer to Item 3 in Attachment 1.

 

-     Increase in Other Income -

·    Rental income from Transport for NSW - $1.4m – refer to Item 4 in Attachment 1.

 

-      Forecast decrease to Interest Income –

·    Investment interest $1.8m due to limited investing opportunity in non-fossil free products due to their low interest rate offering to reinvest maturing investments.

 

-      Forecast decrease in Employee Costs -

·    Capturing savings from open positions $1m

 

-      Forecast decrease in Materials and Contracts -

·    Deferral of tree planting budget to 2020/21 due to timing of the planting season and defer Urban Forest Policy and Street Tree Masterplan $2.2m – refer to Item 2 in Attachment 1.

 

-      Forecast increase in Operating Expenses –

·    Environment & Sustainability - $3.7m (tree planting accelerated due to COVID-19).

 

Further details can be found in the December 2020 QBRS Movements section of this report.

 

 

Report by the Responsible Accounting Officer of Council

 

Section 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 requires a report by Council’s responsible accounting officer regarding the Council’s financial position at the end of each quarter.

 

The responsible accounting officer is of the opinion that the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the Inner West Council for the quarter ended 31 December 2020 indicates that Council’s projected financial position at 30 June 2021 continues to remain under pressure.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

December 2020 QBRS Financial Statements & Movements

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 4

Subject:         Cleaning Schedule in Town Centres           

Prepared By:      Lachlan Broadbent - Manager Parks and Streetscape Operations  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council adopt a planned biannual service standard for high pressure cleaning maintenance of main street town centers, to be delivered outside of the peak streetscape season (Option 2).

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

At the Council meeting on the 10 November 2020, it was resolved:

 

THAT Council receive a report at the February 2021 Ordinary Council meeting detailing Council’s cleaning schedule, type of cleaning and any changes in cleaning schedules and type of cleaning since amalgamation in all Town Centres. The report should also detail Town Centre cleaning schedules in nearby Councils.

 

Council staff are in the process of undertaking service reviews and harmonising service levels for the Inner West.

 

Council has previously adopted a service standard for street sweeping of seven days per week for main streets.

 

The high-pressure cleaning of main street town centres and assets within them (street furniture) is one area where the service standards of the three legacy Councils differ.  Currently the service is provided across various teams and delivered to different standards across the Inner West. Existing programs within the LGA are delivered by both Council internal staff and contractor.

 

In summary, Council currently provides the following services:

 

Former Council Area

High pressure cleaning maintenance

Ashfield

This service was not provided pre-amalgamation.  Minor reactive works undertaken post amalgamation

 

Leichhardt

Quarterly service program for main street town centres and minor reactive works.  The service is provided by staff, who deliver the service from 3am to 6am one day per week.

Marrickville

Council engaged contractor delivering a bi-annual program for selected main street town centres only.

 

 

Council executive have been working to develop a harmonised main street town centre high pressure cleaning service delivery model ensuring Council’s services are being provided in the most effective and efficient manner possible and represent value for the community.

 

Neighbouring Councils

 

In summary, the Neighbouring Councils currently provide the following services high pressure cleaning service:

 

Neighbouring Council Area

High pressure cleaning maintenance

Burwood

Periodic (hot water) reactive works are undertaken.

Quarterly cold water (less effective than hot water) service to main street town centres.

 

Canada Bay

Quarterly service to six identified main street town centres.  A contractor delivers this service, with works being undertaken between 3am and 9am.

Staff undertake relevant reactive requests.

 

City of Sydney

Nightly service, seven nights per week in the CBD and specific identified residential areas.  Quarterly hotspot program. Delivered by in-house Council staff.

 

 

Canterbury-Bankstown were unable to advise Council on their service levels prior to the preparation of this report.

 

Inner West Future Service Delivery Options

 

Service Standards

 

It is proposed that the high-pressure cleaning service of main street town centers be harmonised to one service level across the Inner West.  It is proposed that the new service will include street furniture such as seats and bins.

 

A number of future service delivery options for high-pressure cleaning have been modelled.

 

Contractor – option 1

 

Council could contract out the service, via a competitive tender process. 

 

It is anticipated that a planned quarterly program to all main street town centers would cost approximately $250,000, using costs based on the existing steam cleaning in sensitive areas contract.  All reactive works would be completed at an extra expense.  

 

The tender process would take some months before Council could engage a contractor and commence a service program. 

 

Council staff – option 2

 

This option would deliver the service using existing in-house staff.  The service would include a planned biannual program to all main street town centers, outside of the peak streetscape season (Summer).  To avoid the main street peaks, works would be undertaken between 3am and 6am.  Limited reactive works would be undertaken.

 

This service could be commenced within weeks of approval. 

 

This option would cost approximately $80,000.

 

Council staff – option 3

 

This option would deliver the service using an additional 2 FTE in-house staff.  This service would include a planned quarterly program to all main street town centers.  To avoid the main street peaks, works would be undertaken between 3am and 6am.  This option would also include all reactive works, park playgrounds and absorb all hotspot mowing duties. 

 

This service could be commenced within weeks of approval. 

 

This option would cost approximately $181,000.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Council currently has $50,000 allocated in the budget for contractor hire in the former Marrickville area.

 

Based on cost, it is recommended that Council proceed with Option 2.  This will be funded through the existing $50,000 budget and $30,000 of efficiency savings within the overall streetscape maintenance budget.

 

Should Council wish to proceed with Options 1 or 3, additional funding will need to be identified.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 5

Subject:         Ashfield Aquatic Centre, Shading Project           

Prepared By:      Vicki Haddock - Senior Project Manager 

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorses the installation of all the Priority 1 shade proposals (detailed below and attached) for the Ashfield Aquatic Centre for an estimated construction cost of $310,000. 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

At the Council Meeting on 8th December 2020, it was resolved:

THAT:

1.   The report be received and noted; and

 

2.   Investigate installation of shade sails or coverings at Ashfield Aquatic Centre and receive a report back on possible works to improve sun safety for pool users and staff. Report to include estimate of costs and possible funding sources. Report to come by next quarterly budget review at the latest. 

 

Plans to improve sun safety for pool users and staff at AAC are attached listing 8 shade options from ‘A’ to ‘H’.  A 9th shade option for over the program pool ‘I” is costed but not included on the drawings.

The Aquatics operational staff rated the shade options as high, medium or low status according to child and sun safety requirements. The highest priority proposals are recommended for approval.

The original Ashfield Aquatic Centre brief required the indoor pool and pool hall to be kept in place. This meant the new external pools had to be sited west of the pool hall with high exposure to the afternoon sun.

The design incorporated improved climate site conditions by including a ‘green wall’ along the Elizabeth Street site boundary. Planting of the green wall will take time to grow and provide the planned cooling affect.

 

The cost to provide all 9 shading options is estimated at $510,000 excluding GST, and  including fees and contingency. The estimated cost to install the highest priority options is $310,000 excluding GST, and including fees and contingency. Details are shown in the table below with options grouped by priority.

 

Funding for the shade options has been identified from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding for $200,000 and $110,000 from the existing shade sail program.

 

 

 

Description

Letter

Priority Rating

Cost Ex GST

Operational Comments

New shade leisure pool

A

1

$45,087

Important priority as this is a high use area for families and pre-school clients

New shade grandstand

B

1

$93,575

Essential for School carnivals given NSW Ed have strict policies for sun safety

New shade along trellis fence at front

E

1

$24,840

Important for child safety & privacy of patrons in costumes viewed by passing traffic. This shade would add aesthetic appeal to this area

New shade along creche garden fence

F

1

$11,820

Important for child safety & shade for children in the creche. This area is not used as flooring generates so much heat it is too hot to play on.

Negative comments received from parents on the lack of child privacy.

New shade to structures by 50m pool

G

1

$5,850

Is a popular area for patrons resting between swims. There is some shade here at certain times of the day

Relocation of umbrellas from grandstand

H

1

$9,900

Important consideration for water polo groups and spectators.

This is another area that attracted negative comments on the lack of shade when the centre opened.

First Priority

 

Sub total

$309,536

 

New shade by plant room

C

2

$46,474

An area used for marshalling for both swimming and Water polo events throughout the year.   Negative comments received as artificial turf overheats & burns feet.

Second Priority

 

Sub total

$75,288

 

New shade on fence to water channel

D

3

$15,840

While offering privacy and some shading late in the day it is not as essential as other areas

New shade across program pool

I

3

$61,411

Lower priority and cost of providing shade to this area may impact on other higher priority areas needing it more at this stage.

Third Priority

 

Sub total

$125,146

 

Estimated Cost

 

Total ex GST

$509,970

Includes all Items A to I

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Shade Proposals AAC

 



Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 6

Subject:         Office of Sport Coordinator Position           

Prepared By:      Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 

Authorised By:  Elizabeth Richardson - Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council endorses the permanent position of the Office of Sport Coordinator, noting that the role will align strategically with both Councils Recreation Needs Study and broader ongoing objectives.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Overview

The Office of Sport was established by Council resolution in October 2018. The position operates within the Sports and Recreation area of Council and consists of one full time Office of Sports Coordinator who works strategically within the Parks and Recreation team of Council.

 

The role within Council has two key objectives:

·    To assist and partner with local sporting organisation to strategically address community health and wellbeing by promoting their activities

·    Work with sporting organisation to help increase participation and inclusion in community sport, especially for underrepresented groups including girls, women, low SES, seniors and people with disabilities. These were key adopted priorities adopted by Council’s in its Recreation Needs Study-A Healthier Inner West.

The role commenced in March 2019 with an initial two-year contract which is due to end on the 5th March 2021. This employment role has become an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Planning team providing support and programs to local community sporting organisations. This report advocates the intention to make this employment role a permanent contractual appointment within Council. 

 

To give context regarding outputs for this this position, some key areas of focus are listed as below;

 

2020 Position Achievements and areas of focus

 

COVID-19 management and support

The Office of Sport Coordinator oversaw the local negotiations with peak sporting bodies, competition organisers and clubs to ensure that a delayed 2020 winter season could take place, without too much disruption to the 2020-21 summer.

 

Sports NSW 2020 Local Government of the Year Award

The Office of Sport Coordinator activities and programs was recognised as a contributing factor in receiving the Sports NSW award.

 

IWC Sports Network

The Office of Sport has developed a network of sporting clubs, competitions organisers and peak bodies. This includes all indoor and outdoor all sports that train, play or have members that reside in the Inner West LGA.  Council now has relationships with 100 organisations clubs and that cover 26 different sports. This includes both land and water based sporting organisations and clubs.

 

Help Desk for Volunteers

The Office of Sport Coordinator has created a single point of contact that can triage issues and connect with the right areas of Council or external organisation.

 

Grants

The Office of Sports monitors a diverse range of grant programs and assists local sporting organisations to these applications for these opportunities.

 

Child Safe Clubs

Working with the NSW Office of Children’s Guardian local supporting groups attended the online training to become a Child Safe Club.

 

Stakeholder Management

The Office of Sport coordinates the stakeholder engagement for Council projects including Plans of Management, Capital Works and Maintenance programs that impacts sporting groups.

 

Participation benchmark study

Working with the University of Western Sydney to undertake a benchmark study on participation across several sports in the inner west.

 

Further to the above focus areas, the work program will continue to be strategically focused on the key areas listed below:

 

Targeted programs to address participation

 

Groups

Projects

Girls & Women

·    Girls Get Active Day – over 120 girls from five local secondary schools learn from athletes and get to try different sports including Orienteering, Rugby League, Basketball, Football & Ultimate Frisbee

·    Women Leaders in Sport program – to encourage and support stronger representation in leadership roles within community sport.

·    Support game development initiatives to increase female participation in AFL, football, cricket, rugby league.

All Abilities

·    Activate Inclusion Day to be held in July 2021 that gives school aged children and young people (K-12) with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities the opportunities to try modified sports including wheelchair tennis, cricket, basketball, table tennis, AFL and gymnastics. 

·    In partnership with Disability Sport Australia host an Inner West All Abilities Sport and recreation forum to increase local inclusion opportunities.


 

Indigenous

·    2021 project to support clubs adopt practices that have greater recognition, respect and inclusion of First Nations people.

CALD

·    Working with local Ashfield clubs who received grant funding to improve their inclusion of culturally diverse families .

Seniors

·    Embedding a sport and recreation programs in Council’s Seniors Festival. Working with local clubs to introduce those seniors to low impact and social sports including Walking Netball, Walking Football, Croquet, Golf, Walking Basketball, Tennis and Orienteering.

Minority sports

·    Support and promote a range of diverse sports - orienteering, ultimate frisbee, kayaking, golf, croquet and indoor rowing.

Veterans

·    Member of the NSW Office of Sport program to increase opportunities for Veterans to volunteer and their families to participate in community sport.

LGBTIQ

·    Joined the Pride in Sport program and support Pride Rounds.

 

Summary

The Office of Sports Coordinator has become a valued and integral role within the Parks Planning and Engagement team. The role is one which is valued by Council’s community sporting partners and is important in assisting local clubs to increase participation and inclusion in community sport, especially in those areas which are underrepresented in the sporting community.

 

It is proposed that the position of the ‘Office of Sports Coordinator’ become a permanent role within the Parks and Recreation team in March 2021 with the position title being slightly reviewed to be known as the Coordinator - Sporting Partnerships (or similar TBC). This will remove any ambiguity associated with this employment role and that of the State Government body, NSW Office of Sport.  Key areas of focus for this role will continue to be guided by the evolving needs of the Inner West community and align with work plans and requirements of the broader Council and Sports and Recreation team.

 

The role is funded in the Council budget and can be readily appointed to permanent status.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Council will continue budget for the continuation of this role on an annual basis.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 7

Subject:         Local Traffic Committee Meeting - December 2020           

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 in December 2020 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

 

ITEMS BY WARD

 

Ward

Item

Baludarri

(Balmain)

Minor Traffic Facilities

Traffic Management Plan for the 2020 New Year's Eve Event

Gulgadya

(Leichhardt)

Croydon Road at Ranger Road/John Street, Croydon-Proposed New Pedestrian Refuge

Croydon Road at Elizabeth Street, Croydon - Proposed speed cushion and associated repair roadworks

Intersection of Dalmar Street & Croydon Road, Croydon, Proposed New Central Median Island in Dalmar Street

Midjuburi

(Marrickville)

Edinburgh Street, Murray Street and Railway Parade, Marrickville – Marrickville Metro Expansion Works – Notice of Further Extension to Council Approved Dates of the Temporary Full Road Closure in Order to Complete Excavation Works for a Sewer Connection to Main Line

Djarrawunang

(Ashfield)

Nil. See All Wards.

Damun (Stanmore)

Nil. See All Wards.

All Wards

Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan

Local Traffic Committee Schedule for 2021

 

DISCUSSION

The December 2020 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was held remotely. The Agenda was sent to Committee members with a week to provide comments. 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.

Local Traffic Committee minutes December 2020

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

 

Minutes of Local Traffic Committee Meeting

 

Held electronically in December 2020

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY BY CHAIRPERSON

 

I acknowledge the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora nation on whose country we are meeting today, and their elders past and present.

 

COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

 

Clr Victor Macri

Councillor – Midjuburi-Marrickville Ward (Chair)

SC Tony Kenny

NSW Police - Inner West Police Area Command

Tanmila Samin Islam

Transport for NSW (TfNSW)

 

 

NON VOTING MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

 

 

Adrian Prichard

Transit Systems – Inner West Bus Services

Colin Jones

Inner West Bicycle Coalition

Clr Marghanita da Cruz

Councillor – Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward (Alternative Chair)

Manod Wickramasinghe

IWC’s Traffic and Transport Planning Manager

Joe di Cesare

IWC’s Design Services Coordinator

Christina Ip

IWC’s Business Administration Officer

 

 

VISITORS

 

 

 

Nil.

 

 

 

APOLOGIES:    

 

 

 

Nil.

 

 

 

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:

 

Nil.

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

The minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held in November 2020 were confirmed.

 

 

MATTERS ARISING FROM COUNCIL’S RESOLUTION OF MINUTES

 

The Local Traffic Committee recommendations of its meeting held in November 2020 were adopted at Council’s meeting held on 24 November 2020.

 

 

EMAIL CONFIRMATION OF OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION

 

The representative for NSW Police – Inner West supported the Officer’s recommendations for the items in their PAC.

 

The Transit Systems representative supported all the Officer’s recommendations.

 

 

LTC1220 Item 1  Croydon Road at Ranger Road/John Street, Croydon-Proposed New Pedestrian Refuge (Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward/Summer Hill Electorate/Burwood PAC)

SUMMARY

Council has finalised plans for the proposed construction of a new pedestrian refuge, with associated signs and line-marking, pram ramp/footpath re-construction, and the re-surfacing of the road pavement on Croydon Road at Ranger Road/John Street, Croydon. The work is proposed as part of the overall corridor of traffic facility works implemented along Croydon Road to improve pedestrian safety and traffic calming in the street.   

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT the detailed design plan (Design Plan No. 10151_B) for the proposed pedestrian refuge, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as pram ramp/footpath re-construction and the re-surface of the road pavement on Croydon Road at Ranger Road/John Street, Croydon, be APPROVED.    

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

It was noted that the title block of the design plan incorrectly stated Jones Street instead of John Street. Council Officers have corrected the title to state John Street.

 

Clr da Cruz commented that:

 

·    Residents have raised concerns about motorists running red lights at the pedestrian crossings on the corner of Frederick Street and Elizabeth Streets.

·    Elizabeth Street, particularly from Frederick Street to Croydon Road, would be an ideal candidate for a 40km/h speed zone

·    The Croydon shops area should be a designated High Pedestrian Activity Area

 

Council Officers advised that concerns regarding non-compliance with red lights at Frederick/Elizabeth Streets is a TfNSW/Police matter for investigation. Requests for Red Light Speed Cameras can be made via the Centre for Road Safety.

 

Council Officers also advised that speed reductions can separately be considered by TfNSW.

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the detailed design plan (Design Plan No. 10151_B) for the proposed pedestrian refuge, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as pram ramp/footpath re-construction and the re-surface of the road pavement on Croydon Road at Ranger Road/John Street, Croydon, be APPROVED.    

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

 

 

 

 

LTC1220 Item 2  Croydon Road at Elizabeth Street, Croydon - Proposed speed cushion and associated repair roadworks (Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward/Summer Hill Electorate/Burwood PAC)

SUMMARY

Council has finalised plans for the proposed construction of a speed cushion, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as the re-construction of an existing damaged central median island and the re-surfacing of the road pavement on Croydon Road at Elizabeth Street, Croydon. The work is proposed as part of the overall corridor of traffic facility works implemented along Croydon Road to improve pedestrian safety and traffic calming on the street.   

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT the detailed design plan (Design Plan No. 10151_A) for the proposed speed hump, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as the re-construction of the existing damaged central median island and re-surface of the road pavement on Croydon Road at Elizabeth Street, Croydon, be APPROVED.    

 

DISCUSSION

 

Clr da Cruz asked for a 40km/h speed zone for John Street and Croydon Road. Council Officers advised that this can be separately considered by TfNSW.

 

Clr da Cruz also asked about the replacement of the speed hump on Croydon Road, north of John Street, with speed cushions. Clr da Cruz commented that pedestrians are confused about whether the speed hump is a pedestrian crossing and asked whether fencing was considered. Council Officers advised that the speed hump is a standard watts profile speed hump, with ‘piano keys’ on the device installed as per TfNSW/RMS standards which do not indicate pedestrian priority. The device is effective at managing speeds at that location and it is not proposed to be replaced with speed cushions which are generally less effective at controlling speed. Fencing/barriers is not required at these types of facilities and may impact car door openings, driveway access and access to waste collection.

 

The TfNSW representative stated that the slim ‘Keep Left’ signs have been superseded and the standard wide ‘Keep Left’ signs must be used instead. Council’s Design team will amend the design plans (construction plans) to reflect this requirement.

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the detailed design plan (Design Plan No. 10151_A) for the proposed speed hump, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as the re-construction of the existing damaged central median island and re-surface of the road pavement on Croydon Road at Elizabeth Street, Croydon, be APPROVED.    

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

 

 

 

 

 

LTC1220 Item 3  Intersection of Dalmar Street & Croydon Road, Croydon, Proposed New Central Median Island in Dalmar Street (Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward/Summer Hill Electorate/Burwood PAC)

SUMMARY

Council has finalised plans for the proposed construction of a new central median island with associated signs and line-marking, and the re-surfacing of road pavement on Dalmar Street at the intersection of Croydon Road, Croydon. The work is proposed as part of the overall corridor of traffic facility works implemented along Croydon Road to improve pedestrian safety and traffic calming on the street.   

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT the detailed design plan (Design Plan No. 10151_C) for the proposed central median island, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as re-surfacing of the road pavement on Dalmar Street at Croydon Road, be APPROVED.   

 

DISCUSSION

 

In response to the request from a resident for the central median island to be widened to a pedestrian refuge, Clr da Cruz stated that a pedestrian refuge is needed on Dalmar Street at Croydon Road.

 

Council Officers advised that to further widen the median to include a pedestrian refuge on Dalmar Street at Croydon Road would impact turning movements especially those of garbage trucks and other long vehicles. It would also result in the removal of parking back from the corners to which residents may object given the high demand for parking in the area. The proposed median allows the retention of parking which in itself will assist in controlling traffic speeds by creating a narrower carriageway. It was also noted that the traffic volumes in Dalmar Street are not high and as such, a staged crossing is not currently required.

 

The TfNSW representative stated that the slim ‘Keep Left’ signs have been superseded and the standard wide ‘Keep Left’ signs must be used instead. Council’s Design team will amend the design plans (construction plans) to reflect this requirement.

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the detailed design plan (Design Plan No. 10151_C) for the proposed central median island, with associated signs and line-marking, as well as re-surfacing of the road pavement on Dalmar Street at Croydon Road, be APPROVED.   

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

 

LTC1220 Item 4  Minor Traffic Facilities (Baludarri-Balmain Ward/ Balmain Electorate/ Leichardt PAC)

SUMMARY

This report considers minor traffic facility applications received by Inner West Council and includes ‘Disabled Parking’ requests.

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

That a 6.0m ‘Disabled Parking’ zone be installed in the parking space in front No.8 Evans Street and No.6 Evans Street, Balmain, immediately adjacent to the existing garden bed.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

That a 6.0m ‘Disabled Parking’ zone be installed in the parking space in front No.8 Evans Street and No.6 Evans Street, Balmain, immediately adjacent to the existing garden bed.

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

 

LTC1220 Item 5  Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) - (All Wards / All Electorates / All PACs)

SUMMARY

Council has commenced the process to prepare a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) for the Inner West LGA. The aim of the PAMP is to:

·    Provide a network of safe, convenient and connected pedestrian routes which will encourage the shift from car dependency to walking.

·    Enhance the pedestrian network to allow all pedestrians to enjoy safe, convenient and coherent independent mobility.

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT this report be received and noted.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The TfNSW representative made the following comments:

 

·    Stickers or signs are not to cover pedestrian push buttons at signals. This is because the rounds on push buttons show information of the direction of the crossing and also vibrate to make the crossing noise. The stickers cannot be installed on any signal infrastructure.

·    Pavement vinyls are not to be installed on pram ramps as they are a slip hazard.

·    Recommendations for State Roads can be submitted to TfNSW for further consideration before any commitments are made.

 

Council Officers agreed to incorporate these requirements.

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT this report be received and noted.

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

 

LTC1220 Item 6  Edinburgh Street, Murray Street and Railway Parade, Marrickville – Marrickville Metro Expansion Works – Notice of Further Extension to Council Approved Dates of the Temporary Full Road Closure in Order to Complete Excavation Works for a Sewer Connection to Main Line (Midjuburi - Marrickville Ward / Newtown Electorate / Inner West PAC)

SUMMARY

Council has received notice from JRK (contractor to Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre expansion works/ADCO) of a further required extension to Council approved dates for the temporary full road closure of a section of Edinburgh Road in order to complete excavation works for a sewer connection to main line. It is recommended that the proposed extension of dates for the temporary full road closure be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in this report.

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT Council endorse the following recommendations;

 

The proposed further extension period for the temporary full road closure of sections of Edinburgh Street, Murray Street and Railway Parade, Marrickville from 28 November 2020 to 18 December 2020 (contingency period 2 week period ending 1 January 2021) be approved for the purpose of completing sewer connection works relating to Marrickville Metro Expansion works subject to, but not limited to, the following conditions:

 

1.   A new Road Occupancy License be obtained by the applicant from the Transport Management Centre; 

2.   All affected residents and businesses, including the NSW Police Area Commander, Fire & Rescue NSW and the NSW Ambulance Services be notified in writing, by the applicant, of the proposed extension to the Council approved dates of the temporary full road closure with the applicant making reasonable provision for stakeholders; 

3.   The occupation of the road carriageway must not occur until the road has been physically closed; 

4.   Subject to written concurrence from Sydney Metro TSE Group and Transit Systems / Sydney Buses is provided to Council; 

5.   Subject to written concurrence from Transport for New South Wales; and 

6.   The temporary removal and reinstatement of any Council assets will be at the applicants cost and to Council satisfaction. 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council endorse the following recommendations;

 

The proposed further extension period for the temporary full road closure of sections of Edinburgh Street, Murray Street and Railway Parade, Marrickville from 28 November 2020 to 18 December 2020 (contingency period 2 week period ending 1 January 2021) be approved for the purpose of completing sewer connection works relating to Marrickville Metro Expansion works subject to, but not limited to, the following conditions:

 

1.   A new Road Occupancy License be obtained by the applicant from the Transport Management Centre; 

2.   All affected residents and businesses, including the NSW Police Area Commander, Fire & Rescue NSW and the NSW Ambulance Services be notified in writing, by the applicant, of the proposed extension to the Council approved dates of the temporary full road closure with the applicant making reasonable provision for stakeholders; 

3.   The occupation of the road carriageway must not occur until the road has been physically closed; 

4.   Subject to written concurrence from Sydney Metro TSE Group and Transit Systems / Sydney Buses is provided to Council; 

5.   Subject to written concurrence from Transport for New South Wales; and 

6.   The temporary removal and reinstatement of any Council assets will be at the applicants cost and to Council satisfaction. 

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

LTC1220 Item 7  Local Traffic Committee Schedule for 2021

SUMMARY

The proposed schedule of the Local Traffic Committee meetings has been prepared for the 2021 calendar year. It is recommended that the proposed meeting schedule be received and noted.

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT the proposed schedule of meetings of the Local Traffic Committee for the 2021 calendar year be received and noted.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the proposed schedule of meetings of the Local Traffic Committee for the 2021 calendar year be received and noted.

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

 

LTC1220 Item 8  Traffic Management Plan for the 2020 New Year's Eve Event (Baludarri-Balmain Ward/ Balmain Electorate/ Leichhardt PAC)

SUMMARY

The Traffic Management Centre (TMC) has advised Council that they do not support the proposed right turn restrictions from Victoria Road into Robert Street, Rozelle (to all vehicles except buses and taxis) on New Year’s Eve that was initially approved by The Local Traffic Committee in October 2020. This report provides the Committee with the amended TMP to be utilised on New Year’s Eve given this amendment.

 

 

Officer’s Recommendation

 

THAT the amended TMP for New Year’s Eve on Balmain Peninsula be received and noted.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the amended TMP for New Year’s Eve on Balmain Peninsula be received and noted.

 

For motion: Unanimous

 

  

This concluded the business of the meeting.

 

 

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 8

Subject:         Reponse to Continuation of Remote Access to Council Meetings for the Public           

Prepared By:      Katherine Paixao - Acting Governance Manager  

Authorised By:  Brian Barrett - Acting General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT:

 

1.   Council determine whether to upgrade the Council Chambers to allow hybrid meetings; and

 

2.   If Council determines to proceed with the upgrade of the Council Chambers, Council makes a minor amendment to the Code of Meeting Practice to add an additional clause 4.24 ‘Attendance of a registered speaker at a Council meeting may be in person or via an audio-visual link’.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

At the 13 October 2020 Council meeting, it was resolved:

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Write to the Minister for Local Government in NSW, The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, and request that the NSW Government amend the NSW Local Government Act 1993 to permanently allow Councillors to speak and vote at Council meetings by audio-visual conferencing facilities with the aim on increasing participation in local government;

 

2.   Receive a report on permanently extend the right of residents to speak by audio-visual link at Council meetings; and

 

3.   Staff investigate the appropriate audio-visual technology and costs to support its installation, and report back to Council by February 2021. 

 

This report responds to all 3 resolution points.

 

The Local Government Act 1993 (LGA) was amended to include Part 1A COVID19 pandemic— special provisions. This included section 747A COVID19 pandemic meetings, in part, as below:

 

(1) For the prescribed period:

 

(a) a requirement in the Act or the regulations that members of a council or other persons attend a meeting is satisfied if the meeting is held in whole or in part—

 

(i) remotely using audio visual links, or

(ii) in any other manner approved by the Minister but only if audio visual links are not reasonably available.

 

Allowing attendance at a Council meeting remotely via audio visual links suspends clause 5.2 of the Code of Meeting Practice for the prescribed period ‘A councillor cannot participate in a meeting of the council or of a committee of the council unless personally present at the meeting.’ The end of the prescribed period is ‘not later than 26 March 2021’ (section 474AA of the LGA). There has been no indication that this will be extended but this is dependent on the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

 

Council wrote to the Hon Shelley Hancock MP on 9 November 2020 (Attachment 1) advising of the above Council resolution. The Minister responded on 30 November 2020 (Attachment 2).

 

Council’s experience of holding remote meetings during the COVID-19 restrictions has demonstrated that this method provides an option for greater flexibility for Councillors to participate in the Council process, including Councillors who have work or carer commitments, and those who have health or mobility issues.

 

The Code of Meeting Practice does not specify that members of the public need to be physically present at the meeting to participate. If Council was to upgrade the Chambers with the relevant technology and would like to extend the rights of registered speakers to speak at a Council meeting either in person or via audio visual links, the Code of Meeting Practice will need to be amended to include an additional clause. Suggested wording is ‘Attendance of a registered speaker at a Council meeting may be in person or via an audio-visual link’.

 

Council meetings would continue to be livestreamed and recorded for members of the public to view. Extending the right of residents to speak at Council meetings via audio visual link will also increase equity and opportunities to participate across the community.

 

Staff have obtained a quote from the contractor that currently livestreams Council meetings as they are the most familiar with the set up and Council has been quoted $18,757.07 to upgrade the Chambers with the relevant technology. The works will take approximately 4 weeks to be completed.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

To enable Councillors and/or members of the public to participate in Council meetings both in person and via audio visual links, the Council Chambers would need to be upgraded to have the required technology to enable this to work. This is a cost of $18,757.07 which has not been budgeted for. If Council were to proceed with the works, savings could be identified in the Operating Budget of the Governance Section to fund the works.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Letter to the Minister for Local Government - Request to amend Local Government Act 1993 - 9 November 2020

2.

Response from the Minister for Local Government - 30 November 2020

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 9

Subject:         National General Assembly of Local Government 2021           

Prepared By:      Katherine Paixao - Acting Governance Manager  

Authorised By:  Brian Barrett - Acting General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council:

 

1.       Give consideration to Councillors attending the National General Assembly of Local Government 2021; and

 

2.       Give consideration to putting forward and adopting any motions that meet the National General Assembly’s criteria by 26 March 2021.

 

 

DISCUSSION

The National General Assembly of Local Government 2021 will be held in Canberra from 20-23 June 2021. The purpose of the General Assembly is to bring together councils from around Australia to discuss, debate and adopt motions of national significance. The cost for registration, travel and accommodation for the General Assembly will be approximately $2000 per Councillor. Funds are available in the Councillors Conference and Training Budget to cover these expenses.

 

The National General Assembly is an important opportunity for councils to influence the national policy agenda. The primary focus of all motions should be to strengthen the capacity of local government to provide services and infrastructure in Australia. To be eligible for inclusion in the Business Papers, and subsequent debate on the floor, motions must meet the following criteria;

 

·      Be relevant to the work of local government nationally;

·      Be consistent with the theme of ‘Working Together for our Communities’;

·      Complement or build on the policy objectives of your state and territory local government association;

·      Propose a clear action and outcome; and

·      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 must be adopted by the Ordinary Council Meeting on 9 March to meet the Conference deadline of 26 March. To assist councils to identify motions that address the 2021 theme, ‘Working Together for our Communities’, the Australian Local Government Association Secretariat has prepared a short discussion paper shown as Attachment 1.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

National General Assembly Discussion Paper 2021

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 10

Subject:         Rates Harmonisation - January 2021 Progress Update.           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer  

Authorised By:  Brian Barrett - Acting General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the progress report as at 31 January 2021 on Rates Harmonisation be received and noted.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

At its meeting of 10 November 2020 in consideration of Rates Harmonisation, Council resolved:

 

11.  Staff report to Council on progress at all following Council meetings until IPART deadline of 1 April 2021.

 

Community Engagement

 

The rates harmonisation community engagement commenced on 15 December 2020 and will close on 7 February 2021.  This included a flyer mailed and emailed to ratepayers and a web page on Your Say Inner West with fact sheets and translated material in the top five community languages.  All Council communication channels promoted the project.  Ratepayers can access specific information on the impact of the new proposed minimum rate on their property using a rates calculator found on our website.

 

Councillors were provided copies of the engagement materials and a link to the project page on Council’s website.

 

Decision from Office of Local Government

 

On the 17 November 2020 the Minister for Local Government wrote to affected (amalgamated) councils.

 

The letter advises that where a council seeks to set a new minimum ordinary rate that is no higher than highest minimum rate applied by one or part of the former LGAs, the Minister has delegated her powers to the Deputy Secretary to determine minimum rate applications. This effectively dispenses with the requirement to obtain IPART approval.

 

As Council resolved to pursue a minimum rate above the existing minimums Inner West was required to engage its community and obtain IPART approval.

 

No advice or update was provided on transition arrangements.

 

Reporting Schedule

 

Council is required to have its application with IPART by 1 March 2021 (not 1 April as resolved).

 

NSW Government has asked all merged Councils to provide feedback by 6 February 2021 on a proposal to enable the transition over a four-year period to a harmonized rate structure. 

 

Council is in the process of preparing an engagement outcomes document for Councillors.

 

Engagement & IPART Tracking Summary

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 11

Subject:         Incidents at Ashfield Aquatic Centre           

Prepared By:      Simon Duck - Senior Manager Aquatic Services  

Authorised By:  Elizabeth Richardson - Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council note the actions undertaken in relation to the Ashfield Aquatic Centre.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

In relation to the opening of the Ashfield Aquatic Centre on 17th October 2020, it became evident during the initial period of operation that there were some reported slips/incidents inside the building including change room areas that required further consideration.

 

The below table outlines the trending of slips at the centre from opening to the current period.

 

Month

Slips

October

6

November

24

December

14

January

3

 

Rectification

 

Initial actions taken included placing signage and a large number of suitable non-slip matts throughout the high traffic areas of the Centre including entrance foyers, male and female change rooms and in front of doorways, café, lockers and other locations where patrons gather.

 

Further to the above placement of matting, a re-application of the non-slip sealant for the floor surface was undertaken throughout the foyer and change room area of the AAC in early January 2021. This took place over several evenings which did not disrupt centre operations.

Observations to date are that slips are currently in line what would be considered ‘normal operations’ for a high visitation facility such as the AAC.

 

Ongoing monitoring and review of all slips will continue as part of continuing operations and all non-slip matting will remain in place for now, to be reviewed as part of normal WHS practice.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Whilst there are no current financial implications, centre staff will continue to monitor and manage the issue closely.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 12

Subject:         Investment Report as at 30 November 2020.           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer  

Authorised By:  Brian Barrett - Acting General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the report be received and noted.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s holding in various investment categories are listed in the table below. Council’s portfolio size is $216.5m.  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 One-Month Portfolio Investment Return of 1.80%, above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.44%).

 

The change in the value of our portfolio is due to maturing and reinvestment activity.  These funds were reinvested primarily in the Bendigo & Adelaide floating rate note issue.  Inner West Council received $5.6m from its $10m bid, and settlement occurred Tuesday 2 December 2020.  The remaining $1.4m will be reinvested in December 2020 along with other $11.5m in maturing investments.

 

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 November 2020.

 

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 of November 2020 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

 

EXTERNAL / INTERNAL RESTRICTIONS

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

IWC Investment Report - November 2020

2.

IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary November 2020

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 




Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 13

Subject:         Investment Report As At 31 December 2020.           

Prepared By:      Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer  

Authorised By:  Brian Barrett - Acting General Manager

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT the report be received and noted.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council’s holding in various investment categories are listed in the table below. Council’s portfolio size is $223.6m.  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 One-Month Portfolio Investment Return of 1.83%, above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.37%).

 

Changes in the value of our portfolio was mainly the reinvestment of the $5.6m in the Bendigo & Adelaide floating rate note issue.  Inner West Council received $5.6m from its $10m bid, and settlement took place on Tuesday 2 December 2020.  Other changes were an increase in our investment in Westpac Group (Green TD) $13m and maturing investments –

·    Members Equity Bank $6.5m

·    Suncorp Bank $5m

 

Limited investing opportunity was available in December 2020 in non-fossil fuel products due to their low interest rate offering.

 

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 31 December 2020.

 

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 of November 2020 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

IWC Investment Report - December 2020

2.

IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary December 2020

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 




Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 


 


 

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 14

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Submissions of Motions       

Council at its meeting on 08 December 2020 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 09 February 2021.    

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT Councillors to submit Notices of Motion up to 12.00pm on the Monday of the previous week of the Council Meeting. 

 

 

Background

 

Currently, Councillors must submit their Notices of Motion by 10.00am on the Monday of the previous week of the Council meeting. 

This Notice of Motion requests that a further two hours be provided. 

This request will make it more convenient for Councillors to finalise their Notices of Motion and to make any contact with fellow Councillors and Council, where necessary. 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Acting Governance Manager:

With the current ‘10am Monday the week prior to the Council meeting’ deadline, staff have a very limited time to provide an officer’s comment as the business paper is required to be distributed by Tuesday, one week before the Council meeting.

 

The 8 December 2020 meeting had 16 Notice of Motions.  Council has considered 114 Notice of Motions in the past year.

 

If the Code of Meeting Practice was amended to ‘12pm Monday a week prior the Council meeting’ it is unlikely staff could consistently provide an officer’s comment which is vital guidance to Council when it considers each Notice of Motion.  Governance staff then need to be able to distribute the business paper by 5pm Tuesday, one week prior to each meeting.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 15

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Potential park locations for the exercise equipment        

Council at its meeting on 08 December 2020 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 09 February 2021.    

From:             Councillor Victor Macri   

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT Council investigate potential park locations for the exercise equipment in storage through the whole LGA.

 

 

Background

 

Council has had in storage exercise equipment for a number of years. It has met resistance in

the locations it has canvassed. It now needs to broaden the scope of locations rather than

deny the community access to this equipment. This exercise equipment has been a great

success in the old Marrickville Council area in the parks that received the equipment. I would

put forward parks in Tempe, Sydenham, St Peters and Marrickville be considered and ask

Councillors for their suggestions also.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

The majority of fitness equipment which was previously in storage has now been installed as part of a fitness and exercise trail at Blackmore Park Leichhardt.  As part of the Greenway Master Plan, remaining equipment which has been in storage is planned to be installed on the Lilyfield Bridge, as part of the Greenway/Iron Cove Bay Run recreation area.

 

In terms of future fitness equipment needs and installing such equipment in specific parks across the LGA, equipment requests are being addressed in a strategic manner as part of the Parks Plans of Management process. This process ensures that both Council and the community are fully consulted on specific park locations for such equipment and ensures that formal sign off by Council is obtained prior to fitness equipment installation.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 16

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Council tree failures           

From:             Councillor Julie Passas  

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Report back about the number of Council trees failures over 2020, whether        damage was caused to property and any other information that can be provided        such as how many residents receive compensation;

2.    Be informed of what inspections are done on Council trees; and

3.    Furnish a full report on a Council tree which has caused damage to a private        property in Summer Hill in September 2020.

 

 

 

Background

 

This motion asks Council to furnish a full report on a Council tree which has caused damage to a private property in Summer Hill.  The incident occurred in September 2020.

The residents have requested compensation which has been refused by Council on two occasions.  The requested compensation amount is not the full extent of the damage.

There are numerous incidents of Council trees failing in the Inner West and causing damage to private property.  Councillors are made aware of these issues by residents as a last resort when they feel they are not being treated fairly by Council.

Councillors are provided with no information about these tree failures and the damage caused, nor what the outcome of these is.  This motion calls on a report back about the number of Council trees failures over 2020, whether damage was caused to property and any other information that can be provided such as how many residents receive compensation.  

Councillors also need to be informed of what inspections are done on Council trees.  A lot of trees in the Inner West are ageing, a small proportion are diseased.  Risk will most likely increase over time. What programs are in place to mitigate risk?

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 17

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Basic Council Services           

From:             Councillor Julie Passas   

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT the General Manager to set a date for an urgent briefing on Councils basic services (cleaning, mowing, street sweeping, litter, parks etc) in response to the increasing level of complaints from residents and businesses.

 

 

 

Background

 

Given that Council have slashed meetings to one per month, this briefing should take place before the next Council meeting which will allow Councillors to address this issue in the interest of ratepayers.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Acting General Manager:

A briefing will be provided to Councillors at the Councillor briefing on 2 March 2021.

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 18

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Fishing Hazard Assessment            

From:             Councillor John Stamolis  

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT:

 

1.   Council to conduct an assessment of locations where fishing occurs on the Balmain Peninsula to address physical and health risks to persons and pets from fish hooks and other associated material left in these areas; and

 

2.   A report to be prepared for the April 2021 Council meeting on how best this problem might be resolved.  

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

Council has taken the following steps to minimise the impacts of hazardous fishing activity in the Balmain East area:

 

·    Fishing tackler bins were installed on the Balmain East wharf in order to deal with the fish hooks, fishing line and bait and new fishing line tangle bins are being rolled out in these parks.

·    Affected Balmain East Parks are cleaned six days per week, including rubbish removal, and playground sandpit and soft fall raking and cleaning. In comparison with most parks in the Inner West and in other areas, this is a very high level of service. Staff are aware that there are fishers in this area, and the staff target these areas as hotspots.

·    Updated signage in East Balmain Parks regarding fishing etiquette to educate the public to not leave any lures, bait hooks or other equipment in a location in a manner which may harm wildlife, companion animals or humans.

·    In terms of Rangers patrolling the area to manage hazardous fishing activity, Council Officers do not generally undertake proactive patrols of areas for these types of offences. Officers do however respond to requests for service where, for a limited period of time, resources will be focused to ascertain the extent of an issue and to manage as appropriate. As such, increased patrols have been undertaken in these parks over late January and February 2021.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 19

Subject:         Notice of Motion:Cohen Park Tennis Courts           

From:             The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne  

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Notes that due to the need to safely socially distance children during the COVID-19 crisis, Leichhardt Tennis Academy has requested the temporary use of a second tennis court at Cohen Park for training lessons (See Attachment 1); and

 

2.   Allows Leichhardt Tennis Academy to use a second tennis court in Cohen Park on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 5.15pm-6.15pm, for the period of first and second school terms in 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

The Cohen Park Courts are public courts which are readily available for community use. When the original licensing request for the Leichhardt Tennis Academy was originally considered by Council, public access was a key consideration in determining the operations of the courts.

 

Limiting court use for coaching to one court at a time ensures that free community tennis can take place on the other court during coaching periods while also promoting tennis and supporting tennis growth among young people. In addition, it should also be noted that the Council needs to balance the community recreation needs with coaching rights to ensure that the community maintains a high degree of access and recreational opportunity.

 

Should an expansion to the second court be endorsed by Council, the existing licence agreement is expected to require modification to ensure hire charges are levied at a sum equivalent to the existing license fee (pro rata).

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Leichhadt Tennis Academy Letter

  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

 


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 20

Subject:         Question on Notice: Staffing Update           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

 

Question

 

Throughout the merger, Councillors have not received information about staff levels, staff changes nor information that might act to assist with measuring or understanding the performance of Council or the key values of Council such as gender balance or ATSI staff.  

 

 

If there are other data that would be useful to Councillors, please provide these?

 

 

Answer

 

 

The following head count numbers which are permanent and temporary employees (not casuals) from 1/9/2018 when the Tech One payroll system was implemented (ie new and term figures for Jan – Aug 2018 will not be included).

 

The 2016 and 2017 figures require us to look at the three previous payroll systems. This will be provided at the March 2021 Council meeting.

 

* Flagging some commentary around the ATSI figures. Identifying is purely voluntary.

 

In 2018 Council conducted a full diversity survey – at the time 25 people identified as being ATSI employees (note 73 employees preferred not to identify themselves into any group or left this question blank).

 

The figures for 2019 and 2020 are reported in conjunction with those who have identified with the Cultural Advisor to the CEO.

 

Year

New

Term

Males

Females

ATSI*

Total

2018

162

194

553

546

25

1099

2019

156

183

535

540

19

1075

2020

119

117

571

518

22

1089

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 21

Subject:         Question on Notice: Legal costs of Separation of the former General Manager           

From:             Councillor Julie Passas   

 

 

 

Question

What were the legal costs of separation of the former General Manager?

Answer

 

Legal costs associated with the former General Manager’s separation from Council

were $2,000.”

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.  


Council Meeting

9 February 2021

 

 

Item No:         C0221(1) Item 22

Subject:         Potential purchase of part of 49A Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill           

Prepared By:      Ryan Hawken - Project Manager Greenway Delivery  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council moves into closed session to deal with this matter as the information contained in CONFIDENTIAL ATTACHMENTS 1 of this report are classified as confidential under the provisions of Section 10A (2) of the Local Government Act 1993  for the following reasons:

 

a.   personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors)

c.  information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business;

 

And in accordance with Sections 10A (4) of the Local Government Act 1993, that the Chairperson allow members of the public to make representations as to whether this part of the meeting should be closed.

 

2. Adopt the recommendations contained in the Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

As part of the Greenway Concept Design, it was identified that 49a Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill extends out past neighboring rear fence lines and reduces the available width for the proposed Greenway corridor. CONFIDENTIAL ATTACHMENT 1 discusses the potential to purchase part of 49a Hercules Street.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Nil

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Potential purchase of part of 49a Hercules Street - Confidential