Agenda of Council - 18 October 2010

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Lord Mayor Clr John Chedid – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward

Dr. Robert Lang, Chief Executive Officer - Parramatta City Council

Sue Coleman – Group Manager City Services			Assistant Minutes Clerk – Joy Bramham
Greg Smith – Group Manager Corporate			Minutes Clerk – Grant Davies
Sue Weatherley–Group Manager Outcomes & Development

Clr Paul Barber – Caroline Chisholm Ward			Clr Lorraine Wearne - Lachlan Macquarie Ward
Clr Mark Lack – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward			Clr Paul Garrard - Woodville Ward
Clr Glenn Elmore – Woodville Ward			Clr Scott Lloyd – Caroline Chisholm Ward
Clr Pierre Esber– Lachlan Macquarie Ward			Clr Andrew Wilson – Lachlan Macquarie Ward
Clr Prabir Maitra – Arthur Phillip Ward			Clr Andrew Bide – Caroline Chisholm Ward
Clr Julia Finn – Arthur Phillip Ward	Clr Michael McDermott, Deputy Lord Mayor - Elizabeth Macarthur Ward	Clr Antoine (Tony) Issa, OAM – Woodville Ward	Clr Chiang Lim– Arthur Phillip Ward

Staff

GALLERY

Council 18 October 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM SUBJECT PAGE NO

1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Council - 27 September 2010, Council (Development) - 11 October 2010

2 APOLOGIES

3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

4 Minutes of Lord Mayor

5 Public Forum

6 PETITIONS

7 COUNCIL MATTERS TO BE ADOPTED WITHOUT DISCUSSION

8 Economy and Development

8.1 Parramasala

8.2 Draft amendment to the Parramatta Development Control Plan for Places of Public Worship

9 Environment and Infrastructure

9.1 Public Reserves at Northmead

9.2 East Coast Fast Rail

9.3 Parramatta Traffic Committee Minutes held on 30 September 2010

9.4 Traffic Engineering Advisory Group minutes held on 30 September 2010

9.5 Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management

10 Community and Neighbourhood

10.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 28 September 2010

11 Governance and Corporate

11.1 2009/10 Financial Report

11.2 Investments Report for August 2010

11.3 Disclosure of Interests Register as at 30 September 2010

11.4 Council's Code of Meeting Practice

11.5 Access to Information Policy

11.6 National Australian Local Government Women's Association Conference 25 - 27 November 2010 - North Ryde, Sydney

12 Notices of Motion

12.1 Placing of stickers on PCC vehicles to promote safe driving

13 QUESTION TIME

Council 18 October 2010 Item 8.1

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT Parramasala

REFERENCE F2009/02982 - D01639543

REPORT OF Manager City Culture, Tourism and Recreation

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the governance structure for Parramasala Ltd which has operational responsibility for the Parramasala Festival, and to formalise Council’s participation in the governance of that Company.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council notes the draft Constitution for Parramasala Ltd and the minor amendments proposed relating to appointment to Council Directors.

(b) That Council agrees to become a Member of Parramasala Ltd.

(c) That Council appoints three Directors of Parramasala Ltd being the Lord Mayor for the time, another Councillor and the Chief Executive Officer for the time.

(d) That Council endorse the nomination of Alternate Directors of Parramasala Ltd for both the Lord Mayor and Councillor.

BACKGROUND

1. At the Council meeting of 2 June 2010, Council considered a report on the development of Parramasala Ltd, the Company formed to take operating responsibility for the Parramasala Festival.

2. The proposed governance structure recognised Events NSW and Parramatta City Council as members of the Company limited by guarantee and proposed that both members appoint three Directors to form the Board along with an independent Director.

3. The prior approval of the Minister for Local Government is required before Council could participate in the forming of the Company and this approval had not been received when Council last considered this matter.

4. As Council was unable to proceed in the absence of the Minister’s consent and event preparation had reached a critical stage, formation of the company proceeded without Council’s membership. In the interim, Council nominated Councillor J Chedid and Councillor P Maitra to attend Parramasala Board meetings as observers and resolved to work with Events NSW to revise the membership and directorships of the Company to align with what was originally proposed after the Minister’s consent is to hand.

5. Council also delegated to the Chief Executive Officer authority to negotiate and enter into a binding sponsorship agreement for Parramasala in terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between Events NSW and Council.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

6. Council has subsequently been advised by the Minister that, in view of the circumstances, no consent was required and that Council’s “objectives could be met by acquiring a [non-majority] interest in the corporation already formed”. Attachment 1

7. The Constitution of the Company has been reviewed and, with minor amendments, is considered to be appropriate.

8. It is proposed that the Constitution be amended to appropriately define the directorships of Parramasala Ltd to include:

a. Lord Mayor for the time being,

b. the CEO of Parramatta City Council for the time being, and

c. a Councillor of Parramatta City Council.

9. It is further proposed that provision is made for Council to nominate Alternate Directors to attend and participate in Company Board meetings as outlined in the Constitution.

10. Council’s Legal Counsel, Mr Maurice Doria, has assisted in the preparation of the proposed Constitution and advises that with Event NSW’s agreement to the above amendments, it is now appropriate for Council to become a Member of Parramasala Ltd.

11. Mr Doria has also assisted with the preparation of a Sponsorship Agreement that reflects the existing Memorandum of Understanding and it is expected that the final document will be executed in the first week of October.

12. Earlier this month, a memorandum was circulated to Councillors outlining key Parramasala 2010 events. Council activities being prepared to complement the Festival include community dance and performance programs, enhanced city decorations and a special LOOP bus service to support dining in Harris Park during “Parramasala Nights”.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

13. The Sponsorship Agreement formalises the commitment made by Council in the Memorandum of Understanding and subsequently included in Council’s Delivery Plan. It also includes provisions for the repayment to Council of costs incurred on behalf of Parramasala prior to the formation of the Company. The Sponsorship Agreement and Constitution contain no other provisions with financial implications for Council.

Rebecca Grasso

Manager City Culture Tourism and Recreation

Attachments:

1 View View

Letter from Department of Local Government

1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 8.2

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT Draft amendment to the Parramatta Development Control Plan for Places of Public Worship

REFERENCE F2009/02709 - D01678970

REPORT OF Project Officer-Land Use

PURPOSE:

To present to Council the results of the public exhibition of the Draft amendment to the Parramatta Development Control Plan (DCP) for Places of Public Worship (PPW) relating to car parking and to seek Council’s adoption of the amendment.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council adopt the draft amendment to the Parramatta Development Control Plan for Places of Public Worship as amended and described in this report and included as Attachment 2.

(b) Further, that the amended controls within the DCP be incorporated into the draft comprehensive Parramatta Development Control Plan 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. At its Meeting on 26 July 2010, Council resolved to publicly exhibit a draft amendment to the Development Control Plan for Places of Public Worship.

2. The amendment seeks to introduce a specific car parking rate of 1 car parking space per 5m² of useable floor space area for the first 100m² and 1 car parking space per 3m² of useable floor space area thereafter.

CONSULTATION

3. The amendment to the DCP was publicly exhibited from 18 August to 17 September 2010. In addition to the notice placed in the local newspapers, a letter was sent to 94 local places of worship including non-government schools (to include those places of public worship that form part of a larger educational establishment.)

4. Two submissions were received being from the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

5. The submissions are further summarised in the detailed report at Attachment 1 and a response is provided to each issue raised. The main concerns are as follows:

a. The proposed car parking rate is excessive and unreasonable, particularly when compared with other council areas;

b. Concern is raised that the rate would apply to minor alterations and additions;

c. The draft amendment does not take into account the way that many churches operate, such as the provision of multiple outbuildings that do not add to the congregation size.

d. The proposed rate is excessive when applied to real examples of PPWs in the local area.

ISSUES

6. Although the parking rate included in the draft amendment is a guide and is to be considered in the context of a traffic impact statement, when a Development Application is lodged, Council’s Manager, Traffic and Transport advises that the proposed car parking rate in the draft amendment is likely to require an excessive amount of parking. Council’s approach has traditionally been to have regard to the Traffic Impact Statement submitted by the applicant and to make a judgment on the merits of the case. The draft car parking rate was applied to a sample of local PPWs to give a clearer demonstration of the number of spaces that would be required in a practical situation. The results of this testing are demonstrated in Table 1 within the detailed report at Attachment 1.

7. It is demonstrated in the detailed report at Attachment 1 that the draft car parking rate is likely to result in a number of car parking spaces that is far in excess of the likely demand as calculated by the submitted traffic studies.

8. Examples such as the three local applications tested and the Land and Environment Court judgment described in Attachment 1 have highlighted the importance of obtaining a Traffic Impact Statement and parking survey in order to take into account the merits of each individual application. For this reason, the car parking rate should be used as a guide only.

9. Of the three local applications tested, two were very similar in terms of their size and car parking rate recommended in the respective traffic studies. These applications were used as a benchmark to extrapolate an appropriate rate of car parking of 1 car parking space per 7m² of useable floor space area.

10. The proposed rate of car parking is also more comparable with that required by other council areas which is shown summarised in the table at Attachment 3.

11. As such, it is recommended that the wording of Design Principle P. 2 within Section 4.4 be amended to the following to better reflect the likely demand for car parking spaces:

“P.2 On site parking shall be provided at the rate determined by the traffic impact statement having regard to the objectives of this clause. As a general guide, new development shall provide 1 car parking space per 7m² of usable floor space or 1 car parking space per 5 seats, whichever is the greater. (Usable floor space not being corridor space, stairways, storage areas, toilets and other floor space that will not increase the capacity of the development.)”

TIMING

12. Once adopted by Council, the draft amendment to the DCP for Places of Public Worship would take effect upon the publishing of a notice in the local newspapers. The new controls would then be applicable to all development applications for places of public worship, regardless of whether they were lodged before the date of the DCP amendment taking effect.

13. It is proposed to include the stand alone DCP for PPW in the draft comprehensive Parramatta DCP 2010. The stand-alone DCP for Places of Public Worship will cease to operate as a separate DCP when the comprehensive DCP comes into operation. This is in order to comply with legislation prescribing that upon the gazettal of Council’s new comprehensive LEP in the standard template format, only one DCP can apply to any parcel of land.

Felicity Roberts Sue Stewart

Project Officer Land Use Planning Senior Project Officer Land Use Planning

Attachments:

1 View	Detailed Report	8 Pages
2 View View	Development Control Plan for Places of Public Worship Draft Amendment	6 Pages
3 View View	Comparison with parking rates in other LGAs	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 9.1

ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ITEM NUMBER 9.1

SUBJECT Public Reserves at Northmead

REFERENCE F2004/07250 - D01675971

REPORT OF Property Program Manager

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the report is to seek Council’s acceptance to transfer of land titles for five parcels of land forming part of Hospital Farm Reserve, Willsford Homes Playground and Impeesa Reserve at Northmead from Blacktown City Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive Officer be authorised to affix the Council seal to the documentation for transferring to the Council the following parcels of land:

· Vol 7684 Fol 38 (Lot 87 DP 28969)

· Vol 6665 Fol 27 (Lot 121 DP 20868 and Lot 1 DP 1142321)

· Vol 6739 Fol 81 (Lot 45 DP 24984)

· Vol 6673 Fol 213 (Lot 39 DP 22663)

BACKGROUND

1. Following an adjustment of the council boundary in 1959 under Government Gazette No. 77 the area of Northmead was transferred from Blacktown Shire Council (now Blacktown City Council) to Parramatta City Council.

2. A recent audit of the title deeds held at this Council has revealed that the subject parcels of land, which form part of Hospital Farm Reserve, Willsford Homes Playground and Impeesa Reserve at Northmead, are still held in the name of Blacktown Shire Council.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. Blacktown City Council has now agreed to transfer the land titles of the subject land to the Council at nil consideration.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

4. The current proposal to rectify the ownership of the public reserve land is not considered to have any impact on Council’s operation and activities.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

5. As the Council has always been maintaining the subject land for the purpose of public reserve, no additional operational cost is expected arising from the transfer of land titles.

Kwok Leung

Property Program Manager

Attachments:

1 View	Overview of all Lots	1 Page
2 View	DP22663	1 Page
3 View	DP28969, DP24984 & DP20868	1 Page
4 View View	DP1142321	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 9.2

ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ITEM NUMBER 9.2

SUBJECT East Coast Fast Rail

REFERENCE F2005/02301 - D01679536

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer - Transport Planning

PURPOSE:

To provide Council with information on a recently released research paper regarding East Coast High Capacity Infrastructure Corridor and to seek endorsement to Council making representation to the Federal Government on the mooted East Coast Fast Rail line between Melbourne and Brisbane.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council prepare a submission, based on this Council report to the Federal Government seeking that Parramatta be considered as part of an East Coast High Speed Rail network.

(b) That Council seek support from the NSW State Government, local State and Federal MPs, WSROC, Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, North Ryde/Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce, local Councils (Penrith, Blacktown, The Hills and Ryde), Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Norwest Business Park.

BACKGROUND

1. During the 2010 Federal Government election campaign the Gillard Government promised a $20 million feasibility study into an East Coast High Speed Rail network between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, focusing on Sydney and Newcastle.

2. In early September 2010 Infrastructure Partnerships Australia released a research paper known as ‘East Coast High Capacity Infrastructure Corridors’. This paper suggests alignments to Sydney via Campbelltown from the south and via Hornsby from the north. This study and other past High Speed Rail studies, East Coast Very High Speed Train Scoping Study 2001 ARUP TMG, and High-Speed Rail 2010 CRC for Rail Innovation have not considered Parramatta as part of a High Speed Rail network.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. There is concern that Parramatta has in the past been too quickly dismissed as a possible station on a future High Speed Rail network however the current Federal Government recognises the importance of Parramatta at a national level by promising to contribute $2.1b to the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link ($2.6b).

4. There is a limited opportunity to influence the scope of Federal Government’s promised East Coast High Speed Rail feasibility study including possible alignments into the Sydney Metropolitan area. Prior to detailed, more time consuming analysis and reporting being carried out by Council officers, it is considered prudent to ensure that Parramatta is considered in any Federal Government study with Council’s endorsement. It will create an opportunity for Council to strengthen Parramatta’s role as a regionally and nationally important city.

Parramatta’s role on a high speed rail network

5. Initial estimates suggest that there are significant journey time savings for travel to Parramatta station rather than Central station. From the Norwest Business Park the savings are 15 minutes by car and 13 minutes by train even with the North West Rail Link open. From Macquarie Park the savings are 15 minutes by train assuming the Parramatta Epping Rail Link is open, the car journey is marginal longer at 3 minutes. The car journey time estimates have not considered the impact of congestion which would significant increase journey times for various times and days.

6. Parramatta could play two roles on a future High Speed Rail. The first is as a station for Western Sydney which is supported by Attachment 1 – Parramatta Capital of Western Sydney. The second is as Sydney’s second station serving direct inter-regional services such as a Canberra-Newcastle service via Parramatta rather than Sydney CBD. This would significant reduce journey times and avoid the inevitable change of trains within Sydney CBD. It is common practice in Europe to have out-of-town stations to provide quicker journey times between regional cities for some services. Rail travel into the centre of big cities, such as Sydney, is invariable either slow on existing infrastructure or extremely costly on new infrastructure due to the limited available space in established urban area.

7. The Parramatta Epping Rail Link represents an opportunity for future high speed services to the North. The rail line could be built to accommodate higher speed trains rather than solely suburban trains.

8. The Western Express that is currently underdevelopment by NSW State Government could form part of a future High Speed Rail network from Parramatta to Sydney. An alternative could be the previously proposed Western FastRail scheme (2004) which was a private funded rail service between Western Sydney and Sydney CBD including a new rail tunnel between Parramatta and Sydney CBD.

9. In summary, it is recommended that Council adopt the position that Parramatta be considered in all future studies on East Coast High Speed Rail networks and lobby the relevant individuals and bodies to this effect.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

10. Federal Government has not yet indicated when the study is likely to be undertaken however it is anticipated that it may be earlier rather than later considering the current Federal Government’s marginal control of Parliament.

David Gray

Manager, Transport Planning

Attachments:

1 View

Parramatta Capital of Western Sydney

1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 9.5

ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ITEM NUMBER 9.5

SUBJECT Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management

REFERENCE F2009/01267 - D01680752

REPORT OF Catchment Officer.Natural Resources

PURPOSE:

This report was deferred from the Council Meeting on 27 September 2010 month to enable a detailed briefing to be provided by staff in 2 weeks time addressing possible costs and any environmental ramifications.

Council considered the draft Plan of Management for Baludarri Wetland on 22 March 2010 and endorsed the Plan being placed on public exhibition. This report outlines the response to the exhibition period and recommends that the Plan now be adopted.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council adopt the draft Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management.

(b) That copies of the adopted Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management be issued to Baludarri Bushcare Group, Parramatta Central Library and placed on Council’s website.

public exhibition of this draft Plan of Management be advised of Council’s decision and thanked for their interest.

BACKGROUND

1. Council was successful in obtaining a $20,000 grant from the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority to prepare a Plan of Management for Baludarri Wetland. This grant recognises the significance of the freshwater and estuarine wetland communities in the reserve which are identified as endangered ecological communities under the NSW Threatened Species Act 1995.

2. Council engaged specialist consultants to prepare the draft Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management (BWPOM) in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and related community land legislation (refer Attachment 1). The primary aim of the BWPOM is ‘to provide best management practices and strategies to assist Council in better managing the reserve’s assets, to increase biodiversity values and assist in the management of threatened and significant species and vegetation communities on site.’

3. A report outlining the draft plan was considered at the 22 March 2010 Council meeting. At this meeting Council endorsed the draft plan to be placed on public exhibition inviting public comment.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. Baludarri wetland was previously covered by the generic Natural Areas Plan of Management adopted on 23 October 2006. The adoption of a specific Plan of Management for Baludarri Wetland reflects the significance of the endangered ecological communities located in the reserve.

5. The draft plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and related community land legislation. It is consistent with Parramatta Twenty25 and other Council strategic documents including the Biodiversity Plan, Natural Areas Plan of Management and Parramatta River Foreshore Plan.

6. The plan identifies the significant values and issues impacting upon the wetland. It outlines key recommendations for future management through a prioritised action plan that will ensure the conservation and enhancement of this unique ecological community.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

7. Community consultation has been an important component in the preparation of this draft plan. Council has promoted an open, transparent approach to community consultation, providing opportunities for all stakeholders and members of the community to contribute comments and submissions or to discuss specific issues.

8. In October 2009, two consultation workshops were conducted with key stakeholders and community representatives from the local volunteer bushcare group that regularly undertake restoration works in the reserve. These workshops involved identification of the key values and issues affecting the reserve and discussion of future priority actions.

9. The draft plan was placed on public exhibition in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 from 14 April 2010 until 26 May 2010. An advertisement was placed in the Parramatta Advertiser and Parramatta Sun inviting public comment. During the public exhibition period the draft plan was available for viewing at Council’s Administration Building Customer Service Centre, Council libraries and was also available for download from Council’s website. Relevant government agencies were also contacted and invited to comment.

10. The public exhibition of the draft plan closed on 26 May 2010, and submissions were received from NSW Maritime and Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (SMCMA) (refer Attachment 2).

11. The written submissions have been examined and an assessment made of the issues raised. The issues raised generally related to document formatting as well as a need to provide a more in depth coverage of the issues provided by the SMCMA in the Project Brief. NSW Maritime requested it be noted that zone 13 is their land.

12. A number of minor changes have been made to the draft Plan of Management in response to the feedback received.

13. A letter has been forwarded thanking the organisations for their submissions and advising them they will be informed of the outcome once this report has been considered and determined by Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

14. Actions arising from the Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management will be funded through existing Council programs supported by Special Rates for Open Space, City Centre, Suburban Infrastructure (Environment, Roads and Neighbourhoods), the Stormwater Management Service Charge (Stormwater Levy), and relevant Section 94A Development Contributions Plan. There will also be an opportunity for Council’s to apply for grant funding towards implementing components of the plan through several Federal and State government departments.

Carrie Jeffers

Catchment Management Officer

Attachments:

1	Draft Baludarri Wetland Plan of Management (This attachment was distributed with the 27 September Agenda. If you need another copy please contact Council Support on 98065314)	232 Pages
2 View	SMCMA Submission	3 Pages
3 View	NSW Maritime Submission	1 Page
4 View	Maritime Ownership Map Refered to in Attachment 3	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 10.1

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.1

SUBJECT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 28 September 2010

REFERENCE F2005/01941 - D01680773

REPORT OF Community Capacity Building Officer

PURPOSE:

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee met on 28 September 2010. This report provides a précis of the key discussion points of that meeting for Council’s consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee of 28 September 2010 be received and noted.

(b) Further, that Council notes that there is no request for additional expenditure in this report.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee meets monthly and comprises 16 members.

2. Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee met on 28 September 2010. This report provides a summary of the key discussion points of that meeting for Council’s consideration.

MAIN DISCUSSION POINTS

3. The Committee welcomed Ms Kerry Nettle, Council’s new Service Manager Community Capacity Building Team.

4. Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) Conference Debrief

The Committee discussed the recently held LGAN 2010 Conference. Their comments covered a number of issues including: the speakers and workshops were excellent; attendance was disappointing with some Councillors indicating they were unaware of the Conference; due protocol had not been followed in displaying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on the Conference bags and that whilst the food at the Conference Dinner was of good quality, it was served too late for some people who were diabetic.

5. Guest Speaker, Jillian Comber, Archaeologist/ Heritage Consultant

(a) The Committee welcomed Ms Jillian Comber, Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant. Ms Comber provided information to the Committee and answered their questions including the following: archaeological works are currently being undertaken at 140 Macquarie Street Parramatta where Integral Energy intends to construct a substation and artefacts and relics are being found; a dig was held last year at 15 Macquarie Street where 300 artefacts were located; such relics are forwarded to the Australian Museum and Aboriginal organisations and Councils can apply to receive the artefacts and that the Parramatta River had changed course over the years whilst some creeks and tributaries which had existed in the past, no longer do so.

(b) Ms Comber undertook to provide advice on her works in Parramatta to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee.

(c) Following invitation from Ms Comber, members expressed their intention to visit the site at 140 Macquarie Street in the near future.

6. General Business and Information Share

(a) A copy of current vacancies at Parramatta City Council including the position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Project Officer was distributed.

(b) A copy of Burramatta Lands Brochure providing details on a self guided walk to assist in the discovery of Parramatta’s Aboriginal history was distributed at the meeting. The Committee noted that the first draft of the brochure had been changed following input by Committee members.

(c) The Committee was advised that Council’s Natural Resources Officer, Ms Sally Williams, had reported that the Stone Goanna and the Meeting Circle at Lake Parramatta had been damaged just prior to the LGAN Conference site visit. Ms Williams wants to discuss with the Committee better ways of managing these items. Deputy Chairperson John Robertson agreed to arrange a site visit with Ms Williams and then report back to the Committee.

(d) The Committee discussed the need for a conservation order to be placed on Lake Parramatta Reserve and recommended that Council note that the Committee opposes any development, outside the existing developed area, at the Reserve and requested that Council pursue the placement of a Heritage Conservation Order on the site.

Officer’s Comment:

The Plan of Management for Lake Parramatta Reserve has been reviewed over recent months and Advisory Committee members have participated in the community consultation process. The Committee’s recommendations regarding future development of the Reserve and the possible placement of a Heritage Conservation Order on the site have been referred for consideration in the preparation of a new Plan of Management which will be reported to Council later this year.

(e) The Committee expressed its support for an Aboriginal Ranger based at Lake Parramatta Reserve to be appointed to provide protection and educational tours.

(f) The Committee discussed concerns for Aboriginal people released from correctional centres with insufficient points for identification purposes. Further, the Committee learnt of a young Parramatta person who had violated their parole conditions and consequently been sent to Muswellbrook Complex. The Committee prepared the following recommendation regarding this issue: That Council be advised that this Committee is aware of a local Aboriginal person who has been incarcerated in the Muswellbrook Correctional Facility which places a financial burden on his family when arranging visits and is also contrary to the recommendations contained in the Black Deaths in Custody Report. Accordingly the Committee requests that Council pursue this issue with the relevant State Government Department.

Officer’s Comment:

The following information on the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody is provided:

The Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in Custody was established in 1987. The Commission investigated the deaths in custody of 99 Aboriginal people in State and Territory gaols between 1980 and 1989 and the causes of their deaths.

The final report of the Commission made 339 recommendations.

Recommendation 168 states that:

Corrective Services effect the placement and transfer of Aboriginal prisoners according to the principle that, where possible, an Aboriginal prisoner should be placed in an institution as close as possible to the place of residence of his or her family. Where an Aboriginal prisoner is subject to a transfer to an institution further away from his or her family the prisoner should be given the fight to appeal that decision.

Further Information:

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/rciadic/

http://australianmuseum.net.au/Indigenous-Australia-Social-Justice

Correspondence will be prepared and forwarded to Corrective Services NSW to inform them of the Advisory Committee’s concerns.

(g) The Committee discussed the Youth off the Streets Project and two Aboriginal Young People connected to the project seeking employment. The Committee requested Council give consideration to the placement of such workers.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

7. There are no financial implications to Council.

Maggie Kyle

Community Capacity Building Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Minutes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee 28 September 2010

4 Pages

Council 18 October 2010 Item 11.1

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.1

SUBJECT 2009/10 Financial Report

REFERENCE F2009/01832 - D01665107

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

1. To present Council’s 2009/10 Annual Financial Report for adoption and to receive the Auditor’s Report from Council’s Auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers.

2. Mr D. Banicevic, Director Local Government Services from PricewaterhouseCoopers, will be present at the Council meeting to present the Auditor’s Report.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council adopt the Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2010.

(b) That Council authorise the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and Manager Finance (Responsible Accounting Officer) to sign the following:

General Purpose Financial Report

Special Purpose Financial Report

(d) Further, that Council present the 2009/10 audited Financial Report and Auditor’s Report to the public at the Council Meeting of the 22 November 2009.

BACKGROUND

1. The Council’s Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2010 has been completed and is submitted to Council for adoption and formal referral to Council’s Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

2. Council’s Financial Report includes the following:

2.1 The General Purpose Financial Report

2.2 The Special Purpose Financial Report

2.3 The Special Schedules.

3. The audited Financial Reports were presented to the Audit Committee on

October 7 and they recommended that the accounts be presented to Council.

4. The full Financial Report is attached but does not include the Auditor’s Report.

5. Mr D. Banicevic, Director, Local Government Services of PricewaterhouseCoopers, will be in attendance at the Council Meeting on 18 October 2010 to present the Auditor’s Report and answer questions.

6. To meet statutory requirements, it is proposed that Council present the 2009/10 Financial Report and Auditor’s Report to the public at its meeting of the 22 November 2010. This is after the public exhibition period of 2 weeks which enables the public to make submissions.

7. Council must ensure that copies of all submissions received are referred to the Auditor, and may take such action as it considers appropriate with respect to any such submission, including the giving of notice to the Director-General of Local Government of any matter that appears to require amendment of the Council’s Financial Report.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Financial Performance

8. The 2009/10 Financial Report reports Council’s financial performance along similar lines to financial reports in the commercial world, where the focus is on the bottom line profit of the company.

9. Council’s operating result has increased from a surplus of $4.5 million in the previous year to a $9.3 million surplus this year. The increase is due to a increase in investment returns ($2m) due to an improvement in global economic conditions, employee costs being lower than originally anticipated, borrowing costs reducing by $1.4m due to favourable deals on renegotiated loans, $990K drop in depreciation due to a one-off impairment in 2008/09 on the Civic Place project and $3.7m increase in capital grants and contributions.

10. Council is maintaining its asset base with $31 million (2008/09 $33 million) spent on capital works which provides a renewal ratio of 1.01. This was funded from a mix of revenue, loans, special rates, sale of assets and capital grants and contributions. For further information see Note 9 in the Financial Reports.

11. Council’s cash position remained constant at $80.7 million.

12. Council’s loan liability decreased from $89.2 million to $85.4 million during the year. Of this amount, $55 million is in respect of Civic Place and the interest repayments are currently being serviced from the leasing income and interest on the unexpended balance of the loan.

13. The 2009/10 Financial Report contains a number of performance indicators (Note 13) and they are detailed below with commentary:

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07

Unrestricted

Current Ratio 1.84:1 1.86:1 1.82:1 0.78:1

(To assess the adequacy of working capital and the ability to satisfy obligations in the short term for the unrestricted activities of Council)

Comment/Explanation

For every $1 of current liabilities, Council has $1.84 of working capital to satisfy these obligations in the short term. (This is a useful indicator in that it takes into account restrictions placed on working capital.)

This ratio stands above the industry benchmark of 1:1.

2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07

% % % %

Debt Service Ratio 7.32 6.49 6.86 6.80

(To assess the degree to which revenues are committed to the repayment of debt)

Comment/Explanation

7.32% of our total revenue was committed to loan repayments for 2009/10. This is better than the industry benchmark of 10% for developed councils. (NB: The Civic Place borrowings are interest only loans.)

Rate & Annual Charges Coverage Percentage

2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07

% % % %

59.22 59.71 61.00 60.72

(To assess the degree of dependence upon revenues from rates)

Comment/Explanation

A major portion (59%) of our revenue is derived from Rates and Other Annual Charges such as Domestic Waste, Commercial Waste and the new Stormwater Levy.

Rates Outstanding Percentage

2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07

% % % %

4.27 5.50 4.40 4.11

(To assess the impact of uncollected rates and annual charges on liquidity and the adequacy of recovery efforts)

Comment/Explanation

4.27% of rates and annual charges remained uncollected at year end which compares favourably with the industry benchmark of 5%. This is still an outstanding result given economic conditions.

General Comments

14. Council’s performance indicators are all better than the industry benchmark.

15. Council’s Salary System, along with award increases, of above 3% have seen Council’s wages and salaries bill continue to rise at a minimum of about 5% per annum, which is much higher than the current year Sydney Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.4%.

16. Some of the major projects included are Wharf Road Boat Ramp, Blacktown Cycleway, Parks Improvements, Coca Cola Amatil, Civic Place Project Management and the CITSR project.

17. Council has revoted approximately $1.4 million of projects from the 2009/10 budget to the 2010/11 budget. This represents 3% of the 2009/10 projects budget and 0.78% of total operating and capital expenditure, against a benchmark of 2%.

18. Restrictions relating to grants and contributions provide information on unspent amounts. There continues to be an improvement in reducing the balance of unspent contributions which are down from $19.5 million in 2008/09 to $18.8 million in 2009/2010. Whilst this remains high, the improvement should be noted given the amount of grants received by Council towards the latter part of the financial year. This is illustrated in Note 3g to the financial accounts.

Special Purpose Financial Report

19. Council identified in its Delivery Program its Commercial Property Portfolio as a Category 1 business in accordance with the requirements of National Competition Policy (NCP) guidelines.

20. Council has imputed all normal taxation payments that would be faced by an equivalent private sector organisation as well as a return on investment.

Special Schedule 7 – Condition of Public Works

21. The purpose of this schedule is to allow an assessment of the condition of Council’s public works assets and how Council is performing in managing these assets. The schedule reports on our public works assets in respect of:

21.1 The assessed condition of the assets

21.2 The assessed expenditure required to bring the asset up to a satisfactory standard

21.3 The anticipated expenditure required to keep these assets at a satisfactory standard

21.4 The actual maintenance expenditure in 2009/10.

22. Council is working to develop an asset management strategy and progressively implement Whole of Life costing for all its classes of assets. An excellent example is the work done by City Services for the road pavements and footpath pavements and work on Council’s drainage assets.

23. Whilst the condition of our assets is generally satisfactory, the consequence of not finding the right balance will be that asset management costs will be deferred for future generations to address and lead to deterioration in asset performance.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

24. PricewaterhouseCoopers has completed its Annual Audit and no major issues have arisen. Council will receive an unqualified Audit Report for 2009/10.

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

1 View

Financial Statements 2009-10

85 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 11.2

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.2

SUBJECT Investments Report for August 2010

REFERENCE F2009/00971 - D01667284

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To inform Council of the investment portfolio performance for the month of August 2010.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receives and notes the investments report for August 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. In accordance with clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, a report setting out details of all money invested must be presented to Council on a monthly basis.

2. The report must include a certificate as to whether or not the investments have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and the investment policy of Council.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. The closing balance of Council’s investment portfolio as at the 31st August 2010 was $68.9M (Previous Month $68.2M).The weighted average Funds held throughout the period was approximately $71.6M.

4. Councils overall investment holdings slightly increased due to receipts from the August 2010 rates installment.

5. Council holds a diversified range of investment products which include:

· Managed Funds

· Term Deposits (Including Investment – Loan offsets)

· Floating Rate Notes

· Cash at call

· Senior Debt Bonds

Council engages CPG Research and Advisory for assistance in all investment matters relating to advice, risk and portfolio weighting.

6. The weighted average interest rate on Council’s investments for the month of August 2010 versus the UBSA Bank Bill Index is as follows:

Monthly Annualised

Total Portfolio 0.53% 6.40%

Funds Managers 0.58% 6.99%

UBSA Bank Bill Index 0.41% 4.89%

NB: Annualised rates are calculated on a compounding basis assuming that the interest returns are added to the initial investment amount and reinvested

7. Council’s overall portfolio outperformed the bank bill index by 1.51%. The favourable return is due to the continued strong performance of the CFS Global Credit Income Fund which had an annualised return of 11.06% for August.

8. Finance in consultation with CPG Research & Advisory, redeemed both

Capital protected notes that were held with Longreach & Westpac Dandelion.

These long term investments were purchased for $1M each in December 2007. Both investments suffered major mark to market losses during the Global Financial Crisis, and have continued to suffer volatility.

Although both investments were capital guaranteed at maturity (December 2012) the loss in market value meant that no coupon on interest would be paid for the remaining term of the investment. Finance staff were able to find a term deposit for the remaining maturity period at a rate of 7.40%. The net result of this redemption and subsequent reinvestment was a total return of capital, plus an additional return of approximately $59K in interest income.

9. Term deposits now make up 40.67% of total holdings and range from 5.74% to 7.40%. Terms to maturity fall between 30 days & 3 years.

10. The following details are provided on the attachments for information:

Graph – Comparison of average funds invested with loans balance

Graph – Average interest rate comparison to Bank Bill Index

Graphs – Investments and loans interest compared to budget

Summary of investment portfolio

11. The Certificate of Investments for August 2010 is provided below:

Certificate of Investments

I hereby certify that the investments for the month of August 2010 have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and Council’s Investment Policy.

12. There is no standard report attachment - detailed submission - attached to this report.

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

1 View	Investments & Loans - Performance	1 Page
2 View	Summary of Investments Portfolio	2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 11.3

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.3

SUBJECT Disclosure of Interests Register as at 30 September 2010

REFERENCE F2004/07102 - D01667627

REPORT OF Policy Review Officer

PURPOSE:

To table completed Pecuniary Interest Returns lodged under the provisions of Section 449 of the Local Government Act, 1993 for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note all Councillors and employees nominated as ‘designated officers’ by Council, have lodged Pecuniary Interest Returns in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, 1993.

(b) Further, that the Pecuniary Interest Returns for the 12 month period ending 30 June 2010, be tabled at the meeting.

BACKGROUND

1. Section 449(3) of the Local Government Act, 1993 requires Councillors and designated officers, holding that position as at 30 June in any year, to complete Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests within 3 months after that date.

2. Under the provisions of Section 450A of the Local Government Act, 1993 the Chief Executive Officer must arrange for the tabling of all Pecuniary Interest Returns at the first meeting of the Council after the last day of the period for lodgement ie. 30 September 2010.

3. Councillors and designated staff have lodged the returns as required by Section 449 for the period from the end of the last return to 30 June 2010.

4. This register is a public register within the terms of Schedule 5 to the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation, 2009 and is available for inspection, in accordance with the provisions of Section 52 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act, 2009.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

5. There are no Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest Returns that remain outstanding.

Sonja Drca

Policy Review Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

1. Pecuniary Interest Register period ending 30 June 2010.

2. Section 449 and 450 Local Government Act, 1993

Council 18 October 2010 Item 11.4

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.4

SUBJECT Council's Code of Meeting Practice

REFERENCE F2008/00400 - D01667859

REPORT OF Manager - Council Support

PURPOSE:

To provide advice on the submission received in response to recent changes advertised to Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the Code of Meeting Practice as exhibited from 11 August 2010 be adopted with the following alterations:-

(1) Clause 7(5)(d) be altered to read “Question Time is included at the end of all Council Meetings in the meeting cycle in accordance with Part 4, Section 35 of the Code”.

(2) The inclusion of a reference to Public Forum in the Contents Page.

(b) That an updated copy of the Code of Meeting Practice incorporating the changes mentioned in (a) above be provided to all Councillors and placed on Council’s website.

BACKGROUND

1. The Council at its meeting held on 26 July 2010 gave consideration to Manager Council Support Report concerning a number of changes proposed to the Code of Meeting Practice and resolved:-

“That the following changes to the Code of Meeting Practice be placed on exhibition in accordance with Part 2 of Chapter 12 of the Local Government Act:-

(a) That Part 2 Section 7 (5),(6) and (7) of the Code of Meeting Practice relating to meeting preparation be altered to read:-

(5) In the case of such a split the following is to apply:

(a) Staff Reports pertaining to Development Applications only are to be considered at the meeting of the second Monday of every month, such meeting to be known as Council Meeting - Development. Council may still consider Minutes of the Lord Mayor, Public Forum, Petitions and Rescission Motions.

(b) Joint authority be given to the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive Office to include further items on the Council Meeting – Development on the grounds of urgency or importance.

(c) Any item, including urgent or deferred Development Applications, may be considered at the Council Meeting to be held on the 4^th Monday of the month, such meeting to be simply known as an Ordinary Council Meeting.

(b) That Part 4 Section 34 (5) of the Code of Meeting Practice relating to rescission motions be altered to read:-

(5) Rescission motions will be listed on the next available Council Meeting for consideration.

(c) That Part 4 Section 34 of the Code of Meeting Practice be altered to reflect that rescission motions on planning decisions pertaining to development applications or Section 96 applications will have no effect as a notice of determination once issued cannot be withdrawn.

(d) Further, that Part 2 Section 8(2) of the Code of Meeting Practice be altered to read:-

(8) For the purpose of subsections 1 (a) – (b) above, written notice of motions must be received by 10.00am on the Thursday week immediately preceding the date of the Council Meeting.”

2. A copy of the report considered at that meeting is appended to this report as Attachment 1.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. In accordance with Council’s decision, the proposed changes were advertised in the local paper and on Council’s website from 11 August 2010 until 18 September 2010. One (1) submission was received, a copy of which is appended as Attachment 2.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

4. The issues raised in the submission have been considered and as a result the following changes are proposed to the Code of Meeting Practice:-

(i) That Clause 7(5)(d) of the Code be altered to read “Question Time is included at the end of all Council Meetings in the meeting cycle in accordance with Part 4, Section 35 of the Code.”

(ii) The inclusion of a reference to Public Forum (as well as Public Participation) in the Contents Page.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

5. There are no financial implications to Council imposed on Council in respect of the above changes

Graeme Riddell

Manager Council Support

Attachments:

1 View	Previous Report - Composition of Business Paper	6 Pages
2 View	Copy of submission	2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 11.5

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.5

SUBJECT Access to Information Policy

REFERENCE F2009/02038 - D01676450

REPORT OF Policy Review Officer

PURPOSE:

To update Council’s existing Access to Information Policy to reflect the replacement of Section 12 of the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 and the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 1989 with the Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA) 2009.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Access to Information Policy be adopted, including:

1. Council affirms that access to information will be made available in accordance with the provisions of GIPA and Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PPIPA)

2. Where access under informal access is denied, applicants will be advised of their rights under formal access of the GIPA Act

3. In addition to the public interest considerations contained within Section 14 of the GIPA Act, Council will not make available personal details of complainants, as defined in Council’s Privacy Management Plan, however, the subject of the complaint will be released unless such release would breach the GIPA Act.

BACKGROUND

1. On 1 July 2010 the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 came into effect, replacing the former Freedom of Information Act and Section 12 of the Local Government Act. The new legislation creates new rights to information that are designed to meet community expectations of more open and transparent government and encourages Council to proactively release information.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

2. Many of the provisions of the GIPA Act are consistent with Council’s existing Access to Information Policy. The key differences include:

mandatory and proactive release of information where Council is required to publish certain information on its website and is encouraged to make as much information available as possible;

informal release - making access simpler for straightforward requests and

formal release - which is similar to the previous FOI regime.

3. Recent changes to legislation have clarified uncertainty in regard to providing access to information and identified:

- what information is available through the GIPA Act,

- what restrictions apply to information,

- the process required when providing access to information and

- the responsibilities & accountability of staff.

4. Guidelines on Access to Information that detail the processes by which Council will implement this policy and requests for access, will be reviewed and approved by the Chief Executive Officer prior to distribution to staff and management.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

5. The changes that have been made to the Policy are relatively minor and have been made for the purpose of aligning the Access to Information Policy with the new legislation. Consultation and input to the policy was provided by the General Counsel.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

6. There are no financial implications on Council in regard to this policy.

Sonja Drca

Policy Review Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Access to Information Policy

11 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Access to Information Policy adopted 26 June 2006

Parramatta City Council Privacy Management Plan

Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2009

Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998

Council 18 October 2010 Item 11.6

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.6

SUBJECT National Australian Local Government Women's Association Conference 25 - 27 November 2010 - North Ryde, Sydney

REFERENCE F2010/00128 - D01677289

REPORT OF Manager - Council Support

PURPOSE:

Council resolved at its meeting of 27 September 2010 that a report be prepared seeking nominations for Councillors to attend the National Australian Local Government Women’s Association Conference “Women Going Places” in North Ryde from 25 – 27 November 2010.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That interested Councillors are nominated to attend the National Australian Local Government Women’s Association Conference “Women Going Places” in North Ryde from 25 – 27 November 2010.

(b) Further that delegate registration be paid from account number 10.1260.712.644405

BACKGROUND

1. ALGWA is the peak body representing women’s interests in local government in Australia. The ALGWA’s aim is to encourage and support women’s involvement and participation in local government throughout Australia. The Association is a non-party political and not-for-profit organisation open to individual membership. It is recognised by the United Nations as a unique organisation.

2. This conference is not currently listed in Council’s Civic Office Expenses and Facilities Policy under Conference and Seminar Categories however, Council at its meeting of 27 September 2010 resolved to provide gold sponsorship for this conference and to nominate interested Councillors to attend.

3. The key themes for the conference are:

- Nothing but the facts, M’aam. Statistics on women and work

- Social Networking – Not what you know but how many contacts

- Retiring to Nothing: Why systems made for men don’t work for women

- Educating Rita: women are more educated now, hot to get the top jobs

- The role of quotas and targets in solving gender inequity

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. The cost per delegate for attendance at this conference including registration and workshops will be approximately $750.00.

Graeme Riddell

Service Manager – Councillor Support

Attachments:

1 View

Conference Registration Program

5 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 18 October 2010 Item 12.1

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 12.1

SUBJECT Placing of stickers on PCC vehicles to promote safe driving

REFERENCE F2004/10213 - D01682864

REPORT OF Councillor M D McDermott

To be Moved by Councillor M D McDermott

“(a) That all trucks and light commercial vehicles owned and operated by PCC, display appropriate and clearly visible stickers or signage that states words to the effect of what is stated below. Staff will arrange for the appropriate nnnnnnnn phone number to be established for display on this signage.

“Parramatta City Council values safe driving. If you have any compliments or concerns about my driving please report this vehicles registration number on phone number nnnnnnnn”.

(b) That PCC should write to its current rubbish, & cleaning contractors and seek their co-operation to ensure that all vehicles used for PCC rubbish and cleansing work have this have this signage applied.

(c) Further, that all future contracts for rubbish and cleansing work, have an appropriate clause to give effect to the intent of this motion.

BACKGROUND

Everyday, Council’s significant fleet of vehicles travel Parramatta’s roads as staff go about the business of providing services to this City’s residents. This includes more than fifty trucks and a further fifty light commercial vehicles that provide Council with an opportunity to remind all drivers of the importance of road safety.

It is proposed that Council introduces this signage on these vehicles that acknowledges Council’s commitment to safe driving. We would like if possible for this signage to cover those vehicle operated by our larger sub-contractors.

This initiative from PCC, illustrates to the wider community that we as an organisation, are prepared to take a community leadership position in ensuring that a safe driving culture is fostered within PCC and the wider community. It is intended also that this initiative will encourage other organisations, in both the government and private sector to adopt a similar approach and do everything possible to foster safer driving and help reduce the road toll across NSW and Australia.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

1 View	Traffic Engineering Advisory Group minutes held on 30 September 2010	3 Pages
2 View	Tabled report from Representative of Greg Smith	1 Page
3 View	Petition regarding buses in Victoria Street Epping	1 Page