Late Items Agenda of Council - Monday, 13 July 2020

Council 13 July 2020 Item 19.1

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 19.1

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Bus Services in the City of Parramatta Area

REFERENCE F2019/04433 - D07496799

FROM Councillor Davis

MOTION

That Council write to the NSW Minister for Transport to seek a meeting with the Lord Mayor and interested Councillors and senior staff regarding a written guarantee that, as a result of any privatisation of State Transit Authority that:

1. on time running will remain at or better than the current rate of 95 per centage,

2. there will be no reduction in the number of bus stops or movement of bus stops without a formal public consultation process,

3. there will be no changes to existing bus routes without a formal public consultation process.

BACKGROUND

1. On Thursday 14 May 2020, the NSW Government confirmed their decision to sell Sydney’s public buses in Regions 7, 8 and 9 covering Sydney’s north-western suburbs, Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs.

2. Bus routes within the City of Parramatta fall within Regions 7 and 8.

3. Suburbs included in Region 7 are Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Macquarie Park, North Sydney, Ryde and Parramatta. Region 7 has been operated by State Transit since 2005 when the region expanded to cover the whole of Carlingford, Epping and include North Rocks, West Pennant Hills and Beecroft for the first time. The region operates out of Ryde depot.

4. Region 8 includes Brookvale, Epping, Mosman, North Sydney and Palm Beach.

GROUP MANAGER, CITY STRATEGY RESPONSE

5. Staff support the request for minimum service guarantees and public consultation and will be able to assist with the proposed correspondence.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

6. This support is within the role of existing staff and requires no additional resources.

Councillor Donna Davis

Councillor

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 13 July 2020 Item 19.2

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 19.2

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Civic Link

REFERENCE F2018/02414 - D07512136

FROM Councillor Prociv

MOTION

(a) That Council request an urgent meeting with the Premier of NSW, The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian to lobby for the inclusion of Council’s vision for Civic Link in all or any Parramatta Powerhouse and Riverbank Architectural plans and designs.

(b) That the Premier be provided with a briefing on Council’s planning vision for Civic Link - a visual and active pedestrian access along and within a South to North alignment from Parramatta Square to the Parramatta River, retaining heritage, maximising active passageway to and from the river.

(c) That Council request that the Council Strategic documents Riverbank Development Blueprint and Civic Link Framework Plan a vibrant green heart for Australia’s next great city - endorsed in-principle by the Administrator on 10 July 2017 also available on Council’s website - be consulted and considered as being the optimum delivery strategies for the inclusion of Civic Link.

(d) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to engage in all the necessary consultation.

(e) Further, that monthly progress reports on this matter be brought back to Council until December 2020.

BACKGROUND

1. Civic Link has been described as:

· A unifying element, that ties together the varied examples of built form and it’s uses that create the fabric of the City of Parramatta.

· Retaining, Protecting and Incorporating heritage into the fine grain, scale and character, of the city.

· Responding to and incorporating Council’s broader social, cultural, transport and environmental aspirations into future development and design.

· Ensuring the provision of green space in the CBD is equitable and CBD residents and workers can take advantage of the health and wellbeing benefits that green spaces provide.

· Activating the commercial core of Parramatta beyond traditional operating hours of Monday to Friday 9-5.

2. Civic Link was first identified as an integral part of a CBD activation plan, providing a pedestrian lanes throughway from the then Civic Place (Now Parramatta Square) to a public square on the Parramatta River, in the 2011.

3. In the 2011 document “Parramatta City Centre Lanes Policy” attention is drawn to Figure 1: Existing + Proposed New Lanes, Arcades and Through Site Links in Parramatta City Centre.(Attachment 4)

4. From 2014 to 2016 extensive work was done by Council in developing the Parramatta River Strategy, the centerpiece of which was Civic Link, as it provided a direct South North link from Parramatta Square to the River.

5. The Parramatta City Council Business paper of the 26 June 2017 describes Civic Link as being ‘one of at least three major public spaces to be delivered in Parramatta CBD over the next 10 years…. (contributing) to the transformation of Parramatta CBD into world class, resilient, human centric city’.

6. On the 10 July 2017 Civic Link Framework Plan A vibrant green heart for Australia’s next great city, endorsed in-principle by the Administrator

· The key objectives for the Framework include;

· Be an identifiable place within the CBD with a memorable name and sense of place

· Connect (physically and symbolically) Parramatta Square Transport Interchange to River Square and corridor

· Complement, extend and link into the City’s Night Time Economy

· Create a second activated North-South spine through the heart of the commercial core, transitioning from the civic, built environment to the river foreshore environment

· Recognise and respond to heritage along the Link, (including interface an d retention of Willow Grove and St George’s Terraces).

7. Parramatta is Australia’s second oldest city (10 months younger than Sydney) and as a result, there are a number of heritage items listed on the world, state and local heritage registers, that are located within the site. The items help to create a character, a sense of place and landmarks that include;

a. Willow Grove: Originally built as a private home between 1870 and 1880, its uses include a private hospital and maternity hospital, which gives the building some prominence in the medical and maternity history of Parramatta.

b. Roxy Theatre: The Roxy is a purpose-built Inter-War Spanish Mission theatre and, with its overall form and surviving original fit-out and fabric, its displays the major attributes of this building type. The theatre provides evidence of the changing nature of film theatres since the 1920s and the size of architectural character of the building also reflects American cultural influences in the inter-war period and the profitability of ‘Picture palaces’. More recently, it has been converted into a bar, restaurant and nightclub complex.

c. Dr. Pringles House: Dr George Hogarth Pringle was a famous surgeon who invented the ‘Pringle manoeuvre’, which is the technique to minimise blood loss during surgery.

d. The Civic Arcade: is of historical and social significance as the site of the first cinema in Parramatta. Although gutted internally the George Street facade retains most of its form, the high parapet wall and main cinema building envelope and rivetted steel awning. The site has archaeological potential related to European occupation since 1790.

e. Drain: Possibly constructed in the 1820’s during Macquarie’s Governorship. It commenced near the junction of Argyle and Church Streets, and across Macquarie, Smith, George and Phillip Streets before it emptied into Parramatta River. It was thought to have helped manage flooding issues.

8. As the Civic Link extends from the station in the south to the Parramatta River in the north, it touches many different types of built form and will act as a unifying element, that ties together the varied built fabric of the city.

9. The Civic Link presents a unique opportunity to connect major cultural and historically important facilities including a well designed Parramatta Powerhouse Museum Annex, Willow Grove, the Roxy Theatre and 5 Parramatta Square.

10. The Civic Link represents an opportunity to address current shortfalls in green space.

11. Its new buildings and laneways offer the potential to support incubators, small bars, collaborative work spaces and creative industries. Its public spaces will serve as a platform for art, heritage, events, festivals, and places to gather - for the diverse population that is Parramatta.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY PLANNING AND DESIGN RESPONSE

12. In relation to parts (a) and (b), Council staff consider that the most effective way to continue to advocate for Civic Link and to realise the desired vision and outcomes outlined in the Civic Link Framework Plan, is through continued collaboration with the Powerhouse and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), noting that the final determination of the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) rests with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

13. The Civic Link Framework Plan formed part of the suite of documents and policies that were considered by the applicant in its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as well as through the design competition process.

14. In relation to part (c), the Civic Link Framework Plan was informed by the earlier strategic work, including the Riverbank Development Blueprint which considered a development scenario on the subject site which is now superseded by plans for a museum.

15. Further to part (c), Council’s draft submission on the Powerhouse SSDA notes concerns for the current design response to Civic Link. It strongly advocates for further design resolution, requesting to work collaboratively with DPIE, the Powerhouse and the Design Integrity Panel to ensure the objectives and vision for Civic Link are realised.

16. Please note a Council Officer report on the Civic Link Development Control Plan is being prepared and will be reported to Council later this month. This report continues to advocate for Civic Link and seeks endorsement for further detailed development controls.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

17. Should Council support this NOM, meetings/briefings can be held by relevant senior staff. Updates at key milestones should be provided to Council by way of a briefing note rather than a monthly report to ensure efficient use of resources.

Councillor Patricia Prociv

Councillor

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Parramatta City Centre - Lanes Policy: Existing + Proposed New Lanes, Arcades and Through Sites Links in Parramatta CIty Centre	1 Page
2 ⇩	Civic Link Framework Plan 2017	4 Pages
3 ⇩	Riverbank Development Blueprint	1 Page

Council 13 July 2020 Item 19.3

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 19.3

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Parramatta Female Factory Friends - Bicentenary Re-enactment 2021

REFERENCE F2019/04433 - D07515201

FROM Councillor Davis

MOTION

(a) That Council acknowledges that 21 February 2021 marks the Bicentenary of the occupation of the Female Convict Parramatta Female Factory and Barracks.

(b) Further, that the Lord Mayor, interested Councillors and relevant staff meet with the Parramatta Female Factory Friends (PFFF) Executive Committee to discuss Council’s support and an action plan for the Bicentenary commemorations.

BACKGROUND

1. On Sunday, 21 February 2021 the Parramatta Female Factory Friends (PFFF) and the community will commemorate the day 109 convict women and 71 children were moved under military escort from the Room above the Gaol on Gaol Green (Prince Alfred Square) to the ‘new’ Governor Lachlan Macquarie commissioned Factory and Barracks opposite the Fleet Street Quarry at North Parramatta.

2. This commemoration is a highly significant national event given the factory is the:

· earliest female convict site in Australia

· most intact of existing female convict sites in Australia

· site of three remaining colonial buildings (1818-1825), two of which were designed by convict architect Francis Greenway

· site of the first dedicated women’s health service in the colony, the Greenway Hospital, that remains on site today.

3. The stories of the women and children go to the heart of the Australian identity. They are stories of separation and loss, yet stories of hope, resilience and remarkable survival.

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CITY ENGAGEMENT & EXPERIENCE RESPONSE

4. Council acknowledges and notes the Female Factory bicentenary event on 21 February 2021is to be delivered by the Parramatta Female Factory Friends (PFFF). At this stage Council is not involved in delivering the event. Council, through its City Experience business unit, will coordinate a meeting with the Lord Mayor, interested Councillors, relevant staff and representatives of the PFFF Executive Committee in relation to the planning for the bicentenary event.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

5. At present there are no financial or resource implications for Council, however, this may change should Council resolve to provide additional support in the future.

Councillor Donna Davis

Councillor

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Request from Parramatta Female Factory Friends - Bicentenary 2021 Re-enactment Walk	1 Page
2 ⇩	Media Release - Parramatta Female Factory Friends 200 Years	1 Page

Council 13 July 2020 Item 19.4

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 19.4

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: World Heritage Listing of the Parramatta Female Factory

REFERENCE F2019/04433 - D07515223

FROM Councillor Davis

MOTION

(a) That the Lord Mayor urgently write to the Parramatta Female Factory Friends (PFFF) thanking them for their advocacy and congratulating them on securing in excess of 10,000 signatures for their petition asking the House of Representatives to do all in its power to enable the Female Factory site:

a) to be declared a site of World Heritage significance by nominating it as a World Heritage Site to the World Heritage Committee Secretariat of UNESCO.

b) to become a living museum and national resource centre.

c) to be managed by a joint Federal and State government trust with the expertise to conserve and interpret the site in accordance with the guidelines of the Burra Charter.

(b) That the Lord Mayor urgently write to the Premier and Tim Reardon, Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, seeking support from the NSW Government to initiate the process of world heritage listing by requesting that the Australian Government nominate the Parramatta Female Factory site for entry on the Australian World Heritage Tentative List.

(c) Further, that the Lord Mayor urgently write to the Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for Environment, requesting that the Australian Government nominate the Parramatta Female Factory site for entry on the Australian World Heritage Tentative List.

BACKGROUND

1. On 7 March 2020 the Parramatta Female Factory Friends presented the Hon Julie Owens MP, Federal Member for Parramatta, with a petition of 11,155 signatures that “asks the House to do all in its power to enable the Female Factory site:

1. to be declared a site of World Heritage significance by nominating it as a World Heritage Site to the World Heritage Committee Secretariat of UNESCO;

2. to become a living museum and national resource centre;

3. to be managed by a joint Federal and State government trust with the expertise to conserve and interpret the site in accordance with the guidelines of the Burra Charter”.

2. On 16 June 2020 this petition was presented to the House.

3. Of the 13 female convict factories built in Australia the Parramatta Female Factory is the earliest surviving and most intact predating all but 3 of the convict sites currently on the World Heritage Convict list.

4. The site includes the 1818 Convict Female Factory, commissioned by Governor Macquarie, the 1820s Governor Brisbane third class additions and the Governor Gipps courtyard. It has been a barrack, a factory, a marriage bureau, a prison, a work assignment bureau, a hospital, a women’s health service and the site of the earliest women workers’ action in 1827. An estimated 1 in 7 Australians are related to factory women including Maggie Beer, Dawn Fraser, Kurt Fearnley, Meg Kenneally (daughter of Tom Kenneally), John Pilger and Lisa Wilkinson.

“The nomination process is managed by the Australian Government and follows strict protocols determined by the Australian Government, the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and UNESCO.

Only the Australian Government can nominate Australian places for entry on this list. The World Heritage Committee assesses nominated places against set criteria and makes the final decision as to the places that are included on the World Heritage List”. https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/about/world/world-heritage-listing-process

5. A state can initiate the process of world heritage listing by requesting that the Federal Government consider adding a place to the Australian World Heritage Tentative List.

6. To this end, former Minister Don Harwin wrote to Mr Tim Reardon, Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, on 28 November 2019 requesting “advice on the potential for the NSW Government to advocate for the World Heritage Listing (WHL) of the former convict-era Female Factory precinct, North Parramatta”.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY PLANNING AND DESIGN RESPONSE

World Heritage Nomination Process

7. A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention guarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.”

8. Only the Australian Government can nominate Australian places for entry on this list to the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. The Committee assesses nominated places against set criteria (refer Attachment A) and makes the final decision as to the places that are included on the World Heritage List.

9. The NSW Government can nominate a site and request the Australian Government to submit the nomination to UNESCO for it to be placed on the Australian World Heritage Tentative List.

10. Sites must be on the National Heritage list for them to be considered for World Heritage nomination. On 14 November 2017, the Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct was listed on the National Heritage List.

Potential for World Heritage Listing of Parramatta Female Factory

11. To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of 10 selection criteria (refer Attachment A). Council Officers have reviewed the National Listing Statement of Significance to understand whether the Parramatta Female Factory satisfies the World Heritage assessment criteria. It is considered to meet Criteria (iv) and (vi) for the following reasons:

Table 1: Assessment against two of the World Heritage listed criteria

Criteria

Response to Criteria

Criterion (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;

The Parramatta Female Factory is a rare surviving example of its type in Australia and comprises buildings representing outstanding examples of public architecture, demonstrating Victorian, Georgian and Classical revival notions of authority. The existence of original buildings on the Parramatta Female Factory site serves as a marker of the conditions and experiences of female convicts. Furthermore, the Factory site illustrates an important and difficult period of human history, namely the transportation of woman prisoners to colonial convict settlement.

Criterion (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);

The site is directly associated with the development of the ideas and debates in Enlightenment Europe about the punishment and rehabilitation of criminals and guilty people in human society. The Parramatta Female Factory was of particular historical importance in instituting a formal means of housing, disciplining and employing convict woman which was copied throughout the Australian penal colonies and elsewhere. The Female Factory demonstrates how colonial and state governments chose to address the perceived problem of vulnerable women and children, who they regarded as needing protection and control, through the use of institutions as a core element of the welfare system. In particular the Female Factory provides a record of how women and children as a class had a distinct experience of 'benevolent' institutions, where the purpose and promise of care was far from the reality.

12. Furthermore, the National Trust in 2014 prepared a statement of significance for the Female Factory for inclusion on the National Trust Register. This statement of significance drew comparisons of the site with the World Heritage Listed Cascades Female Factory in Hobart, which is “younger, less influential and arguably less intact than the Parramatta Female Factory”.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

13. There are no financial implications for Council in drafting the required letters which can be undertaken utilising existing resources.

Councillor Donna Davis

Councillor

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Attachment A - World Heritage Listing Assessment Criteria

1 Page

Council 13 July 2020 Item 19.5

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 19.5

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Parramatta Light Rail - Support for Local Residents and Community in the vicinity of Parramatta Light Rail Route

REFERENCE F2019/04433 - D07515271

FROM Councillor Pandey

MOTION

(a) That Council note:

1. Businesses have suffered massive financial losses due to the construction activities related to Parramatta Light Rail and COVID-19 particularly around Church Street.

2. Businesses have not been compensated in any way for these losses

3. Work performed by Parramatta Light Rail contractors has impacted the local community including creating trip hazards on footpaths

4. Residents and businesses are looking to council to advocate on their behalf to minimize the disruptions as a result of Parramatta Light Rail construction.

5. Major construction has just started, we must plan now to mitigate any further risks associated with Parramatta Light Rail constructions.

6. There has been little work by Parramatta Light Rail to activate local business and any work that has been done has had no real positive impact

(b) That Council request the Chief Executive Officer to:

1. Investigate options to improve parking for Church street businesses, including provision for 1 hour parking at Horwood place or George Street or explore other options to support and encourage return of patronage.

2. Investigate all plausible activation programs to encourage return patronage along Church Street post COVID-19.

3. Liaise with Parramatta Light Rail to cover the fences along Church Street to stop dusts and noise impacting the local businesses.

4. Liaise with Parramatta Light Rail and request for heavy drilling to be allowed only at night times, which was the original plan.

5. Liaise with Parramatta Light Rail to ensure contractors understand their responsibility to keep all construction sites safe during the construction period for pedestrians and people with disability, in particular ensuring post-work restore provides a safe, hazard free footpath.

6. Liaise with Parramatta Light Rail to open areas for pedestrians to move between the footpaths on Church Street.

7. Ensure there is adequate communication with the businesses regarding any unscheduled work.

8. Review options for Councillors to be involved in the Council-Parramatta Light Rail working groups/committees, should Councillors wish to participate.

9. Arrange to provide a monthly update of issues identified at the working groups, progress on issues raised in this NoM and any other discussions that will allow Councillors to understand the challenges that the residents and businesses are facing.

10. Put mechanism in place to measure support calls to Council switch board related to Parramatta Light Rail complaints/request for help.

11. Explore the use of Council’s platform to advertise businesses and create programs in consultation with business owners to support them such as voucher scheme etc.

12. Provide clarity on outdoor dining provision during the construction grace period on Church Street during the summer trading period from 1 November until 31 January.

13. Write to Parramatta Light Rail that it collaborates in a transparent way with Council to develop an activation plan.

14. Explore options for both Council and Parramatta Light Rail commit resources both human and financial to this activation plan and that it be implemented as soon as possible, Specifically that Council commit resources to a specific officer role in the economic development team to oversee this activation plan.

1. In support of the local businesses and residents who are negatively impacted by the Parramatta Light Rail.

2. Seeking a timeframe and schedule of work after the construction grace period and that this be communicated to businesses on Church Street.

3. Seeking to provide rental assistance and other support programs to small businesses negatively impacted by Parramatta Light Rail construction

BACKGROUND

1. Construction work related to Parramatta Light Rail is causing significant negative impact for residents and businesses in the vicinity of Parramatta Light Rail Route. While residents and businesses acknowledge and accept the fact that there will be disruption, what has taken them by surprise is the sheer volume of unplanned disruption, significant loss of revenue, lack of support and consultation, lack of assurance from the NSW govt. to provide financial relief and uncertainty around the construction work.

2. There is also significant angst in the community with regards to loss of heritage such as the Royal Oak.

3. Business revenues are down between 60% to 90%. In the absence of noise barriers and protection from dust, the heavy drilling during the day not only discourages patronage to Church Street but also creates heavy noise and dust for the businesses, making it impossible for them to conduct their day to day activities.

4. Heavy drilling has also caused losses to businesses including additional cleaning and breakage (picture attached).

5. The barriers, barricades and diversions in George Street, Church Street and Macquarie Street gives an impression “worksite, do not enter”, the message rather should be “Yes, we are open for business”. The nature of the works and the hoardings create an environment not amenable to either going down Church Street nor staying there if you do.

6. COVID-19 has added to the challenges. Physical distancing on the narrow footpath is even more challenging. Lack of activation on the street has resulted in less patronage, revenue and low business confidence. There are several vacant property’s on Church street and this is going to increase if something is not done sooner.

7. Businesses on Church Street do see the light at the end of the tunnel, but they are currently in a very dark place and need immediate assistance.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY PLANNING AND DESIGN RESPONSE

8. In consideration of this Notice of Motion, Council is advised that of the 14 matters raised in item (b), 12 have been previously addressed, are underway or ongoing and do not require a resolution of Council. The exception is (b) 1 and (b) 8. Detailed responses to each item is provided below:

9. (b) 1. Council’s current boom gate and ticket payment system do not provide the flexibility to provide free parking for one hour (or any other defined period). The Council’s COVID-19 Community Resilience and Economic Relief Package (Relief Package) does include grace periods in relation to parking in the CBD, and Council staff have put in place short term parking for click and collect pickups from chemists and other providers.

10. b) 2. Recent initiatives to support businesses include the COVID Relief package small business grants program (endorsed by Council) and a City of Parramatta buy-local gift card package (endorsed by Council). Council staff have also prepared a draft business activation plan which is specific to the PLR. The Council’s City Experience unit has also proposed a number of events from November to January which will assist with business activation along the PLR route.

11. (b) 3. The Contractor, Parramatta Connect, has covered the Church Street construction fence with printed shade cloth fabric, which includes reference to businesses and directions.

12. (b) 4. The photograph of the bottles smashed on the shop floor relates to an incident that the Contractor, Parramatta Connect, has investigated, and have communicated with the shop owner. The micro-tunnel drilling under Church Street had not commenced at the time the photograph was taken.

13. (b) 5. Contractors who wish to open the footpath or public land for utility work are required to obtain the Council’s permission, make safe the surface and to pay a fee for restoration of the surface back to original. This applies to all contractors, whether part of the PLR or other construction project. A photograph submitted with the NoM shows the footpath outside the Woolpack Hotel, which had subsided after make safe work. Council staff met the Contractor on site and the surface has been made safe.

14. (b) 6. The Council’s PLR Interface Manager has requested that the Contractor open up the mid-block crossings, as was originally intended with the closure of Church Street. The Contractor is presently considering the planned utility and footpath work to see if this is feasible, whilst recognising that there is a desire to do as much work as possible before the summer grace period (November 2020 to January 2021) when work will finish and the street will be open to pedestrians and outdoor dining.

15. (b) 7. The Contractors, TfNSW and the Council’s PLR Interface Manager have a positive working relationship, and are able to sort out many issues quickly as they arise. Any issues caused by the Contractors are taken up by the Interface Manager, Place Services and other Council team members. The infrastructure contractor, Parramatta Connect, has a communication protocol which they follow to notify businesses and residents of pending works in their locality. Parramatta Connect have advised that they typically letter drop a written communication before works commence in an area. Prior to COVID-19 door-knocking was carried out.

16. (b) 8. Working groups are held amongst technical officers on operational matters given the current and future stages of the project. Councillor involvement in operational meetings may have Code of Conduct concerns (part 7). Councillors are able to contact two key staff members with any questions on the project. The staff members are Jennifer Concato – Executive Director City Planning & Design and Kelly van der Zanden – Group Manager City Design. The Lord Mayor holds fortnightly PLR briefings with senior Council staff. Councillors can also contact the Lord Mayor’s office with requests for information relating to the PLR.

17. (b) 9. There is currently a monthly PLR update provided to Councillors. The most recent update for June included some measures that staff are taking to advocate for businesses and residents impacted by the PLR.

18. (b) 10. Council’s Customer Service Centre, early in 2020, established a protocol for PLR complaints directed to the Council. Callers enquiring about work hours or noise/dust concerns are directed to call the TfNSW 1800 number of email line, which is staffed 24/7. More complex calls are directed to the Council’s PLR Interface Manager.

19. (b) 11. Recent initiatives to support businesses include the COVID Relief package small business grants program (endorsed by Council) and a City of Parramatta buy-local gift card package (endorsed by Council).

20. (b) 12. The Council has been asked to be part of the TfNSW grace period activation group, which we have accepted. TfNSW are developing a plan for outdoor dining seating in Eat Street, and for entertainment activities during the grace period. Further updates will be provided in the monthly Councillor Briefing Notes.

21. (b) 13. TfNSW has an existing activation plan and has carried out a series of activities along the route. TfNSW can be requested to provide a briefing to Councillors on the TfNSW Business Activation Plan.

22. (b) 14. Staff will review and provide an update to Council as part of the regular updates on resources (both human and financial) that may be required for Council to resolve.

23. The following responses are provided in relation to item (c):

24. (c) 1. The Council recognises that local businesses are being impacted by the PLR, and the staff responses in (b) above indicate the actions and work being done to support businesses.

25. (c) 2. The PLR provides a three monthly look ahead and the Contractor is preparing for TfNSW a quarterly schedule of work following the grace period. Council is seeking TfNSW permission to release this information to the Council.

26. (c) 3. The Council has been assured by TfNSW that the business activation program and support provided by TfNSW for the PLR is significant. The Development Agreement between Council and TfNSW (which Council has endorsed) provides that no compensation will be paid by TfNSW for loss of on-street dining during construction. TfNSW has put in pace the three month summer construction grace period for businesses as further support.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

27. The majority of the matters raised utilise existing resources as they have been previously addressed, are underway or ongoing.

Councillor Sameer Pandey

Councillor

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Various Photographs regarding Parramatta Light Rail

3 Pages