AGENDA R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Meeting

                            

TUESDAY 9 MAY 2023

 

6.30pm

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

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

 

Members of the public must register by 2pm of the day of the Meeting to speak at Council Meetings. If you wish to register to speak please fill in a Register to Speak Form, available from the Inner West Council website, including:

 

Are there any rules for speaking at a Council Meeting?

The following rules apply when addressing a Council meeting:

 

What happens after I submit the form?

You will be contacted by Governance Staff to confirm your registration. If you indicated that you will speak online, you will be provided with a link to the online meeting. Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Chairperson on the night of the meeting.

 

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

 

Accessibility

 

Inner West Council is committed to ensuring people with a disability have equal opportunity to take part in Council and Committee Meetings. At the Ashfield Council Chambers there is a hearing loop service available to assist persons with a hearing impairment. If you have any other access or disability related participation needs and wish to know more, call 9392 5657.

 

Persons in the public gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act 1993, a person may NOT record a Council meeting without the permission of Council.

 

Any persons found recording without authority will be expelled from the meeting.

 

“Record” includes the use of any form of audio, video and still camera equipment or mobile phone capable of recording speech.

 

An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the minutes.  

 

 

               

 

 

 

Statement of Ethical Obligations

 

The Mayor and Councillors are bound by the Oath/ Affirmation of Office made at the start of the Council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of the Inner West Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.

 

It is also a requirement that the Mayor and Councillors disclose conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.

 

 

 

   


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

 

PRECIS

 

VOLUME 1 of 2

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 11 April 2023 Council Meeting                                                                        7

Minutes of 18 April 2023 Extraordinary Council Meeting                                               22

 

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 for Council Decision

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                    Page

 

C0523(1) Item 1       March Quarterly Budget Reporting Statement, and Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022-23 - Quarter Three Report                         25

C0523(1) Item 2       Council's Recreation Strategy and Ten Year Action Plan                   134

C0523(1) Item 3       Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course-Priority Plan of Management Works 157

C0523(1) Item 4       Preparation of a Draft Plan of Management - Hammond Park           161

C0523(1) Item 5       Preparation of a Draft Plan of Management - Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve                                                                                                253

C0523(1) Item 6       Preparation of Draft Plan of Management - Blackmore Park              358

C0523(1) Item 7       Fishing along Foreshore Reserves                                                      445

C0523(1) Item 8       Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy                                           447

C0523(1) Item 9       Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan                                                        548

C0523(1) Item 10     Little Villages Signage                                                                          578

C0523(1) Item 11     Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill Interim Heritage Order and proposed Heritage Listing                                                                                                   598

 

 

 

VOLUME 2 of 2

 

C0523(1) Item 12     Arts and Music Recovery Final Plan for Endorsement                        635

C0523(1) Item 13     Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Plan 649

C0523(1) Item 14     Investment Policy Update                                                                    974

C0523(1) Item 15     Land Classification - 49E Hercules Street Dulwich Hill                       998

C0523(1) Item 16     Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 April 2023                              1001

C0523(1) Item 17     Post Exhibition -  Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy                   1009

C0523(1) Item 18     Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meetings held on 16 November 2022 and 5 December 2022                                             1025

C0523(1) Item 19     Renters Rights                                                                                    1037

 

11        Reports for Noting

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                    Page

 

C0523(1) Item 20     Creative Use of Council Venues - Outcome of EOI process             1040

C0523(1) Item 21     Investment Report at 30 April 2023                                                   1042

 

12        Notices of Motion

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                    Page

 

C0523(1) Item 22     Notice of Motion: Gas free council, gas free Inner West                   1065

C0523(1) Item 23     Notice of Motion: Celebrating the Chinese community in Ashfield   1067

C0523(1) Item 24     Notice of Motion: High staff turnover at Inner West Council             1069

C0523(1) Item 25     Notice of Motion: Wests Tigers NRLW games at Leichhardt Oval   1071

C0523(1) Item 26     Notice of Motion: Iron Cove Walk and Cycleway                               1072

C0523(1) Item 27     Notice of Motion: Inner West Council community products               1074

C0523(1) Item 28     Notice of Motion: Camdenville Park upgrades and Peter Bulger wetlands 1075

C0523(1) Item 29     Notice of Motion: Community Batteries                                             1076

C0523(1) Item 30     Notice of Motion: Good Neighbour Policy                                          1077

C0523(1) Item 31     Notice of Motion: Community consultation for Dulwich Hill Village Masterplan 1078

C0523(1) Item 32     Notice of Motion: Local Environmental Plan (LEP)                           1079

C0523(1) Item 33     Notice of Motion: Revised Social Media Policy for Councillors         1081

13        Questions From Councillors

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                    Page

 

C0523(1) Item 34     Question on Notice: Glyphosate                                                        1088

C0523(1) Item 35     Question on Notice: Reconciliation of Councillor Allowances           1091

C0523(1) Item 36     Question on Notice: Clontarf Cottage                                                1093

C0523(1) Item 37     Question on Notice: ARIC Annual Report for 2020-21                      1094

C0523(1) Item 38     Question on Notice: Rozelle Bay Community Native Nursery (Whites Creek) 1095

 

 

14        Reports with Confidential Information

 

Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper contain confidential information in attachments.

 

The confidential information has been circulated separately.

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                    Page

 

C0523(1) Item 39     Update on the Acquisition of Investment Properties                         1098

C0523(1) Item 40     Deed of Agreement                                                                            1099

C0523(1) Item 41     Tender Recommendation for RFT 04-22-2 Electrical
Contractors Panel                                                                               1100

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 11 April 2023 at Ashfield Service Centre

 

Meeting commenced at 6.33pm

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Philippa Scott

Liz Atkins

Jessica D’Arienzo

Mark Drury

Dylan Griffiths

Mathew Howard

Justine Langford

Pauline Lockie

Kobi Shetty

Chloe Smith

John Stamolis

Timothy Stephens

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Luke Murtas

Mayor

Deputy Mayor (attended via audio-visual link)

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Acting Director Planning

Manod Wickramasinghe

Acting Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Kelly Loveridge

Beau-Jane De Costa

Matthew Pearce

Daryl Jackson

Chris Sleiman

Aaron Callaghan

Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Chief Financial Officer

Financial Partnering and Analytics Manager

Parks and Recreation Planning Manager

Katherine Paixao

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Coordinator

Business Paper Officer

 

APOLOGIES:    

 

Motion: (Howard/Stephens)

That Council accept a leave of absence for Councillor Da Cruz from 3 April 2023 to 29 April 2023 due to being overseas and accept Councillor Scott’s request to attend tonight’s Council meeting via audio-visual link due to personal reasons.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:   

 

Councillor Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 Local Traffic Committee Meeting – 20 March 2023 as he works in the Ministerial Office of the Minister for Transport, who in her capacity as the Member for Summer Hill has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.

 

 

 

 

 

Motion: (Stephens/Atkins)

 

That Council note the disclosures of interest.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion: (Drury/Tsardoulias)


That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 14 March 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

PUBLIC FORUM

 

The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.

 

C0423(1) Item 39 Mayoral Minute: War Memorials in the Inner West

Motion: (Byrne)

 

1.    That Council work with the Returned & Services League of Australia to compile a complete list of soldiers who died in the First World War from local communities in the Inner West.

 

2.    That Council receive a report on how the full list of fallen soldiers can be properly commemorated at war memorial sites.

 

3.    That Council liaise with the RSL to see if inclusions for other wars should be included in the scope of the study.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 40 Mayoral Minute: Civic Education Program on the Uluru Statement
  from the Heart

Motion: (Byrne)

 

1.    That Council write to the Walking Together trainers and the Sydney Alliance to thank them for their collaboration in training 1100 citizens to be advocates for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

 

2.    That Council write to all the participants who registered for and completed to the training to thank them for their involvement and encourage them to support further.

 

3.    That Council convene a follow up workshop for all participants who have completed the train the trainer (second workshop) to plan for how they will use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to build awareness of the Uluru Statement and the upcoming referendum in civic society organisations.

 

4.    That Council write to all councils across Australia updating them about the success of the Walking Together training and encouraging them to undertake similar civic education training themselves in the lead up to the Referendum.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

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

 

  1. Item 6             Land Classification - 203 Northumberland St, Liverpool
  2. Item 8             Major Capital Projects Committee Meetings and Project Summary
                            Report
  3. Item 11           Conflict of Interest Policy (Including Management of     
                            Council- related Development Applications)
  4. Item 14           Delegations Framework amendment
  5. Item 20           Tree Management in Pioneer Memorial Park Leichhardt
  6. Item 34           Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City   
                            Planning Panel (SECPP)
  7. Item 35           Appointment of Expert Representatives for the Inner
                            West Local Planning Panel
  8. Item 37           Update on the acquisition of investment properties

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That the following items be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report be adopted.

 

  1. Item 6             Land Classification - 203 Northumberland St, Liverpool
  2. Item 8             Major Capital Projects Committee Meetings and Project Summary
                            Report
  3. Item 11           Conflict of Interest Policy (Including Management of
                            Council-related Development Applications)
  4. Item 14           Delegations Framework amendment
  5. Item 20           Tree Management in Pioneer Memorial Park Leichhardt
  6. Item 34           Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City     
                            Planning Panel (SECPP)
  7. Item 35           Appointment of Expert Representatives for the Inner     
                            West Local Planning Panel
  8. Item 37           Update on the acquisition of investment properties

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 6  Land Classification - 203 Northumberland St, Liverpool

Motion:  (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council resolves to classify the land being Lot 2 in Deposited Plan 1277704, also known as 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool NSW 2170, as Operational Land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 8  Major Capital Projects Committee Meetings and Project Summary Report

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That the Minutes of the Major Capital Projects Committee held in October 2022, November 2022 and February 2023 be received and the project summary report is noted.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 11 Conflict of Interest Policy (Including Management of Council-related 
  Development Applications)

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

  1. That Council adopt the draft Conflict of Interest Policy, as attached to the report.

 

  1. That Council place the adopted Conflict of Interest Policy, on public exhibition, for a period of 28 days, and provide a report back to Council if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0423(1) Item 14 Delegations Framework amendment

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That the change to Council’s current Delegations framework wording, as outlined in the report, be adopted.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 20 Tree Management in Pioneer Memorial Park Leichhardt

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 34 Panel Member Appointment - Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel 
  (SECPP)

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council appoint the recommended applicants, as outlined in the Confidential report, selected through the Expression of Interest Process, as additional Council representatives on the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel (SECPP).

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 35 Appointment of Expert Representatives for the Inner West Local     
  Planning Panel

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

C0423(1) Item 37 Update on the acquisition of investment properties

Motion: (Scott/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion: (Howard/Smith)

 

That Council allow Councillor Drury to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 1.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 1  Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24, and Long Term Financial Plan 2023-33 – Drafts for Public Exhibition

Motion: (Drury/Stephens)

 

  1. That Council place on public exhibition for a period of 28 days the:

 

a)    draft Delivery Program 2022-26 (year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-2024 (including fees and charges 2023-2024);

 

b)    draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033; and

 

c)    Amendment to the adopted Residential and Business - General Rates Harmonisation transition timeline, for 100% transition from 1 July 2023, instead of ending July 2029.

 

  1. That Council receive a report of the public exhibition outcomes at the June 2023 Council meeting.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 2  Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course-Priority Plan of Management Works

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

 

That Council defer consideration of the report until such a time as the General Manager has met with the leadership of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Recreation Club and gains further information about the Club’s prioritisation of initiatives listed in the report and further information about renovations to the Clubhouse.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 3  Preparation of a Park Plan of Management-MacKey Park

Motion: (Howard/D’Arienzo)

 

1.    That Council as land manager of MacKey Park endorse the draft Plan of Management (Lot 70, Lot 71 DP 1066013 and Lot 7307 DP 1145332) and refer this to the Minister for Crown Land and Waters for owners’ consent.

 

2.    That Council, upon receipt of owners’ consent, place the draft Plan of Management on exhibition for 28 days and report back to Council for adoption.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 4  Preparation of a Park Plan of Management-Darrell Jackson Gardens

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Griffiths)

 

1.    That Council as land manager of Darrell Jackson Gardens endorse the draft Plan of Management and publicly exhibit this for a period of 42 days for further community engagement.

 

2.    That on the completion of the public exhibition period, the Plan of Management is brought back to Council for further consideration and adoption.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 5  Revised Public Toilet Strategy

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

 

1.    That Council adopt the revised Inner West Public Toilet Strategy (Attachment 1) and note the priority work program for public toilet upgrades.

 

2.    That, should the 12-month trial of period product dispensing machines in Council facilities be successful and the program continued, Council update the Inner West Public Toilet Strategy to include period product dispensing machines in the Design Guidelines, and the Best Practice Checklist used to assess each block.

 

3.    That as part of the reporting at the end of the 12-month trial of period product dispensing machines in Council facilities, Council staff prepare a report on the cost and operational feasibility of installing period product dispensing machines in public toilet blocks as they are scheduled for refurbishment through the priority work program.

 

4.    That Council staff consider when preparing Council’s “Gateway and Wayfinding Signage strategy – All villages” the requirement for wayfinding signage in main streets and parks which includes public toilet provision.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 7  Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 20 March 2023

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

 

That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 20 March 2023 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 9  Post Exhibition - Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy

Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

 

1.    That Council adopt the draft Community Venue Hire Grants and Fee Scale Policy as outlined in Attachment 1, pending the amendment of the wording to appendix 1: guidelines for determining fee scale to changing: ‘Political parties, or activities that are overtly political in nature’ to ‘Registered political parties or activities that are related to electoral campaigning’, and ‘Political rallies or overtly political events’ to ‘Political party rallies or overt party political activities such as campaign launches or policy announcements.

 

2.    That the eligibility for the 100% fee waiver be amended to include all local not-for-profit organisations and community groups where the event to be held is not primarily a fundraising event. Please note that events that collect small or gold coin donations to cover the ancillary costs of the event do not constitute a “fundraising event”.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 10 Post Exhibition - Draft Event Invitation, Speaking and Public Meeting
  Policy

Motion: (Scott/Smith)

 

That Council adopt the draft Event Invitation, Speaking and Public Meeting Policy.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Amendment: (Atkins/Lockie)

 

That Council adopt the draft Event Invitation, Speaking and Public Meeting Policy, subject to adding the following sentence at the end of both the first paragraph in Part 5 and the fourth paragraph in Part 7:

 

“Matters to be taken into account in deciding who to nominate include the ward where the event is taking place; any relevant resolution of Council and who moved it; and availability of relevant councillors.”

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

C0423(1) Item 12 Draft Risk Management Policy

Motion: (Atkins/Scott)

 

1.    That Council adopt the draft Risk Management Policy, with any agreed changes outlined by the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, at the meeting of 5 April 2023.

 

2.    That Council place the adopted Risk Management Policy, on public exhibition, for a period of 28 days, and provide a report back to Council if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Risk Management Policy.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 13 Draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy

Motion: (Atkins/Scott)

 

1.    That Council adopt the draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy, with any agreed changes outlined by the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, at the meeting of 5 April 2025.

 

2.    That Council place the adopted Fraud and Corruption Control Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and provide a report back to Council, if Council receives any feedback that requires an amendment to the Fraud and Corruption Control Policy.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

C0423(1) Item 15 Inner West Council Anti-Racism Strategy Reference Group

Motion: (Howard/Lockie)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 16 Reconciliation Action Plan Implementation Update

Motion: (Howard/Byrne)

 

  1. That Council receive and note the report.

 

  1. That Council write to the Hon. Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians and Member for Barton and the Hon. David Harris MP, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, seeking meetings to discuss opportunities for collaboration on the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub and funding.

  2. That Council write to representatives of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to discuss opportunities for collaboration on the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Hub.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Councillor Drury left the Meeting at 7:49pm.

 

C0423(1) Item 17 Inner West Council Arts and Music Recovery Plan Final

Motion: (Smith/Howard)

 

  1. That Council receive and note the report.

 

  1. That Council circulate the final report to key stakeholders, including all Arts Summit attendees and relevant local sector organisations, for final consideration.

 

  1. That following this process, that the report returns to the May 2023 Ordinary Council meeting for endorsement.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Drury

 

Councillor Drury returned to the Meeting at 7:53pm.

 

C0423(1) Item 18 Local Democracy Groups - progress report

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Atkins)

 

That Council receive and note the report and invite representative/s from the 9 advisory committees to present a progress report to an in-person Councillor briefing workshop by the end of May 2023.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

 

That Council allow Councillor Smith to speak for 1 additional minute on Item 19.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 19 Update on Town Halls

Motion: (Smith/Howard)

 

1.    That Council receive and note the report.

2.    That a report on EOIs received for Creative Use of Council Venues be tabled at the May 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, to include:  

a)    any received EOIs that have been matched with a venue;

b)    all venues that have been identified for potential matching to an EOI; and

c)    a timeline for all EOIs received to have been allocated a venue.

 

3.    That Council staff hold a councillor workshop on the progress of the Inner West Pride Centre following the Pride Centre Open Day on 29 April 2023.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 21 Investment Report at 31 March 2023

Motion: (Drury/Stephens)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 22 Notice of Motion Pedestrian safety at Balmain Road, Lilyfield

Motion: (Shetty/Byrne)

 

That Council write to Transport for New South Wales and the Member for Balmain to request:

 

a)    The installation of an additional safe place to cross on Balmain Road, Lilyfield between the refuge island at Grove Street and the traffic lights at Cecily Street; 

 

b)    Investigation of potential upgrades to existing refuge islands at Grove Street and The Boulevard to pedestrian crossings; and

 

c)    Investigation of potential additional safety measures along Balmain Road between Perry Street and Cecily Street, such as signage and traffic calming measures.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Demerging Inner West Council: Notifying NSW 
  Parliament

Motion: (Stamolis/Atkins)

 

1.    That Council to write to the NSW Premier Chris Minns MP to advise him of the highly successful poll of the Inner West community to demerge Inner West Council.

 

2.    That Council to also write to the Opposition Leader (when announced).
 

3.    That Council to also write to the State members of Parliament who represent the Inner West: 

a)    Ms Kobi Shetty MP for Balmain;

b)    Ms Jo Haylen MP for Summer Hill;

c)    Ms Jenny Leong MP for Newtown; and

d)    Mr Ron Hoenig MP for Heffron.

 

4.    That Council note the policy on demerging amalgamated councils which the NSW Labor Government took to the election, i.e. NSW Labor will not support the forced merger of local councils, nor will it support any forced demerger. NSW Labor does not oppose the merger or demerger of councils, but insists that this must be done voluntarily with the clear support of local residents as confirmed through a local plebiscite. NSW Labor will legislate to put in place independent mechanisms to enable this to occur.

 

Motion Lost

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

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

 

C0423(1) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Woolworths Balmain

Motion: (Byrne/Scott)

 

1.    That Council convene a meeting between Woolworths and the Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce so that local businesses and the community can be briefed about any proposed changes at the Woolworths Balmain store.

 

2.    That Council write to Woolworths articulating the concerns of Council and the community about the detrimental impact on the local economy that would be engendered through any reduction in product range at Woolworths Balmain store.  This should include provision of all Council’s investigations and studies into spending patterns in Balmain.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 25 Notice of Motion: Marrickville Mosaics

Motion: (Byrne/Howard)

 

That Council prepare a report on the cost of restoring and repairing all of the footpath mosaic artworks in Marrickville to allow for funding to be allocated to the works when the Budget is adopted in June.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 26 Notice of Motion: Media Advertising

Motion: (Drury/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council authorises the General Manager to approve the occasional use of newspaper and magazine advertising, where appropriate, in accordance with Council’s Procurement Policy.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Procedural Motion: (Howard/Stephens)

 

That Council allow Councillor Atkins to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 27.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 27 Notice of Motion: Transphobic and Homophobic Behaviour

Motion: (Atkins/Howard)

 

1.    That Council condemn recent transphobic and homophobic behaviour and physical violence against LGBTIQA+ people in the Inner West and beyond.

2.    That Council call on the new NSW Government to reinstate the Safe Schools program in all NSW schools.

 

3.    That Council call on the NSW Government to reinstate accredited educator training delivered by unions and not-for-profit groups.

 

4.    That Council supports the right of all trans people, including trans women, trans men and non-binary people aged 16 and above, to update the gender marker on their birth certificate through a simple administrative process to be legally recognised as female, male, non-binary or a gender marker descriptor of their choice, including that gender markers be optional.

 

5.    That Council distribute the ePetition entitled allow transgender people to self-ID their legal gender  via council communication channels including the Inner West News, social media and the council website.

 

6.    That Council inform the Inner West LGBTQ Working Group, Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride partners of our support for self-ID and Safe Schools.

 

7.    That Council write to the Premier, the Attorney-General, the Leader of the Opposition, and local Legislative Assembly members to inform them of this resolution and seek their support for amendments to  the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 to enable legal gender recognition without the requirement of surgical intervention.

 

8.    That Council agree that the Community Safety Action Plan to be developed in 2023/24 specifically address the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

Procedural Motion: (D’Arienzo/Smith)

 

That Council enter into Confidential session.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

Confidential Session

 

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

 

C0423(1) Item 36 FOGO Communication Strategy on Rollout (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.

 

C0423(1) Item 38 Approval for Lease at 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool NSW (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

 

Procedural Motion: (Byrne/Shetty)

 

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

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 36 FOGO Communication Strategy on Rollout

Motion: (Howard/Smith)

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0423(1) Item 38 Approval for Lease at 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool NSW

Motion:  (Drury/Stephens)

 

1.    That Council resolves to grant a 5+1+1+1+1+1-year lease of Suite 1, Ground Floor, 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool to Neami Limited (Tenant) for use as Offices and medical consulting.

 

2.    That Council authorises the General Manager or delegate to negotiate, finalise terms and execute the Lease documentation.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Meeting closed at 8.25pm.

 

 

Public Speakers:

 

 

Item #

 

Speaker                     

Suburb

Item 25:

Rodney Aanensen

Marrickville

Item 27

Deb Saywell

Monica Harrison

Summer Hill

Earlwood

 

 

Unconfirmed Minutes of the 11 April 2023 Ordinary Council meeting.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Minutes of Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 18 April 2023 at

Ashfield Service Centre

 

Meeting commenced at 6:34pm

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Liz Atkins

Jessica D’Arienzo

Mark Drury

Dylan Griffiths

Mathew Howard

Justine Langford

Pauline Lockie

Kobi Shetty

Chloe Smith

John Stamolis

Timothy Stephens

Zoi Tsardoulias
Peter Gainsford

Luke Murtas

Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

General Manager

Acting Director Planning

Manod Wickramasinghe

Acting Director Infrastructure

Ruth Callaghan

Kelly Loveridge

Beau-Jane De Costa

Matthew Pearce

Scott Mullen

Sarah Duignan

Director Community

Director Corporate

Senior Manager Governance and Risk

General Counsel

Manager Strategic Investments and Property

EY Consultants

Darcie Huisman

Business Paper Officer

 

 

APOLOGIES:    

 

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Howard)

 

That apologies from Councillor Scott be accepted and that Council note Councillor Da Cruz has been granted a leave of absence from 3 April 2023 to 29 April 2023 due to being overseas.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:               

 

Nil.

 

Procedural Motion: (Lockie/Shetty)

 

That Council enter into Confidential session.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

Confidential Session

 

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

 

C0423(2) Item 1         Acquisition of Investment Property (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

 

 

Procedural Motion: (Stephens/D’Arienzo)

 

That Council allow Councillor Drury to speak for 2 additional minutes on Item 1.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

Procedural Motion: (D’Arienzo/Howard)

 

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

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

Reports with Confidential Information

 

 

C0423(2) Item 1  Acquisition of Investment Property

Motion: (Drury/Byrne)

 

1.    That Council approve the purchase of the property as detailed in the confidential report.

 

2.    That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to negotiate, finalise and execute the Contract for Sale with the Vendor as detailed in the confidential report.

 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Cr Stamolis

 

Meeting closed at 6.53pm.

 

Unconfirmed Minutes of the 18 April 2023 Extraordinary Council meeting.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 1

Subject:         March Quarterly Budget Reporting Statement, and Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022-23 - Quarter Three Report           

Prepared By:          Chris Sleiman - Financial Partnering & Analytics Manager and Prue
Foreman - Corporate Strategy and Engagement Manager 

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the Third Quarter Budget Review for 2022-23.

 

 

DISCUSSION

This report contains the Quarterly Budget Review Statement and third quarter report against the Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022/23.

 

Quarterly Budget Review Statement

 

The Quarterly Budget Review Statement is a regular progress report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (s404(5)) and Local Government Regulation 2004 (Cl203(2)), namely that the Responsible Accounting Officer report quarterly on a budget review statement to adequately disclose the Council’s overall financial position.

 

This report provides a comprehensive high-level overview of Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2023. Any forecast results are projections as at 30 June 2023. Council has updated its projected budget result to $26.4 million, this is an increase of $3.6 million from the 2022/23 December Budget.  Excluding capital revenue, a deficit of $2.2 million has been projected against the 2022/23 December Budget Deficit of $1.6 million.

 

During the quarter, a detailed review of both operating and capital budgets has been undertaken, reconfirming the budget projections for the current financial year.

 

The change in the Full Year Operating Budgeted Result Before Capital Grants and Contributions is predominantly due to:

 

·         Rates & General Revenue increase of $0.7m because of supplementary rates notices issued during the financial year.

·         User Charges and Fees increase of $2.1m predominately from restorations income to be received, offset by increase in Materials and Services budget to complete restoration works.

·         Interest Income increase of $1.9m due to RBA increasing interest rates resulting in higher returns on investments.

·         Other Income decrease of $1.0m to reflect year to date actuals for parking infringements and reduction in forecast rental income from timing of purchase of investment properties.

·         Operating Grants and Contributions increased by $1.2m mainly to reflect year to date grants received for Faster Local Assessment Grant (FLAG), Flood Studies Grants, Local Priority Grant Parramatta Road Technical Studies Grant and FOGO.

·         Capital Grants and Contributions increase of $4.2m mainly due to Regional and Local Repair Program Grant received, offset by various reduction in other grants.

·         Employee Costs net decrease following realignment of budget to agency costs in Materials and Services for backfilling permanent roles.

·         Material & Services net increase due to:

o   Legal costs increase to match year to date spend on legal matters.

o   Increase in agency costs for domestic waste management.

o   Including matching expenditure for grants receive during the current financial year and prior financial year.

 

Summary of Budget Movements

 

Operational Budget

 

The graph in Figure 1 summarises the key operating budget movements, with a brief explanation and the impact on Council’s budget provided below.

 

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

 

·         Forecast net increase in revenue relating to User Charges & Fees:

o   Development Assessment - $1.1m decrease due to lower value Development Applications lodged to date.

o   Civil Maintenance – $2.5m increase to reflect restorations income expected for 2022/23 financial year offset by increase in expenditure to deliver restorations works.

o   Parks Planning and Recreation - $0.3m increase to reflect higher than expected summer season revenue.

o   Engineering Services - $0.4m increase to reflect year to date Road Opening Permits.

 

·         Forecast increase in Rates & General Revenue $0.7m – reflect supplementary rates notices issued during the financial year.

 

·         Forecast decrease in Other Income:

o   Parking & Ranger Services - $1.6m decrease to reflect year to dates results for parking infringements.

o   Properties & Strategic Investments - $0.3m decrease to reflect a reduction of expected rental income from the timing of purchase of investment properties.

o   Environmental Health & Building Regulation - $0.2m increase to reflect current active premises for annual fire safety statements.

o   Legal Services - $0.3m increase to reflect recovery costs for some legal matters.

 

·         Forecast increase in Interest Income $1.9m – reflects RBA increasing interest rates resulting in higher returns on investments.

 

·         Forecast decrease in Employment Costs:

o   Result of realigning budget to agency costs in Materials and Services for backfilling permanent roles.

 

·         Forecast increase in Materials and Services costs:

o   Legal costs increase to match year to date spend on legal matters.

o   Increase in agency costs for domestic waste management.

o   Including matching expenditure for grants receive during the current financial year and prior financial year.

 

Capital Budget

 

The graph in Figure 2 over the page reflects changes in the timing of projects, with a brief explanation provided below. Details can be found within the March 2023 QBRS Movement (attached).

 

·         Decreased Capital Expenditure of $10.7m is primarily due to realigning several projects to next financial year including:

o   Newtown Town Hall Renewal Works

o   Pioneers Memorial Park Renewal Works

o   Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP)

o   Leichhardt Town Hall Renewal Works

 

Cash Flow forecasts of major projects will be monitored ensuring the expenditure remains in line with the budget. March 2023 year to date capital expenditure totals approximately $89.2m.

 

The Capital Budget will continue to be reviewed to financial year end, on an ongoing basis with the capital works managers.

 

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

 

Responsible Accounting Officer Budget Review Statement

 

Section 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 requires a report by Council’s responsible accounting officer regarding the Council’s financial position at the end of each quarter. The following statement is made in accordance with this clause.

 

“It is in my opinion that the Budget Review Statement for Inner West Council for the period ending 31 March 2023 indicates that Council’s projected financial position at 30 June will be satisfactory, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgeted income and expenditure.”

 

Daryl Jackson, Chief Financial Officer (Responsible Accounting Officer)

- Inner West Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022/23 - Quarter three report

 

In June 2022, Inner West Council adopted its new Delivery Program 2022-26 and Operational Plan 2022/23. The plan outlines how Council will deliver services and infrastructure for the benefit of the Inner West community, as guided by the Community Strategic Plan – Our Inner West 2036.

 

The attached report shows progress against the plan during the third quarter from 1 January – 31 March 2023.

 

Highlights

 

There are 174 actions in total in the Operational Plan 2022/23, of which 12 were completed in in Quarter one, and a further nine in Quarter two.

 

Of the remaining 153 actions:

·         91% of actions were ‘Completed’ or are ‘On Track’

·         9% of actions are ‘Behind Schedule’, ‘On Hold’ or ‘Rescheduled’

 

All actions status

 

The graph shows the status of the Operational Plan 2022-23 actions for the third quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actions by strategic direction status

 

The following graph shows the status of the Operational Plan 2022-23 actions by the strategic directions of the Community Strategic Plan - Our Inner West 2036 for the third quarter.

 

 

 

The attached report contains commentary about progress on each of the actions and key measures against performance targets.

 

The report also contains detailed progress of measures against performance targets.

 

Highlights from the quarter include:

 

·         The program of workshops has been developed and scheduled, ready for opening of the Inner West Sustainability Hub at Summer Hill Depot

·         Over 23,000 people have accessed sustainability programs this year

·         A Renewable Energy Forum was held on 11 March at Balmain Town Hall

·         The Tree Management Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023 was adopted by Council

·         The 'Love your home ground' local pilot project has been completed with 'Don't be a Tosser’ Signage' installed at hotspot locations, and three community litter collections were organised for Cooks and Parramatta Rivers

·         The total solar capacity on Council buildings is now 800kW which is more than triple the target for the year

·         The NSW Environmental Protection Authority awarded Council a $953,000 grant for the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) project

·         The median determination timeframe for Development Applications was reduced from 115 days in Quarter 1 to 92 days this quarter

·         The development of four major masterplans for town centres (Kings Street, Enmore Road, Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill) is progressing

·         Local area traffic management plans are underway in Balmain, Petersham North, Morton Park and Newtown South

·         The parking meter upgrade was completed

·         The Inner West Homelessness Street Count was conducted by Council and Newtown Neighbourhood staff with the lowest number of people sleeping rough observed since 2016

·         Five events/activations were delivered or supported including Ashfield Lunar New Year celebrations, Yabun Festival, Mardi Gras Parade Screening, Summer Fest, Bairro Portuguese

·         There were 337 community and business organisations were engaged and 320 creative participants in the Events Program with local stakeholder participation averaged over 80%.

·         The Creative Places policy and guidelines was completed

·         The Bin Art program profiled works by local artists in Summer Hill, Petersham, Stanmore, Illawarra Road and Marrickville Road

·         A stocktake of Council's cultural spaces for artists’ residencies was completed, including large scale engagement with artists and creatives

·         Four new Perfect Match artworks were installed this quarter

·         Two economic summits were held

·         Council launched Pride Square with the Newtown pride beacon and seating cubes installation and held a successful launch of Pride Inner West and commenced Sydney World Pride on 11 February 2023

·         Council supported over 60 initiatives with over 20,000 people attending activations across the local government area as part of the Pride Inner West program

·         Over 900 Seniors attended the Seniors Festival program in February 2023

·         Council is progressing inclusive playgrounds across the Inner West with the completion of a technical assessment report by Touched by Olivia

·         Fortnightly customer service stalls were programmed across the Inner West.

·         Development of the Customer Experience Strategy is in progress with consultation continuing

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

March 2023 QBRS Financial Statements

2.

Operational Plan 2022-23 Progress Report Quarter 3

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

























Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

 
















































































 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 2

Subject:         Council's Recreation Strategy and Ten Year Action Plan           

Prepared By:           Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council endorse the Inner West Recreation Strategy and 10 Year Action Plan.

 

2.   That Council place the Inner West Recreation Strategy and 10 Year Action Plan on public exhibition for a period of 42 days and invite submissions from the community. As part of the exhibition period, Council officers present the strategy and action plan to the May 2023 Inner West Council Sports Forum.

 

3.   That a further report be brought back to Council following the completion of the community engagement process.  

 

 

DISCUSSION

In 2018, Council adopted its Recreation and Needs study A healthier Inner West.  The Recreation and Needs Study, defines recreation across a broad range from unstructured activities like picnics, walking the dog and playing in parks, streets and laneways through to organised sport. Importantly the study highlights that physical activity, leisure and sport are critical elements in promoting good health and community well-being. 

 

Following on from the endorsement of the recreation needs study, Council has developed a Draft Recreation Strategy and Action Plan (Attachment 1).

 

The strategy is an overarching strategic document which focusses on both enabling and encouraging active recreation as well as addressing key deficiencies and gaps in recreation and open space provision. The strategy has a key aim of tackling the problems associated with inactivity and has an integrated approach to encouraging active lives through partnerships with schools, evidence-based recreation infrastructure and community based strategic planning. Strategic planning which is focused on excellence in design and place making. In addition, the strategy is committed to encouraging recreation opportunities across the age spectrum and ensuring residents and key workers have access to quality open space. 

 

The Recreation Strategy provides the strategic direction for the provision and enhancement of recreation and open space opportunities within the Inner West over the next ten years.

 

Importantly the strategy is based on measurable and defined outcomes which provide direction to Council on key deliverables for activating Our Inner West 2036 – Community Strategic Plan (CSP). Three key themes have been developed to support the strategy, these being:

 

1.   An active Inner West - activating + enabling a healthy caring and connected Inner West

2.   Active lives - promoting and facilitating opportunities and developing partnerships for a diverse range of indoor and outdoor recreation experiences

3.   Active neighbourhoods - promoting social connections and providing a diverse range of opportunities for recreation, leisure and neighbourhood cohesion

 

With the adoption of this strategy Inner West Council will advocate, plan and work in partnership to drive forward a program of works which support and deliver “An Active Inner West”. At the end of a ten-year period the recreation strategy will be reviewed to assess key achievements and evaluate challenges moving forward.

 

Summary of Community Engagement Outcomes

Initial community engagement for the Draft Inner West Council Recreation Strategy was carried out via the online engagement platform Your Say Inner West (YSIW) from 31 August to 29 September 2020. The YSIW project page received 277 visits. Of those visitors, 31 left feedback.  Participants were prompted to express their thoughts on the Recreation Strategy and offer additional suggestions.  The majority of those leaving feedback were residents (15), closely followed by community/sporting groups (12). There was overwhelming community support for the Recreation Strategy with only 3 respondents saying they didn’t support it. The strategy was downloaded 145 times. Key Sporting Stakeholders also contributed directly to the Recreation Strategy. This included submissions from10 sporting codes ranging from gymnastics, AFL, bowling, cricket, tennis, rugby and soccer Key themes which emerged as part of the community engagement have been summarised as follows:

·    Future-proofing – ensuring more public spaces such as playing fields are available in the future to meet the needs of the growing population

·    General maintenance and upkeep of existing recreation facilities – toilets, safe footpaths, broken fixtures and fittings, lighting, safety etc

·    Allowing equitable access to fields and facilities for groups other than big sporting clubs

·    Climate change – water collection and storage in parks, more native plants, coastal inundation and water damage (areas such as rowing clubs and Dawn Fraser pools).

·    Companion animals – clear and detailed signage relating to dog on/off leash areas, allowing pets on public transport, education programs for pet owners, more open accessible dog parks

·    Active streetscapes – more focus on walking and pathways, safe walkways, comprehensive bike map

·    Passive recreation – ensuring requirements for informal activity and passive recreation are included

·    Waterfront recreation activities – required more focus from Council.

Consultation and Engagement outcomes have been utilised to assist in the formation of the Recreation Strategy. Given the length of time that has passed since the initial community engagement was undertaken it is recommended that the Recreation Strategy is re-exhibited for a period of 42 days for community engagement and the opportunity for further community input. As part of the community engagement process the Inner West Sports Forum will also be  engaged on the key actions which are recommended in the plan. In this respect it is proposed to present the Recreation Strategy and Action Plan at the upcoming Inner West Sports Forum is due to be held in mid May 2023.

 

How will the Future strategy be delivered?

The Inner West Recreation strategy “An active Inner West” will be delivered by a range of Council departments with overall strategic responsibility sitting within the Parks Planning team. The Parks Planning team is primarily focused on delivering excellence in stakeholder engagement, strategic parks and recreation planning and ensuring equitable community access to open space. The Parks Planning team will work collaboratively with teams across Council to deliver this strategy.  The strategy will be delivered through an adopted Action Plan which is specific to the Recreation Strategy.

 

Action Plan

An Action Plan which is responsive to the three main themes which have been developed in response to the strategy is provided on Pages 32-34 of the proposed Recreation Strategy and Action Plan (Attachment 1). The Action Plan provides practical direction to Council and the community on the key deliverables associated with delivering future indoor and outdoor recreation provision, opportunities for enhanced recreation experiences and opportunities for partnerships which will deliver enhanced recreation infrastructure provision into the future.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Individual strategic projects will be subject to budget consideration by Council on an annual basis.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Draft Recreation Strategy and Action Plan

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 





















Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 3

Subject:         Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course-Priority Plan of Management Works       

Council Meeting at its meeting on 11 April 2023 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 09 May 2023.   

Prepared By:           Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That projects identified as capital development improvements with high community benefit and identified as Council’s responsibility be considered for funding over a seven-year period, and Government grant funding support be sought where applicable.

 

2.   That Council congratulates the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club on its commitment and action in developing an inclusive and welcoming community sporting club and importantly its hosting of a wide range of sporting and cultural events in 2023.

 

 

DISCUSSION

On 21 August 2021 Council adopted a 10-year Plan of Management and landscape Master Plan for Marrickville Parklands including the 18-hole golf course, Dibble Avenue Waterhole and AB Crofts Playground. On 4 April 2022 Council and the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club signed a 21-year lease for use of the parklands as an 18-hole golf course. The Parkland adjoins the Cooks River and enjoys significant community access for walking, companion animal exercise and biodiversity initiatives, including tree planting and bush care enhancement. The parkland is an integral landscape feature of the Cooks River Walkway and the largest area of open space in the Inner West LGA, next to Callan Park. The Marrickville Parklands has the potential to be a major regional recreational walking trail with long term links to the Greenway.

 

At its Ordinary Council meeting on 11 April 2023 Council resolved the following:

 

That Council defer consideration of the report until such a time as the General Manager has met with the leadership of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Recreation Club and gains further information about the Club’s prioritisation of initiatives listed in the report and further information about renovations to the Clubhouse.

 

Engagement with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

 

Council staff have been working closely with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club Executive Committee on prioritising projects identified in the adopted park plan of management which will improve the amenity, public access and safety of the parklands.

 

Council’s General Manager and Parks Planning and Recreation Manager held a meeting with the Manager of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club and the President of the Sporting club on 20 April 2023.   At the meeting it was agreed that the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club would the review the table of proposed future works and list these in order of priority.

 

Key projects which have been identified and prioritised by the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club have been listed and prioritised in Table 1.0 below.

 

Table 1.0 Priority Action Works Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course

 

Priority Ranking

Master Plan Reference

Description/Rational of Proposed Improvement Works

Responsibility

Planning Notes

1

Not referenced in the Master Plan but noted as an essential utility service.

Sewerage Provision – Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club. The sports club is currently operating with two septic tanks which are proving inadequate for the growing numbers of visitors to the Club and restaurant facility.

                         

Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club,

 

Council to assist with facilitating discussions with Sydney Water.

 

 

Approvals will be required from Sydney Water for this work.

2

Master Plan Action Items 2&6

Car Park and Driveway Lighting Provision. Lighting to improve access safety.

Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

Council to consider future funding.

3

Master Plan Action 4

Public Safety and Community Access Improvements

Short term construction of a boardwalk connecting the 1st tee box to the Cooks River Bridge Crossing.

 

Longer term raised riverside pathway walkway to address all abilities access along the margins of the Cooks River and provide a safe and accessible recreational trail for the community.

Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

Council has allocated $50,000 allocated in the draft 2023/24 budget.  

4

Master Plan Actions 1,6&8

Wayfinding and Signage - Public Access and Safety.  The Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club and Council have agreed that ongoing community access to the golf course at all times needs to be maintained.

 

The safety of the community can be enhanced by the provision of signage reminding the community of the importance of sharing the space with golfers and by directing pedestrians into the safest pathways that traverse the environment.

Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

Council to consider funding in recognition that the parklands have shared community access.

5

Master Plan Action 23

Construction of a Veranda for the Clubrooms to enhance the clubrooms and appreciation of the golf course surrounds

Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club.

 

Council to assist with grant funding application support where possible.

Due to planning controls a Development Application is likely to be required for these works.

6

Master Plan Actions 15,21&22

Water Security -The Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club has carried out extensive research into harvesting storm water runoff for use on the course. The plan would be to position storage ponds and tanks strategically through the course to maximise the use of storm water.

Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club.

 

Council can assist with the preparation of grant applications where available.

Due to Planning controls a Development Application is likely to be required for this work.

7

Master Plan Action 18

Storage Sheds (x2) Current facilities are dilapidated and inefficient Rebuild to accommodate local environment groups and provide public amenities for all-abilities toilets.

Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club.

 

Council to assist with grant funding application support where possible.

Due to planning controls a Development Application is likely to be required for these works.

8

Master Plan Action 5

Perimeter Fencing - the current fencing is old, unsightly and in disrepair.

Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

 

9

Master Plan Actions 4,7,11,15&17

Environmental Projects -Future Native Tree Planting

Council in consultation with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club

Council to fund as part of its ongoing commitment to urban forest renewal and ecological enhancement.

 

 

Development Applications (DA)

A number the projects listed as key priorities for parkland improvements are likely to require a development application and consideration by the Inner West Local Planning panel. Advice sought from Council’s Planner has highlighted that with regards to all existing outbuildings on the site, exempt development is not an option for land in a foreshore area or in an environmentally sensitive area (both of which are applicable to the Marrickville Parklands site).

In terms of the construction of an additional veranda to the club rooms such a facility cannot be constructed on land within a foreshore area or cannot be higher than 1m above ground level (existing) under exempt development. In addition to this requirement any earthworks and associated retaining walls also require development consent as they are situated in a flood control lot and in an environmentally sensitive area. Finally in terms of any DA application the applicant would also need to apply for a flood certificate and a Flood Risk Management report would be required to address the controls in the DCP to the extent that it applies to what works/use they are undertaking.

The costs of the development applications associated with the priority action works are likely to be significant particularly with regard to the drawing of relevant plans, potential investigations and relevant technical studies. There are likely to be financial challenges associated with ability of the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club in meeting these costs as well contributing towards capital improvement within the parklands.

 

Community Events

As part of its commitment to enhancing community life in the Inner West, the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club has scheduled a number of Community events for 2023.

 

·      Hosting of World Pride Golf Day on Friday February 24th

·      Inner West Short Film Festival- March 31st

·      Reconciliation Golf Day- June 2nd

·      Orion’s Big Back Yard - local musicians providing "funk on the fairways”- February 18th

·      Battle of the Brewers - local brewers providing "froth on the fairways” while playing competitive golf.

 

In addition to the above listed events and as part of their commitment to reconciliation, the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club, are liaising with Community Services staff to explore opportunities to identify each of the 18 holes on the golf course from an indigenous perspective, geographical, cultural or environmental.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There is $50,000 allocated in the draft 2023/24 budget.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 4

Subject:         Preparation of a Draft Plan of Management - Hammond Park           

Prepared By:          Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.    That Council publicly exhibits the Draft Plan of Management for Hammond Park for a period of 42 days and seeks public feedback on the proposed plan of management and master plan for the park.

 

2.    That following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the Park Plan of Management be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council has now completed the development of a 10-year draft plan of management and master plan for Hammond Park (refer to Attachment 1).

 

A Park Plan of Management [POM] is a guiding framework which directs the future vision, planning, management and use of the park. It will be used to inform the development of the park over the next ten years. The associated Master Plan is a design report outlining the actions required for improvement, intended to guide the physical upgrade of the parkland over the next ten years. It does this by suggesting how the strategies set out in the Plan of Management can be translated into site specific improvement opportunities for use and enjoyment of the park. Council officers have undertaken an extensive review of the draft Plan of Management and are presenting the plan to Council for endorsement for further community engagement with an exhibition period of 42 days.

 

Location, Access and Use

Hammond Park is located in the suburb of Ashfield North. The park is approximately 18 minutes’ walk (1.4km) north of Ashfield train station. The park has two primary roles which can be summarised as follows: (A) servicing the immediate residential community for informal recreational use, play and improved residential amenity and (B); providing for the active community recreation needs of local sporting users, including soccer, cricket and tennis. The Park is the only open green space within walking distance to a number of residential communities nearby. While the immediate context is defined by quiet residential streets, the Parramatta Road Urban Renewal Area suggests a shift in pace and development to the north of the site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location Map 1.0 Hammond Park

 

Community Engagement

Council has undertaken extensive community engagement as part of the development of the draft plan of management and master plan. The purpose of the community engagement to date has been to listen to community views and understand the key issues expressed in relation to management and use of the park, including those features of the parkland which are high valued. In addition, the community engagement outcomes have assisted with the preparation of a draft landscape master plan for the park as well as documenting key opportunities which can enhance community recreational use into the future. Throughout the engagement process contributors have been encouraged to include ideas, comments and suggestions to assist in prioritising the focus of key strategies and outcomes for the future.

 

The full community engagement report on the outcomes of community engagement and exhibition to date can be found in Appendix B of Attachment 1.

 

In summary Council has undertaken the following community engagement:

 

An online survey was conducted in August and September 2022 through the “Your Say Inner West (YSIW) website, seeking feedback on a range of questions regarding Hammond Park, its use, management and opportunities for the future. The survey included multiple-choice and essay style questions and was open for public feedback from 4th August to 11th September 2022.  In addition to the above on site community engagement was held with two formal drop in engagement sessions on the following dates:

 

·    Saturday 13 August 2022 11am-1pm

·    Saturday 20 August 2pm-4pm.

 

Both community engagement sessions were well attended with excellent representation from a range of stakeholders. Fig 1.1 illustrates the number of the responses received at the two drop in events:

 

Fig 1.1 Have Your Say Display Boards-Hammond Park Public Feedback

 

 

Draft Plan of Management and Master Plan Proposals (Developed from Stage 1 Engagement).

 

The draft master plan for Hammond Park can be viewed on Page 42 of Attachment 1.  In summary, based on the community engagement outcomes and site analysis to date, the following opportunities are recommended to be considered by Council and the community in relation to future park upgrades and operational management of Hammond Park

 

•     Provision of new amenities block with storage, toilets and kiosk facilities.

•     Improvement to park signage, wayfinding and heritage interpretation signage throughout the park

•     Investigate options for understorey planting to select areas along Frederick Street.

•     Improvements to the surface quality and level of the sports field.

•     Improve circulation and accessibility through the design and provision of additional park pathways.

•     Future proof existing tree cover by planting of new trees.

•     Provision of a new teen zone with reversable hoops for basketball and netball.

•     Inclusion of safety fencing around the park to prevent soccer balls from exiting the park on to busy roads.

•     Management changes to operational access and use by Sporting clubs (Ashfield Pirates).

 

Proposed Management Changes in Sporting Ground Access.

In response to community recreational needs and in order to align access and use of Hammond Park with other sporting grounds within the Inner West Local Government area, the following proposed sporting ground management changes are recommended.

 

Fig 1.2 Current Operational Hours Sporting Ground Use and Access- Hammond Park  (Juniors-Under 18 only).

 

Training

Times

Games

Mon

Rest Day

 

Tues

4.30pm-8pm (lights out 8:15pm)

 

Wednesday

4.30pm-8pm (lights out 8:15pm)

 

Thursday

4.30pm-8pm (lights out 8:15pm)

 

Friday

Train at Ashfield Pk as they can train longer there to 9pm

 

Sat

 

8am to 5pm

Sun

 

No usage allowed NO GAMES

Fig 1.3 Proposed Plan of Management Operational Hours: Sporting Ground Use and Access Hammond Park
(All Ages)*

Times

Mon

Rest Day

Tues

4:30pm – 9pm

Wednesday

4:30pm – 9pm

Thursday

4:30pm – 9pm

Friday

4:30pm – 9pm

Sat

8am – 5pm

Sun

9am – 5pm

* The proposed changes in operational training and games hours for Hammond Park have been adjusted in response to demonstrated community recreation needs and to ensure full consistency with all other sporting grounds within the Inner West LGA.

 

Plan of Management Next Steps

Subject to endorsement by Council it is proposed that Council exhibit the draft Plan of Management for Hammond Park for a period of 42 days and through this undertake further engagement on the content of the draft plan and its associated master plan. This will include additional onsite engagement and notification of residents, park users and previous submission contributors of the engagement process.  Following the conclusion of the community engagement period the Plan of Management will be brought back to Council for further consideration and adoption.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The final plan of management for Hammond Park will include an analysis of all future costings associated with proposed park upgrades and capital work improvements.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Draft Plan of Management Hammond Park

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 



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Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 5

Subject:         Preparation of a Draft Plan of Management - Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve           

Prepared By:          Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager  

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council publicly exhibits the Draft Plan of Management for Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve for a period of 42 days and seeks public feedback on the proposed plan of management and master plan for the park.

 

2.   Following the conclusion of the exhibition period, the Park Plan of Management be brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council has now completed the development of a 10 year draft plan of management and master plan for Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve (refer to Attachment 1).

 

A Park Plan of Management [POM] is a guiding framework which directs the future vision, planning, management and use of the park. It will be used to inform the development of the park over the next ten years. The associated Master Plan is a design report outlining the actions required for improvement, intended to guide the physical upgrade of the parkland over the next ten years. It does this by suggesting how the strategies set out in the Plan of Management can be translated into site specific improvement opportunities for use and enjoyment of the park. Council officers have undertaken an extensive review of the draft Plan of Management and are presenting the plan to Council for endorsement for further community engagement with an exhibition period of 42 days.

 

Location, Access and Use

Elkington Park + Fitzroy Ave Reserve lies on the northern coastline of Balmain at the mouth of Iron Cove, stretching along 500m of the coastline. The parklands are approximately 5 minute walk from Darling Street and 10 minutes’ walk from Balmain town centre.

 

To the south, the park is bound by White Street, Glassop Street and Fitzroy Ave to the south east. Along these streets, residential dwellings range from single storey houses to post-war multi-storey apartments. Commonly amongst these are rows of two-storey terrace houses, a number of which are heritage listed. To the west of Elkington Park is the Balmain Rowing Club

and the Corleone Marina. The boats moored here contribute to the scenic views north-west and north-east. Through the boats, the White Horse Lookout offers spectacular views to Cockatoo Island and the northern shore of the harbour. Dawn Fraser Baths, which are state heritage listed, are situated to the north side of the park. Access to the baths is provided through both Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve.

 

Location Map 1.0 Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve

 

Ownership and Management

 

Fig 1.2 below highlights the different ownership and management responsibilities associated with the parklands. The two largest Lots within Elkington Park, Lot 1 DP 724787 and Lot DP 797906 are owned by Inner West Council, while the Fitzroy parcels of land are owned by the Planning Ministerial Corporation (previously Minister Administering the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) apart from Lot 1 DP 829155 which is owned by Sydney Water Corporation (previously the  Water Board).

 

Fig 1.2 Land Ownership

 

Community Engagement

Council has undertaken extensive community engagement as part of the development of the draft plan of management and master plan. The purpose of the community engagement to date has been to listen to community views and understand the key issues expressed in relation to management and use of the park, including those features of the parkland which are high valued. In addition, the community engagement outcomes have assisted with the preparation of a draft landscape master plan for the park as well as documenting key opportunities which can enhance community recreational use into the future. Throughout the engagement process contributors have been encouraged to include ideas, comments and suggestions to assist in prioritising the focus of key strategies and outcomes for the future.

 

The full community engagement report on the outcomes of community engagement and exhibition to date can be found in Appendix B of Attachment 1.

 

In summary Council has undertaken the following community engagement:

 

An online survey was conducted in August and September 2022 through the “Your Say Inner West (YSIW) website, seeking feedback on a range of questions regarding the two parkland areas, their community use, management and opportunities for the future. The survey included multiple-choice and essay style questions and was open for public feedback from 4 August to 11 September 2022. In addition to the above on site community engagement was held with two formal drop in engagement sessions on the following dates:

 

·    Saturday 27 August 2022 11am-1pm

·    Saturday 3 September 2pm-4pm.

 

Both community engagement sessions were well attended with excellent representation from a range of stakeholders. Fig 1.1 illustrates the number of the responses received at the two drop in events.

Fig 1.1 Have Your Say Display Boards- Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve

 

Draft Plan of Management and Master Plan Proposals (Developed from Stage 1 Engagement).

 

The draft master plan for Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve can be viewed on Page 44 of Attachment 1.  In summary, based on the community engagement outcomes and site analysis to date, the following opportunities are recommended to be considered by Council and the community in relation to future park upgrades:

 

•     Upgrades to the Rotunda facility–Provision of Equal Access facilities.

•     Expand biodiversity-including low planting along Glassop Street

•     Upgrade the caretaker’s cottage with the inclusion of a new pavilion. Both facilities to be developed/upgraded to service the wider community needs (including future use an events pace, private functions, community events and exhibitions-support wedding use of the park)

•     Option to Improve or replace the existing amenities block

•     Option for a new consolidated playground around the existing fig tree-introduction of nature play to the park.

•     New park entrance point from White Street opposite Tiba Avenue

•     Equal access provision from the car park at Fitzroy Avenue Reserve to Dawn Fraser

 

Plan of Management Next Steps

Subject to endorsement by Council it is proposed that Council exhibit the draft Plan of Management for a period of 42 days and undertake further engagement on the content of the draft plan and its associated master plan. As part of this process additional onsite community engagement will be held with the local community. Following the conclusion of the community engagement period the Plan of Management will be brought back to Council for further consideration and adoption.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The final plan of management for Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve will include an analysis of all future costings associated with proposed park upgrades and capital work improvements.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Attachment 1 Draft Plan of Management Elkington Park and Fitzroy Avenue Reserve.

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 







































































































Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 6

Subject:         Preparation of Draft Plan of Management - Blackmore Park           

Prepared By:      Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 

Authorised By:   Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council as land manager of Blackmore Park endorse the Draft Plan of Management (Lot 649 DP 729259) and refer this to the Minister for Crown Land and Waters for owners’ consent.

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council has now completed the development of a 10 year draft plan of management and master plan for Blackmore Park (refer to Attachment 1).

 

A Park Plan of Management [POM] is a guiding framework which directs the future vision, planning, management and use of the park. It will be used to inform the development of the park over the next ten years. The associated Master Plan is a design report outlining the actions required for improvement, intended to guide the physical upgrade of the parkland over the next ten years. It does this by suggesting how the strategies set out in the Plan of Management can be translated into site specific improvement opportunities for use and enjoyment of the park. Council officers have undertaken an extensive review of the draft Plan of Management and are presenting the plan to Council for endorsement for further community engagement with an exhibition period of 42 days.

 

Location, Access and Use

Blackmore Park is located in the suburb of Leichhardt and is accessed by Canal Road. Located on the northern edge of the suburb of Leichhardt. the park is not visible from any road in Leichhardt except Canal Road, is largely due to the intervening railway line embankment which supports the Light rial system.  Consisting of 1.56 hectares in size the park comprises a sporting ground marked for use by rugby league and summer cricket, a former park caretaker’s cottage, public amenities building, a small storage shed, and a small retention basin and stormwater channel. Blackmore Park is the home of the Leichhardt Wanderers Junior Rugby League club. Blackmore Park also currently has an off-leash dog exercise area which is set aside for companion exercise when the sporting ground is not being utilise for active sporting use. In addition, the park has travel paths around its permitter which are intertwined with fitness stations for outdoor exercise.

 

 

 

 

Location Map 1.0 Blackmore Park

 

Ownership and Management

Blackmore Park is owned by the Crown (State of NSW) and is set aside as Crown Land Reserve which is managed by Council as the land manager on behalf of the NSW Government. Crown Land Reserves managed by Council have been set aside for a particular public purpose. In the case of Blackmore Park, the primary purpose is that of the sporting ground. As defined by the Local Government Act 1993 the core objectives for management of community land categorised as a sportsground are:

 

(a)  to encourage, promote and facilitate recreational pursuits in the community involving organised and informal sporting activities and games, and;

 

(b)  to ensure that such activities are managed having regard to any adverse impact on nearby residences.

 

Community Engagement

Council has undertaken extensive community engagement as part of the development of the draft plan of management and master plan. The purpose of the community engagement to date has been to listen to community views and understand the key issues expressed in relation to management and use of the park, including those features of the parkland which are high valued. In addition, the community engagement outcomes have assisted with the preparation of a draft landscape master plan for the park as well as documenting key opportunities which can enhance community recreational use into the future. Throughout the engagement process contributors have been encouraged to include ideas, comments and suggestions to assist in prioritising the focus of key strategies and outcomes for the future.

 

The full community engagement report on the outcomes of community engagement and exhibition to date can be located in Appendix B of Attachment 1.

 

In summary Council has undertaken the following community engagement:

 

·    Saturday 20 August 2022 11am-1pm

·    Saturday 27 August 2pm-4pm.

 

Both community engagement sessions were well attended with excellent representation from a range of stakeholders. Fig 1.1 illustrates the number of the responses received at the two drop in events.

Fig 1.1 Have Your Say Display Boards- Blackmore Park

 

Draft Plan of Management and Master Plan Proposals (Developed from Stage 1 Engagement).

 

The draft master plan for Blackmore Park can be viewed on Page 44 of Attachment 1.  In summary based on the community engagement outcomes and site analysis to date, the following opportunities are recommended to be considered by Council and the community in relation to future park upgrades:

 

•     New Amenities to support sporting use –Safe and inclusive facilities.

•     Relocation of Leichhardt Men's Shed to facilitate new amenities and small-scale club gym

•     Upgraded entrances from Canal Road (North and South)

•     Demolish and rebuild damaged area of the SES building (current building is sinking)

•     New mixed-use plaza to support ongoing use by the community and sports club.

•     Change in Companion Animal Regulations. Off leash status of park revoked. New Dogs on Leash at all times management regime introduced. Noting that there is a full time dedicated off leash park at Hawthorne Canal Reserve (450m walking distance). 

 

Plan of Management Next Steps

The Draft Plan of Management must be referred to the Minister for Lands and Water for formal endorsement of owner’s consent. On receipt of owners’ consent, the plan of management will be exhibited for a further 42 days and then brought back to Council for adoption. The Crown Land Management Act also requires that as part of the park plan of management planning process that Council seek and provide a copy of Native Title Managers Advice as per Section 8.7. A copy of the Native Title Managers Advice will be reported back to Council on receipt of the final plan of management.  Additional community engagement will be undertaken at Blackmore Park with the local community letter boxed and advised of the engagement period.  Park users will also be advised of the engagement process and previous submission contributors also notified.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The final plan of management for Blackmore Park will include an analysis of all future costings associated with proposed park upgrades and capital work improvements.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Draft Plan of Management Blackmore Park

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 





















































































Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 7

Subject:         Fishing along Foreshore Reserves           

Prepared By:           Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council maintain current servicing and management of foreshore parks.

 

 

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting on 9 November 2021, Council received a second fishing hazard assessment report on fishing activities within Foreshore Parks on the Balmain East Foreshore. In considering the report Council resolved in part the following:

 

THAT: An onsite meeting be convened with local residents and the General Manager and ward Councillors be asked to attend to consider the issues that have been raised by speakers.

 

Previous to this Council had considered an earlier Council report on 9 November 2020 where Council resolved to:

 

“Receive a report outlining in detail current cleaning and maintenance of the reserve and proposals for improving further this schedule, particularly in terms of early morning cleanings. The report includes an assessment of whether, where on-leash and off-leash areas exist in foreshore parks, if fishing can be limited to on-leash areas”.

 

As part of the assessment process referred to in the resolution, Council staff have met on site at Illoura Reserve with concerned residents on two separate occasions to discuss fishing issues along the harbour foreshore.

 

Fishing represents a hazard to other users of the foreshore area due to materials not properly disposed of by fishers, such as hooks, bait and fishing detritus.

 

MANAGEMENT OF FISHING HAZARDS

Previous Council reporting has highlighted the significant work which has been enacted to address fishing hazards within Council foreshore reserves, including the installation of new fishing tackle bins, educational signage and increased foreshore maintenance and inspections. After a 12-month trial, dedicated fishing line and hook tackle bins were removed from foreshore parks by Council’s Resource recovery team in July 2022. This decision was made following an analysis that the bins were regularly filled with take away coffee cups and dog poo bags and not fishing lines. The bins were in fact creating a waste management issue along the foreshore due to this.  All foreshore reserves are well provided for in terms of 50L rubbish bins.

 

CLEANING AND INSPECTION REGIMES

In February 2021, Council increased its litter collection service at all foreshore parks to 6 times a week – daily excluding Saturdays. This service frequency is now being continued as an ongoing standard. This includes on foot inspections of the foreshore areas by staff in relation to hook and line issues.

 

 

DOG OFF LEASH AREAS

The following foreshore parks have designated off leash areas in parts of each of the parkland foreshore areas:

·    Birchgrove Park

·    Looks Avenue Reserve

·    Illoura Reserve

·    Mort Bay Park

·    Ewenton Park

·    Paringa Reserve

·    Propeller Park

 

One option available to Council to assist in mitigating fishing hazards with respect to dog walking activities is to consider making foreshore parks completely on leash. However this is not likely to be welcomed by the community and would require a change in companion animal access conditions to foreshore parks. Any such change in companion animal access regulations to local foreshore parks would require community engagement.

 

RESTRICTING FISHING AREAS

Council has previously formally considered limiting fishing to “on leash parks only” areas.  However this option was recognized as impractical due to the difficulty around enforcement given the nature of fishing and the times in which fishing takes place – often throughout the night and early dawn hours. In this respect, Council has previously decided against restrictions on banning fishing within foreshore parks. Further, the activity of fishing is an important community recreational and cultural activity which is part of life for Australians of all ages and from all socio-economic backgrounds.

 

Currently, compliance patrols are limited to daytime only. There are inherent health and safety risks and operational matters around nighttime patrols and these would require careful consideration in terms of health and safety prior to their commencement.   

 

A review of the Council records has identified 2 complaints in the last 12 months regarding fishing activities along Council foreshore reserves.

 

Recommendation

It is recommended that Council maintain current servicing and management of foreshore parks noting the increase of servicing bins in particular, and the education and management steps which Council officers have taken to address fishing concerns.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 8

Subject:         Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy           

Prepared By:          Ken Welsh - Transport Planner 

Authorised By:       Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopts “Powering Ahead” - Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy (2023) as policy to inform its future implementation of initiatives to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Inner West.

 

 

DISCUSSION

In March 2020, Council adopted its Integrated Transport Strategy “Going Places” which included a recommendation to prepare a Transport Technology Framework. In recognition of the rapid growth in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and in order to achieve improved sustainability outcomes, it was decided to prepare an Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy and Action Plan (The Policy), ahead of the overall Transport Technology Framework.

 

Preparation of the Policy included the key steps shown on the timeline below (Figure 1).Figure 1 – EV Policy Development Timeline

 

In considering both the draft and, the subsequent final version, of the Policy it is important to note that it has been prepared within the overall context of Council’s sustainability and transport planning frameworks; particularly noting Council’s Road User Hierarchy (Figure 2) which prioritises active and public transport ahead of private transport. As such the key drivers behind this EV Policy are the growing demand for EVs and recognition that EVs will assist in achieving better sustainability and liveability outcomes than vehicles powered by internal combustion engine's (ICE).

 

It is within this context of demand, sustainability and liveability that the Policy was developed, and as such it should not be considered to encourage greater private car use. Moreover, as Council recognises that some trips will inevitably be in private cars, it would be preferred that these trips are in an EV, rather than an ICE.

 

 

Timeline

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Figure 2 – Council’s Road User Hierarchy (“Going Places” 2020)

 

 

In relation to the growing demand for EVs, as shown in Figure 3, between 2019 and 2021, the number of EVs registered in the Inner West has risen from 163 to 648 (nearly 300%). During that same time the number of public chargers in the LGA has only risen from 17 to 38 (125%).

 

Figure 3 – EVs registered in the Inner West LGA

 

Summary of exhibition results

In summary, the exhibition ran between 28 September 2022 and 23 November 2022. During this time Your Say Inner West received 2,283 hits from 1,414 unique visitors, resulting in 123 submissions from across the LGA.

 

These submissions indicated that 54% of respondents were somewhat to mostly satisfied with the draft Policy with an additional 26% of respondents were very satisfied with the draft Policy. Consequently, the exhibition indicated a high level of support for the draft Policy (80% of respondents expressing a level of satisfaction).

 

The survey also indicated that 17% respondents already own an EV and an additional 60% intend buying an EV within the next 5 years.

 

A detailed Engagement Outcomes Report is provided as Attachment 1.

 

Refinement of draft Strategy and Action Plan

 

The Your Say Inner West exhibition of the draft Strategy and Action Plan requested respondents to rank their three most important and three least important proposed actions. These rankings were used as the first step in prioritisation of the Action Plan. The ranked priorities were then weighted through Council Officers’ consideration of achievability, in order to group the prioritised actions into Immediate, Medium Term and Longer-Term Actions.

 

The achievability weighting used by Officers was based on each action’s:

·    Relationship to existing policies and projects;

·    Complexity of initiating and completing the action;

·    Potential cost of implementation;

·    Support from other agencies and stakeholders - including consideration of whether Council could independently initiate and complete the action.

 

Key alterations to the exhibited draft Policy

 

Based on Community feedback and the criteria outlined above, the following key alterations were made to the draft Strategy and Action Plan:

·    Background material was reduced in response to increased community awareness about EVs;

·    Updated data and graphics, including projected demand;

·    Increased emphasis on Council’s Road User Hierarchy and sustainability goals;

·    Replacement of “Ambitions” with “Strategic Directions”;

·    Prioritisation of actions as “Immediate”, “Medium Term” and ”Longer Term”;

·    Reduced consideration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (to be addressed in the future Transport Technology Framework);

·    Amalgamation of several actions which were complimentary;

·    Refinement of the Development Control Plan (DCP) rates of provision based on Community feedback and on-going review to align with similar policies;

·    Removal of draft site selection criteria for public charging facilities (to be included in the selective tender process for public charging partnerships);

·    Review to ensure alignment with the new National EV Strategy (released subsequent to exhibition of Council’s draft Policy).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Strategy and Action Plan (Included as Attachment 2)

 

Working at a high level the Strategy sets a Goal, Vision, Principles and two sets of Strategic Directions, while the Action Plan proposes a total of 19 actions prioritised as Immediate, Medium Term and Longer Term.

 

Actions already commenced

 

During preparation of the EV Policy it was recognised that, to reduce delays in implementation, the following actions should be initiated prior to completion of the Policy.

 

Fleet Transition:

In 2021-22 Council’s Urban Sustainability and Fleet Services Teams commenced transitioning Council’s vehicle fleet to EVs. To date roughly half of Council’s light vehicle fleet have been replaced with hybrids and 8 EVs have been included in the fleet.

 

A separate report on the fleet transition will be presented to Council.

 

Partnership with public charging providers:

With a view to establishing partnerships to encourage the provision of public EV charging in the Inner West, Council issued an Expression of Interest in the second half of 2022. Through this Expression of Interest Council has identified a number of potential partners who will be invited to tender through a selective tender process within the next 2-3 months. This tender process is aimed at, subject to grid capability, commencing the installation of public charging facilities in 2024.

 

Development Control Plan (DCP) review:

Council’s Strategic Planning and Strategic Transport Planning Teams began preparing a new DCP in 2022. The DCP Review includes consideration of rates for on-site EV charging provision.  Proposed rates of provision were included in the draft Action Plan and have been refined based on Community feedback and on-going review to align with similar policies.

 

Car Share Policy

To encourage car share operators to transition their fleets to EVs, Council ‘s revised Car Share Policy (2021) includes a series of carbon dioxide emission targets.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy and Action Plan does not have specific financial implications, however some of the proposed actions may require varying degrees of funding and/or may result in potential revenue streams for Council. Any such action will be subject to Council’s budgeting process prior to implementation.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Engagement Outcomes Report

2.

Draft Electric Vehicle Encouragement Strategy

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 












































































Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

























Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 9

Subject:         Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan           

Prepared By:          Jon Stiebel - Urban Sustainability Manager 

Authorised By:       Luke Murtas - Senior Manager Environment and Sustainability

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council adopt FY 2030/31 as the target for the complete transition of the Inner West Council fleet to Electric vehicles (EV).

 

2.   That Council commence the installation of charging infrastructure at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre, and Leichhardt Depot.

 

3.   That Council initiate planning for the roll out of comprehensive EV charging at St Peters Depot as part of the St Peters Depot Masterplan project.

 

4.   That Council commence replacement of existing pool vehicles now with EV’s, where fit for purpose and cost-effective models are available.

 

5.   That Council commence a trial of heavy vehicle plant to understand the current operational capacities of EV heavy vehicles and support their innovation.

 

6.   That Council be updated on progress with the EV fleet transition through quarterly operational plan reports.

 

7.   That Council adjust the draft FY 2023/24 capital budget to include $740,000 for charging infrastructure at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre and Leichhardt Depot.

 

 

BACKGROUND

Council’s Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan responds to the urgent need to decarbonise Council’s fleet of vehicles. It outlines the actions Council will take to achieve a cost effective and functional zero emissions fleet that meets the operational needs of Council.

 

The Sustainable Fleet Plan supports the objectives of Council’s:

 

·    Our Inner West 2036 Community Strategic Plan

·    Draft EV Encouragement Strategy

·    Inner West Climate and Renewables Strategy

 

Council resolution C0721 (1) (points e-g) included

 

e) Council works with the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) and Re:Mobilise to:

 

i. Prepare a comprehensive fleet transition plan including light and heavy vehicle fleet with a goal of adopting zero-emissions transport where a fit for purpose and cost-effective alternative exists on a whole of life costing basis; and

 

ii. Explore entering into memorandum of understandings to collaborate with other councils to aggregate buying power, and develop competencies required for the transition.

 

f) Council to plan for complete transition to EVs by 2025 starting in the 2021-22 financial year; and

 

g) Council notes the Community Strategic Plan states: "Government makes responsible decisions to manage finite resources in the best interest of current and future communities". In light of this, and the climate emergency that Council declared in May 2019, the fleet should be electrified as soon as possible. As such, all newly leased or purchased IWC passenger and utility fleet vehicles will be zero emissions vehicles (where fit for purpose) beginning no later than EOFY 2021-22.

 

DISCUSSION

The Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan is informed by sustainable fleet consultants MOV3MENT.

 

MOV3MENT were engaged by Council in 2022 to:

 

1.   Review the entire Council fleet, assessing current and future vehicle options to establish a pathway to an all-EV fleet

2.   Conduct site inspections of all Council depots and administration centres to establish charging infrastructure requirements and high-level costing

3.   Modelling a Total Cost of Ownership EV price premium for full electric fleet transition.

In 2022, Council’s fleet comprised 328 vehicles, consisting of light and heavy vehicles.

 

MOV3MENT advise that with substantial effort, Council could achieve a cost effective fully electric fleet that meets the operational needs of Council by 2030/31. Further, several vehicle categories have fit for purpose and cost-effective EV options available now based on a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) assessment. The EV fleet transition has commenced with eight fully electric vehicles operational in the fleet since 2022.

 

Model availability is still the main barrier to EV uptake in Australia which misses out on many models available in other similar markets which have policies to attract EV’s. Supply chain shortages since the start of COVID-19 have further impacted availability. Recent Federal government policy announcements intend to address the upfront cost and availability issue.

 

One stand-out segment not supported yet is the utility (Ute) market with affordable mainstream EV variants unlikely to be available until FY24/25. Options for heavy vehicles are also limited with only a few manufacturers offering these locally.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Based on Council’s criteria that an EV fleet must be fit for purpose and cost-effective, the background work for the Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan included:

 

·    Assessment of the entire fleet, and the required charging infrastructure across 7 Council facilities including identifying where upgrade works to existing switchboards are needed, assessing electrical infrastructure, network supply capacity, proposed charger numbers, types and sizes, and costs per site.

·    Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and financial modelling to determine the EV price premium for full fleet conversion to electric vehicles.

The minimum cost to install charging infrastructure across seven Inner West Council sites is an estimated $2.7M spread across several years as capital works are staged to match the roll out of the electric fleet (Refer Table 1 below).

 

During the project some managers expressed that fast DC chargers could be required. While MOV3MENT have not proposed these, they are priced at approximately $48K per charger if required. This cost is not included in the above $2.7M figure.

 

In addition, $900K could be required for electrical transformer upgrades at St Peters and Balmain Depots but will need to be confirmed with Ausgrid (refer Table 1 below).

 

Table 1: Potential estimated charging infrastructure costs

Cost item

Minimum cost estimate

Maximum cost estimate

Base cost for charging infrastructure, site reconfiguration works (where required)

$2.7M

 $2.7M

­  Optional installation of 1 x 50kW fast charger at each location

 

 $336K

­  Electrical transformer upgrades at St Peters and Balmain Depots (if required by Ausgrid)

 $900K

Total

$2.7M

 $3.9M

 

St Peters depot involves the most significant works, including major electrical upgrades on the main switch and on multiple distribution boards, electricity supply upgrade, and civil works. Charging infrastructure at St Peters is best implemented in a staged approach matching the number of EVs.

 

Due to the size and range of vehicles at St Peters, the whole site layout for fleet vehicles should be reviewed in conjunction with long-term planning for this site, prior to detailed design of the depot EV charging solution.

 

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Assessment and EV price premium

 

Fleets recoup the higher upfront cost of an EV through lower operating costs. An EV fleet has fewer running costs, servicing requirements are far less, and the lower cost of electricity compared to fuel results in significant operational savings. The business case for EV’s compares the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an EV compared with its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) equivalent, including: 

 

·      Upfront purchase costs and the resale price (the difference being depreciation) 

·      Fuel costs (e.g. petrol, diesel) vs cost of electricity 

·      Differences in servicing and maintenance costs  

·      Administration costs (e.g. registration and insurance) 

 

Consultants MOV3MENT calculated the Total Cost of Ownership of EV’s available today compared to current ICE vehicles across fleet vehicle segments.  The results were that, depending on the specific EV model selected, it is now cost effective to transition light vehicles to EV, where comparable models are available, if council holds light vehicles for 4 years instead of two.  

 

While availability of suitable heavy vehicles is still limited, the analysis for heavy vehicles available today showed that:

·    for a very reasonable cost premium ($3,000 – $4,000 p/a) it is feasible to commence transitioning some heavy vehicles where a comparable EV option is available now (under moderate fuel prices),

·    under higher fuel prices (i.e. $2.10/litre), the annual total cost of ownership for an EV heavy vehicle option is lower than an ICE heavy vehicle if Council holds the vehicle for 6 years. The only exception was for small trucks. 

 

MOV3MENT then modelled the Total Cost of Ownership premium to transition all of Council’s fleet across to EVs, taking account of the estimated availability of EV models to 2030, and a reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership over time, in line with industry expectations.

 

The modelling estimates the EV Total Cost of Ownership premium at $2.1M between 2022/23 and 2030/31.  

 

When the EV Total Cost of Ownership premium is added to the estimated cost of EV charging infrastructure, the required investment to transition the fleet is estimated at between $4.8M and $6M (Table 2) from 2023/24 – 2030/31. 

 

Table 2 Estimated Costs to Transition Fleet to EV 2023/24 – 2030/31

Cost item

Minimum cost estimate

Maximum cost estimate

EV TCO premium

$2.1M

 $2.1M

Base cost for charging infrastructure, site reconfiguration works (where required)

$2.7M

 $2.7M

­  Optional installation of 1 x 50kW fast charger at each location

 

 $336K

­  Electrical transformer upgrades at St Peters and Balmain Depots (if required by Ausgrid)

 $900K

Total

$4.8M

 $6.0M

 

It should be noted that financial modelling the EV transition is challenging due to current economic factors:

·    Higher resale values / low vehicle depreciation (post COVID)

·    Highly variable fuel prices. Petrol and diesel prices have surged by 30% or more in some weeks. 

 

It is difficult to predict how long these economic factors will remain. To account for this uncertainty MOV3MENT included two different rates of depreciation and fuel prices in the modelling. Further variables include new and anticipated Federal government policy which is expected to make EVs more available and reduce costs. These variables are not reflected in the modelling, which was completed before these policy changes, so the estimated EV Total Cost of Ownership premium is likely to be conservative.

 

Funding of this multi-year project, which will see Council’s operating expenditure reduce through the decrease in fuel usage, service, and maintenance costs of its fleet, will come from a number of sources aligning to the capital spend.

 

The FY 2023/24 draft capital budget currently on exhibition will need to be adjusted to include $740,000 for the installation of charging infrastructure at Ashfield Service Centre, Leichhardt Service Centre, and Leichhardt Depot to commence the first stage of the project.

 

The cost of vehicles to be bought in FY 2023/24 will be funded through the existing fleet reserve.

 

Funding for additional charging infrastructure in the following stages will be considered through the FY 2024/25 budget process.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Sustainable Fleet Transition Plan

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 



























Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 10

Subject:         Little Villages Signage           

Prepared By:          Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council proceed on the development of designs for the Little Village gateway and wayfinding signs in Petersham, Marrickville and Leichhardt.

 

2.   That work continue on identifying locations for giant lettering signs for Little Greece and Little Portugal.

 

3.   That work continue regarding the design, fabrication and costs for giant lettering signs of Little Italy and Little Vietnam.

 

 

DISCUSSION

At the Council meeting on 14 March 2023, Council resolved the following:

 

That Council defer consideration of the Report until the May 2023 Meeting and hold a briefing session in the meantime, with the inclusion of additional information including:

1.    Updated designs of Wayfinding and Gateway signage incorporating community language and recognition of First Nations traditional ownership of land;

 

2.    Options for and advice around the inclusion of accessibility measures in Wayfinding and Gateway signage, including braille;

 

3.    Options and budget implications for the development of giant lettering signs in each of the little villages (Little Greece, Little Vietnam, Little Italy and Little Portugal);

 

4.    An update on the feasibility of installing a large scale artwork on the Petersham Water Tower following more detailed conversations with Sydney Water; and

5. Any additional options for large scale signage for Little Villages.

 

The following is a response to the above points:

 

1.   Updated designs incorporating community language and recognition of First Nations traditional ownership of land.

The design proposals for the wayfinding and gateway signs have been reviewed and options prepared identifying options for incorporating community language, as per Attachment 1.

 

The gateway signs have been modified to incorporate appropriate First Nation recognition in the form of artwork reflecting the Aboriginal naming of the five Council wards and a message, as supported by Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

 

It is recommended that minor amendments to the designs are made, incorporating community language and additional First Nation recognition in the gateway signs.

 

2.   Options for and advice around the inclusion of accessibility measures in Wayfinding and Gateway signage, including braille

Under Australian Standards, there is a requirement to incorporate braille in building signage but not street signage. The use of braille in wayfinding signage is therefore considered optional. To effectively incorporate braille more work is required to determine the appropriate messaging system and principles, including identifying what needs to be communicated and what sign types to be utilised.

 

Preliminary investigations identified that the wayfinding and gateway signs are likely to form a small part of a larger communication system for vision impaired people, with other opportunities in the street, including traffic light poles able to provide a more valuable contribution.

 

The design concepts for the gateway and wayfinding signs meet all standards for visual contrast and legibility and will significantly improve accessibility for community members by providing guidance to local landmarks.

 

The incorporation of braille or other accessibility measures in the wayfinding and gateway signs is therefore not recommended at this time. 

 

3.   Options and budget implications for the development of giant lettering signs in each of the little villages (Little Greece, Little Vietnam, Little Italy and Little Portugal)

As stated in the original report, the development of giant lettering signs has a preliminary estimate of approximately $90,000 for each site to cover both design and construction/ fabrication.

 

Spatial constraints for Little Greece (Marrickville Rd) and Little Portugal (New Canterbury Rd or Audley St) have meant suitable sites have not been identified and work continues for these.

 

In the case of the Little Vietnam proposal at the Calvert St carpark, this concept can be developed in concert with the Marrickville Town Centre Public Domain master plan for which community engagement is currently underway.

 

In the case of the Little Italy proposal (Norton St/Marion St corner), this is ready to be progressed, next steps include a local engagement with the Italian community and development of a detailed design.

 

 

4.   An update on the feasibility of installing a large scale artwork on the Petersham Water Tower following more detailed conversations with Sydney Water

Council has made contact with Sydney Water and been advised verbally that they are not supportive of a painted mural artwork on the reservoir due to implications of increased maintenance and impacts on the heritage fabric of the steel.

 

Council is awaiting a written response from Sydney Water regarding this.

 

5.   Additional options for large scale signage for Little Villages.

Additional design drawings presenting indicative proposals for large scale signage are included in Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

 

Parramatta Road Urban Activation Improvement Program Works

 

In April Council committed to the install of wayfinding signage in the Leichhardt, Annandale and Petersham area. This work, linked to the Parramatta Road Urban Activation Improvement Program, included six (6) separately funded wayfinding signs in Norton Street identifying Little Italy.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Council has entered into a contract to install wayfinding signage in the Norton Street area funded in the 2022/23 budget year.

 

The 14 March 2023 Council report recommended proceeding with the development of Little Village wayfinding and gateway signage in Petersham, Marrickville and Leichhardt, requiring funding of $285,000, and this has formed part of the budget consideration for 2023/24 Financial Year.  This funding excludes the signage committed to be installed in Norton Street, as the Norton Street wayfinding signs are a current year commitment. 

 

A budget requirement for the giant lettering signs will be clarified through additional work on a detailed design. 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Attachment 1 Little Village Signage workshop presentation

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 



















Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 11

Subject:         Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill Interim Heritage Order and proposed Heritage Listing           

Prepared By:          Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council authorise the time extension of the Interim Heritage Order on the property ‘11 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill’ by an additional six months in line with Section 29(2) of the Heritage Act 1977.

 

2.   That Council authorise the placing of an Interim Heritage Orders on 7, 9 and 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill for six months in line with Part 3 of the Heritage Act 1977 and the NSW Government Gazette No. 28 of 12 July 2013.

 

3.   That Council authorise the General Manager to immediately notify the property owners and the public via a Government Gazette of Council’s decision to extend the Interim Heritage Order on 11 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill and the placing of Interim Heritage Orders for 7, 9 and 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill.

 

4.   That Council authorise the preparation of a draft Planning Proposal to amend Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 for 7, 9, 11 and 13 Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill as a Group Item and 3 Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill as an Individual Item.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Background

 

In 2021, Council engaged specialist consultants GML Heritage to undertake an Inner West local government area (LGA) wide heritage review. During the project's early phases, five properties on Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill, were identified as having potential heritage significance. The Potential Heritage Conservation Area Study (February 2022) states:

 

“That Nos. 7 to 13 Macarthur Parade are pursued for group listing. A group listing would provide additional statutory protections than would be achieved through a Heritage Conservation Area. It is also recommended to investigate the individual heritage listing of 3 Macarthur Parade, the Dulwich Hill Baptist Church. The church, while originating from the same estate, displays different values and would have inherent local historic and social significance.” (GML Heritage, 2022)

 

Attachment 1 contains an excerpt from the February 2022 Study.

 

This outcome reiterated the request from a group of Dulwich Hill residents who sought heritage protection of the same five properties. A copy of their submission is contained in Attachment 2.

 

In October 2022, Council became aware that 11 Macarthur Parade was for sale and being marketed as a heritage free development site.

 

Council is authorised to make Interim Heritage Orders (IHOs) by Ministerial Order as published in the Government Gazette No. 90 of 12 July 2013. An IHO can be made if Council has considered if the following pre-conditions are in place:

a)   it has considered a preliminary heritage assessment of the item prepared by a person with appropriate heritage knowledge, skills and experience employed or retained by the Council and considers that:

(i)         the item is or is likely to be found, on further inquiry and investigation, to be of local heritage significance;

(ii)         the item is being or is likely to be harmed;

(iii)        the IHO is confined to the item determined to be under threat.

 

In response, under delegation, the General Manager sought an IHO be placed on the property. The IHO (No. 6) was issued under Section 25 of the Heritage Act 1977 and was published in the NSW Government Gazette 553 on 25 November 2022. Refer to Attachment 3 for a copy of the Gazettal Notice. This occurred a week before the property was due for auction on 3 December. It was subsequently passed in and remains on the market. We understand it was scheduled for a further auction on 22 April. At the time of preparing this report the outcome is unknown.

 

Progress during the Interim Order period 

Since the IHO was put in place, a detailed assessment has been undertaken and has established heritage significance for:

·    7-13 Macarthur Parade as a local group listing; and

·    3 Macarthur Parade as a local individual listing

Refer to Attachment 4 for the draft Heritage Inventory Sheets.

 

On this basis, work has begun on a draft Planning Proposal to amend Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 (LEP). This project was progressing as a component of the Inner West Heritage Review that is the subject of a future Council report. However, due to the imminent expiry of the IHO the draft Planning Proposal is being fast-tracked as the NSW Government Gazette No. 90, Schedule 5, Clause 2 states:

 

(5)  An IHO made by a council must contain the following condition:

“This Interim Heritage Order will lapse after six months from the date it is made unless the local council has passed a resolution before that date; and

(i)      in the case of an item which, in the council’s opinion, is of local significance, the resolution seeks to place the item on the heritage schedule of a local environmental plan with appropriate provisions for protecting and managing the item.”

 

The current IHO expires on 23 May 2023, and this report requests endorsement of extending the IHO along with preparing a draft Planning Proposal.

 

The draft Planning Proposal is scheduled to be considered by the Inner West Local Planning Panel (LPP) on 9 May 2023.  The LPP are expected to indicate their support for the proposal.  Referral to the LPP is required prior to making a recommendation to Council to refer the draft Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to amend the LEP. 

The Planning Proposal with the LPP recommendation will be put to Council at its meeting of 20 June 2023.

 

Endorsement of a further three Interim Heritage Orders on the remaining sites in the proposed group listing (7, 9 and 13 Macarthur Parade, Dulwich Hill) is sought. This will ensure all properties in the proposed group listing remain intact while the process to provide permanent statutory protections progresses.

 

The preliminary heritage advice received from GML Heritage, and the draft detailed heritage assessment received from Council’s Heritage Specialists, both state that heritage significance is achieved for 7, 9, 11 and 13 Macarthur Parade as they are a group of houses built at a similar time with joint historical significance. This demonstrates the need for interim heritage protections on all four sites, as the loss or damage to one building would substantially diminish the heritage significance of the entire estate of houses. It is also noted that 5 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill has not been considered in this Planning Proposal as the original building has been demolished and replaced.

 

Next steps

 

Subject to outcomes of this report:

·    Processes will begin to extend the IHO on 11 Macarthur Parade for a further six months, and to place an IHO on 7,9 and 13 Macarthur Parade Dulwich Hill; and

·    The draft Planning Proposal will be tabled at the 20 June 2023 Council meeting (accompanied by the LPP recommendation) for endorsement to proceed to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for Gateway Determination.

 

Officers will proactively work with DPE encourage turn-around of the Gateway decision to ensure statutory consultation begins before the six-month period expires. Until the amendment to Schedule 5 of the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 is exhibited, the draft heritage listing has no legal status. Should the IHO lapse the property could be demolished as complying development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development).

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Extract of GMLs Heritage Study (February 2022)

2.

Dulwich Hill Residents Submission (March 2018)

3.

IHO Gazette Notice (25 November 2022)

4.

Draft Inventory Sheets – for Group Listing of 7-13 Macarthur Parade and Individual Listing of 3 Macarthur Parade (March 2023)

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 





Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 













Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 





Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 



















Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 12

Subject:         Arts and Music Recovery Final Plan for Endorsement           

Prepared By:          Vikki Woods - Senior Events Specialist  

Authorised By:       Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council endorse the Arts and Music Recovery Plan.

 

 

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 11 April 2023, Council resolved:

 

1.   That Council receive and note the report;

 

2.   That Council circulate the final report to key stakeholders, including all Arts Summit attendees and relevant local sector organisations, for final consideration; and

 

3.   That following this process, that the report returns to the May 2023 Ordinary Council meeting for endorsement.

 

DISCUSSION

Following the April meeting, Council officers have distributed the draft Inner West Arts and Music Recovery Plan to Arts Summit attendees as well as key stakeholders and relevant local sector organisations. There was no feedback from the sector. The final plan is now attached for endorsement.

Next Steps

Once endorsed, the Plan will be professionally formatted and designed so it can be published on Council’s website and sent to all the participants who attended the Arts Summit on 2nd June 2022. It will also be provided to other key external stakeholders such as Create NSW.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

As previously reported to Council, the initiatives set out in the Plan have been costed at approximately $130,000 and funding included in the draft 2023/2024 budget for Community Directorate. Implementation will be overseen by the Director to ensure budget compliance.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Arts and Music Recovery Plan - April 2023

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 















Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 13

Subject:         Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Plan           

Prepared By:          David Paton - Engineering Services Manager

Authorised By:       Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Plan.

 

 

BACKGROUND

The proposed Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (Attachment 1) represents a comprehensive review of flood behaviour in the Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal catchments of Inner West Council, as well as a suite of measures to mitigate and manage the risks resulting from flood events.

Inner West Council, and its predecessors, has been undertaking Flood Risk Studies across the 11 catchments within its LGA since 2009 in accordance with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy. The policy specifies a staged approach to the floodplain management process, as identified in Figure 1 below.

 

Figure 1 - Summary of the Floodplain Risk Management Process

A Flood Risk Management Plan extends the flood modelling undertaken as part of a Flood Study and proposes recommendations for several mitigation options – including stormwater drainage upgrades and improved short-term storage of water – as well as a range of non-structural management measures which will reduce the risk associated with flooding.

 

These reports form the basis of long-term planning for stormwater capacity upgrades, development controls and contribution schemes, as well as emergency management planning.

 

To date, Council has completed 9 Flood Studies, encompassing 12 of its 15 catchments and representing approximately 90% of the Local Government Area. Of these, Council has completed three Flood Risk Management Studies & Plans (FRMSP) which outline proposed mitigations options across six of the catchment areas.

 

The three completed FRMSP include:

-     Eastern Channel Subcatchment Management Plan

-     Marrickville Valley Flood Risk Management Study & Plan

-     Leichhardt Flood Risk Management Study & Plan

The Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan represents the next largest catchments within Inner West Council and will increase the coverage of Flood Risk Management Plans to 80% of the Inner West.

The Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan examines a range of flood modification, property modification and emergency management options aimed at reducing the likelihood and / or consequences of flooding. The review of flood affection to properties did not recommend any amendments to previously adopted flood mapping within Council’s Development Control Plans.

A prioritisation plan has been developed, based on an adopted multi-criteria assessment including cost-benefit ratio, and is provided in the Executive Summary of the report.

The typical scope of these studies under the Flood Risk Management Framework does not provide a comprehensive design or feasibility assessment of these options, and consequently the Plan does not extend to develop a prescribed schedule for these works. It is assumed that the proposed measures will undergo further feasibility assessment and design as part of the adopted Stormwater Upgrades budget and as funding becomes available through external funding grants, and development contributions.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The upgrade and mitigation measures identified in the Flood Risk Management Plan represent a capital outlay of approximately $17.5M; however, given the nature of the flood risk management plan and the level of conceptual detail, they do not present a prescribed schedule for implementation.

 

Rather, the Flood Risk Management Studies and Plans identify mitigation measures that have merit for implementation when funding becomes available, or the opportunity arises from major development. These plans provide a sound basis from which Council can make decisions concerning the undertaking of works, making planning decisions and developing response arrangements to reduce the impact of flooding.

 

Consequently, these individual projects are not currently listed within Council’s current Delivery Program or the 10-Year Long Term Financial Plan.

 

Council’s current Delivery Program includes an ongoing investment of $3M each year split equally across Stormwater Renewal and Stormwater Upgrade projects. Allocations have been made within the Stormwater Upgrade program for further design and feasibility assessment of the mitigation measures coming from the plans adopted by Council to date.

 

Works will be considered for adoption as part of Council ongoing commitment of $1.5 million per annum for stormwater upgrades on the basis of existing works programs, availability of funding and other opportunities to combine floodplain works with other infrastructure works.

 

The NSW Government, through the Department of Planning currently offers supporting grants for up to two-thirds funding for selected flood mitigation projects each year. The grant scheme is a competitive process with authorities across the State competing for a relatively small pool of funds. Additional flood reconstruction and resilience programs have also been adopted recently by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and the NSW Government through the   NSW Reconstruction Authority. Council has made applications for supporting funds for existing flood mitigation projects under both of these schemes and would endeavour to do so on an ongoing basis to limit impact to Inner West Council’s Operating Budget.

 

 

 

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The Draft Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan was placed on public exhibition from 5 August 2017 to 30 August 2019. The plan was made available on Council’s ‘Your Say Inner West’ webpage and the exhibition promoted through Council’s newsletter and website. In addition, letters were also sent to residents directly located within the catchment areas.

 

Community members were invited to view the plan and indicate the extent of their support for the plan. Community members were also able to provide comment on which options they support, which options they do not support and whether there was any other flood affected area not been addressed in the plan.

 

This process was overseen by Council’s Flood Management Advisory Committee, with the results of the consultation provided to the committee at is meeting on the 12 December 2019.

 

The Committee recommended:

The Flood Management Advisory Committee endorse the final draft Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan to Council for adoption, subject to:

-     Issue of response letters to all written submissions

-     Review of wordings, noted grammatical errors and catchment references

-     Additional comments regarding importance of vulnerability education within an urban catchment.

 

These matters were addressed in the final version of the Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study & Plan now presented to Council.

 

CONCLUSION

The Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan identifies that the proposed emergency response measures should be implemented as the first planned risk management action. Council has already commenced work with Ashfield-Leichhardt SES and Marrickville SES to update the local Flood Emergency Subplans with this information.

 

The Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan identifies structural flood mitigation measures that represent a capital outlay of approximately $17.5M over the life of the plan. However, does not recommend a specific works plan for the implementation of these measures. Instead, the Dobroyd Canal and Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan identifies a series of structural flood modification measures and property modification measures that have merit for implementation when the opportunity arises. A sound basis is provided from which Council can make decisions about the undertaking of works, making planning decisions and developing response arrangements to reduce the impact of flooding on property and life. Implementation may not necessarily take the form of “highest ranking to lowest ranking”.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Dobroyd Canal & Hawthorne Canal Flood Risk Management Study and Plan

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 




































































































































































































































































































































Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 14

Subject:         Investment Policy Update           

Prepared By:          Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the updated Inner West Council Investment Policy be adopted.

 

 

DISCUSSION

On an annual basis Council reviews its investment policy in line with current investment conditions and regulations.  Within the current review process the policy has also been transferred into Councils new policy template with consistent wording.  The changes below are proposed for the Inner West Council Investment Policy:

 

·    Updating of Delegation of Authority, to provide Council’s Financial Reporting and Control Manager delegated authority to manage Council’s investments, in addition to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

·    Replaced of reference to the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005 which has been superseded by the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021.

·    Added Office of Local Government Circulars to the legislative reference and requirements.

·    Inclusion of non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 within Prohibited Investments.

·    Credit and Maturity Guidelines –

·    Overall Portfolio Credit Framework

·     NSW TCorpIM Funds – changed the fund exposure limit to 20%, aligning to the Short-Term Income Fund total allowable exposure.

·    Institutional Credit Framework

·    Removal of TCorpIM Cash Fund which is no longer available.

·    Performance Benchmark updated to 100% for non-fossil fuel investments.

·    Added Sections 14B and 14C(3) of the Trustee Amendment (Discretionary Investments) Act 1997.

 

Delegation of Authority

In addition to the Chief Financial Officer having delegation to manage Council’s investments, the proposed changes to the Investment Policy include the Director Corporate and the Financial Reporting and Control Manager also being given delegation. This is considered prudent from a risk management perspective to ensure an appropriate level of back-up within the function. 

 

Many banks are requesting proof of Delegated Authorities having been ratified by Council. For the purposes of investing, it is efficient to have a table within the Investment Policy, and so the changes recommended include the provision of a table listing the updated Authorised Officers:

 

Proposed changes to the Delegation of Authority section

Authority for implementation of the Investment Policy is delegated by Council to the General Manager in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

 

Authorised Officer

Roles and Responsibilities

General Manager

Authority to invest surplus funds and authority to delegate this function in accordance with the councils adopted investment policy.

Director Corporate

As per executed Delegation of Authority

Chief Financial Officer

As per executed Delegation of Authority

Financial Reporting and Control Manager

As per executed Delegation of Authority

 

Those officers with delegated authority to manage Council’s investments, as per above, shall acknowledge they have received a copy of this policy and understand their obligations in this role.

 

Prohibited Investments

Council proposes the inclusion of compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 in this updated policy.  This Act requires entities based, or operating, in Australia, which have an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million, to report annually on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, and actions to address those risks. Other entities based, or operating, in Australia may report voluntarily.

 

Proposed addition to Prohibited Investments

Council shall have no investments with banking institutions and organisations who have not incorporated compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 into their operations.

 

Credit and Maturity Guidelines

 

Proposed Changes to Portfolio Credit Framework

To control the credit quality on the entire portfolio, the following credit framework limits the percentage of the portfolio exposed to any credit rating category:

 

             Long Term Credit Ratings 

Portfolio Max %

AAA, AA+, AA, AA-

100%

A+, A, A-

70%

BBB+, BBB

20%

BBB- and lower & Unrated (excluding NSW TCorpIM Funds)

0%

Specific Ministerial Approved Forms of Investment

Portfolio Max %

NSW TCorpIM Funds

100% 20%

 

Proposed changes to Institutional Credit Framework

Council’s exposure to be an individual institution will be restricted by the institution’s credit rating, with the exception of the NSW TCorpIM Funds which do not have credit ratings:

 

Long Term Credit Ratings

Institution Max %

AAA, AA+, AA, AA-

50%

A+, A, A-

30%

BBB+, BBB

10%

BBB- and lower & Unrated (excluding NSW TCorpIM Funds)

0%

NSW TCorp IM Funds

Max %

 

TCorpIM Cash Fund

35%

 

TCorpIM Short Term Income Fund

20%

 

 

 

 

Performance Benchmarks

Council remains 100% invested in non-fossil fuel investments, with the below outdated statement removed from the updated policy document:

 

‘In addition, Council targets exposure to non-fossil fuel investments to be no less than 70% of its overall portfolio.’

 

Trustee Amendment (Discretionary Investments) Act 1997 – Section 14B & 14C(3)

Two new additions are proposed to be added to the Investment Policy, relating to Law and Equity Preserved and Matters to which trustees are to have regard when exercising power of investment.

 

14B Law and equity preserved

This section maintains any rules and principles of law or equity about trustee duty unless contrary to the Principal Act, another Act, or the trust document. The trustee must invest trust funds in investments that are not speculative or hazardous and seek advice. Any rules and principles of law or equity related to a trust document provision regarding trustee exemption, limited liability or indemnity concerning a breach of trust still apply.

 

Section 14C(3)

Matters the trustee must consider when investing. A trustee must comply with this section except when a legal trust document directs otherwise.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Inner West Council Investment Policy

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 























Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 15

Subject:         Land Classification - 49E Hercules Street Dulwich Hill           

Prepared By:          Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager 

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council resolves to classify the land being Lot 2 DP 1286164, also known as 49E Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill NSW 2203, as Operational Land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

Background

Council recently finalised the purchase of Lot 2 in Deposited Plan 1286164 (approximately 8m2), also known as 49E Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill NSW for the Greenway Project and the property is now formally in the ownership of the Inner West Council.

 

The property (Figure 1) was purchased by agreement and settled on 13 March 2023.

 

The property is required for the construction of cycle and pedestrian paths as part of the GreenWay project.

 

Figure 1. 49E Hercules Street Dulwich Hill (Lot 2 DP 1286164)

 

 

Land Classification

Under Chapter 6, Part 2, Division 1 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), any land owned by the Council must be classified as either Community or Operational land.

 

A Council resolution to classify the newly acquired land as Operational is required within three months of transfer (no later than 13 June 2023).

 

Should Council choose not to resolve the classification of the land within three months of transfer the land would, by default, become classified as community land. This will cause difficulty in the ongoing management of the land for the purposes of the construction of the GreenWay project, for which it was purchased, and a Plan of Management (POM) would also be required for the parcel of land at an additional cost to Council.

 

If the land, being a separate parcel, was to be classified as community land, the Greenway works would be delayed as a separate Plan of Management would be required to allow the works to be undertaken. It is not considered appropriate for 49E Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill to be classified as community land but rather operational land. Classifying the land as operational land will allow the necessary works to be undertaken to the GreenWay (without delay) as it relates to this discrete parcel of land.

 

It is also noted that this is the only piece of Council owned land in the vicinity as much of the surrounding land related to the Greenway Project is owned by Rail Corporation New South Wales (Figure 2.)

 

Figure 2. Greenway Project – Rail Corporation owned land - Light Rail Corridor adjacent to 49E Hercules Street Dulwich Hill

 

 

Public Notice

In accordance with Section 34 of the Act, a Council must give public notice of a proposal to classify public land. The notice must provide for a period of not less than 28 days during which submissions can be made to Council.

 

The notification was published on Council’s website at the Have Your Say page as well as on the Public Notices page from 24 March 2023 to 20 April 2023.

 

There were no submissions made in response to this public notice.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with classifying the acquired land as operational.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 16

Subject:         Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 17 April 2023           

Prepared By:          Sunny Jo - Acting Traffic and Transport Planning Manager  

Authorised By:       Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 17 April 2023 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

 

ITEMS BY WARD

Ward

Item

Baludarri

(Balmain)

Terry Street near Wise Street, Rozelle - Proposed line marking treatments

Pedestrian safety at Balmain Road, Lilyfield

Gulgadya

(Leichhardt)

Lyall Street at Flood Street, Leichhardt – Proposed Kerb Ramp Realignment and Landscaped Blister Island Modification

Chester Street at Gehrig Lane, Annandale - Proposed 'No Stopping' restrictions

Midjuburi

(Marrickville)

Northcote Street, Marrickville – Pedestrian safety improvement works – Project 303082 - Design Plan 10239 – new pedestrian refuge

Djarrawunang

(Ashfield)

Wardell Road/Riverside Crescent, Dulwich Hill- Proposed Bicycles Excepted signposting

Holden Street, Ashfield - Proposed pedestrian refuge, mobility (disabled) parking space and postal space adjacent to Lewis   Herman Reserve

Fairfowl Street at Pile Street, Dulwich Hill – Proposed Streetscape Improvements – Project 302892 - Design Plan 10206-A - Formalisation of road closure

Heavy vehicle and trailer parking Old Canterbury Road, Ashfield

Damun (Stanmore)

Cavendish Street at Holt Street, Stanmore – Pedestrian Safety Improvement Works – Project 303082 – Design Plan 10243-1 -     raised pedestrian crossings

All Wards

Nil.

 

DISCUSSION

The April 2023 meeting of the Local Traffic Committee was at Ashfield Service Centre. 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 meeting minutes - 17 April 2023

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 









Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 17

Subject:         Post Exhibition -  Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy           

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

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopt the Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy in Attachment 1.

 

 

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 14 March 2023, Council resolved the following:

 

1.   That Council place the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy, as attached to the report, be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, subject to the following amendment being made to Clause 5.7:

a)   The General Manager or the staff member authorised to manage a councillor request will provide a response within a maximum of ten business days, or sooner where possible or necessary, or proactively advise if the request will exceed the ten business days. Where a response cannot be provided within that timeframe, the councillor will be advised, and the information will be provided as soon as practicable.

 

2.   That Council consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting the final Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy.

 

Council has amended the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy to reflect the above Council resolution and subsequently placed the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy on public exhibition.

 

DISCUSSION

There were three submissions received during the public exhibition period regarding the draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy, as outlined below:

Support (Yes or No)

Public Exhibition Comment/Explanation

IWC Comment

Yes

So that the councillors will be in a position to address a resident's issue effectively

Concur

No

The councillors are the governing body of a local council. Councillors are the representatives of the community. To undertake their role they need to all have access to the relevant staff when requiring information, and in a timeframe that permits them to undertake their role effectively. Respect should always be shown by both councillors and staff when communicating, but these guidelines are  working against the democratic processes outlined in the Local Govt. Act. They appear to be drafted in a manner that prevents members of the governing body, the councillors, from executing their roles as members speaking for the community that elected them! It seems more like an effort to pass control from the elected representatives to the GM and staff, and this is not how a council is intended to function under the LG Act 1993.

The model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy was developed by the Office of Local Government (OLG) in consultation with key NSW Government agencies including the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Information and Privacy Commission, the State Archives and Records Authority, and Resilience NSW.

 

It represents best practice and is not in conflict with the Local Government Act 1993.

 

The policy provides a framework for Councillors when exercising their civic functions by specifically addressing their ability to interact with, and receive advice from, authorised staff to assist Councillors in executing their roles.

No

No comment provided

N/A

 

After reviewing the feedback provided during the public exhibition period it is proposed to adopt the publicly exhibited Policy, as exhibited, with no changes. Noting the comments provided have been addressed as outlined in the table above.

 

The Policy will provide direction on interactions between councillors and staff to assist both parties in carrying out their day-to-day duties professionally, ethically, fairly and respectfully. It applies to all interactions between councillors and staff, complementing the Inner West Council Code of Conduct.

 

The implementation of the model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy is a form of risk mitigation, ensuring appropriate processes and controls are in place for activities undertaken by Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no budget implications associated with the adoption of the Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Draft Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 
















Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 18

Subject:         Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meetings held on 16 November 2022 and 5 December 2022           

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

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meetings held on 16 November 2022 and 5 December 2022 be adopted.

 

 

DISCUSSION

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) is established in accordance with section 428A of the Local Government Act 1993.

The objective of Council’s ARIC is to provide independent assurance to Council by monitoring, reviewing and providing advice about the Council’s governance processes, compliance, risk management and control frameworks, external accountability obligations and overall performance.

In accordance with the ARIC Terms of Reference, copies of the minutes of the Committee are to be provided to the Council.

The confirmed minutes of the ARIC meeting held on 16 November and 5 December 2022 are attached.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funding to support the ARIC is included in the existing adopted  budget.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - 16 November 2022

2.

Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee - 5 December 2022

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 










Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 




 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 19

Subject:         Renters Rights           

Prepared By:          Daniel East - Acting Senior Manager Planning 

Authorised By:       Simone Plummer - Director Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.   That Council write to the Ministers for Housing, Small Business and Customer Service to advocate for:

a)   no fault evictions;

b)   lengthening tenancy agreements; and

c)   implementation of a Certificate of Habitation for dwellings.

 

2.   That Council consult further with local tenant advocacy groups in support of point 1 above.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting held on 8 November 2022, Council resolved in part:

That Council:

2.   Receive a report from Council Officers to the February 2023 Council meeting identifying how Council can propose legislative and regulatory changes to achieve the following objectives:

(a)  banning no fault evictions;

(b)  lengthening tenancy periods to give tenants long-term security of 5 – 10 years;

(c)  new government oversight of complaints about repairs and maintenance;

(d)  consideration of an empty properties tax for residential and retail properties; and

(e)  allowance for renters to own pets.

3.   Further, include in the report:

(a)  A plan for community consultation with renters to identify the challenges they are facing and to inform Council’s planning and advocacy; and

(b)  An assessment of how Council’s health and safety compliance role can be used to assist local businesses in ensuring that repairs and maintenance are carried out by their landlords.

Legislative and Regulatory Changes to Achieve Objectives

2(a)   Banning no fault evictions

There is ongoing community and media discussion regarding the banning of no fault evictions.  There are many reported instances of tenants being evicted in order to facilitate rent increases.  The removal of no fault evictions offers some protection for renters in the current housing context.   

2(b)      Lengthening tenancy periods to give tenants long-term security of 5 - 10 years

Tenants frequently lack security of tenure and annual and three year rental contracts are common. Lengthening tenancy periods could occur through introducing an optional standard lease agreement incorporating longer terms, and is a sensible proposal.

2(c)   New government oversight of complaints about repairs and maintenance

Currently tenants can make complaints about repairs and maintenance directly to the Department of Fair Trading or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). The Tenants’ Union of NSW has argued that a certificate of habitation be required for all rental properties before a rental tenancy agreement is signed. An independent inspection of the property would need to occur before the certificate is issued; this would ensure that necessary repairs are identified and rectified before a property is leased.

2(d)   Consideration of an empty properties tax for residential and retail properties

A vacant residential land tax was introduced by the Victorian government in 2018 and applies to vacant residential properties in Melbourne's inner and middle suburbs, where the issue of vacancy rates and housing affordability are most pressing. Data from the 2021 Census showed that in the Inner West, unoccupied private dwellings represent 9.9% of all private dwellings. 

A similar empty properties tax may be successful when applied in areas of Sydney where vacancy rates and affordability pressures are the greatest.  It has the potential of increasing rental housing supply. Also, as is the case in Victoria, funds acquired through the tax can be invested in the construction of new social and affordable housing which would contribute to alleviating the affordable housing crisis.

A similar tax for vacant business premises has been backed by some business groups in recent media reports.   Council has recently resolved to continue an investigation into this.

2(e)   Allowance for renters to own pets

87% of respondents to a recent state government engagement felt it should be easier for renters to keep pets in their home. Council’s submission supported an end to blanket ‘no pets’ clauses and recommended that decisions be able to be reviewed by relevant tribunals in dispute resolution subject to appropriate considerations e.g., the types of pets and the suitability of rental properties to accommodate them. This feedback is currently being considered by the NSW Department of Fair Trading.

3(a)   Community consultation with local renters

Views of local renters could be obtained via:

(a)  an independently recruited and representative focus group

(b)  broad engagement through Your Say Inner West and on social media

(c)  forming a representative focus group jointly with NSW Council of Social Service.

3(b)   Assisting local businesses obtain repairs and maintenance

The lease agreement between the business occupier and landlord as to who is responsible for the upgrade works is civil in nature.  Mediation with the NSW Small Business Commissioner must occur prior to lodging an application with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.  Council has a regulatory and enforcement role in health and hygiene of buildings. Notices and Orders are served upon the owner.  How these are subsequently resolved between a landlord and tenant is outside of the regulatory framework. 

Conclusion

Tenant advocates continue to seek improvement to renters’ security and well-being, especially in relation to abolishing ‘no grounds’ evictions. A substantial increase in the supply of social and affordable housing is required.  Relatively recent changes to the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy ensures new social and affordable housing delivered through development partnerships remains so in perpetuity. The proposal to undertake community engagement with renters to identify the challenges they are facing, will help inform Council’s ongoing advocacy for renters’ rights.

Advocacy by Council to the relevant ministers offers an opportunity to initiate discussion between Inner West Council and the relevant Departments on these issues.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with the implementation of the proposed recommendations outlined in the report.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 20

Subject:         Creative Use of Council Venues - Outcome of EOI process           

Prepared By:          Vikki Woods - Senior Events Specialist and Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager 

Authorised By:       Ruth Callaghan - Director Community

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

DISCUSSION

At the Council meeting held on 11 April 2023, Council resolved:

 

1.   That Council receive and note the report.

 

2.   That a report on EOIs received for Creative Use of Council Venues be tabled at the May 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, to include:  

 

a)   any received EOIs that have been matched with a venue;

b)   all venues that have been identified for potential matching to an EOI; and

c)   a timeline for all EOIs received to have been allocated a venue.

 

3.   That Council staff hold a councillor workshop on the progress of the Inner West Pride Centre following the Pride Centre Open Day on 29 April 2023.

 

Expression of Interest process

As part of the program to activate Council’s Town Halls, an Expression of Interest (EOI) for creative use was established for individuals and organisations wishing to use town halls for cultural activities. The EOI went live on 17 November 2022 and  EOI’s closed on 18 April 2023. All respondents who put in for the EOI have now received an email from Council staff, thanking them for their interest and providing a contact for the next steps of matching creatives with Town Hall spaces. 

 

Matching EOI’s with Suitable Venues

Fifty five expressions of interest were received from members of the creative community as a result of the EOI. Of those, ten have been deemed appropriate for potential matching with available space at Marrickville Town Hall, specifically the 3 front rooms of the building.

 

There was a mix of artforms represented across the 55 EOIs:

 

§ 28 music

§ 16 theatre

§ 4 other eg clothing swaps and workshps

§ 3 visual arts

§ 2 dance

§ 2 film

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation of Spaces

As detailed above, matching the available spaces at Marrickville Town Hall has commenced.  However, the room allocation will be dependent on other bookings within the Town Hall and adequate facilities being available. For example, the main Town Hall is often used for wedding receptions at weekends, so the creative use of other spaces will have to consider amenity and potential noise for booked, fee paying users. It is anticipated that all other EOI’s will be allocated a space by November 2023. As would be appreciated, careful consultation with community and the potential creative users of Town Hall spaces will be necessary to ensure that the needs of both current hirers and the creative community are met. Council staff are currently reviewing patterns of usage of the town halls and will allocate space to creative applicants where appropriate.  It should also be noted that Newtown Hall is not available for creative use due to the development of the Pride Centre and associated remediation works. 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The Fees and Charges document on public exhibition at the moment notes on page 71 that “Hire charges for the creative use of Council’s Town Halls are currently being considered and will be tabled at a future meeting of Council”. Staff are currently modelling potential approaches including free access and lost recovery.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 21

Subject:         Investment Report at 30 April 2023           

Prepared By:          Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer 

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

A monthly investment report is provided to Council detailing the investment portfolio in terms of performance, percentage exposure of total portfolio, maturity date and changes in market value.

 

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

 

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

 

Preservation of capital is the principal objective of the investment portfolio. Investments are placed in a manner that seeks to ensure security and safeguarding the investment portfolio. This includes managing credit and interest rate risk within identified thresholds and parameters.

 

Council determined to proactively invest in a non-fossil fuel investment portfolio.

 

Legislative Requirements

All investments are to comply with the following:

§ Local Government Act 1993;

§ Local Government (General) Regulation 2021;

§ Ministerial Investment Order dated 17 February 2011;

§ Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting;

§ Australian Accounting Standards; and

§ Division of Local Government Investment Policy Guidelines May 2010

 

Council’s Socially Responsible Investments consist of Green Term Deposits from otherwise fossil fuel lending banks, such as CBA and Westpac and also long dated bond issues from a range of institutions and government agencies. These investments provide targeted funding to a wide range of green and socially responsible projects and initiatives. Council also utilises these investments to remain within the credit rating policy guidelines imposed by the NSW TCorp loan covenant requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

Certification

The Chief Financial Officer Daryl Jackson as the Responsible Accounting Officer has certified that the investments listed in the attached report have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Section 212 of the Local Government General Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.

DISCUSSION

Council’s investments are held in various investment categories which are listed in the table below. Council’s investment portfolio size is $222.4m.  All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s portfolio had a return 4.90%, against the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (3.77%) on a marked-to-market basis. For the past 12 months, the portfolio has returned 2.93% on a marked-to-market basis.

 

Without marked-to-market influences, Council’s investment portfolio yielded 3.95%pa for the month, up from 3.84%pa in March. This is based on the actual interest rates being received on existing investments and excludes market value changes of the securities/deposits.

 

The valuations on Council’s long dated fixed rate bonds increased during the month as long term market rates fell. As interest rates rise/fall the dollar valuations of existing bonds fall/rise in the market. While a bond’s (or FRN’s) market value may drop below its face value (or par value) during the life a security, providing Council does not sell the security and the issuer is sound (which all of Council’s holdings are) then the bond’s market value will come back to the face value by the time it matures.

 

Change in the value of our portfolio

During April, Council had no maturities, and made no new investments.  This was due to limited non-fossil fuel products available in the month. Those available were offered with low interest rates. 

Emerald Reserve Mortgage (purchased by the legacy Marrickville Council) maturing in August 2051 and August 2056 is categorised as greater than 1 year term to maturity category continues to be outside policy.

Council’s entire investment portfolio remains invested in non-fossil fuel lending ADIs (51% of portfolio) and socially responsible investments (49% of portfolio).

 

The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 30 April 2023.

 

The Current Market value is required to be accounted for. The Current Market Value is a likely outcome if Council were to consider recalling the investment prior to its due date.

 

All investments held in the month of April were in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.

 

 

The External / Internal Restrictions and Working Funds Table, which reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 30 April 2023 is not yet available, noting the proximity of this meeting date to the month end. This will be provided following the completion of the month end process. 

 

All funds have been allocated as laid out in the adopted 2021/22 Operating Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan.

 

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

 

Council’s investment performance had reflected the downward trend in interest rate markets over recent years accelerated by pandemic related interest rate cuts. With inflation pressures building, interest rates increased sharply over much of 2022, causing negative marked-to-market returns on existing bonds and FRNs over that period, however market rates have largely stabilised and the higher rates being received on new investments and FRN rate resets are flowing through to the rolling 12mo figure which is exceeding the benchmark’s performance again.

 

Domestic issues

 

§ There has been only a small effect on Australian banks’ funding costs from the higher risk premiums in global markets due to the lingering bank issues in the US and Europe. Spreads on domestic banks’ bonds have risen slightly, and by much less than had been seen during the pandemic or the global financial crisis, suggesting a high level of confidence in markets about the creditworthiness of Australian banks.

§ The Australian jobs market remains surprisingly strong. Latest data showed employment rose by another 53,000, participation rose to a near record high, and unemployment was unchanged at 3.5%.

§ The latest monthly consumer price index release fell again, now at 6.3% versus its high of 8.4% in December.  The more widely referenced quarterly inflation data is expected to largely follow suit despite services prices remaining stubbornly high.

§ Some economists, as well as the financial markets, are anticipating a steady fall in inflation by the end of the year due to the slowdown in goods prices, early signs of weakening job openings and high recession/downturn risks due to the surge in interest rates over the year.

 

Interest Rates       

 

§ At its April meeting the RBA kept the cash target unchanged at 3.60%, but made it clear that monetary policy may need to be tightened at subsequent meetings and that the purpose of pausing was to allow time to gather more information, from both home and abroad. 

§ The market is still pricing in the current 3.60% cash rate as the peak rate in this cycle with the next move being a rate cut, possibly in early 2024.

 

In April, average term deposit rates were largely unchanged from March with rates between 4.50% - 4.70% for terms of 4 months out to 5 years:

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION AS AT 8 MAY 2023

 

 

 

The External / Internal Restrictions and Working Funds Table (above) reflects the amount of total cash, bank and investments as at 30 April 2023. 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Inner West Council Investment Report - April 2023

2.

Inner West Council Economic & Investment Porfolio Commentary - April 2023

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

















Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 




 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 22

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Gas free council, gas free Inner West           

From:             Councillor Dylan Griffiths  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council note that the Climate and Renewables Strategy Responding to the Climate Emergency aims to phase out natural gas in council facilities and increase the environmental performance of buildings in the Inner West.

2.   That Council receive a report outlining those council facilities that remain gas dependent and a strategy for their electrification. The report will also include a discussion of adopting a target for transitioning away from gas.

3.   That Council recognising that pool heating is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, commit to investigating emerging technologies and feasible alternatives as our community pools are upgraded and maintained.

4.   That Council note our pursuit of incentive-based approaches to improve the environmental performance of new developments such as the proposed Low Carbon Precincts in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.

5.   That Council receive a report regarding Waverly council’s recent DCP amendments that are reported to be a ‘win for the environment’ by ‘preventing the installation of gas stoves, gas ovens and gas space heating in residential development’ and if opportunities exist for Inner West Council to do similar.

6.   That Council write to NSW Ministers for Planning and for Energy & Environment, to advocate that they restrict use of natural gas in new developments or otherwise provide mechanisms that allow local government to restrict use of natural gas in new residential developments without incentivising developers.

 

Background

 

Inner West Council is proud to acknowledge that it has met its 2025 renewable electricity target three years early. Consequently, gas has now become the 2nd highest source of Council’s operational carbon emissions behind fleet.

 

Our first carbon inventory for year 2016/17 showed that:

·    Gas was the source of approx. 10% of Council operational emissions 

·    And electricity was the source of approx. 75% of Council operational emissions

 

As a result, Council prioritised reducing emissions from electricity - installed PV, upgraded residential road street lighting to LED, and signed an electricity supply agreement for 100% renewable electricity from three NSW solar farms which commenced 1 July 2022. 

 

Now that council has met its goals regarding 100% renewable electricity, the program to transition from gas to electric can be bought forward.

 

From a community perspective, the increase in solar on homes and the progressive greening of the electricity grid with renewable electricity means that electrification has become an important priority for the entire community towards achieving zero emissions.

 

 

Waverly council has recently made changes to their Development Control Plan to improve indoor air quality by ‘preventing the installation of gas stoves, gas ovens and gas space heating in residential development. This will also enable these developments to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.’ This can be viewed in section 2.3 of the DCP linked below.

 

https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/177480/Waverley_DCP_2022_Part_B_-_General_Provisions.pdf

 

Waverly’s media release: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/top_link_pages/news_and_media/council_news/news/waverley_councils_new_development_control_plan_a_win_for_the_environment

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 23

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Celebrating the Chinese community in Ashfield           

From:             Councillor Dylan Griffiths  

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council consult with the local Chinese residents and business community to identify ways the council can recognise and celebrate Chinese culture including through the built environment and place naming.

 

2.   That Council consider recognising the local Chinese community and improving functionality for local events when redeveloping the Ashfield townhall square.

 

3.   That Council consult on including a mural in the redevelopment of the Ashfield townhall square that celebrates the Chinese community.

 

4.   That Council receive a report outlining options to create a program of events celebrating Lunar New Year in 2025, including opportunities to activate local laneways and the Esplanade in Ashfield.

 

5.   Recognise that Lunar New Year is also celebrated by other South East Asian Communities including the Vietnamese and Korean community. This should be considered when designing any future Lunar New Year program of events.

 

6.   That the report may include prospective costs and grant funding opportunities.

 

7.   That Council Investigate the feasibility of amending council’s current event budget and program to include an additional Lunar New Year event in 2024 in Ashfield. This should be reported to councillors either by briefing note or by a report to Council.

 

Background


Informed Decisions recent community profile of the Inner West LGA shows that over 5000 Ashfield residents have indicated Chinese ancestry in the 2021 census – that’s over 20% of Ashfield.

In 2023, Council supported Lunar New Year celebrations organised by Inner West Asian Business Association and Australian Federation of Chinese Organizations. This Lunar event includes lion dances, chorus singing, martial arts demos, drum dances, fashion shows, Chinese opera and folk dance. This event is hosted in Ashfield townhall square and the main hall.

Going forward there is an opportunity for Inner West Council to run a program of events in the Lunar New Year period while continuing to support the unique event organised by the Inner West Asian Business Association and Australian Federation of Chinese Organizations. Together we can build on our previous work and ensure that future years see that the Inner West LGA hosts one of the largest and most anticipated Lunar New celebrations.  This motion is to begin this conversation.

With such events there may be the opportunity to activate spaces which have been recently revitalised with main street infrastructural works – namely the esplanade and laneways of Ashfield.

The Inner West Council sees the upgrade of Ashfield townhall square as a long term project. In this project there is the opportunity to celebrate the Chinese community with a large mural in the forecourt, likewise there may be the opportunity for place naming. In the upgrades we can also investigate the opportunity to increase the square’s functionality for events.

https://profile.id.com.au/inner-west/ancestry?WebID=330

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 24

Subject:         Notice of Motion: High staff turnover at Inner West Council           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council receive a briefing on the high staff turnover being experienced by Inner West Council since the merger.

 

2.   That the matter of Council’s high staff turnover be reported to ARIC for their assessment and reporting back to Council.  

 

Background

 

Since the merger, Council’s staff turnover has been very high. 

 

Data for 3 of the 6 years since the merger show turnover levels at 17.0% to 17.7% (2018, 2019 and 2022) - close to double what would be expected for any given year.  It is not expected that Covid would have caused such high staff turnover in all of those years … 2018, 2019 and 2022. 

 

The cost of staff terminations, involving 906 staff over the 6 years, is $14.5 million. 

Of course, the cost associated with the loss of many hundreds of very experienced staff is difficult to measure.  

 

 

Then there is the cost of recruitment and training of almost as many staff (841) over the 6 years would.  This would also be high for Council. 

 

 

The ongoing high staff turnover has been an unplanned or unexpected cost.  These costs remove significant amount of funds from Councils core funding of its services and programs. 

High staff turnover is well known to impact on the performance of any organisation. 

 

 

It would be useful for Councillors to understand what is driving the high staff turnover rates and for this to be assessed by Councils Audit and Risk Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Senior Manager People and Culture:

The average turnover over the 6 years was previously reported on the table under Total Turnover as 13.9%.  

 

The table below is the original table from C0423(1) Item 33 meeting of the 11 April 2023.

The average turnover is considered within the accepted range as stipulated by the sector and LGNSW.

 

People & Culture have a standard 6-month reporting schedule to present to ARIC and this reporting incudes attrition.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 25

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Wests Tigers NRLW games at Leichhardt Oval           

From:             Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott  

 

 

MOTION

 

That the Mayor and Deputy Mayor write jointly to the CEO of the Wests Tigers Justin Pascoe and, the Wests Tigers Board to:

 

a)   Express disappointment that none of the West Tigers NRLW round matches will be played at Leichhardt Oval in 2023.

 

b)   Ask for an explanation as to why Leichhardt Oval will not host any NRLW round matches in 2023.

 

c)   Seek a commitment to work with the NRL and Council to schedule:

 

i.    at least one West Tigers NRLW finals match played at Leichhardt Oval in 2023, if the NRLW Tigers make the finals; and

 

ii.   at least one West Tigers NRLW home game round match and one final played at Leichhardt Oval in 2024.

 

 

Background

 

The Wests Tigers will include a women’s team in the NRLW 2023 competition, for the first time in Wests Tigers history, and in the 6th year of the NRLW competition. Wests Tigers will play all nine opponents in the expanded 10-team competition once, before a top-four finals series decides the two grand-finalists. However, the NRLW Wests Tigers released their round match schedule to fans last week, and it did not include any round matches being played at Leichhardt Oval. Leichhardt Oval is the home of the Wests Tigers, and the men’s team plays three round matches at Leichhardt Oval. A proposed Master Plan for Leichhardt Oval seeks to increase this to six NRLM games.

 

The Wests Tigers women will play one home game each at Belmore, Broadmeadows, and Campbelltown and two at Parramatta. It is critically important to the health and vibrancy of NRLW that they play at suburban grounds which are popular and accessible. Inner West Council has ensured that the playing surface at Leichhardt Oval is world-class and it remains the spiritual home of the Wests Tigers as well as a fan and player favourite ground. The NRLW Tigers deserve to play at Leichhardt and their fans deserve to see them there.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 26

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Iron Cove Walk and Cycleway           

From:             Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council notes that consultation on the Blue Green Grid Strategy has just closed, which was currently actively seeking missing links projects.

 

2.   That Council notes that the Iron Cove Creek Masterplan project including the Iron Cove Walk and Cycleway fits within the parameters of the Blue Green Grid Strategy.

 

3.   That Council notes initial engagement to gauge community support for the project has been completed with further engagement on the draft masterplan including design and location of the shared path to occur later in 2023.

 

4.   That Council approves that the Iron Cove Creek Masterplan project is incorporated into the Blue Green Grid Strategy, and Council staff to bring a report back to Council on the timeline for implementation of the Blue Green Grid Strategy and its component projects.

 

5.   That Council notes that work to create the Inner West Harbour Walk – a continuous harbourside walkway around Balmain, Glebe, White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Blackwattle Bay and the Fish Markets, part of the early works of the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link  – continues and that linking Iron Cove and Ashfield to that walk via the Bay Run would add to value to the project.

 

6.   That Council writes to the NSW Government seeking engagement on the Blue Green Grid Strategy, the Iron Cove Creek Masterplan and Iron Cove Creek Walk and Cycleway, and the Inner West Harbor Walk.

 

Background

 

Council is preparing a master plan for Iron Cove Creek to explore a walking and cycling path connecting the Bay Run and Ashfield Aquatic Centre.

 

The Bay Run is a popular and valued recreational place for exercising and enjoying the outdoors and our new Ashfield Aquatic Centre provides a range of facilities for health, fitness and relaxation.

 

The Master Plan will explore options for how we could help people walk and cycle with ease to these valued places.

 

The Friends of Iron Cove Creek community group has provided advocacy and community support for this initiative. Friends of Iron Cove Creek is a non-partisan, grassroots community organisation formed to gauge and represent the views of residents on the Council’s proposed project to create a walkway/cycleway on Iron Cove Creek (Dobroyd Canal) from Ashfield to connect with existing paths in Iron Cove Bay. This would be accessible for everyone throughout Croydon, Haberfield, Road Point, Five Dock, Ashfield and more.

 

The Inner West Council ran the first master plan community consultation from the 24th of October 2022 to the 27th of November 2022.

 

There will be a second consultation in 2023 that will seek feedback on different options for the construction and location of the shared path.

 

Adding this project to the Blue Green Grid strategy provides a planning mechanism and context for the work and a funding source for the planning work. The NSW Government has provided Council with matched funding to complete strategy, and there will potentially be future funding rounds for implementation in future years.

 

Advocacy work by the Inner West Council on the concept of the Inner West Harbour Walk also continues. This walk could take in Balmain, White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Blackwattle Bay and the Fish Markets with a continual harbourside walk. It could be as popular and well-used as the Bay Run. Connecting Iron Cove and Ashfield to the Harbour via the Bay Run would add enormous value to the potential of this project to open public land to the public.

 

The new Labor NSW Government has announced a doubling of the active transport budget, and previous Ministers were supportive of the Inner West Harbour Walk. It would be appropriate for the Mayor to seek engagement from the new state government on this project and seek a commitment to commence work on the Inner West Harbour Walk and to connect it to Iron Cove Creek via the Bay Run.

 

I thank Friends of Iron Cove Creek and their supporters Ashfield Bicycle Group, Bike Marrickville, Bike Leichhardt and the Inner West Bicycle Coalition for their support.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 27

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Inner West Council community products           

From:             Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott   

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council notes that the Draft Fees and Charges document currently on public exhibition includes a production fee for t-shirts and hats, following interest from the community about if they were available to the community.

 

2.   That Council receive a report on the cost and logistics of increasing the production of Inner West branded t-shirts, tote bags and reusable coffee cups to distribute to the community at Your Say street stalls and other community events.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 28

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Camdenville Park upgrades and Peter Bulger wetlands           

From:             Councillors Mathew Howard and Chloe Smith   

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council receive a report at the June council meeting about opportunities to bring forward and complete planned works as soon as possible given the delay of several years to works at Camdenville Park, St Peters, due to WestConnex.

 

2.   That Council reaffirm its support for the establishment of the Peter Bulger Wetlands at Camdenville Park and request funding options for the wetlands be included as part of the June report.

 

Background

 

Upgrade works at Camdenville Park, St Peters, have been on hold since 2017 due to occupation of parts of the park for WestConnex and Transgrid.

 

A comprehensive plan of management for the site was previously adopted by the former Marrickville Council in 2014 and included features including a BMX pump track and substantial wetlands, to be named after local resident and environmentalist Peter Bulger, who passed away in 2013 following a fight with brain cancer.

 

At the time, the wetlands were funded to the amount of $330,000.

 

Following the return of the land to Inner West Council in early 2023, staff are currently planning for recommencement of the capital works park upgrade project, including upgrades to the sports fields, children’s playground, new footpaths and drainage works.

 

Residents have raised concerns that while work is well advanced to design and plan for the wetlands, the wetland project is currently unfunded.

 

St Peters residents have waited years for the upgrades at Camdenville Park due to delays with WestConnex and Transgrid projects. Residents are eager for no further delays to the project and for upgrades to occur as a matter of priority, including the Peter Bulger wetlands.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 29

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Community Batteries           

From:             Councillor Chloe Smith   

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) application for the Commonwealth Government's Community Batteries Funding Round 1 before close of applications on 30 June 2023.

 

Background

 

The Commonwealth Government's Community Batteries Funding Round 1 seeks to support the deployment of community batteries across Australia. The October 2022 Federal Budget provided $200 million for the Community Batteries for Household Solar budget measure to deploy 400 community batteries across Australia, with $120 million available for Round 1.

 

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is now seeking applications for up to $20 million funding to deploy a minimum of five batteries of between 50kW and 5mW. EOIs opened on 4 April 2023 and will close on 30 June 2023.

 

The Inner West is a prime candidate for deployment of one of these community batteries, which will assist our community to lower energy bills, cut emissions, and reduce pressure on the electricity grid. For many in our community who are unable to install solar panels for their household, such as residents of apartments, a local community battery will help to store electricity close to the point of consumer demand.

 

With a proud history of taking real action on climate change at a local level, including becoming carbon neutral and 100% renewable energy powered, installation of a community battery is the natural next step for Inner West Council, and we can't miss out. 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 30

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Good Neighbour Policy           

From:             Councillor Mathew Howard   

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council affirm its commitment to the Good Neighbour Policy as the best way to mediate and support both the amenity of residents and the commercial viability of local pubs, clubs and licensed venues. 

 

Background

 

In May 2019, the Mayor, Clr Darcy Byrne, successfully brought forward a notice of motion to expand the former Leichhardt Council’s Good Neighbour Policy to the whole of the Inner West Local Government Area. 

 

The Good Neighbour Policy requires council officers to convene a meeting between complainants and venue operators to discuss solutions to tensions that can arise between residents and venues in dynamic communities such as ours. 

 

The Policy offers the opportunity to bring people together to find common solutions that respect the rights of residents, foster good practices by venue operators, and recognise the many benefits to our Inner West communities that come from a healthy, robust night-time and creative economy. 

One of the things that makes our community great is our ability to work together to meet complex challenges. The Good Neighbour Policy speaks to that character and ambition.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 31

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Community consultation for Dulwich Hill Village Masterplan           

From:             Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo   

 

 

MOTION

 

That Council hold a public consultation street stall for the development of the Streets Alive Dulwich Hill Village Masterplan before the close of feedback.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 32

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Local Environmental Plan (LEP)           

From:             Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council notes the Council resolutions on 13 September 2022 to defer consultation on the LEP and 8 November 2022 to receive a report from the Department of Planning for a local government wide LEP approach. 

 

2.   That Council notes the Council is awaiting a response from the Department of Planning advising on options for a planning proposal covering a significant portion or the whole local government area. 

 

3.   That Council survey the community seeking input on principles for planning through the LEP. 

 

4.   That Council continue heritage investigations and assessments identified in the urban design studies and bring a report to Council.  

 

5.   That Council plan meetings with key stakeholders to provide input to the Council on the process for developing Council’s LEP and principles for the LEP.  

 

6.   That Council hold the first meeting with key stakeholders from both the Ashfield/Djarrawunang and Marrickville/Midjuburi ward. Invite representatives from Community Groups: Save Dully, South Dully, Save Marrickville; Renter advocacy groups: Inner West Legal Centre, Shelter NSW, Marrickville Legal Centre; Business Chambers: Ashbiz, Marrickville Chamber of Commerce, Dulwich Hill Urban Centre Committee; Business operators: Marrickville Business Association, Dully Locals, Heritage advocates: Marrickville Heritage Society, Ashfield Heritage Society; Social Housing Provider, Metro Community Housing, and bring a report back once the meeting has been held.  

 

 

Background

 

Council is required to work with the Department of Planning to ensure there are enough homes to meet the needs of a growing population and to strategically plan for additional housing growth across the local government area. 

 

The Local Environmental Plan guides planning decisions for the Inner West local government area through zoning and development controls. It provides a local framework for the way land can be developed and used and it is the main planning tool to shape the future of communities by ensuring local development is carried out appropriately.

 

It is important that any changes and updates to our Inner West LEP are strategically aligned and deliver good planning outcomes for our community. 

At the Council meeting on 13 September 2022 the Council unanimously passed at the following Mayoral Minute:

 

That Council: 

 

1.   Defer all further consideration of and consultation on the LEP in order to obtain written advice from the Office of Local Government as well as independent legal advice, explaining how Councillors should manage potential conflicts of interest relating to the process. This should include advice about if and how a local government area wide LEP process could allow all councillors to participate in the LEP process; and

 

2.   Note that the LEP studies that have been released were prepared by consultants and that Councillors had no role in the preparation of the studies and were not briefed on these studies prior to their publication and that no further work will be undertaken on these studies or the related consultation while Council is awaiting advice from the Office of Local Government.  

 

At the Council meeting on 8 November 2022 the Council unanimously passed at the following motion:

 

That Council:

 

1.   Notes at the Ordinary Council meeting held on 13 September 2022 Council unanimously resolved… (as above)

 

2.   Notes the Briefing Note to all Councillors dated 25 October 2022 summarising the legal advice on conflicts of interest, their management and in relation to the current LEP amendments being considered, their inability to be considered as ‘significant or whole of LGA’;

 

3.   Receive a report on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment advice regarding a local government wide LEP approach. Noting further discussions and negotiations with the Department are required to identify and document a whole of local government approach to achieving the planning priorities of the Local Strategic Planning Statement and the housing targets set out in the Local Housing Strategy;

 

4.   Report to Council outlining all the options available moving forward with an expanded LEP process including a comprehensive community consultation plan.

 

5.   Convene a roundtable discussion inviting renters, owners, businesses, community groups, advocacy groups and planners to discuss shared objectives with a local government wide LEP approach.

 

Council officers have engaged with the Department of Planning regarding the LEP that was paused by Council resolution at the 13 September 2022 meeting in order to obtain advice regarding the management of potential conflicts of interest and to obtain advice on how to facilitate a local government wide LEP process. There has been an exchange of correspondence and meetings between Inner West Council officers and the Department of Planning as options continue to be worked on. 

 

As we await a response from the Department of Planning on a local government wide LEP, it is proposed to engage and seek input from our community on overarching planning principles. It is also proposed to convene a meeting between key stakeholders, representing different views in the community, with the aim to discuss and find common visions for key planning principles.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 33

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Revised Social Media Policy for Councillors           

From:             Councillor Timothy Stephens  

 

 

MOTION

 

1.   That Council place the revised Social Media Policy for Councillors on public exhibition for 28 days.

 

2.   That Council consider the results of the public exhibition process when adopting the final Social Media Policy for Councillors.

 

Background

 

Social media has become an indispensable part of modern democracy, allowing governments and elected representatives at all levels to publish and share content and to engage directly with the community.

 

While social media has many benefits, including its reach and accessibility, it also carries challenges and risks, including the prevalence of hateful and abusive content.

 

The existing Social Media Policy for Councillors was adopted by Council at its meeting on 28 August 2018. This revised policy makes changes to the existing policy to recognise more clearly that Councillors as elected representatives are responsible for the administration and moderation of their use of social media.

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

No further comments were required for this Notice of Motion.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Social Media Policy for Councillors

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 







 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 34

Subject:         Question on Notice: Glyphosate           

From:             Councillor Kobi Shetty  

 

Question

 

In what form are records kept on the use of glyphosate to control weeks on Inner West Council (IWC) lands? 

 

Answer

 

Operational teams applying herbicides throughout the LGA keep records for all applications. Record are kept in the form of ‘day sheets’ outlining all sites and times worked on the day, pesticide usage records for each site and diary entries.

 

Question

 

Who is responsible for checking these records and how often are they checked? 

 

Answer

 

All staff applying chemicals must complete day sheets and pesticide usage records at a minimum. Therefore all team leaders, supervisors and coordinators overseeing application duties are responsible for checking these records and they are reviewed upon submission by the applicator.

 

 

Question

 

What oversight occurs to ensure the accuracy of these records? 

 

 

Answer

 

Staff are monitored in the field by the supervisor/coordinator they report to. All staff applying herbicides must hold a minimum of AQF3 (applying and mixing chemical accredited qualification) this ensures the operators are educated, experienced and certified in the safe use of chemicals.

 

Question

 

What is the procedure where a breach of relevant policies occurs? 

 

 

Answer

 

Breaches of governing policies result in formal disciplinary investigations being commenced by supervisors and management.

 

 

Question

 

From the records kept by IWC, how often has glyphosate been used on IWC lands in the last 6 months? 

 

Answer

 

Glyphosate is used daily (weather permitting) by Council’s operational weed control teams and also by Urban Ecology/natural areas teams.

 

 

Question

 

Please provide details of each use of glyphosate for February and March 2023 by IWC. 

 

 

Answer

 

 

Glyphosate applications from the Parks and Streetscapes team across the LGA for February and March 2023 occurred on the following dates.

 

·    February 2023: 1-02, 02-02, 03-02, 06-02, 08-02, 10-02, 11-02, 12-02, 15-02, 16-02, 17-02, 18-02, 19-02, 20-02, 21-02, 25-02, 26-02, 27-02 & 28-02.

 

·    March 2023: 1-03, 02-02, 02-02, 06-03, 07-03, 08-03, 09-03, 10-03, 13-03, 10-03, 15-03, 16-03, 17-03, 19-03, 21-03, 22-03, 23-03, 26-03 & 28-03

 

 

Question

 

Which notification method is most commonly used to notify the use of glyphosate? 

 

 

Answer

 

 

Online notification is the most commonly used method of notice – operators also have signage on specified weed control vehicles. Further information is available via the following link - Weed control notifications - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au)

 

 

Question

 

As part of the record keeping procedures, are records kept on the notification methods used for each use of glyphosate? 

 

Answer

 

Online notification is available via the following link Weed control notifications - Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au).

 

 

Question

 

According to the IWC Pesticide Notification Plan council staff are not required to inform the public that they are spraying glyphosate locally if the application is spraying of glyphosate using a hand spray bottle, wand, or spray lance. As part of the record keeping procedures, are records kept where glyphosate has been used and the public has not been informed? 

 

 

Answer

 

Council only applies glyphosate using a hand spray bottle, wand, or spray lance.

 

 

Question

 

On May 28 2019 Council meeting, as part of the adoption of the Weed Management Policy, the following was adopted: Only use glyphosate as a matter of last resort where other methods cannot be applied and spot control of persistent weeds that resist other treatments occur. What decision-making process do council staff undertake to ensure Glyphosate is only used as a last resort? 

 

Answer

 

We have many varying forms of weed control that is initially tested, this includes but not limited to:

–     In garden areas: mulching, hand weeding, mass planting

–     On streets:  deep street cleaning in areas of high leaf drop and sediment

–     In gutters, steam weeding in sensitive areas outlined within the LGA

 

It should be noted that Council’s policies and procedures around the use of glyphosate has been audited by an independent consultant and found to be compliant. Consultant recommendations to achieve industry best practice has been implemented.

 

Question

 

On May 28 2019 council also adopted the following: Any use of glyphosate must be done in a way that avoids it running off into stormwater drains and our waterways. 

 

a)   What steps are council staff taking to ensure that when glyphosate is used, it is not running off into stormwater, drains and our waterways? 

 

b)   Have there been any breaches regarding this directive from council in the last 6 months? 

 

 

Answer

 

a)   Glyphosate is not to be used within 50m of any open waterway as per the weed management policy, all applicators are trained in the safe use of chemicals and spraying drains, canals and swales is not permitted. Also, Council does not apply chemicals in wet or windy weather to ensure that spray drift doesn’t affect applications and also so rain doesn’t affect the chemical drying on the vegetation.

 

b)   No.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 35

Subject:         Question on Notice: Reconciliation of Councillor Allowances           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

The table below compares Councillor allowances as paid by Inner West Council with the

schedule of allowances as approved by IPART. 

 

This financial year, 2022-23, Council is expected to pay a total of $575,880 to the Mayor and Councillors based on the IPART schedule.  This total does not include other expenses claimed by Councillors such as IT, phone, equipment, conferences, travel etc.

 

For 4 of the 5 financial years, the total amount paid by Council for Councillor allowances generally aligns with the total as calculated using the IPART schedule. 

 

In YE21 (financial year 2020-21), however, there is a $70,181 variation.  That is, Council paid $483,319 to the Mayor and Councillors whereas the calculation using IPART was $553,500.

 

Notes:

·    The calculation for YE18 is based on 41 weeks given the election was held in September 2017.

·    The calculation of the Deputy allowance varies across the table. In most cases it is split into two components and reported in two separate rows - the Councillor allowance plus a small Deputy allowance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question

 

Could Council check/validate the data below and explain any major variations (such as YE21)?

 

Answer

 

The chart below shows the total payments to the Mayor and Councillors for the 2020/21 Financial Year.  Using the IPART information the total payment for that financial year was $544.750.  Council paid the Mayor and Councillors $544,747.  The only difference between IPART and Council is the Deputy Mayor’s receives an additional $10,000 allowance funded from the Mayor’s allowance as resolved by Council.   

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 36

Subject:         Question on Notice: Clontarf Cottage           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

Comment by the General Manager:

 

Answers to all questions will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in June 2023.

 

Clontarf Cottage is a wonderful community venue situated on the Balmain Peninsula.  It is used for many social events, club meetings and for community purposes, and has been since its restoration more than 33 years ago.   It was home to the Balmain/White Bay Residents Precinct Committee. 

 

Clontarf Cottage was saved from demolition in the early 1980s by local residents after a lengthy campaign.  It was then managed by the voluntary Clontarf Cottage Management Committee which was disbanded after the commencement of Inner West Council. 

 

After years of campaigning, salvaging, preservation and restoration led by local residents, and taking into account its wide use, it is vital that Clontarf Cottage receives due attention from Council.   

 

Question

 

What amount of funds was allocated to Clontarf Cottage since the commencement of Inner West Council?  Please specify on a yearly basis. 

 

Question

 

What were these funds to be used for? 

 

Question

 

Have these funds been reallocated by Council for other uses?  If so, when were these funds reallocated and where are these funds now? 

 

Question

 

What consultation occurred in regard to any reallocation to the budget in regard to Clontarf Cottage

 

Question

 

What is the budget allocation for Clontarf Cottage over the next 5 years and what are these funds to be used for? 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 37

Subject:         Question on Notice: ARIC Annual Report for 2020-21           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

Question

 

Can Council advise on when the Annual Report for its Audit and Risk Committee (ARIC) for last year (2021-22) will be available?

 

Will this report come to a Council meeting?

 

Answer

 

The ARIC 2022 Annual Report was tabled to the 5 April 2023 ARIC meeting and approved by the ARIC.

 

The ARIC minutes of 5 April 2023 will be considered and adopted at its next meeting on 17 May 2023. The next available Council meeting is 20 June 2023; at which the ARIC 2022 calendar year Annual Report and the ARIC minutes of 5 April 2023 will be tabled (and then published).

 

The ARIC annual report is required under the ARIC Terms of Reference (Section 9 Assurance Reporting, clause 9.1 Reporting requirement), which requires the report on the preceding (calendar) year to be tabled to the first ARIC meeting after the financial statements are considered each year. By convention, this report must be adopted by Council via the endorsement of the ARIC minutes and published.

 

Councillors receive all ARIC agendas with all reports, prior to having to adopt said minutes.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 38

Subject:         Question on Notice: Rozelle Bay Community Native Nursery (Whites Creek)           

From:             Councillor John Stamolis   

 

The Rozelle Bay Community Nursery at Whites Creek is an important Council asset which contributes to Councils goals to achieve increased plantings and increased tree canopy.  The services of this centre were disrupted by Covid. 

 

It would be appreciated if the following questions could be answered. 

 

 

Question

 

Have services at the nursery returned to pre-Covid levels? 

 

Answer

 

Yes

 

Question

 

What are the range of services and hours of operation now? 

 

Answer

 

The nursery is open to the public between 10am and 1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Volunteering activity occurs inside the nursery outside these hours as arranged between the staff and the volunteer groups who help to propagate plants and keep the place ship shape. In addition, a small area is reserved for WIRES and there are injured native animals kept on site.

 

 

Question

 

How is the nursery staffed?  

 

Answer

 

Council employs two staff who work at the nurseries, and they alternate between Whites Creek and the Marrickville site (at Addison Road). In addition, a rotating group of volunteers assists at Whites Creek including a regular team of up to 10 people.

 

 

 

Question

 

How many volunteers are involved in the production of plants or operation of the nursery? 

 

Answer

 

80 (at any given time approximately 10 on site).

 

 

 

 

Question

 

What are the current levels of activity (stock level provided to public, stock level provided for Council use)?  

 

Answer

 

The nursery shelves are currently full and the stock is largely dedicated to our natural area restoration projects which includes bushcare and programs such as National Tree Day, the Greenway, reconciliation week, schools giveaways etc.

 

 

Question

 

How can the public access plant stock from the nursery? 

 

 

Answer

 

There is a small stock of local natives selected for retail sale at the front of the nursery (see above for opening hours) and Karen or Penny are always happy to give residents advice about the best plant for their garden.

 

Question

 

What are the current charges to customers for use of the nursery?

 

Answer

 

A native plant stock costs $3.30 per plant from either Whites Creek or Marrickville nursery and volunteering is free!

 

Question

 

There have been reports of a number of short closures of the centre in the recent past.  What has caused this? 

 

Answer

 

Managers are aware of a week recently where there was difficulty staffing both nurseries as one of our officers was off sick; however staff tried to provide a balance between the Whites Creek and Marrickville sites at this time.

 

 

Question

 

There has been some concern about the loss/wastage of plant stock.  Can Council advise on this? 

 

Answer

 

This has not been an issue according to nursery staff and in fact we have to purchase plants from Sutherland nursery at times to supplement the planting requirements of our major parks projects.

 

 

Question

 

What are the key priorities/programs of the nursery over the shorter term (next 3 years)? 

 

Answer

 

Continue to supply our natural areas and restoration/ regeneration projects, and continue to collect seed and propagate local provenance species so that the stock of Inner West specific plants is not lost. Increase in biodiversity in the Inner West by providing greater access to these plants to residents and continue to provide volunteering and education/ engagement opportunities for our community.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 39

Subject:         Update on the Acquisition of Investment Properties           

Prepared By:          Scott Mullen - Strategic Investments and Property Manager  

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and note the report.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council will move into closed session to deal with the Update on Acquisition of Investment Properties, for information which is classified as confidential under Section 10A(2)(d)(c) and Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

 

Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii)  of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Update on the purchase of investment property - Confidential

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

2.

EY DD Report V12 (Summary of shortlisted properties to date) - Confidential

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

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 40

Subject:         Deed of Agreement           

Prepared By:          Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer  

Authorised By:       Kelly Loveridge - Director Corporate

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopts the recommendation as detailed in Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

Council will move into closed session to deal with the Deed of Agreement, for information which is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(c) and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.

 

Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii)  of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

Update on Proposed Deed of Agreement - Confidential

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

 

 


Council Meeting

9 May 2023

 

Item No:         C0523(1) Item 41

Subject:         Tender Recommendation for RFT 04-22-2 Electrical Contractors Panel           

Prepared By:          Chris Killeen - Facilities Management Manager  

Authorised By:       Manod Wickramasinghe - Acting Director Infrastructure

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council adopts the recommendation as detailed in Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

DISCUSSION

Inner West Council have tendered to form a panel of electrical contractors to perform all the scheduled and reactive electrical maintenance works for the council assets.

 

On 11 October 2022, Council went out to public tender through Vendor Panel to form the electrical contractors panel. Tenders closed on 18 November 2022.

 

Tenders were evaluated in accordance with Council’s Purchasing Policy and Procedures and the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General Regulations) 2021.

 

The Tender Report including the Evaluation Committee’s report, discussion and recommendation is attached as Confidential Attachment 1.

 

Council will move into closed session to deal with the Electrical Contractors Panel Tender Report, for information which is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993. The matter is deemed confidential, as the matter is commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. 

 

Pursuant to section 10A(2), 10(2) and 10A(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, the media and public will be excluded from the meeting on the basis that the business to be considered is classified as confidential under section 10A(2)(d)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The estimated cost of electrical building maintenance across Councils Building Portfolio for Reactive and Scheduled Maintenance is $1,000,000 per year.

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

RFT 04-22-2 Tender Recommendation Report and Memo to Council - Confidential

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

2.

Electrical Panel Tender Evaluation Report - Confidential

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