Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Live Streaming of Council Meeting
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Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
PRECIS |
1 Acknowledgement of Country
2 Apologies
3 Notice of Webcasting
4 Disclosures
of Interest (Section 451 of the Local Government Act
and Council’s Code of Conduct)
5 Moment of Quiet Contemplation
6 Confirmation of Minutes Page
Minutes of 3 August 2021 Council Meeting 5
7 Public Forum – Hearing from All Registered Speakers
8 Condolence Motions
ITEM Page
C0821(4) Item 1 Notice of Motion: Condolence Motion: Kenneth George Adderley of Summer Hill 16
9 Mayoral Minutes
Nil at the time of printing.
10 Reports with Strategic Implications
Nil at the time of printing.
11 Reports for Council Decision
ITEM Page
C0821(4) Item 2 Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course- Adoption of Park Plan of Management 17
C0821(4) Item 3 King George Park-Priority Community Improvement Project 194
C0821(4) Item 4 Councillor Representation on Committees 198
12 Reports for Noting
ITEM Page
C0821(4) Item 5 Arlington Recreation Reserve-Addressing Complaints from Members of the Public 203
C0821(4) Item 6 Community satisfaction survey - 2021 205
C0821(4) Item 7 Deamalgamation Cost Benefit Report 304
C0821(4) Item 8 COVID-19 Financial Support 374
C0821(4) Item 9 Response to Notice of Motion - Interactions and Computer Literacy 383
C0821(4) Item 10 Investment Strategy & Portfolio Review 2020/21 388
C0821(4) Item 11 Investment Report as at 31 July 2021. 419
13 Notices of Motion
ITEM Page
C0821(4) Item 12 Notice of Motion: Goods Line Rail noise 442
C0821(4) Item 13 Notice of Motion: New Park in Croydon 444
C0821(4) Item 14 Notice of Motion: Report of Delays with Dawn Fraser Pool 445
C0821(4) Item 15 Notice of Motion: Notification Signs Regarding COVID Restriction around the LGA 446
C0821(4) Item 16 Notice of Motion: WestConnex St Peters Interchange Park 447
C0821(4) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Right To Know 449
C0821(4) Item 18 Notice of Motion: Public Toilets Cleaning 450
C0821(4) Item 19 Notice of Motion: Barbeques 451
C0821(4) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Holding Yard 452
C0821(4) Item 21 Notice of Motion: Councillors not advised 453
C0821(4) Item 22 Notice of Motion: Wear it Purple 455
C0821(4) Item 23 Notice of Motion: Road Safety outside Annandale North Public School 456
C0821(4) Item 24 Notice of Motion: Flying the Italian Flag on Festa Della Repubblica 461
14 Reports with Confidential Information
Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper are confidential in their entirety or contain confidential information in attachments.
The confidential information has been circulated separately.
ITEM Page
C0821(4) Item 25 Panel of Code of Conduct Reviewers
C0821(4) Item 26 Marrickville Golf Course Lease 462
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website on 3 August 2021
Meeting commenced at 6.31 pm
Present: |
|
Darcy Byrne Victor Macri Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Colin Hesse Tom Kiat Pauline Lockie Julie Passas Rochelle Porteous Vittoria Raciti John Stamolis Louise Steer Anna York Graeme Palmer |
Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor (6:32pm) Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Acting Director Development and Recreation |
Cathy Edwards-Davis |
Director Infrastructure |
Caroline McLeod Peter Livanes Harjeet Atwal Aaron Callaghan |
Acting Director City Living Acting Director Corporate Senior Manager Planning Parks and Recreation Planning Manager |
Katherine Paixao |
Acting Manager Governance |
Carmelina Giannini |
Acting Governance Coordinator |
APOLOGIES: Nil
Councillor Hesse entered the Meeting at 6:32 pm.
DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS: Nil
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Motion: (Steer/Byrne) THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 20 July 2021 be confirmed as a correct record. Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
PUBLIC FORUM
The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.
Condolence motion: Maria Coles
|
Motion: (Macri/Byrne)
THAT Council write a letter of condolences to the family of Maria Coles.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil
|
C0821(1) Item 25 Mayoral Minute: COVID Vaccination in the Inner West – Public Health Promotion Campaign |
Motion: (Byrne)
THAT Council:
1. Launches an immediate public information campaign encouraging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with funding to be allocated from the Council’s communications budget, and costs to be reported as part of the next quarterly budget review. Communications, including banners, social media and letterboxed material, is to be tailored to the Inner West with wording to be agreed with NSW Health;
2. Displays banners on the main streets and town halls urging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The banners are to be displayed within the next 10 business days;
3. Uses all its communication channels to promote how and where residents can get vaccinated including maintaining and promoting a continually updated list of places in the Inner West local government area where vaccinations are available;
4. Letterboxes all households promoting vaccination including the benefits to individuals and the Inner West community of higher vaccination levels and providing information about how and where to get vaccinated. This vaccination information must include options for it to be translated into community languages spoken in the Inner West;
5. Launches a social media campaign through all of Council’s channels promoting the benefits to individuals and the Inner West community of higher vaccination levels and providing information about how and where to get vaccinated;
6. Writes to the NSW Government seeking the urgent opening of walk-up and pop-up vaccination clinics in the Inner West and offering the use of Council facilities for this use;
7. Notes Council’s adopted policy of not providing Council facilities to anti-vax groups; and
8.
Design and
distribute posters to main street businesses encouraging vaccination so that
local businesses can reopen and recover from the economic downturn. Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
C0821(1) Item 1 Adoption of Inner West Zero Waste Strategy |
Motion: (Byrne/Passas)
THAT:
1. Council adopt the Inner West Zero Waste Strategy;
2. The extension of Council's food recycling service to every home in the Inner West, in the next term of Council, be incorporated into the Zero Waste Strategy and proposed for the upcoming Community Strategic Plan; and
3. Council receive a report on the short and medium term targets under the strategy and plan for ensuring Council will monitor achievement of these interim targets.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
C0821(1) Item 2 Adoption of Planning Proposal - 36 Lonsdale Street and 64-70 Brenan Street, Lilyfield |
Motion: (Macri/Raciti)
THAT Council:
1. Endorse the amendments to the Leichhardt Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013 for 36 Lonsdale Street and 64-70 Brenan Street, Lilyfield and submit the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Minister to make the amendment under section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;
2. Refer the site-specific amendment to the Leichhardt Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013 for 36 Lonsdale Street and 64-70 Brenan Street, Lilyfield to the Inner West Council Architectural Excellence and Design Review Panel and report any comments the Panel may make to Council for adoption of the DCP amendment, should the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment make the LEP amendments referred to recommendation 1 above; and
3. The site-specific amendment to the Leichhardt Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013 for 36 Lonsdale Street and 64-70 Brenan Street, Lilyfield incorporate relevant energy and water management (including natural drying facilities and 4* energy rating) controls consistent with State Environmental Planning Policy (Building Sustainability Index: BASIX) & State Environmental Planning Policy 65 – Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development.’
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Drury, Macri, Passas, Raciti, Steer and York Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous and Stamolis
Amendment (Da Cruz/Hesse) THAT an additional point be added: 3. The site-specific amendment to the Leichhardt Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013 for 36 Lonsdale Street and 64-70 Brenan Street, Lilyfield incorporate relevant energy and water management (including natural drying facilities and 4* energy rating) controls consistent with State Environmental Planning Policy (Building Sustainability Index: BASIX) & State Environmental Planning Policy 65 – Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development.’
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Macri, Passas and Raciti
As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the primary motion. |
ADJOURNMENT
8.47pm - The Mayor, Clr Byrne adjourned the meeting for a short recess.
8.58pm– The Mayor, Clr Byrne resumed the meeting.
APOLOGIES:
Motion: (Byrne/Macri)
THAT apologies be accepted from Councillors Iskandar and McKenna OAM.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
C0821(1) Item 3 Adoption of Car Share Policy |
Motion: (Drury/Hesse)
THAT:
1. Council note amendments made to the draft Car Share Policy in response to feedback received during public exhibition;
2. The Inner West Car Share Policy be adopted for implementation with the additional wording added to clause 5.7 of the policy: “If a Share car has been parked unmoved for a period of longer that 5 days in a permit parking zone then the Share car company will be required to move the car.”
3. The following Policies be rescinded:
a) Ashfield Council: Supporting Car Share Parking December 2015; b) Leichhardt Council: Car Share Policy 2008; c) Marrickville Council: Marrickville Car Share Policy May 2014.
4. Council charge $119.00 annually as well as the other costs.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Da Cruz left the Meeting at 9:24 pm.
C0821(1) Item 4 Adoption of Gender Equal Representation Policy |
Motion: (Porteous/York)
THAT Council adopts the Gender Equal Representation Policy shown in Attachment 1.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Cr Passas Absent: Cr Da Cruz |
Councillor Da Cruz returned to the Meeting at 9:26 pm.
C0821(1) Item 5 Paringa Reserve Plan of Management |
Motion: (Stamolis/Byrne)
THAT Council:
1. Note the additional community engagement which has been undertaken with respect to the development of a Plan of Management and Master Plan for Paringa Reserve;
2. Adopt the Plan of Management and Master Plan for Paringa Reserve; and
3. Proceed with the delivery of an architecturally designed container kiosk at Paringa Reserve, noting that the design will be one which is secure and transportable to other park locations should the facility not be financially viable at Paringa Reserve in the longer term.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
Councillor Passas left the Meeting at 9:33 pm.
C0821(1) Item 6 Whites Creek Valley Park-Reclassification of Companion Animal Access Areas. |
Motion: (Da Cruz/Steer)
THAT Council:
1. Maintain the entire length of concrete path, which runs through the parkland from “Piper Street through to Brennan Street” as on leash;
2. Maintain the bush regeneration care area which runs between the path and the canal as on leash; and
3. Declare the open space highlighted in red in Fig 1.0, on the western side of the pathway, as off leash.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Raciti and York Absent: Cr Passas
Foreshadowed Motion (Byrne/Drury) THAT the area of Whites Creek Valley Park that runs from Piper Street to Brennan Street is reverted back to off-leash in its entirety. This foreshadowed motion lapsed. |
Councillor Passas returned to the Meeting at 9:40 pm.
C0821(1) Item 7 Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course- Adoption of Park Plan of Management |
Motion: (Drury/Macri)
THAT Council:
1. Adopt the Marrickville Parkland and Golf Course Plan of Management and Master Plan;
2. Note the key changes highlighted in this report which have been made to the Plan of Management and Master Plan for the Marrickville Parklands;
3. Note the key challenges and cost impacts in building a bridge from the Marrickville Parklands to Gough Whitlam Park; and
4. In managing the future success of a restored biodiversity habitat at the Dibble Avenue Water Hole, Council permit the Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club, to undertake water extraction for the purpose of irrigation at a fixed level between the outflow pipe level (RL 1.25mAHD) and the fixed stabilisation level of RL 0.8mAHD. This allowance is to be documented in any future license agreement with the Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club.
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Macri, Passas, Raciti and York Against Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer
Foreshadowed Motion (Hesse/Passas)
THAT Council defer this item for a Councillor briefing and so the Plan of Management can be discussed at the same time at the proposed lease of Marrickville Golf Course.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Macri, Raciti and York |
Councillor Byrne left the Meeting at 10:06 pm. The Deputy Mayor, Clr Macri assumed the chair.
C0821(1) Item 8 Classification of land - 43 Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill |
Motion: (Hesse/Steer)
THAT Council:
1. Resolves to classify land being Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 185291 also known as 43 Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill as Operational Land for the purpose of the Local Government Act 1993;
2. Commits to retaining ownership of Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 185291 (43 Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill) as the property was acquired (by agreement) under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Just Term Compensation Act 1991 NSW for a public purpose (construction of the GreenWay); and
3. Receive a report within three months on reclassifying the land to Community Classification once the GreenWay works are complete for ensuring this this land is kept for use by the community.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Byrne |
C0821(1) Item 9 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - July 2021 |
Motion: (Macri/Hesse)
THAT the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meetings held on 19 July 2021 be received and the recommendations be adopted with the following amendment:
- Add an additional point on Item 1 of the LTC minutes ‘5. Notes the proposal will be consulted with the community’.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil Absent: Cr Byrne |
C0821(1) Item 10 Hammond Park - Sporting Ground Management |
Motion: (Drury/Kiat)
THAT Council:
1. Note that the sporting use, access and management of Hammond Park complies with the adopted Park Plan of Management for Hammond Park, Councils Sporting Ground Allocation Policy and the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993;
2. Note that a new Plan of Management will be developed for Hammond Park in 2022; and
3. Consider in the future planning for Hammond Park the development and provision of a canteen facility to facilitate and support ongoing community sporting use and enjoyment of the park.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Crs Passas and Raciti Absent: Cr Byrne |
Procedural Motion
Motion: (Macri/Drury)
THAT Council suspend standing orders to deal with confidential items 21 and 22 and enter confidential session at this time.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Byrne
Confidential Session
That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:
C0821(1) Item 21 Tender for the Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Parking Meters contains 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.
C0821(1) Item 22 SSROC Electricity Tender contains information (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Councillor Byrne returned to the Meeting at 10:50 pm. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Macri vacated the Chair and the Mayor, Councillor Byrne assumed the Chair.
Procedural Motion: Extension of time
Motion: (Byrne/Lockie)
THAT the meeting be extended for 10 minutes.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
Reports with Confidential Information
C0821(1) Item 21 Tender for the Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Parking Meters |
Motion: (Drury/York)
THAT:
1. Council enter into a Contract (7-years with a 3-year extension option) with Duncan Solutions Australia for the supply, installation and maintenance of the pay-by-plate parking meter solution (RFT T02-21) for the amount of $6,174,183 (including GST) over the 7-year contract term; and
2. The upgrade of the existing physical permit system to incorporate electronic permits be supported for investigation and implementation
Motion Lost For Motion: Crs Byrne, Drury, Lockie, Macri and York Against Motion: Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis and Steer
Foreshadowed Motion (Porteous/Stamolis)
THAT Council:
1.
Does
not proceed with any of the tenders at this time for the supply, installation
and maintenance of parking meters; 2. Receive a report at the next Ordinary Council meeting on negotiating a new an interim maintenance contract for existing parking meters with the existing provider;
3.
The
report also include detailed information about credit card payments and any
elements of non-compliance; 4. In addition, the report include how Council intends to undertakes consultation with the community on moving most of the meters to digital and requiring the use of a credit card for most meters;
5. Determines to turn off the parking meters on the high streets (Darling, Norton and King Streets) during this and any subsequent lockdown;
6. Prepares a parking meter policy.
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer Against Motion: Crs Drury, Lockie, Macri, Raciti and York
Foreshadowed Motion (Passas)
THAT parking meters be removed immediately and not be replaced.
This foreshadowed motion lapsed. |
C0821(1) Item 22 SSROC Electricity Tender |
Motion: (Drury/Kiat)
THAT Council approve the total percentage of Renewable Energy required by Council as 100% for the SSROC PEERs Tender (SSROC T2021-12).
Motion Carried For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York Against Motion: Nil |
Procedural Motion
Motion: (Macri/Raciti)
THAT items 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24 be deferred to an Extraordinary Council meeting on to be held on Tuesday, 10 August 2021 at 6.30pm online.
Motion Lost
For Motion: Crs Macri, Passas, Raciti, Stamolis and Steer
Against Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous and York
Councillor Passas retired from the Meeting at 11:16 pm.
Foreshadowed motion (Lockie/Kiat)
THAT items 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24 be deferred to the Ordinary Council meeting on 24 August 2021.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Cr Raciti
Absent: Cr Passas
Motion: (Byrne/Lockie)
THAT Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.
Motion Carried
For Motion: Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York
Against Motion: Nil
Absent: Cr Passas
Meeting closed at 11.16 pm.
Public Speakers:
Item #
|
Speaker |
Suburb |
Item 2: |
Belinda Thompson Derek Raithby |
Lilyfield Leichhardt |
Item 5: |
Renate Barnett |
Balmain |
Item 6: |
Kristina Major |
Annandale |
Item 7: |
Andrew Tighe Simon Wilkes Justine Langford Kylie Cochrane Jakki Trenbath |
Marrickville Marrickville Marrickville Dulwich Hill Earlwood |
Item 10: |
Jean Kouriel Liza Schaeper Darren Genner Paul Hutchins Annette Alexander |
Marrickville Annandale Ashbury Ashfield Ashfield |
Item 14: |
Pauline Hageman |
Marrickville |
Item 18: |
Charlie Pierce |
Newtown |
Item 24: |
Rev.Bill Crews Rosanna Barbero |
Ashfield Marrickville |
Unconfirmed minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 3 August 2021.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Condolence Motion: Kenneth George Adderley of Summer Hill
From: Councillor Mark Drury
Motion:
THAT Council notes with sadness this passing of Kenneth George Adderley of Summer Hill, we express our condolences to his grandmother Clr Lucille McKenna OAM and to his parents, Melinda and Paul and to his siblings Eloise, Patrick and Fergus and to the wider family. |
Background
Kenneth lived from 16th February 1993 to 8th July 2021 and was well loved and brought considerable challenges and a lot of joy his family.
He was a real part of the family with a great love for music and getting out.
Like many Summer Hill residents, he loved being out with his family in a particular Summer Hill Café for Saturday breakfast.
Like many of his ilk he was a staunch Rabbitohs supporter.
On Monday 19 July 2021 there was a Thanksgiving Service for his life held at St David’s Uniting Church and joined by many online.
At the service his family gave thanks for the time they had with him and the special part he played in the family.
The family noted the significant medical challenges Kenneth had every day of his life. For most of his life Kenneth required a high level of support. His family were especially grateful to those who had provided that care and support.
At the service the family showed wonderful family snaps and told tales of holidays and great nights out.
But most of all, it was a family fare welling a loved one.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course- Adoption of Park Plan of Management
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager
Authorised By: Simon Duck – Acting Director Development and Recreation
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Adopt the Marrickville Parkland and Golf Course Plan of Management and Master Plan (Attachment 1 and 2);
2. Note the key changes highlighted in this report which have been made to the Plan of Management and Master Plan for the Marrickville Parklands;
3. Note the key challenges and cost impacts in building a bridge from the Marrickville Parklands to Gough Whitlam Park; and
4. In managing the future success of a restored biodiversity habitat at the Dibble Avenue Water Hole, Council permit the Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club, to undertake water extraction for the purpose of irrigation at a fixed level between the outflow pipe level (RL 1.25mAHD) and the fixed stabilisation level of RL 0.8mAHD. This allowance is to be documented in any future license agreement with the Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club.
|
DISCUSSION
At its Ordinary Meeting on 22nd September 2020 Council considered a report on the draft plan of management for the Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course and resolved the following:
1. Council maintain an 18-hole golf course and revise the Draft Plan of Management accordingly prior to referring its Crown land components (generally the area described as Riverside Park) to the Minister for Water, Housing and Property for owners consent;
2. The revised Plan of Management highlight the environment, safety and community benefits that can be achieved while maintaining an 18 hole golf course;
3. Council commit to working with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club on grant opportunities which will assist the club with environmentally sustainable water supply for greens and fairway watering;
4. Council note that on receipt of owner’s consent by the Minister the Draft Plan will be exhibited for 28 days and brought back to Council for adoption;
5. Council investigate the potential benefits of a bridge to Gough Whitlam Park;
6. Council give in principle support for a 21 year lease; and
7. Council to conduct a safety audit as part of the Plan of Management of the public walking paths through the golf course to determine if safety treatments are needed.
A Revised Plan of Management (with 18 holes) has now been prepared for the parklands (Attachment 1). This report highlights the key changes which have been made to the Plan of Management and master plan (Attachment 2) for the parklands. The report also highlights the key community engagement outcomes associated with additional community engagement and recent work by Council officers which have resulted in minor adjustments to the final plan of management.
Community Engagement
Council undertook additional community engagement on a revised plan of management and master plan for the Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course between 19 March and 1 May 2021. The majority of community engagement was undertaken on Council’s Community Engagement platform, Your Say Inner West. In addition, a number of workshop meetings were also held with the Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club Executives to discuss the revised draft plan of management, key sporting club member views and issues associated with the master plans. Much of the discussion form the workshop events centered around the current and future operation and success of the sporting club.
In total the project and engagement page received 1007 visits and there was a total of 67 responses to the online submission form. Respondents were asked whether they supported the draft Master Plan. The responses were as follows:
· Yes – 19
· No – 47
· Not sure / Neutral – 5
The responses received reflect the wider community views on the use of the parkland as an 18 hole golf course. This issue was however formally reoslved by Council (at its meeting on the 22nd September 2020) prior to the final public exhibition. The elected Council voted to maintain an 18 hole course within the parkland. A full sumarry of the community engagement outcomes is attached in Attachment 3.
Key Plan of Management and Master Plan Changes
Council officer have worked closely with the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community club to update the Plan of Management and Master Plan (Attachment 2) for the Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course. Key changes have included:
· Increasing the number of course holes from 9 holes to 18 holes in the revised master plan.
· Removing the concept of multipurpose sporting grounds.
· Realigning future pathways to ensure no conflict with golf tees
· Updating the Plan of Management to align future tee improvements across the course
· Including options for future water harvesting including options for ponds within the parkland subject to future Development Application Approval by Council.
· Removal of the nursery concept.
· Future options for car parking included.
· Upgrades to golf infrastructure and support facilities.
· Access improvements across the course.
· Inclusion of a 21 Year license agreement for the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community club
· The lease agreement is to include responsibilities pertaining to tree management for the site which will be the responsibility of the Golf Club.
· Allowance for water harvesting from the Dibble Avenue Water Hole (subject to set conditions established by Council).
The revised Plan of Management and master plan recognize that over the next 10 years, the Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course will continue to become an integral part of the recreation and biodiversity fabric of the Inner West Local Government Area. Developments including the Greenway in the north and Cooks River Parklands in the south will improve connectivity to the Cooks River, Paramatta River, Marrickville Parklands and greater Sydney. It expected that the importance of recreational use and appreciation of the Marrickville Parklands will continue to grow as future open space areas are connected and the population need for access to quality open space increases.
Dibble Avenue Waterhole Management
Council has recently completed works on the restoration of the Dibble Avenue Waterhole. The total budget cost of this restoration work was $900k. Careful management of the Waterhole moving forward is essential to ensure that there is no future collapse of the embankment walls which support the waterhole. Critical to this, will be the ongoing management of hydrology within the water hole and ensuring that water levels where naturally possible are maintained.
Based on engineering feedback some small amount of ongoing water removal is supported where conditions support such use. Removal of water from Dibble Avenue Waterhole for the purpose of irrigation will be fixed between the outflow pipe level (RL 1.25mAHD) and the fixed stabilisation level of RL 0.8mAHD. Removal of water from Dibble Avenue Waterhole is supported by the Plan of Management provided the Golf Course implement an overall water security strategy. To achieve this requirement Council will physically fix the golf course pump inlet at a fixed level to prevent pumping below 0.8m AHD. The maximum height of the water is set by the outlet pipe at 1.25m AHD. The water hole is designed based on the creation of a wet/dry zone within these levels and plants selected for this environment. These water levels also provide a sustainable volume of water in the Waterhole to support environmental and aquatic species and provide stability of the embankments. Benefits of Fixed Golf Club Pumping Continued pumping of water from the Waterhole by the Golf Club for irrigation has the following benefits:
1. Establishment of native plant species in the newly stabilised waterhole wet/dry planting zones. If the water level is permanently at the outflow pipe level, the planting zone will be flooded inhibiting plant growth.
2. If the water level is maintained below the outflow pipe, the Waterhole can act as a buffer for high intensity rainfall runoff and receive excess overflow stormwater during rain events. This is particularly important as the downstream area of Riverside Crescent is prone to flooding.
3. Without pumping access to the Waterhole, the Golf Club would be reliant on potable water for irrigation. This could be considered an inefficient use of potable water resources and a negative environmental outcome considering the proximity of the Waterhole.
The golf club has indicated that they are undertaking a review of water capture and storage opportunities to ensure there is improved water security during over the tenure of the renewed lease. Pumping from Dibble Avenue Waterhole will only form a portion of the overall water usage strategy for the Golf Club.
Crown Lands Sign Off
Formal advice from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands was received on 4th March 2021. The Department advised Council that the draft Plan of Management had been reviewed and that the draft plan of management satisfies the requirements under section 3.23 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016. The Crown Lands Office has however advised that should Council that If Council amends the draft Plan of Management following community consultation then Council is required to again submit it to the landowner prior to adoption.
Bridge to Gough Whitlam Park
The distance to build a raised bridge from the edge of the Marrickville Golf Course to Gough Whilam Reserve in the Canterbury Bankstown LGA is approximately 1.5km. A bridge of this scale would cross two suburbs, including Undercliffe in the Canterbury Bankstown LGA. Such a proposal would rival that of the Macleay Valley Bridge in regional NSW. A project of this nature would be a state significant infrastructure project and is likely to cost in the region of $520 million with a three to four-year construction period. Such a proposal would cripple Council financially.
Future Safety Audit
Council has previously resolved to undertake a safety audit of the parkland to support community safety and access. This work will be commissioned upon adoption of a final Plan of Management.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil at this stage
1.⇩ |
Plan of Management |
2.⇩ |
Master Plan |
3.⇩ |
Community Engagement Report |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: King George Park-Priority Community Improvement Project
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager
Authorised By: Simon Duck - Senior Manager Aquatics
RECOMMENDATION
THAT:
1. Council financially commit the compensation funding which has been received from Transport for NSW (WestConnex) towards the detailed design and delivery of:
(a) Priority 1-King George Park Car Park Safety Improvement project and; (b) Priority 2- the refurbishment and upgrade of Constellation Playground.
2. Council’s Traffic Committee receive a report and determine future regulatory restrictions associated with long stay parking issues once a design for the new King George Park car park is completed;
3. Council note that the priority action projects will be delivered in Quarter 2 of the 2022 financial year; and
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DISCUSSION
In 2020 $2.875 million in compensation for the loss of green space at King George Park. This compensation was awarded to Council as a result a loss of open space which was acquired of Transport for NSW WestConnex project
At its Ordinary meeting on the 13th April 2021, Council officers reported on the outcomes of residential and key stakeholder engagement with regards to priority improvements in King George Park and the surrounding residential area. King George Park and the surrounding area have been significantly impacted by the NSW Government WestConnex project. As pursuant to previous Council reports, compensation money has been provided to Council as a result of this disruption.
Council has previously resolved to spend the compensation money on local neighborhood amenity improvements in the King George Park precinct area of Rozelle. In assessing the Council officers report Council resolved the following:
THAT:
1. Council note the key priorities which the local community and sporting ground users have highlighted for infrastructure improvements in the King George Park precinct area of Rozelle.
2. Prior to committing funding for the priority upgrades, Council receive a further report on the likely cost implications of:
a) undertaking a rationalisation and rebuild of the King George Park Car Park to improve park user safety;
a) Estimated costings with regards to a upgrade of Constellation Playground;
b) Footpath and roading assessments within the surrounding residential streets to ascertain the estimated costings of roading and footpath infrastructure improvements which are required in response to community concerns.
c) Table and seating near bbq.
3. The costing for the upgrades outside of footpath and roading assessments be reported to an ordinary council meeting no later than July 2021.
4. Council undertake an assessment and clean-up of the area as soon as possible
5. Council investigate excluding trailer parking in the vicinity.
Project Priority Options and Cost Implications
Council staff have investigated the likely cost implications associated with the major projects listed as key priorities. A summary of the key projects is provided in Table 1.0 below.
Table 1.0 King George Park Key Priority Projects and Cost Implications
Project Description |
Cost Estimate |
Council officer Comment |
Priority Ranking |
Safety and Amenity Upgrade works-King George Park Car Park
Implementation of Parking restrictions to manage long term sporting use and address long term storage issues associated with caravans, boats and boat trailers. Parking restriction options will be reported to the Traffic Committee on the completion of the design phase. |
$1.6 million. |
The car park is currently in poor condition with no formalised car parking arrangements in place. King George Park is regional in terms of its open space setting. The Park also has significance in terms of it use for school carnivals for Athletics throughout the year. The design of the car park in its current forma is a health and safety risk.
Significant issues have been highlighted by residents and park users with regards to the storage of trailers, caravans, campervans and boats in the existing car park area (refer to Fig 1.0)
The estimated cost includes a $150K which will be dedicated towards design works.
Key design considerations include:
Parking Bays & Aisle design Signage/line marking/ long term and short-term parking Consideration of existing residential Driveways (not to be hindered) Adequate sight distance Existing utility infrastructure management Pavement design Pedestrian access design Bicycle Facility design Stormwater drainage Landscaping – tree planting; water sensitive urban design Adequate Lighting Provision.
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1 |
Constellation Playground Refurbishment Program |
$480,216.00 |
Playground equipment is generally in good condition however the under surfacing of the playground and the shade sail is poor. The Playground was opened in 2011 and is now ten years old. The upgrade will include new under surfacing throughout the playground, the provision of additional play equipment for toddlers and landscaping improvements to improve passive surveillance.
Existing tables and seating are provided in the BBQ area of the park .
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2 |
Road Resheeting and Footpath upgrade Projects: Toelle Street - road resheeting Manning Street - road resheeting Moodie Street - footpath renewal
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In terms of future capital works the following works are in the future Council budgets already allocated:
The remaining footpaths and kerb and gutter sections in this area of Rozelle have been assessed as Condition 2 and 3 under previously adopted service standards, requiring only minor maintenance to maintain service standards. |
N/A |
Fig 1.0 Photos Highlighting Current Car Parking Conditions
Proposing Timing
A major field refurbishment program is planned for King George Park to commence in September 2022. There will no sporting use of King George Park in Spring or Summer 2022 while the sporting ground is completely rebuilt, and new floodlighting also installed. It is recommended that the playground and car park works are also commissioned at this time as a package of major park improvement works. This will minimise disruption to residents over the longer term as well as complete a quality renewal and upgrade program for the park.
Remaining Funding
It is anticipated that on completion of the major priority projects, that approximately $800k will be remaining in the compensation budget funding. The three resident sporting clubs, Leichhardt Saints, Balmain Little Athletics and Balmain District Junior Rugby League have all previously highlighted significant issues associated with the storage of sporting equipment at King George Park.
Six shipping containers are currently stored at the park. Balmain Little Athletics has three shipping storage containers while Leichhardt Saints have two and Balmain Junior Rugby league have one. Council is currently preparing a Draft Plan of Management for King George Park which is examining options for permanent storage facilities within the park. A significant investment will be required by Council/and or the local sporting clubs to address this issue. It is recomended that subject to the satisfactory completion of the key priority projects, any remaining compensation funding is directed towards addressing future sporting club storage needs. This will also be subject to the adoption of a Plan of Management for King George Park.
Fig 1.1 Photos of Container Storage in King George Park
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
$2.875 million to spend on local neighborhood improvements in the King George Park precinct area of Rozelle. The total project cost associated with the car park design and delivery along with a detailed and planned refurbishment of Constellation Playground is estimated at $2,080,216.00.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Councillor Representation on Committees
Prepared By: Katherine Paixao - Acting Governance Manager
Authorised By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
THAT Council:
1. Extend the existing representatives on Council and External Committees to the end of term current of Council; and
2. Extend the existing representatives on the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel until 28 February 2022.
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DISCUSSION
Council may establish Committees to provide advice or exercise decision making functions of the Local Government Act. Councillors can attend these committees as observers or be appointed by Council as members of these committees and exercise voting rights. Councillors may also be appointed to represent Council on external committees. The responsibilities and operation of the external committees are set by the host organisation. Council is required to make appointments until December 2021 as the current appointments cease in August 2020. Local Government elections will be held in December 2021 and new appointments will be determined after the election.
Council Committees
The charters of the following committees or the resolution establishing these committees require formal appointment of Councillors as voting members of these committees.
Name of Committee |
Purpose |
Meeting Time and Frequency |
Reporting Framework |
Councillor Representation |
Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee |
The purpose of the Committee is to provide independent assurance and assistance to Inner West Council in the effective discharge of its responsibilities for financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, governance, improvement and internal and external audit. |
The committee meets four times a year regularly, plus an optional additional meeting for considering the Annual Financial Statements |
Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council to note. |
Two Councillors.
Currently, Councillors McKenna OAM and Steer. |
Flood Management Advisory Committee |
The Flood Management Advisory Committee assists Council in the preparation of floodplain management studies and plans for the Inner West local government area. The Committee acts as both a focus and forum for the discussion of technical, social, economic and environmental matters, and for the distillation of possibly differing viewpoints on these matters into a management plan. |
The committee meets at least twice a year at the Petersham Service Centre. |
Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.
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Up to Three Councillors.
Currently, Councillors Hesse, McKenna OAM and Steer. |
Local Traffic Committee
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The Local Traffic Committee is primarily a technical review and advisory committee which considers the technical merits of proposals and ensures that current technical guidelines are considered. It provides recommendations to Council on traffic and parking control matters and on the provision of traffic control facilities and prescribed traffic control devices for which Council has delegated authority. The Committee also advises on traffic matters arising from development applications. |
The Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10am at the Petersham Service Centre. |
Minutes of the Committee are reported to Council for adoption.
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One Councillor with an alternate Councillor.
*The nominated Councillor chairs the Meeting and has voting rights. In the absence of Councillors, Council’s Traffic and Transport Planning Manager or nominee chairs the meeting and has voting rights.
Currently, Councillor Macri with Councillor Da Cruz as the alternate. |
General Manager’s Performance Assessment Panel |
To review the performance of the General Manager in liaison with the appointed facilitator. |
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Five councillors.
Currently, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne and Councillors Hesse, Raciti, Stamolis and York. |
External Committees
Council is a member of a number of external organisations who have committees to discuss business relevant to their organisation. These organisations have requested representation on these committees by Councillors. Shown below is a summary of each committee and the Councillor representation sought.
It is recommended to extend the existing representatives on the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel until 28 February 2022 to allow community members to attend meetingsduring December 2021 to February 2022.
Name of Committee |
Purpose |
Meeting Time and Frequency |
Councillor Representation |
ClubGrants |
The objective of the Committee is to identify priority projects and services within the Inner West area for local registered clubs to consider funding. Guidelines are silent on Councillor representation. |
4-5 meetings/year (meetings held on Tuesdays at 10am) |
Guidelines require “Representative/s of the local council” (Clubgrant Guidelines 6.2).
Currently, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne and Councillor McKenna OAM. |
Cooks River Alliance Board |
The Cooks River Alliance is a partnership between councils in the Cooks River Catchment – Bayside, Canterbury-Bankstown, Inner West, and Strathfield. The Alliance uses the combined resources, experience, knowledge and skills within the councils and the community to address the complex environmental problems of the Cooks River and its catchment. |
Meetings are held quarterly and hosted by rotating member council facilities. |
One Councillor and an alternate Councillor.
Currently, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne (Chair of the Board) with Councillor Hesse as the alternate.
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Eastern Region Local Government Region of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Forum (ERLGATSIF) |
Established in 1998, the Forum aims to address and participate at a regional level in the affairs, events and celebrations that impact our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The ERLGATSIF is a partnership between six Councils; Bayside, Inner West, Randwick, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra. |
Meetings are held on Fridays bi-monthly (usually on the 3rd Friday of every second month, commencing February) from 2-4pm. |
One Councillor
Currently Councillor Da Cruz. |
Greenway Steering Committee |
The GreenWay Steering Committee provides advice on the development and implementation of the GreenWay Program, GreenWay Master Plan and associated action plans. Comprising Inner West and City of Canterbury Bankstown Councillors, resident representatives, GreenWay community groups and council staff, it generally works towards the goal of establishing a multi-purpose urban environmental corridor along the Cooks River to Iron Cove GreenWay.
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Meetings are held at least 5 times per year from 4.30 to 6pm and hosted by rotating member council facilities. |
Three Councillors.
Currently, Councillor Kiat, Lockie and York. |
NSW Public Libraries Association |
The NSW Public Libraries Association is the peak body for public libraries in NSW and advocates on behalf of the library sector to strengthen the public library network. |
As required. |
One Councillor and an alternate Councillor.
Currently, Councillor Lockie with Councillor Hesse as the alternate. |
Parramatta River Catchment Group |
The Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) is a regional organisation of local councils, state agencies and community representatives whose aim is to work together to improve the health of the Parramatta River and its catchment. |
Meetings are held quarterly on the 1st Thursday of March, June, September and December, commencing at 5.30pm with the locations rotating between different member agencies. |
One Councillor and an alternate Councillor.
Currently, Councillor Drury with Councillor Da Cruz as the alternate. |
Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC)
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SSROC is an association of 10 Sydney councils serving large and diverse communities that face all the challenges of metropolitan living. SSROC provides a forum for the councils to undertake resource sharing activities and deal with common issues, particularly those that cross boundaries. |
Meetings are held quarterly, generally 1st or 3rd Thursday, 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm start. |
Two Councillors –The Mayor and Deputy Mayor (per SSROC requirements), as well as two alternate Councillors.
Currently, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne and Councillor Porteous with Councillors McKenna OAM and Stamolis as alternates. |
Sydney Airport Community Forum |
SACF is the main body for consultation on the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan. The Forum includes representatives from the community, councils, industry, and State and Federal Parliaments. |
As required |
The Mayor (SACF requirement) and an alternate Councillor.
Currently, the Mayor, Councillor Byrne.
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Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel |
The Sydney Central Planning Panel has responsibility for: · determining ‘regionally significant’ development applications (DAs) and certain other DAs and modification applications · acting as the relevant planning authority (RPA) when directed · undertaking rezoning reviews · providing advice on other planning and development matters when requested |
As required. |
2 Council appointed representatives
Ashfield : Monica Wangmann, Edward Cassidy
Leichardt: Brian McDonald, Deborah Laidlaw and Jacinta Reid (Alternate)
Marrickville: Sam Iskandar, Victor Macri with Rosana Tyler (Alternate) |
Sydney Coastal Council Group |
The Sydney Coastals Group Inc. (SCCG) was established in 1989 to promote co-ordination between Member Councils on environmental issues relating to the sustainable management of the urban coastal and estuarine environment. The Group consists of 9 Councils adjacent to Sydney marine and estuarine environments and associated waterways. |
Meetings are held quarterly on a Saturday and hosted by rotating member council facilities. |
2 Councillors and an alternate Councillor.
Currently, Councillors Hesse and Porteous. |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Arlington Recreation Reserve-Addressing Complaints from Members of the Public
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
Prepared By: Aaron Callaghan - Parks and Recreation Planning Manager
Authorised By: Simon Duck - Acting Director Development and Recreation
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Note the report and the requirements which Council Officers adhere to in managing complaints as pursuant to Council’s adopted Complaints Handling Policy; and
2. Note that a total of 31 complaints have been received in a three-year period in relation to Council’s management of Arlington Reserve. |
DISCUSSION
At its meeting on the 24th May 2021 Council resolved the following:
THAT Council receive a report on what steps Council has taken with regard to complaints received on Arlington Oval and to assure residents they are not being ignored by our Council.
This report highlights the processes which Council staff have been adhering to with regards to managing complaints in relation to the sporting use, access, and enjoyment of Arlington Recreation Reserve by community-based sporting groups.
Complaints in relation to the management and use of Arlington Recreation Reserve are managed by the Parks Planning and Engagement Section of Council. This section also manages sporting ground seasonal allocations and stakeholder management with sporting users. All complaints which Council officers receive are managed in adherence which Councils adopted Complaints Handling Policy.
Under Councils Complaints Handling Policy, a complaint is defined as:
“A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction with the level or quality of the service provided by Inner West Council. This includes dissatisfaction with the outcome of a decision, level or quality of service, the failure to adhere to a policy or procedure, or behavior of an employee or agent, which can be investigated and acted upon.”
Complaints received by Council officers are responded to in a timely manner (within 10 working days) and respectfully addressed. Often complaints need to be investigated, especially when alleged breaches of conditions of sporting ground access and use are made. These complaints are followed up with the cooperation of the sporting club involved. With respect to Arlington Recreation Reserve, Councils compliance team has also provided feedback to the Park Planning and Engagement Unit on ongoing management issues.
A total of 31 complaints have been received in a three-year period in relation to Council’s management of Arlington Reserve. Out of the 31 complaints received, a total of 27 complaints were from the same resident.
Environmental Protection Authority Complaints
In the last two years, two complaints have also formally lodged with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The nature of the complaints has related to Council’s management of Arlington Reserve. In each case the EPA has required that Council staff provide extensive feedback on investigations relating to its complaint handling as well as well as copies of correspondence provided to the resident. Council staff have also had to demonstrate the way Council has addressed the complaints in relation to ongoing management of the sporting ground.
In each of the two cases lodged with the EPA, it can be confirmed that current operational management of the reserve has been compliant with Councils policies.
Arlington Reserve Operational Plan
In 2019 Council resolved to develop an Operational Plan for Arlington Reserve. Following extensive community engagement, a draft Operational Plan has been issued to Council for consideration but has yet to be adopted. In line with the most recent Council resolution, Council staff are now in the process of developing an expression of interest process for establishing a “Community Liaison Committee”. This committee once established, will focus on a revised Operational Plan for future Council consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Community satisfaction survey - 2021
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
Prepared By: Prue Foreman - Communications and Engagement Manager
Authorised By: Caroline McLeod - Acting Director City Living
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive and note the report.
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DISCUSSION
Council commissioned independent social research company Micromex to survey a representative sample of 1,002 residents across all areas of the Inner West local government area in May/June 2021. The results are positive for Inner West Council. Community satisfaction with Council’s overall performance has maintained its solid result since 2018 and is on par with the Micromex Metropolitan Council benchmark. The research and full results are detailed in the report.
BACKGROUND
Council commissioned statistically valid, demographically representative research in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021 enabling comparison of change over time. The recent research conducted in May/June 2021 was scheduled to inform the Community Strategic Plan progress report which must be presented to the outgoing Council at its last meeting. The research will also inform the development of the next suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents.
The research aims to:
· Assess and establish the community’s priorities and satisfaction, in relation to Council activities, services and facilities
· Identify the community’s overall level of satisfaction with Council’s performance
· Identify the community’s level of agreement with prompted statements surrounding wellbeing/connectedness
· Assess methods of communication and engagement with Council
· Identify priority areas for Council to focus on
· Assess community strategic plan measures
KEY FINDINGS
Living in the Inner West
Ninety-five percent agree with the statement “The Inner West is a good place to live” which is 10% higher than the Micromex benchmark. Eighty-one percent agree that “Inner West is a harmonious, respectful and inclusive community” which is 20% higher than the Micromex benchmark.
Respondents are also more likely to agree with the following statements than the Micromex benchmark:
· I have enough opportunities to participate in sporting or recreational activities (64% agree, 7% above benchmark)
· I have enough opportunities to participate in arts and cultural activities (54% agree, 7% above benchmark)
· I feel a part of my local community (74% agree, 6% above benchmark)
Respondents were slightly less likely to agree with the following statements than the Micromex benchmark:
· Council offers good value for money (29% agree, 2% below benchmark)
· Housing in the area is affordable (10% agree, 4% below benchmark)
Ninety-eight percent of respondents feel safe during the day while 77% feel safe after dark.
Top priority areas for Council to focus on
Respondents were asked for the top three challenges facing the area in the next 10 years.
Managing the challenge of population growth remains the key problem area for the community. There has been a significant increase in residents prioritisation towards environmental protections. The top three themes were:
1. Managing development/adequate planning/overdevelopment 38%
2. Environment protection/managing pollution/climate change/maintaining and provision of green open spaces 31% (significantly higher than 22% in 2018)
3. Traffic management/congestion 27%
Council’s overall performance
Overall, 92% of respondents were satisfied with the performance of Council (top three tiers).
The mean satisfaction rating was 3.58 (out of 5), which was the same as 2018 and significantly higher than 3.49 in 2017. This rating is on par with the Micromex benchmark for Sydney metropolitan councils.
Community engagement
The mean rating of resident perceptions of Council’s community engagement has steadily increased over the four survey periods since Inner West Council was established to 3.75. In 2021 60% rate Council’s community engagement as good to excellent.
Council’s integrity and decision making
The mean rating of resident perceptions of Council’s integrity and decision-making has steadily increased over the four survey periods since Inner West Council was established to 3.17. In 2021 80% were satisfied (top three tiers).
Contact with Council
Half of respondents had contacted Council in the past year for a reason other than paying rates. The top three methods for contacting Council were:
1. Online at Council’s website
2. Telephone
3. Email
The top three reasons for contacting Council were:
1. Waste/rubbish removal
2. Make a complaint
3. Development Application
The mean satisfaction for contact with Council is 3.56 which is slightly lower than 2018 and significantly below the Micromex benchmark (3.77).
Satisfaction with online contact has significantly increased while satisfaction with telephone and email contact has significantly decreased.
Information from Council
Respondents were asked how they would prefer to receive information about Council.
Council’s website is the top source (80%) followed by word of mouth (77%), libraries (77%), other direct email from Council and Council’s e-news (67%). These replace the top two sources from 2018 which were brochures/flyers and Council’s printed newsletter.
Flyer/letter to my home is lower than 2018 (59% in 2021) but still an important source for many people, as is Council’s printed newsletter Inner West Council News (58%).
People aged 65+ were significantly more likely to prefer printed flyer/letter and newsletter to their home while people aged 18-36 were significantly more likely to prefer social media.
Community Strategic Plan principles
Respondents were asked about their perceptions of Council as creative, caring and just. Creative (85% agree, mean 3.37) and caring (88% agree, mean 3.41) remain on par with 2018 but the mean rating of perceptions of just have reduced (87% agree – same as 2018 / mean 3.36 compared to 3.47 in 2018).
WestConnex
Awareness
remains high (95%), and support for the project has increased. There was a significant
increase in support to a mean of 3.07 compared to 2018 with 74% support (top
three tiers). Those who are ‘not at all supportive’ has halved from
34% to 17% since 2018.
Analysis of 41 services and facilities
Analysis determined stated importance, rated satisfaction and to what extent the services and facilities contribute to residents’ overall satisfaction with Council.
Importance increased for seven of the 41 comparable services and facilities and decreased for six.
The most important services/facilities were:
1. Access to public transport
2. Household garbage collection
3. Encouraging recycling
4. Safe public spaces
5. Protecting the natural environment
The least important services/facilities were:
1. Graffiti removal
2. Cycleways
3. Building heights in town centres
4. Community education programs
5. Festival and events programs
6. Flood management
Satisfaction increased for four of the 41 comparable services and facilities and reduced for four.
The services/facilities with the highest satisfaction were:
1. Library services
2. Swimming pools and aquatic centres
3. Maintenance of local parks, playgrounds, and sporting fields
4. Community centres and facilities
5. Household garbage collection
6. Availability of sporting ovals, grounds, and facilities
The services/facilities with the lowest satisfaction were:
1. Management of parking
2. Managing development in the area
3. Community’s ability to influence Council decision-making
4. Building heights in town centres
5. Cycleways
6. Tree management
7. Maintaining footpaths
Performance gaps
The top five performance gaps (difference between importance and satisfaction) are: community's ability to influence Council's decision making; maintaining footpaths; managing development in the area; management of parking and maintaining local roads excluding major routes.
Key drivers of overall satisfaction
The key driver of overall satisfaction (as determined by advanced regression analysis) is Council’s integrity and decision-making.
Out of the 41 services/facilities, the key drivers of satisfaction are community's ability to influence Council's decision making; long-term planning for Council area; provision of Council information to the community; tree management; maintaining local roads excluding major routes; supporting local jobs and business; managing development in the area and maintenance of local parks, playgrounds and sporting fields.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil
OTHER STAFF COMMENTS
Nil
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The Community Satisfaction Survey is an engagement technique guided by Council’s Community Engagement Framework. It informs service delivery and measurement of achievement of the Community Strategic Plan – Our Inner West 2036.
CONCLUSION
The 2021 community survey results indicate that Inner West Council is achieving satisfaction on par with the Micromex benchmark for metropolitan councils.
The full report is attached and provides further details of the results and analysis.
1.⇩ |
Inner West Council community satisfaction survey report - 2021 |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Deamalgamation Cost Benefit Report
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
Prepared By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive and note the report.
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BACKGROUND
At the Extraordinary Council Meeting on 24 May 2021, The Inner West Council resolved that Council:
1. Use the opportunity presented by the recent amendments to the Local Government Act to investigate de-amalgamation of Inner West Council and to prepare a report for an Extraordinary Council meeting in the first week in August 2021. Councils’ case should include:
a. Councils’ financial position;
b. Councils’ future financial position;
c. harmonisation changes in rates and costs;
d. service performance of Council has not improved and has been subject to significant community concern;
e. strong community dissatisfaction with the merger remains after 5 years;
f. communities of interest and community cohesion;
g. the dramatic fall in community representation (Councillors/population ratio) has not been good for our people;
h. the merged Council has created a huge bias which favours political party control of Council; along with reduced opportunity and greater hurdles for non-political party representation on Council;
i. Council engages in community consultation;
j. thorough cost benefit analysis on demerger by a reputable independent source that has the capacity to assess complex economic social and environmental issues;
k. the ongoing costs and benefits on each of the councils if they were to demerge. The estimated cost of demerger in the ranges in vicinity of $20M to $34M and an annual cost ranging from $11M to $15M year;
l. the impact on staff, to be assessed independently;
m. the effect on the consolidated information communication and technology costs;
n. the effect on current governance arrangements; and
o. the effect on the ability to introduce new or improved service delivery.
2. Pursuant to section 14 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW):
a. Take a poll of electors on the question of whether the Inner West local government area should be de-amalgamated, so as to restore the former local government areas of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville; and
b. Hold the poll on the day of the 2021 NSW local government elections, being Saturday, 4 September 2021 or such later or other day as may subsequently be proclaimed.
3. Examine any additional cost of a poll on the amalgamation as part of the quarterly budget review;
4. Write to Local Government NSW and seek to place on the business paper for the forthcoming Local Government NSW Conference the following motion, that: The NSW Government pay 100% of costs of de-amalgamation of local government areas forced to amalgamate where a referendum of residents has chosen to reverse the forced amalgamation; and
5. Write to the Premier, Minister for Local Government, Leader of the Opposition, and cross benchers in the NSW Parliament asking their support for the NSW Government to pay 100% of costs of de-amalgamation of local government areas forced to amalgamate where a referendum of residents has chosen to reverse the forced amalgamation.
DISCUSSION
As a result of the Council resolution stated above from the Extraordinary Meeting on 24 May, Council commissioned Morrison Low to undertake a high-level cost benefit assessment case, to identify the benefits and costs of a potential de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council into its former councils of Ashfield Council, Leichhardt Council and Marrickville Council.
Suitably qualified and experienced, Morrison Low are a reputable and independent source that has the capacity to assess complex economic, social and environmental issues. Morrison Low have performed numerous engagements concerning amalgamations, transition planning and deamalgamation in Australia and New Zealand.
The report is intended to inform the Council and community of the possible costs and future costs and benefits of any de-amalgamation.
The report finds that a de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council to reform Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville Councils would have the following financial impacts. Further information is contained within the report with estimated net costs for the proposed de-amalgamation being:
- one off de-amalgamation costs - $26.2 million
- ongoing costs and benefits net - $22.1 million.
Further insights drawn from the report include:
- that there is no prescribed methodology for a de-amalgamation of councils in NSW and therefore this report proposes both a methodology and assumptions
- the recent community perception survey undertaken by Micromex shows the highest level of satisfaction (92%) since the introduction of Inner West Council at a level above the Micromex local government area benchmark for the metropolitan region
- a fall in community representation shown by the Councillor to population ratio for the amalgamated Council compared to the legacy Councils
- significant transition and ongoing costs resulting in operating deficits for each of the reinstated Councils
- proposed special rate variations (SRV’s) to address funding gaps as each of the legacy Councils are unsustainable resulting in rate increases ranging from $180 to $321
- recent decisions from the Minister for Local Government to not proceed with two deamalgamation proposals despite support for one of these proposals from the Boundary Commission.
The Council resolution (part l) required the impact on staff to assessed independently. This work has been completed by Insync, an independent specialist employee survey provider resulting in 71% of staff supporting the amalgamated Inner West Council (refer attachment 2). The Morrison Low report notes key risks arising from deamalgamation on staff including the loss of key staff and cultural separation from the Inner West Council which may not go well resulting in low morale, increased turnover and reduced performance.
Further to receiving this report, Council has engaged an independent copywriter to prepare information from the Morrison Low report as a summary of the advantages and disadvantages for each option. This information will be provided to the Electoral Commission who advised they will review any material prepared by Council.
Council has a dedicated web page on the elections, including a section on the de-merger poll in the drop-down concertina.
Other scheduled action include:
- Media release
- Social media
- Home page web banner
- Email signature
- E-news
- Flyer to all households and businesses – drafted by external copywriter and based on independent cost/benefit analysis by Council’s consultants
- Inner West Council News November edition.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
1.⇩ |
Cost Benefit Proposal Inner West Council Deamalgamation |
2.⇩ |
Insync Staff Survey - Deamalgamation |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: COVID-19 Financial Support
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Endorse the redistribution of a portion of Council’s annual Community Wellbeing grant funding by allocating $25,000 to Addison Road Food Pantry and $25,000 to Bill Crews Exodus Foundation to support the increased demand for food insecurity for families in the Inner West;
2. Support the redeployment of IWC staff
where appropriate, to assist the work of local agencies; 3. Support the redistribution of $20,000 from the Targeted Early
Intervention funding from Department of Communities and Justice, in keeping
with guidelines to key services, working with vulnerable families and young
people in the outreach and early intervention areas; 4. Note that since Council’s meeting on the 20 July, the State
and Federal Government announced to expand the existing COVID-19 Support
measures; 5. Note that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Council’s budget with $13.8M in 2020/21 and the forecast impact for 2021/22 could be as high as $11.7M; and
6. Council’s response be reviewed should further impacts arise.
|
BACKGROUND
This report responds to the Mayoral Minute C0721(2) Item 11 Mayoral Minute: Council’s Covid Actions for the Community during the Council Meeting on 20 July 2021.
THAT Council:
1. Expresses thanks to the residents of the Inner West, the officers of Inner West Council and all of the frontline workers who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and protecting public health during this latest COVID-19 lockdown;
2. Thanks NSW Health, the NSW Police and other emergency services for their collaboration in responding to the crisis;
3. Thanks the local NGOs and charities working to provide outreach services to vulnerable citizens, and resolves that Council officers contact the NGOs to find out how it can support them in their efforts to address food security and outreach services;
4. Extends the availability of the Summer Hill Depot as a COVID-19 testing centre until the end of September 2021;
5. Notes the successful City of Ryde financial assistance package for ratepayers implemented during last year’s lockdown and tables a report to the next Council meeting identifying options for providing financial assistance, up to $400, to ratepayers who have lost income to assist in ameliorating the financial impacts from the present lockdown. This should include advice from the Office of Local Government on how financial assistance can be provided to ratepayers;
6. Writes to the relevant Federal and State Ministers to urgently request that all of Council’s frontline workers are prioritised to receive vaccinations;
7. Ensures that tenants of Council properties will not be evicted during this lockdown, and that affected businesses receive a deferral of rental payments in accordance with Council’s previously adopted policy;
8. Notes this existing policies and measures Council is implementing to assist residents and businesses including:
a) Sporting clubs are not to be charged fees for sporting fields and facilities that are closed and unable to be used during this COVID-19 crisis;
b) Sporting fields, tennis and basketball courts (other than Henson Park and Tempe Reserve) are being illuminated until 9pm for the duration of the lockdown to allow more opportunity for safe exercise; Council Meeting 20 July 2021
c) Council rangers have been directed to prioritise safety not issuing fines in residential streets. Rangers are also monitoring main streets to ensure there is adequate parking for residents to access essential services; and
d) Council’s social media channels are available, upon request, to not-for-profit community organisations and local service providers to promote resources, services, donations and volunteerism in response to the crisis.
9. Write to the Prime Minister urging him to immediately lift the rate of the Jobseeker Allowance and Student Allowance to $600.00 per week so that people in receipt of Jobseeker Allowance and Student Allowance, many of whom work casually, do not lose income during the current round of restrictions that seek to manage Covid-19;
10. Further seek the Prime Minister’s urgent support for the voice of local government around Australia to be part of National Cabinet through the participation of the President of the Australian Local Government Association;
11. Receive a report back regarding United Services Union that includes the adequacy of the support offered by Council to its casual aquatic centre workers, with any proposals by the union to be reported to Councillors for consideration.
12. Receive a report back at the next Council meeting on turn off all parking meters during the lockdown period.
DISCUSSION
COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the Inner West and Greater Sydney communities. Resolutions 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 have or are in the process of being implemented.
This paper will focus on the three (3) resolutions set out below:
1. Impact of COVID-19 on the community as reported by NGOs (Resolution 3)
2. Financial assistance for ratepayers (Resolution 5)
3. Update on Aquatic Centre Casuals and Council’s discussion with United Services Union (USU) (Resolution 11)
4. Options for turning off parking meters during the lockdown period (Resolution 12)
1. Impact of COVID-19 on our community as reported by NGOs
Officers have reached out to local NGOs and acknowledged and thanked the services for their ongoing support of the community. The NGOs are open or providing community support and report their workloads are stretched.
The feedback from the groups is that this lockdown is more severe and there is generally more distress in the community. The biggest issues they are addressing are food insecurity, mental health, loss of income, safety (increases in DFV), navigating systems for the disaster payments, access to electronic devices / technology, managing work and home schooling (including access to technology) and referring people to other services.
The services report there is a lack of organisational capacity and the resources to meet the increasing demand. In addition, organisations have reported a loss of income during this period and there has been a reduction in the number of community members available to volunteer.
The services have reported there are requirements for:
· donated food (maintaining food supply to meet demand)
· funding for food or food vouchers
· funding for access to masks and hand sanitisers
· ongoing support and access to accommodation for people sleeping rough
· support for donations or access to digital devices and connectivity and
· advocacy to State and Federal Government regarding job keeper payments and rent relief payments
In 2020 Council provided a total of $250,000 as ten individual COVID response grants at $25,000 to the following partner organisations: Addison Road Community Centre, Asylum Seekers Centre, Exodus Foundation, Headspace Ashfield, Inner West Neighbour Aid, Leichhardt Women’s Health Centre, Marrickville Youth Resource Centre, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, and St Vincent de Paul Society Inner West.
These funds have been acquitted, with a diverse range of positive outcomes delivered directly to the Inner West community including additional food hampers provided to vulnerable households, further supports to boarding house residents, increased mental health supports to young people, telephone and online outreach to seniors and families, training and redeployment of volunteers.
To further support the Inner West community, it is proposed to redistribute $50,000 of the existing $150,000 annual Community Wellbeing grant funding to Addison Road Food Pantry $25,000 and Bill Crews Exodus Foundation $25,000 to support the increased demand for food insecurity for families in the Inner West.
Furthermore, it is proposed to redistribute $20,000 of the Targeted Early Intervention funding from Department of Communities and Justice, in keeping with guidelines to key services, working with vulnerable families and young people in the outreach and early intervention areas. This is specifically for the purposes of access to digital devices, data and food hampers. Officers will liaise with the appropriate NGOs to determine where these funds are allocated to ensure it is in keeping with the requirements of the funding ie within designated areas such as South Marrickville.
Where appropriate Council officers could also support NGOs through assistance from IWC staff. Council staff will continue to stay connected to agencies and keep community informed by providing current information for emergency food relief services, mental health support, domestic violence supports and ways for people to stay connected and active in covid safe way via website, social media and networks.
2. Financial assistance for ratepayers
Council resolved to identify options to provide financial assistance to ratepayers who have lost income similar to the support Ryde Council provided/is providing their impacted residents in 2020 and 2021.
Legal advice obtained last year confirmed that Council was unable to provide a rate rebate but Council’s recent legal advice confirmed that financial assistance can be provided under s356 of the Local Government Act 1993. Council could provide the $400 payment from its consolidated fund, provided the moneys used were not special rates or charges or money otherwise required for a specific purpose under the Local Government Act or any other legislation. Before doing so, Council would need to give public notice of its intention to grant the financial assistance.
Further advice has been sought through the Office of Local Government (OLG) who advised that funding for this one-time financial assistance will be required to be provided in accordance with s356 of the Local Government Act 1993.
i. s356 of the Local Government Act 1993 states councils can provide financial assistance to ratepayers if there are funds available that have not been collected for a specific purpose.
ii. Council is required to resolve to adopt the financial assistance and the proposal be placed on public exhibition for 28 (twenty-eight) days
The OLG further advised that there are several financial assistance packages being provided by both State and Federal Governments to help those impacted by Covid-19.
2.1 Eligibility
The eligibility set out below is based on Ryde Council’s criteria. To be eligible, a ratepayer would have to have received one of the following support measures meaning they have already received and may be eligible for increased levels of support:
· Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment
· Small and Median Business Support Payment
· Federal/State Grants program for Micro Businesses
The initiative would be available until 31 December 2021 and applicants would apply on-line or via mail.
2.2 Financial implications
It is difficult to predict the number of applications Council would receive as there is no way of knowing how many individuals or companies are receiving or will receive State or Federal Assistance. The COVID-19 impacted industries include retail, construction, arts and recreation, accommodation and food service which happen to be some of the major industries our residents are employed in.
Ryde Council advises the initiative cost $150,000 based on 0.69% of their 54,000 rateable properties applying for the program.
The following table provides an indication of the financial impacts of the initiative to Inner West Council, noting this does not include any administrative costs.
Number of applications |
% of total Council rateable properties (79,150) |
Cost to Council ($) |
546 |
0.69% |
$219,886 |
791 |
1% |
$316,636 |
7,915 |
10% |
$3,166,360 |
15,830 |
20% |
$6,332,000 |
39,575 |
50% |
$15,831,800 |
79,150 |
100% |
$31,662,000 |
Council’s adopted 2021/22 Operating Budget reflects a budget deficit after operating grants of $4.4m. As noted above, s356 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires this program would be funded from Council’s working funds.
If Council resolves to adopt this assistance program, a funding source will need to be identified and if a funding source is identified, it would be prudent to cap the maximum funds available.
It should also be noted that this program would be providing additional funds to businesses and the community that are already receiving financial assistance from the State and Federal Government. Furthermore, this program provides no benefit to members of our community who are not property owners.
It is important to note that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Council’s budget. In 2020/21 the impact is reported as $13.8m. For 20221/22 the forecast impact to the end of the proposed lockdown only is $5.4m. This is due to the loss of income from aquatic centres, community facilities, sportsfields and compliance.
The table below provides the forecast lost revenue by month to the proposed end of lockdown. The recovery from this current lockdown is expected to be slow and based on last year’s recovery will result in a forecast impact of $11.4m for the full year.
Month |
Amount |
July 2021 |
$2.4m |
August 2021 (proposed end of lockdown) |
$3m |
Total |
$5.4m |
If further lockdowns are imposed or other restrictions are put in place inhibiting business as usual operations, further budget impacts will be realised of approximately $3m for every additional month of lockdown. Again, this will be followed by a slow and staggered recovery to the end of 2021/2022.
3. State and Federal Government additional financial support measures
It is important to note that since Council’s meeting on the 20 July, the State and Federal Government announced on the 28 July to expand the existing COVID-19 Support measures listed in the following tables and is summarised below.
For individuals including those in the Inner West who have had their work hours reduced because of the lockdown will be in line to receive additional payments.
Those who have lost more than 20 hours of work per week are already eligible for the federal government's COVID-19 disaster payment, worth $600 per week. This will be increased by $150 per week.
People who have lost less than 20 hours of work per week were eligible for $300 per week under the COVID-19 disaster payment. This will be increased by $75 per week.
For businesses, the program providing weekly payments for businesses suffering (revenue down 30%) because of the lockdown will be expanded. This support is based on keeping headcount in businesses with the amount a business is eligible for based on its weekly payroll and annual turnover. This could be $1500 per week with the maximum amount now increased from $10,000 to $100,000. Sole traders who prove their turnover has reduced by 30% will be eligible to receive a weekly $1000 payment which can be backdated to July 18.
Welfare recipients who are already receiving Commonwealth income support, such as youth allowance or a carers’ payment, are entitled to claim the COVID-19 disaster payment. They will get a top-up of $200 a week, on top of their existing benefits, if they have lost more than eight hours of work.
The table below outlines the current support State and Federal support available before the 28 July announcement.
Support for individuals |
||
What support is available? |
What is it? |
What period of lockdown does it cover? |
COVID-19 Disaster Payment |
A payment for workers who have been unable to earn income due to the COVID-19 lockdown
• $325 – $375 if you lost 8 – 20 hours of work per week or a full day of your usual work hours • $500 – $600 if you lost more than 20 hours per week
|
Eligibility depends on where you live and work*
1 July – 15 July 2021 at lower rates ($325 / $500)
15 July onwards at higher rates ($375 / $600) |
Support with my tenancy |
Protection from eviction for residential tenants who have suffered a 25% or more loss of income due to the lockdown Land tax relief or grants for landlords who reduce the rent of lockdown impacted tenants |
Land tax relief is provided to landowners who reduce rent for COVID-19 affected tenants between 1 July and 31 December 2021 up to 100% of their 2021 land tax liability. Landowners who do not pay land tax can alternatively apply for up to $1500 grant per residential tenancy |
Support for small to medium businesses (including sole traders) and small non-profits |
||
What support is available? |
What is it? |
What period of lockdown does it cover? |
COVID-19 Micro Business Grants |
Fortnightly tax-free grant of $1,500 |
From the start of the lockdown |
Support with my tenancy |
Landlords can’t evict retail or commercial tenancies without mediation Land tax relief for landlords who reduce the rent for impacted tenants, up to 100% of their 2021 land tax liability |
These protections will last for the whole lockdown Land tax relief is provided to landowners who reduce rent for COVID-19 affected tenants between 1 July and 31 December 2021 |
COVID-19 Business Grants |
One-off tax-free grant of $7,500 to $15,000 depending on your business’s revenue decline |
The first three weeks of the lockdown |
Job Saver |
Tax-free payments of 40% of pre–COVID weekly payroll, from $1,500 to $10,000 per week (paid fortnightly); $1,000 weekly for non-employing business |
From 19 July 2021 |
Payroll tax support |
25% reduction in FY22 payroll tax for eligible businesses
• Payroll tax payments deferred until 7 October 2021 for all businesses • Interest free 12-month repayment plans for deferred payroll tax |
The full lockdown period |
Support with my tenancy |
Landlords can’t evict impacted retail or commercial tenancies without mediation Land tax relief for landlords who reduce the rent for impacted tenants up to 100% of their 2021 land tax liability |
These protections will last for the whole lockdown |
Industry specific support |
||
What support is available? |
What is it? |
What period of lockdown does it cover? |
Support for the creative arts sector |
Tailored payments to non-profits, commercial theatres, and commercial music venues, to help with the cost of current productions |
From 26 June 2021 |
Support for accommodation providers |
Available for providers that can demonstrate room cancellations during the school holiday period;
• $2,000 for losses of up to 10 room nights • $5,000 for 11 or more room nights |
26 June to 11 July 2021 inclusive |
4. Support measures provided by Council
A report was provided to the Council meeting of 28 April 2020 providing progress on numerous resolutions relating to the impact of COVID-19.
A rate relief program remains in place. The program allows approved applicants to defer their rates payment up to 12 months with no interest charged. Council continues to receive applications from both residential and business and to date has resulted in:
· of the 329 residential rates applications that were approved; to date only 24 have been signed and returned totalling $33k in deferred residential rates payment
· of the 56 business rates applications that were approved, to date 32 applications have been signed and returned totalling $334k in deferred business rates payment.
Other support measures include:
· establishing a dedicated COVID-19 page on Council’s website with all relevant information to keep our community informed including:
o the latest Health advice including Public Health Orders
o links for Government support including financial support
· working with tenants in Council owned properties ensuring no tenants will be evicted and working with tenants depending on their circumstances
· established a list of food businesses that are open for takeaway or delivery, and a social media campaign encouraging residents to support their local restaurants and cafes
· Council’s parking officers will prioritise public safety over other enforcement activity during the lockdown period
· main Street parking meters in Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain shopping strips turned off after 7pm to help the night-time economy
· abolishing outdoor dining fees, saving local businesses $1.5 million over three years
· holding public meetings to inform our community with officials from Health and Police
· providing links to relevant community groups and support organisations to support vulnerable people during this difficult time
· Council has created a support page for the local arts and cultural sector, which lists relevant grants, information and resources, including mental health support
· provided additional lighting hours to our parks and sportsfields to extend the hours available for exercise.
5. Update on Aquatic Centre Casuals and Council’s discussion with USU
Support for employees during COVID-19 workplace closures is set by the Local Government (COVID-19) Splinter Award 2021, which Inner West Council is following, and has already begun paying out the Leave it provides.
The COVID-19 Splinter Award commits Council to a range of payments initiated by workplace closures. Workplace closures represent significant loss of Council revenue.
It appears every Council in NSW has now opted into coverage of that award, demonstrating that Councils are not setting up their own support arrangements. Neither party to that Award, the USU or LGNSW sought to cover casual employees.
The majority of casual employees work less than 20 hours per week. Casual employees who are not provided with work are eligible for Australian Government assistance (Jobkeeper etc). Council has assisted employees with information on accessing those payments. Council will continue to assist employees individually and believes it has worked very cooperatively with all unions’ requests. This has been confirmed with USU representatives.
Council intends on re-engaging all casual aquatic staff when there is available work. Aquatics management are keeping in touch with all staff not currently working.
Council management and HR staff are in constant communication with the USU, including discussions in the past week. No issues have required escalation or been left unresolved and both parties are happy to continue that and always have productive discussions and will continue to meet whenever requested.
6. Parking Meter Operations During Lockdown
Free parking for 30 minutes is available on all main streets. A review of parking ticket volumes indicates Council’s 30-minute free parking tickets remains high at 66% of normal level as opposed to paid parking tickets which are at only 18% of normal levels. This demonstrates that visitation has continued to the main streets for short-stay activities, but medium-stay activities have fallen significantly (dining, retail browsing, etc).
It is not recommended that parking meters be turned off for the following reasons:
· It allows employees of local businesses to park for long periods of time on main streets therefore limiting the number of spaces available for potential customers
· Long stay parkers may increase in metered residential streets adjacent to the main street thereby reducing the parking for residents
· Previous engagement (2018) regarding turning off parking meters at 7pm and extending free parking in the Balmain, Leichhardt and Rozelle communities received low levels of support
· While the parking meters can be turned off remotely, this change would need to be communicated to all motorists. This would involve placing signage on every parking meter across the LGA. It is estimated the preparation and installation of this signage would take approximately one week.
· Parking meters in Newtown operated with same tariffs as City of Sydney which are still operating
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Response to Notice of Motion - Interactions and Computer Literacy
Prepared By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
Authorised By: Peter Gainsford - General Manager
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive and note the report. |
BACKGROUND
On 24 May 2021, Council resolved to:
Receive a report on the interactions with our ratepayer/residents who are computer illiterate and if there is a policy relating to this matter when was it adopted.
DISCUSSION
Council does not have a policy specific to how it provides service to customers with low levels of computer literacy.
However, Council does ensure wherever responsibility is solely within its domain, that its services are accessible via a range of options, including both a 24 hour 7 days per week telephone service which also supports customers calling via both the National Relay Service (NRS) for Deaf, hearing and/or speech impaired customers as well as from the Translating and Interpreter Service (TIS) for non-English speaking customers.
In addition, Council provides a full in-person service, maintaining three customer service counters at Ashfield, Leichhardt and Petersham that provide face to face (in-person) service to all members of the community for the full range of Council services.
Whist each of Council’s three Customer Service counters were temporarily closed during the height of COVID in April and May 2020, all three centres have reopened to only close again from 28 June 2021 due to the ongoing Sydney lockdown and in accordance with Public Health Orders.
Council’s telephone customer service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with calls routing to an after-hours contact centre outside the hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and on weekends and public holidays. Council’s telephone customer service remained open throughout the height of COVID providing a valuable service with all counter staff diverted to responding to community enquiries during this period.
When Public Health Orders permit, Council’s customer service counters are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm with staff available and ready to assist customers across all three locations.
On average, Council serves 1,600 customers per month across our three front counters. This is down significantly from the average of 2,200 customers per month in FY20 and 2,900 per month in FY19 and is in line with greater take up of Council’s online services.
It is important to note that there are some services that, where mandated by another government agency e.g. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), are only available to customers via an online channel, specifically any services available through the NSW Planning Portal.
Use of the NSW Planning Portal (Online DA Service) became mandatory for selected Greater Sydney and regional Councils, including Inner West Council, on 1 July 2020.
The DPIE has also indicated that the suite of applications that they will mandate be lodged via the NSW Planning Portal is set to continue to increase over the next 12 to 24 months.
As Council’s customer service team does now, they will continue to be available to assist customers either without access to the internet or with a lower level of computer literary lodge applications via the NSW Planning Portal where this assistance is needed and where capacity allows.
Council actively promotes the various service options via its general website, via the Your Say Inner West website, it’s social media platforms and via the Inner West Council News which is sent to all customers every two (2) months.
In addition, all community engagement conducted via Your Say Inner West provides customers the option of providing their feedback via the Your Say website as well as by phone and in person at customer service counters. For specific community engagement initiatives dedicated phone lines are in place to support community members wanting to make submissions via phone.
Performance
Providing a high level of service to our Community is of utmost importance. To ensure Council’s Customer Service team is meeting our Communities expectation, regular independent assessment is undertaken across all front counters and the contact centre.
This review process commenced in 2018 and has been conducted each year since with the most recent review conducted in April and May 2021. This involved 50 telephone reviews and 30 telephone reviews across both channels involving numerous staff members.
The overall satisfaction provided by the independent review was a combined satisfaction level of 89.70%. This fell just short of our target of 90% but is the best overall result of the group since surveying commenced in 2018. The year-on-year improvement can be seen in the graph below.
Furthermore, the recent community satisfaction survey conducted by Micromex Research identified that 92% of residents are at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of Council. This is above the Micromex Metro Local Government Area benchmark.
Improvement
While this result is pleasing, it is imperative that Council continues to understand the needs and expectations of our community and review our performance to continually improve service delivery. This includes identifying areas for improvement as well as receiving, responding to and resolving complaint that lead to improvement.
Several improvement opportunities have been identified from the review as well as other review initiatives undertaken. These include:
1. Considering the level of staff resourcing to address volume of walk-ins at front counters and calls the contact centre
2. Online services not being promoted or referenced as much by front counter staff
3. Further cross skilling to ensure the confidence of information provision is as strong in person as it is over the telephone
4. Further training to ensure follow-up and resolution is achieved
5. Constructing a dedicated customer service charter that promises how Council will interact with its customers along with policies, procedures and service levels
6. Developing a quality improvement plan describing the actions that will be undertaken to improve the level and standard of customer service across the organisation.
Furthermore, anecdotal feedback has identified improvement opportunities in relation to the volunteer role of Justice of the Peace (JP). The primary roles of a JP are to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents.
It should be noted that NSW JPs are not authorised under NSW law to witness the execution of documents for use overseas. NSW JPs can only perform a task in their capacity as a JP if that function is conferred by a NSW Act or Regulation. If a NSW JP performs any other task, they are not doing so in their capacity as a NSW JP. There have been no recent changes to the functions of NSW JPs with regard to witnessing the execution of documents for use overseas.
Further training and education to staff as well as appropriate provision of information to our community will assist in this regard.
Community Programs
The Community Wellbeing team have two (2) roles specifically dedicated to championing the voices, aspirations and inclusion of people growing older in the Inner West. These roles are responsible for engaging with seniors and stakeholders, facilitating and implementing integrated design, collaboration and strategic delivery of programs, services, advice, awareness and initiatives for older people, to increase participation and ensure meaningful inclusion.
These two roles are:
1. Healthy Ageing Programs Supervisor
2. Healthy Ageing Community Development Officer.
Some of the key initiatives include:
· Manage relationships and participate in/ facilitate networks including the Inner West Aged Services Interagency, Elder Abuse Collaborative, engage with relevant stakeholders and represent Council at regional/sub-regional planning meetings.
· Delivered Get Connected Stay Connected: A suite of online workshops and social support groups developed by Council in partnership with Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) and designed for older people isolated during Covid -19.
· Health and wellbeing education and recreation programs for seniors in collaboration with libraries, Hannaford Centre, Aquatic Services, Recreation and community partners such as Services Australia, Trustee and Guardian, Sydney Local Health District, Uniting Care etc.
· Active and Connected: A suite of recreational, fitness, arts and wellbeing activities, bus outings and programs designed to promote and encourage healthy ageing.
· Establishment of Dementia Cafes, designed to create an inclusive social support network for older people living with dementia and their family / carers.
· Hosted programs to reduce the digital divide include tech savvy seniors.
· Promoting and supporting the role out of pilot programs and new initiatives designed to increase social inclusion for older people from linguistically diverse background. Recent example is the My Aged Care Navigator Support Program developed for Chinese speaking community in Ashfield.
· Actively support and participate in key advocacy and awareness raising initiatives specific to older people, including Coalition of End of Loneliness, Elder Abuse Collaboration, Multicultural Network, Dementia Alliance, Anti-Ageism campaigns.
· Publication of a Seniors Directory.
· Deliver annual events such as Seniors Festival, Grandparent’s day, Mental Health Month delivered in collaboration with local community organisations, businesses, artists and multicultural communities.
· Facilitate Seniors Local Democracy Working Group, providing local senior residents an avenue to contribute ideas and provide feedback to Council on issues and projects pertaining to healthy ageing.
· Host Healthy Ageing and Wellbeing Workshops and Talks, including ageing gracefully, superannuation, Wills, retirement symposium etc.
· It is also worthy of noting The Hannaford Centre, a Council funded Community Centre which offers diverse activities and programs for seniors living in the Inner West.
In the context of digital literacy, this team supports programs that assist in this area, specifically including:
1. Tech Savvy Seniors
2. Digital Inclusion
3. Accessing the Web; and
4. Using Digital Devices.
These programs are aimed at delivering digital literacy training to seniors so they can develop the skills and confidence to access information and services online. Programs such as these provide training in computers, tablets and smart phones to help seniors to stay connected with their families, friends and communities.
Council libraries (when permitted within Public Health Orders) have technology infrastructure and staff (7 days per week) to provide accessibility and support for all community members that seek this service.
Whilst these programs are supported, Council will continue to review and improve so that all members of our community have access to Council services and that the expectations of our community are met.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Investment Strategy & Portfolio Review 2020/21
Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the report be received and noted.
|
BACKGROUND
Council in collaboration with its investment advisers the Prudential Investment Services Group managers Council’s investment portfolio in line with its adopted investment strategy and policy. On a yearly basis Council’s investment portfolio’s performance is reviewed against the bank bill index. This report is shared with Council, the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and the community giving transparency and comfort that Council’s funds have been well managed.
DISCUSSION
Council continues to manage a well diversified portfolio with a good range of maturities from cash out to 5 years arranged to cater for expenditure requirements while maintaining a very sound credit quality profile and a fully non-fossil fuel/SRI focused portfolio.
Council’s investment portfolio reflects the impact of the low interest rate environment with quarterly returns gradually declining over the financial year as higher yielding deposits were replaced with the prevailing lower yielding options. Nevertheless, the portfolio strongly outperformed the bank bill index for the 2020/21 Financial Year while maintaining a fully non-fossil fuel/SRI focused portfolio.
Over the the 2020/21 Financial Year, Council’s portfolio return outperformed the bank bill index, 0.97%%pa versus 0.06%pa. (Marked-to-market returns include any changes on underlying security valuations based upon current market interest rates).
As at 30 June 2021, Council’s total weighted average interest rate on its portfolio was 1.14%. (This excludes the impact of underlying capital values and is a point-in-time value).
Investment opportunities across all time periods will continue to be considered closely, particularly Socially Responsible Investments, in conjunction with Council’s cash expenditure requirements and policy to help ensure the portfolio remains well positioned to take advantage of the changing market conditions.
Good Governance: Investment Portfolio vs Policy Limits
Council has a well-diversified investment portfolio across a wide range of asset types including:
· Cash: ME Bank At Call account currently paying 0.40%pa, which is higher than many longer dated term deposits.
· Term Deposits: non-fossil fuel and Green fixed and floating rate deposits from a wide selection of Australian Authorised Deposit taking Institutions (ADIs)
· Fixed Interest Securities:
o fixed rate bonds – Socially Responsible Investments from Australian ADIs and government issuers
o floating rate notes from Australian ADIs
o mortgage backed securities (further details in Appendix A)
Asset Allocation as of June 30:
The following tables summarise Council’s Investment Portfolio, as at the end of June 2021, in terms of its Investment Policy Framework:
A. Overall Portfolio Credit Limits.
B. Individual Institution Limits, and
C. Term to Maturity Limits.
A. Overall Portfolio Credit Limits:
Council is at its 20% limit with BBB rated banks. Non-fossil fuel aligned banks are predominately rated in the BBB category, however NSW TCorp’s loan covenant requirements has limited Council’s allowed exposure to the BBB category to 20%.
Fitch credit rating agency has ceased monitoring the Emerald Reverse Mortgage Backed Securities; therefore, the securities are now shown as having “No Rating” in Council’s reports, but they remain eligible investments under the Ministerial Order as ‘grandfathered’ securities held prior to the amended Order in 2011.
Individual Institution Limits:
Council’s investments are predominately in deposits/securities with highly rated Australian Authorised Deposit taking Institutions (ADIs) regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
Council’s exposures versus policy limits as of 30 June, colour coded according to their non-Fossil Fuel/Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) status:
Bank of Queensland (fossil fuel) has recently acquired ME Bank (non-fossil fuel). At this stage both banks are still trading under separate banking licences. There is no indication as to when ME Bank will merge under BOQ’s banking licence, until then the banks are undertaking “business as usual”. Once ME Bank is trading under BOQ’s licence, then ME Bank exposures will be considered fossil fuel aligned. It is recommended that Council redistribute the proceeds of ME Bank TD maturities in preparation for the eventual single licence under BOQ. Council has holdings in the ME Bank At Call account, which can be redeemed at the last minute, and a $2.5m TD maturing in late March 2022. No action is required at this stage.
Since February 2019, Council has had 100% of its investment portfolio invested in term deposits from non-Fossil Fuel aligned banks and Socially Responsible Investments.
Over the financial year, the weighting in Socially Responsible Investments, including Green TDs from the majors, has increased as Council has had to reduce its limit in BBB rated banks, which is the credit rating of most non-fossil fuel banks, as per NSW TCorp loan covenant requirements.
Portfolio Performance, Interest Details & Capital Movements
The charts below show Council's 2020/21 quarterly, FY and 12 month investment portfolio returns against benchmark:
Rising long term interest rates in February had a negative impact on the marked-to-market value of Council’s long dated fixed rate bonds, resulting in a slightly negative overall return in the March Quarter. Performance subsequently rebounded resulting in a solid financial year return for Council’s portfolio.
1.⇩ |
IWC Investment Strategy & Portfolio Review 2020/21 |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Investment Report as at 31 July 2021.
Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer
Authorised By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the report be received and noted.
|
DISCUSSION
Council’s holding in various investment categories are listed in the table below. Council’s portfolio size is $230.2m. All Socially Responsible Investments (SRI’s) are investments that comply with the Non-Fossil Fuel standards. Council’s annualised return continues to exceed the bank bill index benchmark. Council’s portfolio had a return of 0.90%, above the UBSWA Bank Bill Index Benchmark (0.05%).
Changes in the value of our portfolio was due to maturing investments of $7m –
· Investment
o Members Equity Bank $2.9k (interest)
o CBA (Green) $7m
o National Housing Investments Corp (Social) $3m
· Matured in July
o Teachers Mutual Bank $4m
o Westpac Group (Green) $3m
The investment market had limited non-fossil fuel products available in the month. Those available were offered with low interest rate.
The attachments to this report summarise all investments held by Council and interest returns for periods ending 31 July 2021.
The Current Market value is required to be accounted for. The Current Market Value is a likely outcome if Council were to consider recalling the investment prior to its due date.
All investments made for the month of July 2021 have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, Local Government Regulations and the Inner West Council Investment Policy.
The 2020/21 Financial Year End process is in progress. The split between the External and Internal Restrictions are not available at this time.
1.⇩ |
IWC Investment Report - July 2021 |
2.⇩ |
IWC Economic & Investment Portfolio Commentary July 2021 |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Goods Line Rail noise
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
From: Councillor Victor Macri
Motion:
THAT Council writes to State Rail and the relevant State members informing them of the freight line noise issues in Meeks Rd. The letter should contain a request for some treatments to assist these impacted residents. Noting the observations of the residents but not limiting treatments to their observations.
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Background
I was contacted by a resident on the noise level of the Goods Line rail and their email is below.
My family recently purchased a house at 129 Meeks Road, Marrickville. We were quite excited to move into our beautiful new home however; the offensive noise levels of the squealing brakes of the goods trains 24 hours a day has ruined both our experience of living in the Inner West and our lives in general.
The stress levels triggered by the outrageous noise of the squealing brakes of the Goods Trains as they speed past our house 24 hours a day is causing the whole family to suffer. I am frequently awoken at night and am starting to find it difficult to concentrate on and carry out my job to the best of my ability, which is why I am sending this letter from my work email account. This morning I was awoken at 4am and was unable to get back to sleep which affects my mood and behaviour in a professional environment.
I am particularly concerned about my teenage daughter, who is suffering from insomnia and as a student is finding it difficult to concentrate due to daytime fatigue. She has had to seek medical advice about the effect the experience of the Goods Trains squealing brakes 24 hours a day is having on her mental health.
We have noticed that when the Metro Line workers have been present recently to install the Metro line, the Goods Trains travel at a significantly slower speed and the noise is much less apparent. Yet, when there are no workers on the line, the Goods Trains speed up again significantly and so does the outrageous level of squealing brakes.
We have also noticed the blue and yellow Pacific National railway engines are slower, more modern and don't make nearly as much offensive noise as the silver Independent Rail Companies which are the most outrageous noise polluters.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act), the offensive noise levels of the Goods Trains travelling past our house 24-hours a day is unacceptable. I have numerous recordings of the trains and the appalling squealing noise of the brakes in a built-up community area should you wish me to furnish you with proof.
Offensive noise is defined in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 as noise that by reason of its level, nature, character or quality, or the time at which it is made, or any other circumstances is:
· harmful to (or is likely to be harmful to) a person who is outside the place where the noise is coming from, or
· interferes unreasonably with (or is likely to interfere unreasonably with) the comfort or rest of a person who is outside the place where the noise is coming from.
For example, a type of noise might be particularly disturbing because it is made during the middle of the night when people are usually sleeping.
I would like the Council to serve a prevention notice so that we can get our lives back.
I would also like the ARTC to impose a speed limit and reduce the hours Goods Trains are permitted to travel through this residential area immediately.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Senior Manager Regulatory Services
It is noted in the background information that the resident is seeking for Council to issue a prevention notice under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
In accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Railway activities, including railway infrastructure operations and rolling stock operations, are ‘scheduled activities’ that are licenced and regulated exclusively by the EPA.
An EPA integrated licence for a scheduled activity regulates air, noise, water and waste environmental impacts.
Local councils and other local authorities are the ‘Appropriate Regulatory Authority’ only for non-scheduled activities in their area.
Complaints relating to scheduled activities should be directed to the EPA via their Reporting to the EPA procedure.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: New Park in Croydon
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT Council recognise and give thanks to the late Ms Bell for willing her home to Council, Liam Noble of Stuart Noble and associates for architectural work on the project and to Rene Holmes for providing details of Ms Bell’s history and to Council implementing her wishes.
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Background
This motion is to recognise and give thanks to the Late Ms Bell who generously willed her
home for the new park in Croydon for Inner West residents, Council should also be
commended for implementing her wishes.
Congratulations and special thanks should also be given to Liam Noble of Stuart Noble and
Associates for the architectural design and landscaped of the project.
A special thanks also to Mrs Rene Holmes a Croydon Resident who grew up with the Bell
Family, for working with Council and providing details of Ms Bell’s history
Officer’s Comments:
Staff have no comment.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Report of Delays with Dawn Fraser Pool
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
From: Councillor John Stamolis
Motion:
THAT Council prepare a public report for the first meeting in September 2021 detailing the problems experienced with the delivery of the Dawn Fraser Pool as well as a full report on costs/expenditures.
|
Background
The completion of the Dawn Fraser pool is very welcome. The delays, however, have caused
public concern and the loss of two summer swimming seasons has been largely unexplained.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Infrastructure:
Council staff have engaged Council’s auditor, EY
(Ernst & Young) to undertake an independent review of the key
processes and controls applied to the planning and execution of the Dawn Fraser
Baths Refurbishment Project.
This will include a review of budget and timeframe variations from the initial project plan. This audit has commenced with a scoping meeting and is scheduled to be completed this year.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Notification Signs Regarding COVID Restriction around the LGA
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT Council supply and erect A3 posters in around the Inner West Local Government area in multiple languages. These posters should be provided to Local shop keepers, businesses, placed in parks, at bus stops and other public areas. |
Background
This is a serious matter which must be addressed, we as a council need to do more to
remind our residents of the seriousness of the events that are currently taking place.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Infrastructure:
The Covid restrictions as outlined in the Public Health Orders change regularly. Council has been placing signage on its own buildings and facilities, where required by the Public Health Order and NSW Health. The Covid restrictions are well publicised in the media and available on the NSW Health website. Council currently has temporarily reduced non-essential maintenance services as staff from the affected local government areas (Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Blacktown) are unable to leave their home and attend work at the Inner West Council. Given the changing restrictions, it would be challenging for Council to provide updated signage in a timely manner to businesses and other locations as the restrictions are regularly updated.
NSW Health already provide a selection of artwork and informative posters available in A3 and A4 on their website. These are relevant and extensive, up-to-date, industry specific and already translated into multiple languages. They include QR-code check-in, face masks, hand hygiene and clean workplaces, getting tested and staying at home, physical distancing, room and lift capacity and are all translated already.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: WestConnex St Peters Interchange Park
Council at its meeting on 03 August 2021 resolved that the matter be deferred to the meeting to be held on 24 August 2021.
From: Councillor Pauline Lockie
Motion:
THAT Council writes to the Premier and relevant Ministers to request that the NSW Government:
1. Conducts an immediate investigation into potential contamination at the site of the WestConnex St Peters Interchange;
2. Retains responsibility for the remediation, ownership and management of the parkland within the Inner West Council local government area, due to the ongoing challenges and financial costs Council would face if it were to take this on; and
3. Works with Council to identify an alternative site to provide genuine open space and parkland as compensation for the impact WestConnex has had and continues to have on the surrounding area.
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Background
As has been recently reported in The Sydney Morning Herald and City Hub, most of the promised parkland around the WestConnex St Peters Interchange on the Inner West Council side - which was due to open with the M8 motorway a year ago - remains closed to the public and beset by stability and vegetation growth issues.
The site also shows disturbing signs of
insufficient remediation and ongoing contamination from the toxic landfill over
which it has been built.
Landfill
sites that have not been properly closed can continue to emit emissions for
over 50 years. If remediation is not done properly, there can be serious
consequences for the immediate environment.
Vegetation growth is a sign that landfill sites have been properly closed.
However, plantings at the site have died, and the mound of excavated waste at
the southern end of the site has been subject to landslips and erosion. This potentially
ongoing contamination must be urgently investigated to protect our community.
The high risk of ongoing contamination and fundamental issues with park’s
design also mean Council is likely to inherit a significant and ongoing
liability if it were to take responsibility for the ongoing management of the
parkland, particularly as Council had no involvement in the development of the
site.
The NSW Government should commit to delivering and managing the parkland it had
promised the community as compensation for WestConnex, rather than handing our
community a liability. And given this open space was supposed to be
compensatory, the NSW Government should work with Council to identify a
genuinely valuable area that can be delivered as open space for the community
that has borne, and will continue to bear, the impact of WestConnex’s
construction, pollution, and traffic issues.
Officer’s Comments:
Staff have no comment.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Right To Know
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT all petitions and submissions be accompanied with reports to Council without redacting details of residents unless otherwise specified.
|
Background
The absence of submissions and petitions in the reports to Council make it difficult for
Councillors in their decision making.
When residents take the time to submit petitions and submissions, they do so wanting their
elected representatives to be made aware of their views. If rate payers wish to have their
details omitted, they will make it known.
Councillors are concerned by the heavily filtered and summarised views of our residents which
are dome by staff and even more concerning many of the resident’s views and comments do
not even make it to Councillor’s attention.
Councillors are not given comprehensive details of what residents are saying.
I move that all petitions and submissions be accompanied with reports to Council without
redacting details of residents unless otherwise specified.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Communication and Engagement Manager:
As part of any community engagement process all community submissions, responses and petitions received as part of a formal engagement process are reported to Council. After an engagement stage finishes, all community submissions, whether gathered online through the website yoursay.innerwest.nsw.gov.au, at a workshop, emailed, posted, received by phone or via petition are analysed and comprehensively themed according to the purpose of the engagement. The detailed analysis and theming process provides an accurate and objective review of the community’s preferences and sentiment to inform Council’s decision making.
All engagement results are explained at length along with officer comments in the published Engagement Outcome Report which is made available to Councillors and the community prior to the Council meeting online at Your Say Inner West with a link to the report in the business paper. Raw submissions are provided on request to councillors however names and email addresses are redacted for privacy reasons. Publishing all responses in the business paper could add hundreds of pages to the reports but they could be published on line.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Public Toilets Cleaning
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT Council conducts an urgent audit of all out public toilet facilities. |
Background
Many of our public toilets require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
This motion calls for an urgent audit of all out public toilet facilities, an example is the toilet
block in Ashfield Park adjacent to the playground.
I have had complaints that it is not of an acceptable standard. I am also aware that the toilet
facilities under the grandstand in Ashfield park could be refurbished and opened up to the
public.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Director Infrastructure:
Council has undertaken an audit of its public toilets. This information is contained within Council’s Public Toilet Strategy, which is available on Council’s website: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/1927/Public%20Toilet%20Strategy.pdf.aspx
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Barbeques
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT Council installs an extra barbeque with seating facilities and Canopy to be installed at the Orpington Street section of Ashfield Park. |
Background
Ashfield Park is heavily patronised due to the many residents that live in the surrounding units.
I have been asked by several residents for an extra barbeque with seating facilities and
Canopy to be installed at the Orpington Street section of the park.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Parks and Recreation Manager:
A Plan of Management is currently being developed for Ashfield Park.
BBQ facilities are already present in the park and are provided near the children’s play area (in
the Ormond Street section of the park).
In response to community suggestions the existing BBQ area has been detailed and documented for future expansion. The Draft Plan of management and associated master plan is currently on public exhibition with submissions closing on the 23rd August 2021. Following the conclusion of the community engagement period the draft Plan of Management will be revised prior to being brought back to Council for consideration for adoption.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Holding Yard
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT Council investigates the feasibility of a Council Secure Yard that would be available 24/7 for our residents to park their boats, caravans and trailers with an annual fee charged.
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Background
The increasing number of boats and trailers parked on public streets for lengthy periods of
time are taking up desperately needed car spaces and in many instances are causing traffic
safety problems.
I have previously raised this issue on behalf of residents. I believe there is a solution that
would help alleviate this.
Residents in Ashfield, Summer Hill and Marrickville pay for parking permits and in many cases
there are no spaces available.
I believe Council should investigate the feasibility of a Council Secure Yard that would be
available 24/7 for our residents to park their boats, caravans and trailers and an annual fee
could be charged.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Acting Director Development and Recreation:
Council has limited operational land available for this purpose.
It is important to note that even if Council were to provide an option for the storage of boats and trailers, nothing in legislation would prohibit the ability for an owner to continue to park their boats and trailers in the street, subject to them being lawfully registered and permitted by applicable signage.
It is also worth noting that the NSW State Government is currently undertaking a review of the Impounding Act, which may bring additional powers for Council to address boat and trailer parking.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Councillors not advised
From: Councillor Julie Passas
Motion:
THAT an explanation be provided as to who was acting at the time of the absence of the Mayor, General Manager and Senior Staff for up to four (4) days from 23 June 2021. Councillors are to be made aware when senior staff or Councillors alike are absent and who is acting in the role during this period in the case of and emergency such as lockdown.
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Background
Councillors are aware that on Wednesday 23 June 2021, the Mayor, General Manager and
Senior Staff were absent from Council duties for up to four (4) working days.
Councillors were not advised of this and it was during a critical time for council as we were heading into lockdown.
There needs to be an explanation as to who was acting at the time?
If there was an emergency and Councillors needed to make contact what arrangements were
in place and who was in charge.
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from General Manager:
The General Manager and senior staff were working during this period and were able to fulfill their duties.
The Mayor was not absent for any Council meetings and isn’t required to notify Councillors if he isn’t going to be in the office.
1.⇩ |
Sydney Morning Herald - 11 July 2021 - Emerald City |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Wear it Purple
From: Councillor Mark Drury
Motion:
THAT Council:
1. Notes and celebrates the 12th annual Wear it Purple Day, to be held this Friday, 27 August, with the 2021 theme being “Start the conversation. Keep it going”; and 2. In recognising and promoting this message notes the decision of Comensoli v Passas [2019] NSWCATAD 155, handed down by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal during this term of Council which found that a complaint of homosexual vilification in breach of the Anti-Discrimination Act by Councillor Passas had been substantiated. |
Background
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their very real responses. In 2010, several rainbow young people took their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.
Wear it Purple Day 2021’s theme is focused on the important and necessary conversations we have in our daily life; that centre around sexual orientation and gender identity. It aims to remind people that the issues we reflect on Wear it Purple Day should not only be considered on that particular day… but every day.
In the 2019 case of Comensoli v Passas [2019] NSWCATAD 155, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal found a complaint of homosexual vilification in breach of the Anti-Discrimination Act by Councillor Passas had been substantiated following a range a derogatory comments made by Councillor Passas to her neighbour following the successful Marriage Equality Plebiscite in 2017 and his flying of the Rainbow Flag on his property in celebration of the result
Officer’s Comments:
Comment from Senior HR Business Partner:
Inner West Council proudly supports and celebrates its LGBTIQ community and staff, which includes continued promotion in the provision of a safe place for young rainbow people. On Friday 27 August, Council will again be supporting the Wear It Purple (WIP) community with the 2021 theme of “Start the conversation…Keep it going”.
Along with wearing purple clothing, a range of initiatives will be promoted and encouraged for staff to participate. Particularly matching the WIP theme, information will be made available for all staff, inviting to update and permanently change their Council email signature with their personal pronouns. Displaying your personal pronouns is a simple and effective way to use inclusive language, be respectful and continue ‘the important and necessary conversations we have in our daily life; that centre around sexual orientation and gender identity’.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Road Safety outside Annandale North Public School
From: The Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne
Motion:
THAT Council: 1. Writes to the Transport Minister requesting that Transport for NSW install risk mitigation measures to reduce the danger to children crossing Johnston Street, Annandale, in front of Annandale North Public School. This will also include a request for Transport for NSW to employ a Crossing Supervisor at the site to increase visibility and correct crossing behaviour; and 2. Investigates what road calming measures Council can install near the crossing to increase the safety for people crossing Johnston Street in front of Annandale North Public School with the results of the investigation to be reported to an ordinary Council meeting.
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Background
The Johnston Street crossing at Annandale North Public School is in urgent need of improvements to ensure the safety of students and the community (see correspondence from the School P&C to the Transport Minister attached).
The main entrance to the school is on Johnston Street where there has been a significant increase in traffic due to the WestConnex construction, both heavy vehicles and commuter cars.
The crossing has a wide point of entry for children, which makes it difficult for drivers to see when they are waiting. Further, there are constant obstacles to visibility given the high frequency of illegally stopped and parked cars and trucks either side of the crossing entrance.
School zone flashing lights are a long way away from the crossing, and there is inadequate signage warning drivers of the high use of the crossing by children.
Officer’s Comments:
Staff have no comment.
1.⇩ |
Correspondence from Annandale North Public School P&C Association |
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Notice of Motion: Flying the Italian Flag on Festa Della Repubblica
From: Councillor Lucille McKenna OAM
Motion:
THAT Council each year on Festa della Repubblica (Italian National Day), 2 June, the Italian flag be raised on the Leichhardt Town Hall |
Background
On Friday 11 June, a ceremony was held at Leichhardt Town Hall to launch “Little Italy”. The area bounds Norton St and Marion St between Hawthorne Parade and Balmain Rd.
The
recognition of this small section of Leichhardt as Little Italy is a fitting
tribute to the Italian community who have made and will continue to make a
significant change contribution to Australia.
Following the Second World War many Italians migrated to Australia. Those who
came to Sydney initially settled in Leichhardt, moving to other suburbs over
time.
Many
residents with strong connections to Leichhardt and of Italian heritage live in
the near suburbs of Haberfield, Five Dock and Concord.
Leichhardt, the home of Co.As.It, the community organisation providing a myriad of services to old and young residents of Italian heritage, provides a strong Link to present and former residents of Leichhardt.
Flying the Italian flag above Leichhardt Town Hall will honour the many thousands of Italian
migrants who have built this country after landing in Leichhardt.
Officer’s Comments:
Staff have no comment.
Council Meeting 24 August 2021 |
Subject: Marrickville Golf Course Lease
Prepared By: Joel Giblin - Property Officer
Authorised By: Peter Livanes - Acting Director Corporate
RECOMMENDATION
THAT:
1. Council as the Crown Land Manager of Reserve R.83765 and owner of land parcels forming part of the golf course, resolves to grant a twenty one year lease of Marrickville Golf Course to Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club Limited; and
2. Authority be delegated to the General Manager to negotiate, execute and administer the lease in accordance with the terms contained in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report, subject to Council endorsing the Plan of Management
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Following various legislative changes in the management of Crown land and changes in the areas and names of local government authorities Inner West Council is now Crown land manager of Riverside Park Reserve R.83765 for the purposes of the Crown Land Management Act. The Golf course partly encompasses this Crown Land as well as land owned by Council.
At its Ordinary Meeting on 22nd September 2020 Council resolved, amongst other things, the following:
2. Council commit to working with the Marrickville Golf Sporting and Community Club on Grant opportunities which will assist the club with environmentally sustainable water supply for greens and fairway watering;
3. Council give in principle support for a 21 year lease.
The amended final Draft Marrickville Parklands and Golf Course Plan of Management (PoM) dated March 2021 expressly authorises Inner West Council to grant leases for Riverside Park where Council is the land manager for up to 21 years for the following purposes and uses – Recreational purposes, organised sport, school and community group recreation and education use, organised sport including golf and Café/Kiosk (social enterprise). Similarly, the PoM expressly authorises Inner West Council to grant leases over Council owned and controlled land for the same purposes. A portion of the golf course is owned by Canterbury Bankstown Council and any new lease or licence needs to be independently negotiated between the golf course and Canterbury Bankstown Council in accordance with the Plan of Management (PoM). Similarly, a portion of the golf course (the clubhouse) is directly managed by Crown Lands and any new lease or licence needs to be independently negotiated between the golf course and NSW Crown Lands.
The lease between Inner West Council and Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club Limited has expired and is currently in hold over. Council Officers have proposed terms (Attachment 2) to Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club Limited for a new 21 year lease of the 18 golf greens, the pro shop and other buildings for the for the purpose of a golf course in accordance with the final draft plan of management and Council resolution. The Club have agreed to these terms which can be read in more detail in the attached Heads of Agreement, Lease of Marrickville Golf Course (Attachment 1).
In negotiations of the lease terms, the Golf Course applied for an Accommodation Grant as outlined in Inner West Councils Land and Property Policy. The Policy sets out criteria for non-commercial sporting and community organisations to receive a discounted rent, the percentage of which reflects community benefit, alignment with Councils priorities and the Lease applicants capacity to pay.
An accommodation grant of 50% of the market rent is proposed based on the lessee providing the following:
· Access to the Golf Course to members of the public for the purposes of passive recreation and on leash dog walking in accordance with the PoM
· Access to Council staff, contractors, and volunteers for the purpose of carrying out vegetation restoration so as to improve the urban ecology ie Landcare bush regeneration in accordance with the PoM
· Annual NAIDOC Golf days
· Golf Scholarship for young women (age 7-14) and mentoring programs
· Charity fundraising
The grant will be detailed in the final lease and services provided will be annexed to the lease as a condition of the grant in the form of a (Service Level Agreement – SLA). This ensures that the occupation continues to be in the interests of the public and will include requirements of annual reporting and specific Key Performance Indicators. To be eligible for the Accommodation Grant, the Marrickville Golf, Sporting and Community Club Limited will need to fully comply with the requirements of the Service Level Agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Proposed future annual rent paid to Council is outlined in the attachment confidential Heads of Agreement – Marrickville Golf Course Lease.
Heads of Agreement, Lease of Marrickville Golf Course "signed" - Confidential This attachment is confiedntial in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(iii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed reveal a trade secret. |
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Heads of Agreement, Lease of Marrickville Golf Course "offer" - Confidential This attachment is confiedntial in accordance to commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council; AND commercial information of a confidential nature (Section 10A(2)(d)(iii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed reveal a trade secret. |