Agenda of Council - Monday, 28 June 2021

MINUTES OF THE Meeting of City of Parramatta Council HELD IN THE WENTWORTH POINT LIBRARY, 10 FOOTBRIDGE BOULEVARD, WENTWORTH POINT ON Tuesday, 15 June 2021 AT 6.30pm

These are draft minutes and are subject to confirmation by Council at its next meeting. The confirmed minutes will replace this draft version on the website once confirmed.

PRESENT

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer and Councillors Benjamin Barrak (6.48pm), Phil Bradley, Donna Davis, Pierre Esber, Michelle Garrard (Deputy Lord Mayor), Steven Issa, Andrew Jefferies, Sameer Pandey, Dr Patricia Prociv, Bill Tyrrell, Andrew Wilson, Lorraine Wearne and Martin Zaiter.

1. OPENING MEETING

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer, opened the meeting at 6.31pm.

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL LAND OWNERS

The Lord Mayor, acknowledged the Wanngal people of The Darug Nation as the traditional custodians of this land, and paid respect to their ancient culture and their elders past and present.

3. WEBCASTING ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lord Mayor, advised that this public meeting is being recorded and streamed live on the internet. The recording will also be archived and made available on Council’s website.

The Lord Mayor further advised that all care will be taken to maintain privacy, however as a visitor in the public gallery, the public should be aware that their presence may be recorded.

4. OTHER RECORDING OF MEETING ANOUNCEMENT

As per Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the recording of the Council Meeting by the public using any device, audio or video, is only permitted with Council permission. Recording a Council Meeting without permission may result in the individual being expelled from the Meeting.

5. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

SUBJECT: Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 24 May 2021

3254

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Esber)

That the minutes be taken as read and be accepted as a true record of the Meeting.

6. APOLOGIES/REQUESTS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

There were no apologies / requests for leave of absence made at this meeting.

7. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Barrak declared a pecuniary interest in Item 17.5 – Post Exhibition – Finalisation of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal following consideration of submissions received during the public exhibition period, being that he owns property in the CBD Planning Proposal area. He retired from the Chamber and took no part in the debate or vote thereon.

Councillor Issa declared a non-pecuniary and less than significant interest in Item 20.3 – Occupation of the Main Building at 35 South Street Rydalmere, being that he is a volunteer coach at the Club and his child plays for the Club. He remained in the Chamber during debate and voting on the matter.

Councillor Jefferies declared a non-pecuniary and less than significant interest in Item 12.3 – 2021 Community Grants, being that he is involved in the Committees of Carlingford Netball Club and Murray Farm Public School. He remained in the Chamber during debate and voting on the matter.

8. Minutes of the Lord Mayor

8.1

SUBJECT Condolence Motion: Neil El-Kadomi OAM

REFERENCE F2019/03630 - D08096325

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

3255

RESOLVED (Dwyer/Zaiter)

(a) That acknowledge the passing of Neil El-Kadomi OAM, offering our condolences to his family, friends, and community.

(b) That Council note a public condolence service was held on Sunday, 13 June 2021 from 7.00pm – 8.30pm at Parramatta Mosque.

(c) That Council write to the Parramatta Islamic Cultural Association Inc. offering our sincere condolences on Neil El-Kadomi’s passing; and

(d) Further, that a minute’s silence be held in the Chamber as a gesture of respect on his passing and in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the Parramatta and Western Sydney community.

Note: The Chamber observed a minute’s silence.

8.2

SUBJECT Queen's Birthday 2021 Honours

REFERENCE F2019/03630 - D08096326

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

3256

RESOLVED (Dwyer/Tyrrell)

That Council congratulate the members of and contributors to the Parramatta community, as outlined in this Minute, for their contributions and recognition in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

8.3

SUBJECT 200 Years of Parramatta Mission

REFERENCE F2019/03630 - D08096337

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

3257

RESOLVED (Dwyer/Wilson)

(a) That Council note Parramatta Mission and the Uniting Church in Australia are currently celebrating 200 years of Parramatta Mission, including the 200^th anniversary of the 1^st Wesleyan Methodist Chapel and Sunday School on their Macquarie Street site in 1821.

(b) Further, that Council write to Parramatta Mission and the Uniting Church in Australia to congratulate them on this significant milestone and their significant contributions to the Parramatta community.

8.4

SUBJECT Children's Medical Research Institute - Jeans for Genes Fundraising

REFERENCE F2019/03630 - D08096338

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

3258

RESOLVED (Dwyer/Issa)

That Council donate $10,000 to the 2021 Jeans for Genes fundraising initiative in support of the Children’s Medical Research Institute at Westmead, and their world-leading research to finding treatments and cures for serious conditions affecting kids.

9. Public Forum

9.1

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM: Item 17.1 - Post Exhibition - Finalisation of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal following consideration of submissions received during the public exhibition period

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08097306

SUMMARY OF PUBLIC FORUM STATEMENTS AND STAFF RESPONSES

No.	Submitter / Property	Summary of Public Forum	Council Officer’s Response
1.	Clive Matthews	Queensland Arcade 181 Church St Parramatta NSW 2150 - We asked at your May meeting to have our submission moved from not supported, red to Merit for further investigation, orange. We did not hear back and so we are asking again. We plan on engaging Gabrielle Morrish to do a Urban Design Plan to present to council. Thank you for your consideration.	This matter is addressed in the Council report. Refer to Appendix D of the Community Engagement Report in Item 17.5 – specifically refer to pages 1934-1937 and pages 1949-1951 of the Council Business Paper.
2.	Tony Leung	Request change of red flag status to orange. We would like to keep the LEP investigation open for an extended holding time for a chance to resubmit.	This matter is addressed in the Council report. Refer to Appendix D of the Community Engagement Report in Item 17.5 – specifically refer to pages 1934-1937 and pages 1949-1951 of the Council Business Paper.
3.	Jeanette Brokman	Refer to attached document	· Council officers prepared a high level summation and response to the issues raised in the Public Forum Submissions for Councillors at the meeting of 24 May 2021; with the original author version of the Public Forum Submission appended. · The flood consultant Molino Stewart acknowledges the date of the current Council flood data and considering the available information, regulatory framework, including the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy, Floodplain Development Manual 2005 and scope of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, concludes: “… that the intensification of development in the Parramatta CBD represents a tolerable risk to life and property providing that amendments are made to the Parramatta LEP 2011 and Parramatta Development Control Plan (DCP) 2011 to better manage some of the risks of flooding to life. The review has also identified opportunities for DCP amendments to be made which could result in less development restrictions in parts of the floodplain and improved building design outcomes”. · The Molino Stewart report recognises and discusses the benefits and risks of different flood emergency response strategies for the Parramatta CBD, including shelter-in-place, and concludes, “In the specific case of the evacuation of the Parramatta CBD the preferred SES approach (horizontal evacuation) would be problematic for a multitude of reasons”. · The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) in issuing a Gateway Determination to publicly exhibit the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal did not raise any issues with the supporting technical evidence submitted, including the draft Floodplain Risk Management Plan Update and Parramatta CBD Flood Evacuation Assessment, prepared by consultants Molino Stewart, with a High Level Evacuation Route Concept Design, prepared by Studio GL. · The current Flood Data is used to inform many activities and decisions of the Council, including Flood Application Enquiries, Development Applications and Planning Proposals; and the new Flood Data when available will inform these activities and decisions into the future, including the updating of Floodplain Risk Management Plans across the LGA, including the Parramatta CBD. · Despite numerous attempts made via the statutory requirements of the Gateway determination to invite a submission, the State Emergency Services (SES) have not made any formal submissions to date on the CBD Planning Proposal. As stated in the Council report, should the SES provide a late submission after the CBD Planning Proposal is endorsed by Council for submission to DPIE for finalisation, Council will rely on DPIE to address any matters arising from a late submission. · The letter from the SES dated 11 September 2018 cited by the author of the Public Forum Submission (in the link provided) relates to a site-specific Planning Proposal for 20 Macquarie Street, Parramatta. Despite the information quoted by the author in the letter, the amendment to the planning controls for this site were finalised by the DPIE on 1 April 2021. · Council officers have reviewed the CBD Planning Proposal against the 30 relevant Objectives in the Greater Sydney Commission’s Central City District Plan and found there to be no inconsistencies, as detailed in Tables 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the CBD Planning Proposal (refer to pages 1479–1486 of the Council Business Paper).
4.	Howard Robilliard / Anthony El-Azzi	Issue: Deferral of determination for 181 Church Street, Parramatta What are you seeking: Deferral of the amendments to the planning instrument and controls that apply to the City Centre of Parramatta in relation to 179 and 181 Church Street, Parramatta to obtain expert advice from an urban designer, being Ms Gabrielle Morrish. “N.B. A late email in relation to this matter was provided by Mr Robillard on 15 June 2021 – copy attached”.	This matter is addressed in the Council report. Refer to Appendix D of the Community Engagement Report in Item 17.5 – specifically refer to pages 1934-1937 and pages 1949-1951 of the Council Business Paper.
5.	Pacific Planning – Matthew Daniel	56 Station Street East, Harris Park (Submission No. 286)	This matter is addressed in the Council report. Refer to Appendix D of the Community Engagement Report in Item 17.5 – specifically refer to pages 1947-1949 of the Council Business Paper.
6.	Pacific Planning – James Matthews	14-20 Parkes Street, Harris Park (Submission No. 284)	This matter is addressed in the Council report. Refer to Appendix D of the Community Engagement Report in Item 17.5 – specifically refer to pages 1946-1947 of the Council Business Paper.

10. Petitions

10.1

SUBJECT Feedback to the draft DCP Amendment

FROM Pierre Esber

A petition signed by the public was tabled at the Council Meeting and reads:

“Please sign this petition requesting a public forum to hear about the draft DCP amendment for the Telopea Precinct and the impact it has on you and your community.”

3259

Resolved (Esber/Garrard)

That the petition be received and a copy of the petition be circulated to all Councillors.

10.2

SUBJECT Save Parramatta Parks Trees

FROM Patricia Prociv

A petition signed by the public was tabled at the Council Meeting and reads:

“The new Greater Sydney Parklands, a government agency, is proposing to remove 60 mature trees at the western end of Parramatta Park for the purpose of building a car park and expanding the park's walk/cycleway.

The works are part of a project previously planned by the Parramatta Park Trust, which is now incorporated into the Western Sydney Parklands Trust under the auspice of the new Greater Sydney Parklands agency.

While there are plans to replace the trees, the removal of trees is particularly distressing for local residents and lovers of Parramatta Park. Likewise, there is significant concern about the lack of transparency and poor consultation process to date, which relies on an approval given years ago by the Heritage Council.

The removal of the trees will not only impact the park’s vistas and local streetscape, but also the local urban canopy. The works will also require the removal of much-needed open space and increase traffic along local roads.

Moreover, the introduction of a car park flies in the face of the new Light Rail route that's being built just 350 metres away, which is intended to encourage the use of active and public transport.

In response, we are urging Parramatta Council to make urgent representations to the new Board of the Greater Sydney Parklands, who are now overseeing the Park, with a view to postponing the works so urgent consultation with the local community can occur.”

3260

Resolved (Prociv/Pandey)

That the petition be received and a copy of the petition be circulated to all Councillors.

10.3

SUBJECT A fenced off-leash dog area, West Epping Park, Epping 2121

FROM Donna Davis

A petition signed by the public was tabled at the Council Meeting and reads:

“On behalf of the Residents and Dog Owners in Epping and surrounds, we request the Council to provide to our community a dog off leash exercise facility in originally envisaged Area 18, covering two grassy areas adjacent to the Tennis Courts. This was promised five years ago, but never completed. The area is small, but adequate.

There are no such facilities available on foot in here, except driving dogs in cars and over the bridge to North Epping.

It appears that dog ownership has significantly increased since the last year, so did the population density, and it is now the time that something should be done in this matter.”

3261

Resolved (Davis/Esber)

That the petition be received and a copy of the petition be circulated to all Councillors.

11. Rescission Motions

Nil

12. Fair

12.1

SUBJECT FOR NOTATION: Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 25 February 2021

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08052188

REPORT OF Coordinator Internal Audit

3262

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Esber)

(a) That Council notes the minutes of the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee meetings as provided at Attachment 1.

(b) Further, that Council thank Colin Gellaty, Donna Rygate, Mark McCoy and relevant Council Executives for their work over the last term of Council.

Note: Councillor Barrak arrived at 6:48pm during consideration of Item 12.1.

12.2

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Council Policies for Adoption

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D07779097

REPORT OF Governance Manager

3263

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Esber)

That Council approve the following policies:

- Governance Framework (at Attachment 1);

- Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy (at Attachment 2);

- Complaints Handling Policy (at Attachment 3);

- Gifts and Benefits Policy (at Attachment 4);

- Affixing the Council Seal Policy (at Attachment 5);

- Webcasting Policy (at Attachment 6);

- Business Ethics Policy (at Attachment 7);

- Public Interest Disclosures (at Attachment 8);

- Councillors Workshop & Briefing Policy (at Attachment 9);

- Legislative Compliance Policy (at Attachment 10).

12.3

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: 2021 Community Grants

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D07981436

REPORT OF Community Grants Officer

3264

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Bradley)

(a) That Council adopts the expenditure recommended by the Councillor Grants Committee for the 2020-2021 Community Grants as summarised in Attachment 3.

(b) That Council endorses a creative skills development grant offer of $12,000 being made to one unsuccessful applicant in the Creative Fellowship category identified in Attachment 3 and delegates authority to the Director Parramatta Artist Studios to disburse funds to those who meet the requirements detailed in paragraph 12 of this report.

(c) That Council notes the status of grants made in the quarterly Community Grants program and Parramatta Representative Sports Grant as summarised in Attachment 2.

(d) That $40,000 of unallocated funds from the 2021 Community Grants budget be rolled over to the 2021/2022 Financial Year Community Grants budget, with at least $10,000 being allocated to the Representative Sports Grant program.

(e) Further, that Council notes that a further report will follow with the results of the review of the Sport and Recreation Grants and Representative Sports Grant categories.

12.4

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Major Projects Advisory Committee (MPAC) Membership

REFERENCE F2014/00413 - D08036731

REPORT OF Business Governance Officer

3265

RESOLVED (Esber/Tyrrell)

(a) That Council extend the membership of Gavin Zimmerle until 1 September 2024.

(b) That Council approve an expression of interest for the appointment of the vacant position in the Major Projects Advisory Committee (MPAC).

(c) That Council approve the appointment of an evaluation panel to assess the expressions of interest, consisting of:

1 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

2 Executive Director Property & Place

3 Acting Chair of MPAC, Gavin Zimmerle

4 Group Manager Property Development

5 Executive Director Community Services (Independent).

(d) Further, that a report be submitted to Council upon the completion of the expression of interest period for consideration of the Evaluation Panel’s recommendations.

13. Accessible

Nil

14. Green

Nil

15. Welcoming

15.1

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Little India Business Reference Group Update

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08040388

REPORT OF Acting Group Manager, City Experience

3266

RESOLVED (Issa/Wilson)

(a) That the minutes of the Little India Reference Group meetings be noted.

(b) That Council endorse the updated Terms of Reference, including updating the maximum number of members to eleven (11).

(c) That Council endorse the continuation of the Harris Park Business Reference Group for a further six (6) month period.

(d) That Council approve the use of Little India to a defined trading area of Marion St, Wigram St and Station St East in Harris Park, for both Local Businesses and Council Officers to run limited promotional and marketing activity relating to the defined trading area.

i. Council will provide guidelines for this purpose.

ii. Council will review the success of the use of Little India after 6 months and provide Council with an update and further recommendation.

(e) Further, that Council review the implementation of the Reference Group after 12 months’ of operation and provide Council with an update and further recommendation.

16. Thriving

16.1

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Better Neighbourhood Program 21/22 and 22/23

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08055394

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Place Services

3267

RESOLVED (Esber/Davis)

That Council defer consideration of this matter for a period of two (2) weeks.

16.2

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: 6&8 Parramatta Square - Part Closure of Darcy Street, Parramatta

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08064738

REPORT OF Development Manager

3268

RESOLVED (Esber/Tyrrell)

(a) That Council approve permanently closing part of Darcy Street, Parramatta, shown as Lot 131 coloured blue on Attachment 1, in accordance with Part 4 Division 3 of the Roads Act 1993.

(b) That Council approve to classify the portion of Darcy Street being closed, shown as Lot 131 coloured blue on Attachment 1, as operational upon formal gazettal of the road closure.

(c) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to sign all documentation, including but not limited to land owner’s consent, in connection with this matter.

17. Innovative

17.1

SUBJECT FOR NOTATION: Minutes of the 5/7 Parramatta Square Advisory Group Meeting held on 6 May 2021

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08042554

REPORT OF Business Governance Officer

3269

RESOLVED (Issa/Davis)

That Council defer consideration of this matter for a period of two (2) weeks.

17.2

SUBJECT FOR NOTATION: Minutes of the Smart City Advisory Committee Meeting held on 4 May 2021

REFERENCE F2017/00685 - D08045680

REPORT OF Project Officer

3270

RESOLVED (Issa/Tyrrell)

(a) That Council note the minutes of the Smart City Advisory Committee meeting held on 4 May 2021 (provided at Attachment 1).

(b) Further, that Council note that the Committee supports the University of Technology Sydney in submitting an Expression of Interest to the Smart Places Acceleration Program.

17.3

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Post Gateway - Draft Development Control Plan and Draft Planning Agreement for 85-91 Thomas Street, Parramatta

REFERENCE RZ/11/2016 - D08012633

REPORT OF Project Officer Land Use

3271

RESOLVED (Esber/Tyrrell)

(a) That Council endorse the draft amendments to Part 4.1.9 Morton Street Precinct, Parramatta DCP 2011, introducing new site-specific controls for the land at 85-91 Thomas Street, Parramatta, as provided at Attachment 1, for the purpose of public exhibition.

(b) That Council authorise the Chief Executive Officer to commence the legal drafting of a Planning Agreement in accordance with the Letter of Offer as provided in Attachment 2, and terms outlined in this report on behalf of Council for the purpose of public exhibition.

(c) That the draft amendment to Part 4.1.9, Parramatta DCP 2011 and draft Planning Agreement be placed on public exhibition concurrently with the updated Planning Proposal in Attachment 3, for a period of 28 days as required by the Gateway Determination in Attachment 4 and that a report be provided to Council on the outcomes of the public exhibition.

(d) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to correct any minor inconsistencies or anomalies of an administrative nature relating to the draft site-specific Development Control Plan and draft Planning Agreement documentation that may arise during the drafting and exhibition process.

DIVISION A division was called, the result being:-

AYES: Councillors Barrak, Bradley, Davis, Dwyer, Esber, Garrard, Issa, Jefferies, Pandey, Prociv, Tyrrell, Wearne and Zaiter

NOES: Councillor Wilson

17.4

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Post Exhibition - Outcomes of two Planning Proposals and three DCP amendments for various matters in Epping

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08025044

REPORT OF Team Leader Land Use Planning

3272

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Davis)

(a) That Council receives and notes the submissions received during the public exhibition of the East Epping and Rosebank Avenue Planning Proposals and the draft amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013 which are summarised at Attachment 2.

(b) That Council endorse for finalisation the planning proposal relating to the following various properties in East Epping (provided at Attachment 3) which seeks to amend Hornsby Local Environmental Plan 2013 as follows:

i. For sites 2 to 24 Rockleigh Way, 3 to 7 and 4 to 8 Brenda Way, and 5A Essex Street:

· Amend the zoning from R4 High Density Residential to R3 Medium Density Residential.

· Amend the maximum building height from 17.5 metres to 11 metres.

· Apply a maximum Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of 0.6:1, noting there is no existing FSR control for the sites.

ii. For sites at 1 to 31 Rockleigh Way:

· Amend the maximum building height from 12 metres to 11 metres.

· Apply an FSR of 0.6:1, noting there is no existing FSR control for the sites.

iii. For sites at 21-29 Essex Street:

· Amend the maximum building height from 17.5 metres to 11 metres.

· Apply an FSR of 0.8:1, noting there is no existing FSR control for the sites.

iv. For sites at 23 to 23A Pembroke Street:

· Amend the zoning from R3 Medium Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential.

· Amend the maximum building height from 12 metres to 11 metres.

· Apply an FSR of 0.8:1, noting there is no existing FSR control for the sites.

(c) That Council endorse for finalisation the planning proposal for 1-7 and 2-8 Rosebank Avenue, Epping (provided at Attachment 4) which seeks to amend Hornsby Local Environmental Plan 2013 as follows:

i. Remove the Heritage Conservation Area notation (as it applies to these properties).

ii. Amend the zone from R2 Low Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential.

iii. Amend the maximum building height from 8.5m to 11m.

iv. Apply a maximum FSR to 0.8:1, noting there is no existing FSR control for the sites.

(d) That Council forward the East Epping and Rosebank Avenue Planning Proposals to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for finalisation.

(e) That Council endorse for finalisation the exhibited amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013 which seek to introduce a provision to facilitate widening of the Forest Grove/Essex Street pedestrian link in the event of redevelopment (provided at Attachment 5) and that the amendments come into effect 6 weeks from the date of the public notice of Council’s decision to allow sufficient time to liaise with Hornsby Council.

(f) That Council endorse for finalisation amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013 which seek to introduce minor corrections to the Epping Town Centre car parking provisions, subject to the amendment which clarifies that the controls apply to the City of Parramatta local government area (provided at Attachment 6) and that the amendments come into effect 6 weeks from the date of the public notice of Council’s decision to allow sufficient time to liaise with Hornsby Council.

(g) That Council introduce design controls to support the Rosebank Avenue Planning Proposal to encourage an improved heritage interface with associated setbacks and planting (provided at Attachment 7), subject to the inclusion of the following amendments:-

i. introducing an additional control relating to location of balconies on, and requiring screening of, upper level balconies for new development on 5 and 7 Rosebank Avenue;

ii. introducing an additional control limiting balcony intrusions into setbacks Rosebank Avenue; and

iii. introducing an additional control that require the protection of existing street trees in Rosebank Avenue;

with the controls to come into effect upon finalisation of the Rosebank Avenue Planning Proposal.

(h) That Council authorises the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments and corrections of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan amendment process relating to the Planning Proposals and the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013, including minor amendments which differentiate the controls that apply to the City of Parramatta Council and Hornsby Council local government areas.

(i) Further, that Council note the advice of the Local Planning Panel (provided at Attachment 1) is consistent with the Council officer’s recommendation.

DIVISION A division was called, the result being:-

AYES: Councillors Barrak, Bradley, Davis, Dwyer, Esber, Garrard, Issa, Jefferies, Pandey, Prociv, Tyrrell, Wearne, Wilson and Zaiter

NOES: Nil

Note: Councillor Barrak declared a pecuniary interest and left the Chamber at 6.57pm prior to consideration of Item 17.5.

17.5	SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Post Exhibition - Finalisation of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal following consideration of submissions received during the public exhibition period (Deferred Item) REFERENCE F2020/02047 - D08064842 REPORT OF Snr Project Officer Land Use; Team Leader –Land Use Planning
	MOTION (Issa/Garrard) (a) That Council note: (i) The submissions made in response to the public exhibition of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal (CBD PP), summarised at Attachments 12 to 15 of the Local Planning Panel (LPP) Report; (ii) The LPP Report at Attachment 2 to this report. (b) That Council: (i) Approve the requested changes to the CBD PP set out in Table 1 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that are supported (via Decision Pathway 1 - Green)’); (ii) Note not making any of the requested changes to the CBD PP summarised in Table 2 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that are not supported (via Decision Pathway 2 - Red)’); (iii) Approve further investigation of the requested changes to the CBD PP set out in Table 3 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that have merit for further investigation (via Decision Pathway 3 - Orange)’). (b1) That Council approve the inclusion in Table 3 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that have merit for further investigation (via Decision Pathway 3 - Orange)’) consideration of an additional subclause in Clause 7.3 (parking) requiring the provision of parking spaces for car share vehicles in each new development. (b2) That despite parts (b) and (d) of this resolution, that Council approve the following amendments to Tables 1, 2 and 3 to Attachment 1 and changes to the CBD PP to be submitted to DPIE accordingly: (i) Not progress with the proposed “Phillip Street Block Street Study” and instead reinstate the draft controls for this block as per the exhibition version of the CBD PP when sending to the DPIE for finalisation (and make necessary updates to the CBD PP documentation accordingly). (ii) For 60 Phillip Street, undertake further urban design investigations under Decision Pathway 3 – Orange to determine if additional bonus FSR (under the high performing buildings, unlimited commercial floor space and Opportunity Sites clauses) can potentially be achieved within the height established under the exhibition version of the CBD PP, despite its size of approximately 1,580sqm (i.e. less than the 1,800sqm normally required to meet these FSR bonuses), given this site’s unique circumstances as an isolated site bound by three public roads and the river foreshore. (iii) That as part of the preparation of the Draft Parramatta CBD Development Control Plan that controls be investigated to ensure that there are separations between buildings for the Phillips Street block (referred to in (i) above) from ground level upwards and including the tower elements to maintain visual and physical connectivity between the river and the broader CBD to the south. (iv) Reinstate the exhibited draft height control for the Roxy Theatre (69 George Street) of 18m when sending the CBD PP to DPIE for finalisation and undertake further investigations at a later stage (under Decision Pathway 3 – Orange), including heritage investigations, to determine if this height could potentially be increased to respond to strategic planning work for Civic Link and Sydney Metro, and also to allow possible transition of the building to a larger, modern theatre venue. (c) That Council note that on 27 April 2015 and on 25 November 2019, Council approved further investigation on a number of “Planning Investigation Areas” (PIAs) to consider amendment of the planning controls in those areas and known respectively as the Northern, North – East, Eastern and Southern PIAs (see Figure 3 in paragraph 33 of this report) and that no change is required to the PIAs in response to submissions received on the CBP PP. (d) That Council approve: (i) The revised CBD PP (in Attachments 1 to 9 of the LPP Report); and (ii) Forwarding the CBD PP to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) for finalisation. (e) That Council note the application to DPIE, will also request the CBD PP amend Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 (PLEP 2011), in accordance with section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (f) That Council writes to the Secretary of DPIE seeking an exemption from the State Environmental Planning Policy Amendment (Build-to-rent Housing) 2021 in the B3 Commercial Core zone as this is inconsistent with the employment objectives of the commercial core in the Parramatta CBD and also noting that there is adequate B4 Mixed Use zoned land in the Parramatta CBD to allow for build-to-rent housing and subdividable residential mixed use development. (g) That Council: (i) Approve the preparation of a new Section 7.12 development contributions plan for the Parramatta CBD within 12 months; and (ii) Note the plan will include a new contributions levy rate set higher than the current 3% rate, subject to feasibility testing of the levy rate. (h) That Council request DPIE not finalise the amendments to PLEP 2011 until: (i) Council has exhibited and endorsed a new Section 7.12 development contributions plan for the Parramatta CBD; and (ii) DPIE has amended clause 25K of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 to allow the higher Section 7.12 development contributions rate. (i) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments and corrections of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan amendment process relating to the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal (and supporting documentation), Draft PLEP 2011 Amendment Instrument and Draft PLEP 2011 Amendment Maps.
	AMENDMENT (Wilson/Davis) That Council defer consideration of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal until the Parramatta River upper and lower flood risk management plan is completed, exhibited and accepted. The amendment moved by Councillor Wilson and seconded by Councillor Davis on being put was declared LOST. DIVISION A division was called, the result being:- AYES: Councillors Bradley, Davis, Pandey, Prociv and Wilson NOES: Councillors Dwyer, Esber, Garrard, Issa, Jefferies, Tyrrell, Wearne and Zaiter
	Note: 1. Councillor Wilson left the Chamber at 6.59pm. 2. Councillor Issa left the Chamber at 7.00pm and returned at 7.03pm during consideration of Item 17.5.
	AMENDMENT (Bradley/Prociv) (a) That Council note: (i) The submissions made in response to the public exhibition of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal (CBD PP), summarised at Attachments 12 to 15 of the Local Planning Panel (LPP) Report; (ii) The LPP Report at Attachment 2 to this report. (b) That Council: (i) Approve the requested changes to the CBD PP set out in Table 1 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that are supported (via Decision Pathway 1 - Green)’); (ii) Note not making any of the requested changes to the CBD PP summarised in Table 2 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that are not supported (via Decision Pathway 2 - Red)’); (iii) Approve further investigation of the requested changes to the CBD PP set out in Table 3 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that have merit for further investigation (via Decision Pathway 3 - Orange)’). (b1) That Council approve the inclusion in Table 3 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that have merit for further investigation (via Decision Pathway 3 - Orange)’) consideration of an additional subclause in Clause 7.3 (parking) requiring the provision of parking spaces for car share vehicles in each new development. (c) That Council note that on 27 April 2015 and on 25 November 2019, Council approved further investigation on a number of “Planning Investigation Areas” (PIAs) to consider amendment of the planning controls in those areas and known respectively as the Northern, North – East, Eastern and Southern PIAs (see Figure 3 in paragraph 33 of this report) and that no change is required to the PIAs in response to submissions received on the CBP PP. (d) That Council approve subject to the condition in clause (h): (i) The revised CBD PP (in Attachments 1 to 9 of the LPP Report); and (ii) Forwarding the CBD PP to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) for finalisation. (e) That Council note the application to DPIE, will also request the CBD PP amend Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 (PLEP 2011), in accordance with section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (f) That Council writes to the Secretary of DPIE seeking an exemption from the State Environmental Planning Policy Amendment (Build-to-rent Housing) 2021 in the B3 Commercial Core zone as this is inconsistent with the employment objectives of the commercial core in the Parramatta CBD and also noting that there is adequate B4 Mixed Use zoned land in the Parramatta CBD to allow for build-to-rent housing and subdividable residential mixed use development. (g) That Council: (i) Approve the preparation of a new Section 7.12 development contributions plan for the Parramatta CBD within 12 months; and (ii) Note the plan will include a new contributions levy rate set higher than the current 3% rate, subject to feasibility testing of the levy rate. (h) That Council not send the CBD PP to DPIE until: (i) Council has exhibited and endorsed a new Section 7.12 development contributions plan for the Parramatta CBD; and (ii) DPIE has amended clause 25K of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 to allow the higher Section 7.12 development contributions rate. (i) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments and corrections of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan amendment process relating to the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal (and supporting documentation), Draft PLEP 2011 Amendment Instrument and Draft PLEP 2011 Amendment Maps. The amendment moved by Councillor Bradley and seconded by Councillor Prociv on being put was declared LOST. DIVISION A division was called, the result being:- AYES: Councillors Bradley, Davis, Pandey and Prociv NOES: Councillors Dwyer, Esber, Garrard, Issa, Jefferies, Tyrrell, Wearne and Zaiter
	Note: 1. Councillor Garrard left the Chamber at 7.14pm and returned at 7.14pm during consideration of Item 17.5. 2. Councillor Wilson returned to the Chamber at 7.28pm during consideration of the Item 17.5. 3. Councillor Garrard left the Chamber at 7.36pm and returned at 7.38pm during consideration of Item 17.5. The motion moved by Councillor Issa and seconded by Councillor Garrard on being put was declared CARRIED.
3273	RESOLVED (Issa/Garrard) (a) That Council note: (i) The submissions made in response to the public exhibition of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal (CBD PP), summarised at Attachments 12 to 15 of the Local Planning Panel (LPP) Report; (ii) The LPP Report at Attachment 2 to this report. (b) That Council: (i) Approve the requested changes to the CBD PP set out in Table 1 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that are supported (via Decision Pathway 1 - Green)’); (ii) Note not making any of the requested changes to the CBD PP summarised in Table 2 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that are not supported (via Decision Pathway 2 - Red)’); (iii) Approve further investigation of the requested changes to the CBD PP set out in Table 3 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that have merit for further investigation (via Decision Pathway 3 - Orange)’). (b1) That Council approve the inclusion in Table 3 of Attachment 1 (‘Changes that have merit for further investigation (via Decision Pathway 3 - Orange)’) consideration of an additional subclause in Clause 7.3 (parking) requiring the provision of parking spaces for car share vehicles in each new development. (b2) That despite parts (b) and (d) of this resolution, that Council approve the following amendments to Tables 1, 2 and 3 to Attachment 1 and changes to the CBD PP to be submitted to DPIE accordingly: (i) Not progress with the proposed “Phillip Street Block Street Study” and instead reinstate the draft controls for this block as per the exhibition version of the CBD PP when sending to the DPIE for finalisation (and make necessary updates to the CBD PP documentation accordingly). (ii) For 60 Phillip Street, undertake further urban design investigations under Decision Pathway 3 – Orange to determine if additional bonus FSR (under the high performing buildings, unlimited commercial floor space and Opportunity Sites clauses) can potentially be achieved within the height established under the exhibition version of the CBD PP, despite its size of approximately 1,580sqm (i.e. less than the 1,800sqm normally required to meet these FSR bonuses), given this site’s unique circumstances as an isolated site bound by three public roads and the river foreshore. (iii) That as part of the preparation of the Draft Parramatta CBD Development Control Plan that controls be investigated to ensure that there are separations between buildings for the Phillips Street block (referred to in (i) above) from ground level upwards and including the tower elements to maintain visual and physical connectivity between the river and the broader CBD to the south. (iv) Reinstate the exhibited draft height control for the Roxy Theatre (69 George Street) of 18m when sending the CBD PP to DPIE for finalisation and undertake further investigations at a later stage (under Decision Pathway 3 – Orange), including heritage investigations, to determine if this height could potentially be increased to respond to strategic planning work for Civic Link and Sydney Metro, and also to allow possible transition of the building to a larger, modern theatre venue. (c) That Council note that on 27 April 2015 and on 25 November 2019, Council approved further investigation on a number of “Planning Investigation Areas” (PIAs) to consider amendment of the planning controls in those areas and known respectively as the Northern, North – East, Eastern and Southern PIAs (see Figure 3 in paragraph 33 of this report) and that no change is required to the PIAs in response to submissions received on the CBP PP. (d) That Council approve: (i) The revised CBD PP (in Attachments 1 to 9 of the LPP Report); and (ii) Forwarding the CBD PP to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) for finalisation. (e) That Council note the application to DPIE, will also request the CBD PP amend Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 (PLEP 2011), in accordance with section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (f) That Council writes to the Secretary of DPIE seeking an exemption from the State Environmental Planning Policy Amendment (Build-to-rent Housing) 2021 in the B3 Commercial Core zone as this is inconsistent with the employment objectives of the commercial core in the Parramatta CBD and also noting that there is adequate B4 Mixed Use zoned land in the Parramatta CBD to allow for build-to-rent housing and subdividable residential mixed use development. (g) That Council: (i) Approve the preparation of a new Section 7.12 development contributions plan for the Parramatta CBD within 12 months; and (ii) Note the plan will include a new contributions levy rate set higher than the current 3% rate, subject to feasibility testing of the levy rate. (h) That Council request DPIE not finalise the amendments to PLEP 2011 until: (i) Council has exhibited and endorsed a new Section 7.12 development contributions plan for the Parramatta CBD; and (ii) DPIE has amended clause 25K of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 to allow the higher Section 7.12 development contributions rate. (i) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments and corrections of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan amendment process relating to the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal (and supporting documentation), Draft PLEP 2011 Amendment Instrument and Draft PLEP 2011 Amendment Maps. DIVISION A division was called, the result being:- AYES: Councillors Dwyer, Esber, Garrard, Issa, Jefferies, Tyrrell, Wearne and Zaiter NOES: Councillors Bradley, Davis, Pandey, Prociv and Wilson Note: A Notice of Motion of Rescission was received from Councillors Bradley, Davis and Prociv after the close of the meeting in relation to item 17.5.

Note: Councillor Barrak returned to the Chamber at 7.34pm following consideration of Item 17.5.

18. Notices of Motion

18.1

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Shortage of Dog Parks in Epping Ward

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08079939

FROM Councillor Davis

3274

RESOLVED (Davis/Esber)

(a) That a report be brought to Council regarding the feasibility of a fenced off-leash dog park on the open lawn at West Epping Park (referred to on the Masterplan as #18).

(b) Further, that this report:

i. notes that the West Epping Park Masterplan included the potential for a dog off-leash area on the open lawn (referred to as #18) subject to separate approval,

ii. acknowledges that the Community Infrastructure Strategy identifies there is a lack of dedicated dog parks in Catchment 3, defined as Epping, Beecroft and Eastwood,

iii. identifies potential funding sources for an off-leash dog park at West Epping Park including, but not limited, to planning, community consultation, detailed design and construction,

iv. be returned to a Council meeting for consideration in the fourth quarter of 2021.

18.2

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Newington Anglican Church

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08079021

FROM Councillor Issa

3275

RESOLVED (Issa/Garrard)

That a report be brought to a Council Meeting on possible locations for Newington Anglican Church's Sunday services in the Wentworth Point area, until such time as the Church can raise sufficient funds to purchase land in the area to construct a new Church.

Procedural Motion

3276

RESOLVED (Dwyer/Esber)

That the meeting be adjourned for ten (10) minutes.

Note: The meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm for a short recess.

Procedural Motion

3277

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Wearne)

That the meeting resume.

The meeting resumed at 8:03pm with the following Councillors in attendance: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer and Councillors Benjamin Barrak, Phil Bradley, Donna Davis, Pierre Esber, Steven Issa, Andrew Jefferies, Sameer Pandey, Dr Patricia Prociv, Bill Tyrrell, Andrew Wilson and Martin Zaiter.

18.3

SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Illegal Dumping

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08079611

FROM Councillor Pandey

3278

RESOLVED (Pandey/Bradley)

(a) That Council note:

- Illegal dumping is prevalent in the LGA;

- Illegal dumping costs the ratepayers thousands of dollars in cleanup.

(b) That Council:

1. Find ways to proactively minimise illegal dumping.

2. Develop strong enforcement plans to deter and punish illegal dumping.

3. Develop effective illegal dumping programs including Anti-dumping campaigns to educate and warn residents in illegal dumping hot spots.

4. Provide recommendations back to Council on how best we can deal with illegal dumping.

Note:

1. Councillor Garrard returned to the Chamber at 8:04pm during consideration of Item 18.3.

2. Councillor Esber left the Chamber at 8:04pm and returned at 8:08pm during consideration of Item 18.3.

18.4	SUBJECT NOTICE OF MOTION: Removal of 60 Trees in Parramatta Park for the Construction of 130 Car Parking Spaces REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08078443 FROM Councillor Prociv
	MOTION (Prociv/Wilson) That Council write to the Minister for Planning, Public Spaces and the Board of Greater Sydney Parklands condemning the removal of 60 trees and passive recreation spaces by the Greater Sydney Parklands to make way for an additional 130 car parking spaces in Parramatta Park.
	AMENDMENT (Bradley/) That Council write to Greater Sydney Parklands requesting them to reconsider their design. The amendment moved by Councillor Bradley lapsed without a seconder.
3279	Procedural Motion (Issa/Esber) That the motion be put.
	The motion moved by Councillor Prociv and seconded by Councillor Wilson on being put was declared LOST on the casting vote of the Lord Mayor.

19. Questions with Notice

Nil

Note: Prior to moving into Closed Session, the Lord Mayor invited members of the public gallery to make representations as to why any item had been included in Closed Session. No member of the gallery wished to make representations.

20. CLOSED SESSION

3281

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Esber)

That members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting of

the Closed Session and access to the correspondence and reports

relating to the items considered during the course of the Closed

Session be withheld. This action is taken in accordance with Section

10A(s) of the Local Government Act, 1993 as the items listed come

within the following provisions:-

1 FOR APPROVAL: Tender 13/2021 Epping Road Cycleway. (D07941655) - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

2 FOR APPROVAL: Exception to Procurement for ICT Upgrade pursuant to Section 55 of the Local Government ACT 1993. (D08067289) - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (c) (d) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

3 FOR APPROVAL: Occupation of the Main Building at 35 South Street Rydalmere. (D08024236) - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (c) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

4 FOR APPROVAL: Expression of Interest - 40 Victoria Street, Epping (Boronia Grove Cafe & Office Spaces). (D08022406) - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

5 FOR APPROVAL: Future Council Office Accommodation Options. (D08044315) - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (c) (d) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; AND the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

20.1

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Tender 13/2021 Epping Road Cycleway

REFERENCE F2021/00387 - D07941655

REPORT OF Manager Capital Projects

3282

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Davis)

(a) That Council approve the appointment of the preferred tenderer for construction of the Epping Road Cycleway for the contract sum as outlined in paragraph 11 of the report.

(b) That all unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision in this matter.

(c) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise and execute all necessary documents.

20.2

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Exception to Procurement for ICT Upgrade pursuant to Section 55 of the Local Government ACT 1993

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08067289

REPORT OF Business Engagement & Solutions

3283

RESOLVED (Issa/Tyrrell)

(a) That Council approve an exemption from tendering requirements in accordance with Section 55(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, for the reasons as outlined in paragraph 12 of this report.

(b) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise and execute all necessary documents.

20.3

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Occupation of the Main Building at 35 South Street Rydalmere

REFERENCE F2004/07854 - D08024236

REPORT OF Property Services and Space Management Manager

3284

RESOLVED (Zaiter/Tyrrell)

(a) That Council conduct an Expression of Interest (EOI) to seek a tenant for the Main Building at 35 South Street Rydalmere.

(b) That Council approve the use of the Main Building as community and recreational purposes.

(d) That Council approve a condition of the licence agreement being that the licensee make the Main Building available for short term hire to various groups and individuals for community and recreational uses.

(e) That Council approve a condition of the licence agreement being that the short term hire available in the Main Building be consistent with Council’s approved fees and charges and standard short-term hire agreement.

(f) That Council approve the assessment criteria for the expression of interest as outlined in Attachment 3.

(g) That Council note full market rent will unlikely be achieved due to the nature of the use being community based.

(h) That Council note in accordance with Council’s Lease and Licence Policy , small businesses and not for profit organisations are eligible for subsidised market rent.

(i) That a further report be submitted to Council to approve a recommended licensee.

(j) That the Premises in Schedule 1 is amended to include the southernmost bowling green, on the understanding that City of Parramatta has the right to terminate the inclusion of the bowling green on 6 months’ notice to allow for embellishment works in accordance with the masterplan.

(k) Further, that the two northern bowling greens are separately licenced on the understanding that City of Parramatta has the right to terminate the licence on 6 months’ notice to allow for embellishment works in accordance with the masterplan.

20.4

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Expression of Interest - 40 Victoria Street, Epping (Boronia Grove Cafe & Office Spaces)

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08022406

REPORT OF Space Management Officer

3285

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Davis)

(a) That Council conduct an Expression of Interest to seek a tenant to operate the new vacant café in Boronia Grove Community Centre.

(b) That Council conduct an Expression of Interest to seek a tenant(s) for two office spaces in the Boronia Grove Community Centre.

(c) That Council ensure any future successful applicant(s) comply with the use of the office spaces as a community facility as defined by the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 in paragraph 13.

(d) That a further report come to Council to approve a recommended tenant for the café and office spaces.

(e) That Council note in accordance with Council’s Lease and Licence Policy, small businesses and not for profit organisation are eligible for subsidised market rent.

20.5

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Future Council Office Accommodation Options

REFERENCE F2021/00293 - D08044315

REPORT OF Development Manager Property Development Group

3286

RESOLVED (Tyrrell/Garrard)

(a) That Council resolve to not exercise the five (5) year option to extend the lease at 126 Church Street Parramatta.

(b) That Council issue an expression of interest by way of a Call for Offers of Lease Proposal for suitable office accommodation, and that Council negotiate lease terms on a preferred option, conditional on Council’s future approval of the recommended option.

(i) workplace principles outlined in paragraph 8 of this report;

(ii) Accommodation Plan outlined in paragraph 9 of this report.

(d) That Council receive another report by December 2021 with a recommendation for its preferred lease option (a new Council accommodation lease option). The report will outline the results of the Call for Offers of Lease Proposal, including commercial terms and an analysis of the relevant financial and operational merits of the options.

(e) That Council note staff will continue to assess commercial property acquisition opportunities, for Council’s administration office.

(f) That if a property is assessed as potentially suitable for purchase, Council approve:

(i) the submission of a non-binding expression of interest

(ii) that a further report be received by Council outlining Due Diligence and Council’s recommendation to proceed with the property acquisition.

(g) That Council approve the Council Budget 21/22 be adjusted prior to finalisation and approval by Council, to include:

(i) up to $879,000 for the Accommodation Plan (“Accommodation Budget”)

(ii) up to $160,000 for Due Diligence (inclusive of Council’s initial valuation assessment (“Due Diligence Budget”);

(ii) note the Due Diligence Budget will be funded from property reserves and expensed against Council’s operating result as they are not eligible for capitalisation against the purchase of the asset.

(h) Further, that Council endorse that Council entering into an exclusive due diligence for building referred in Paragraph 6d and report the results of that, back to the Chamber no later than 26 July 2021.

Procedural Motion

3287

RESOLVED (Esber/Tyrrell)

That the meeting resume into Open Session.

21. REPORTS OF RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN CLOSED SESSION

The Chief Executive Officer read out the resolutions for Items 20.1 to 20.5.

22. CONCLUSION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 9:02pm.

THIS PAGE AND THE PRECEDING 27 PAGES ARE THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, 15 JUNE 2021 AND CONFIRMED ON MONDAY, 28 JUNE 2021.

Chairperson

Council 28 June 2021 Item 12.1

FAIR

ITEM NUMBER 12.1

SUBJECT FOR NOTATION: Investment Report for May 2021

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08083675

REPORT OF Tax and Treasury Accountant

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the investment portfolio performance and compliance for the month of May 2021.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive the Investment Report for May 2021.

BACKGROUND

1. In accordance with clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (the Regulation), 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 Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Council’s Investment Policy.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Investment Portfolio Summary

3. The investment portfolio closing balance as at 31 May 2021 was $563.5m. The average portfolio holdings held throughout the month was $543.4m.

4. The majority of Council’s investment portfolio is in term deposits (66%). The portfolio also includes liquid floating rate notes (FRNs), cash, and the TCorp Long Term Growth Fund (LTGF).

5. Approximately 8% of the portfolio are less conservative long-term investments. The investment portfolio is well diversified and weighted towards higher-rated institutions.

6.
The table below lists the diversified range of investments held by Council as at 31 May 2021:

Table 1: Summary of investment portfolio

Performance Summary

7. Investment performance for the month. The investment portfolio reported an annualised return of 1.64% in May, outperforming the AusBond Bank Bill Index benchmark by 159 basis points. The LTGF (1.28% return for the month) and Councils FRNs yielding approximately 2.11%% were the main contributors towards the performance this month.

8. Historical investment performance. The table below provides year-to-date and historical investment performance compared to the Ausbond Bank Bill Index.

Table 2: Historical investment portfolio performance

9. Investment income. As at 31 May 2021, year-to-date investment income was $10.9m, approximately $1.1m above budget. The outperformance is primarily due to the LTGF (15% return year-to-date), and the CFS Global Managed Fund (5.90% return year-to-date). Council’s portfolio is also weighted towards term deposits and FRNs yielding approximately 1.25%.

Table 3: Year-to-date cumulative interest income

Performance by Investment Type

Floating rate notes (FRNs)

10. Council’s senior FRNs made up around 11% of the total investment portfolio at month-end. The market value of Councils FRNs collectively rose by approximately 0.03% equating to approximately $17k. During the month, Council sold $6.7m in FRNs, which resulted in a realized capital gain of $121k.

Table 4: Floating rate note investments (A- to AAA rated)

11. Council’s A- to AAA-rated FRNs are senior (high) ranked assets in the bank capital structure. It is expected that, if held to maturity, the FRNs will pay back their original face value, along with its quarterly coupons, throughout the life of the FRN.

12. Council’s advisors do not anticipate Council to lose any capital or interest payments from its current holding of these senior FRNs as all banks continue to maintain high capital buffers as required by the Australian Prudential Rating Agency (APRA). At month-end, Councils FRNs are now marked at an unrealised capital gain of $650k.

13. On a mark-to-market basis, these BBB FRNs rose by approximately $6k in dollar terms for the month, or 0.02%. The total unrealised capital gain is approximately $193k.

Table 5: Floating rate note investments (BBB rated)

Northern Territory Treasury Corporation senior bonds (NTTC bonds)

14. NTTC bonds comprise 4.0% ($23.5m) of Council’s investment portfolio and are yielding between 0.90% and 1.00% for two- to five-year terms. NTTC bonds are a ‘retail’ offering and not ‘wholesale’ issuances. Given the lack of liquidity and high penalty costs if they were to be sold/redeemed prior to the maturity date, they are considered to be a hold-to-maturity investment and will be marked at face value throughout the term of the investment.

Term deposits

15. Term Deposits account for around 66% of the total investment portfolio. Council’s term deposit portfolio was yielding 1.27% p.a. at month-end, with a weighted-average duration of around 559 days, or 1.5 years. The longer average duration will provide some income protection against the low interest rate environment for the next twelve months. However, as existing deposits mature, they will inevitably be reinvested at much lower prevailing rates.

16. Given interest rates have fallen to all-time lows, Council is likely to see a rapid decline in interest income over the next few financial years, with reinvestment offers likely to range between 0.40% and 0.75%, especially if placed under durations of around three years.

TCorp Long Term Growth Fund

17. The TCorp Long Term Growth Fund accounts for around 5% of Council’s total investment portfolio. The fund returned 1.22% for the month, or 15.4% annualised, as both domestic and international markets continued their rally.

Table 6: TCorp Long Term Growth Fund

18. According to Council’s advisors, it is anticipated that there will be a sustained level of volatility in equity markets, particularly as downside risks to global growth remain, partcularly in relation to the continuing impact of COVID-19.

19. This fund has a long-term view (7+ years). Given the exposure to volatile equity markets, Council should expect in some months to report negative returns, but over the long-term, it is expected to outperform TDs and FRNs.

CFS Global Credit managed fund

20. This fund accounts for around 2.5% of Council’s total investment portfolio. The fund returned 0.08% (0.90% annualised) in May, as the market valuation of the fund’s assets in global credit securities (FRNs and bonds) marginally rose as credit spreads remained realtively flat.

Table 7: CFS Global Credit Managed Fund

21. The fund holds a diverse range of securities across the global credit market. It remains very well diversified by issuer in order to mitigate default risk. It invests in nearly 600 corporate bonds from issuers in various countries and industry sectors. This grandfathered fund has a current running yield of 1.5%.

Cash-at-call

22. Cash-at-call makes up approximately 11% of the investment portfolio. Council has negotiated a special rate with National Australia Bank (cash rate plus 45 basis points, currently 0.55%). This rate is higher than most market TDs of one to twelve months.

Maturities

23. Council has a substantial investment allocation to securities and bonds, as well as the CFS Global Credit Managed Fund. The portfolio is well spread across maturities, utilising capacity available in short- to medium-term maturities.

24. As at 31 May 2021m the maturity profile table below illustrates that the maturity duration is well -spread with approximately 39% maturing within twelve months, 18% in one to two years, 37% in two to five years, and a further 6% in greater than five years, maximising council’s returns in longer-term rates.

Graph 1: Maturity profile

Compliance

25. The portfolio complies with Council’s Investment Policy rating limits, with ample investment opportunity still available in A-rated institutions, and approx. $70m capacity in BBB+/unrated institutions.

Graph 2: Investment Policy rating capacity

*BBB+/BBB limits combined under Council’s investment policy.

26. Counterparty Limits. All individual counterparty limits comply with council’s investment policy, with the following exceptions:

Table 8: Exceptions to counterparty limits

Institution

Policy Limit ($‘000)

Held ($’000)

Overweight ($’000)

Reason

Compliance Date

Q Bank

1,000

1,004

This is technically NOT a breach of counterparty limits. Funds placed prior to current investment policy and are considered "grandfathered".

This will be brought back into compliance with new policy by the end of 2021 as $500k matures on 14 December 2021.

14 Dec 2021

Judo Bank

250

1,000

750

This is technically NOT a breach of counterparty limits. Funds placed prior to current investment policy and are considered "grandfathered".

This will be brought back into compliance with the new policy by 26 September 2022.though the maturing of TDs.

26 Sept 2022

27. None of the counterparties listed in the table above are in technical breach of counterparty limits due to ‘grandfathering’ of these investments prior to the new investment policy. However, these are listed above in order to provide full transparency around when Council expects all ‘grandfathered’ counterparties to be brought back into compliance with the new investment policy.

28. Council engage Imperium Markets for assistance in all investment matters relating to advice, risk and portfolio weighting. Imperium monitor the portfolio daily and conduct a monthly health check review. This confirms that Council’s portfolio is being conducted in accordance with the Act, the Regulation and the Investment Policy.

Certification of Investments

29. I hereby certify that the investments for the month of May 2021 have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and Council’s Investment Policy:

Paul Perrett, Chief Financial Officer.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

30. The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

30 May 2021

Imperium Markets

All Investments are within Policy guidelines and supported by Councils independent advisor.

Refer Imperium Comprehensive Report

Noting the grandfathered counterparty overweight position listed in this report, All remaining Investments are within Policy limits and reconcile to the General Ledger as at 31 May 21

Finance Team

Paul Perrett

CFO

Bruce MacFarlane

Treasury & Tax Accountant

Councillor Consultation

31. The following Councillor consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

32. Interest income as at 31 May 2021 exceeds the year-to-date budget by approximately $1.1m. This outperformance should continue, depending on any major negative market volatility in June 21.

Bruce MacFarlane

Tax and Treasury Accountant

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Tzimoulas

Executive Director Corporate Services

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Investment and Loans Performance Graph May 2021.pdf	1 Page
2 ⇩	Imperium Comprehensive Investment Report - May 21.pdf	32 Pages
3 ⇩	List of Council Investments by maturity May 2021.pdf	9 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 12.3

FAIR

ITEM NUMBER 12.3

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: 2021/2022 Making of the Rates and Annual Charges

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08090772

REPORT OF Rates & Receivables Manager

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this paper is to make the Rates and Charges for 2021/22, and to adopt an interest rate of 6% on all overdue Rates & Charges.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council makes the Rates and Charges for the 2021/22 Rating year as outlined in this report using the Land Values with a base date valuation of 1 July 2019.

(b) That Council is approves an increase to overall rates by 2%, being the maximum amount allowable as determined by the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

(c) Further, that Council adopts the overdue Rates & Charges maximum interest rate of 6% in accordance with Section 566(3) of the Local Government Act 1993.

BACKGROUND

1. The Making of the Rates & Charges for 2021/22 is required to be based on the Proclamation clause 27(2) of 12 May 2016.The NSW State Government proclaimed the formation of The City of Parramatta Council on 12 May 2016. Councils were given four years to harmonise their rating structures across their new amalgamated local government areas (LGAs). On 1 July 2021, the City of Parramatta rating system will be harmonised to have a single rating structure for the entire LGA.

2. The Council’s proposed harmonised rating structure was placed on public exhibition in November 2020 and invited residents to have their say on the proposed structure. The feedback from residents was presented back to Council and on 8 March 2021, Council adopted the proposed harmonised rating structure.

3. Since placing the draft 2021/22 operational plan on exhibition and the writing of this report there are some minor changes required to the rates-in-the-dollar charged and land valuations for all rating categories. This is because the draft 2021/22 Operational Plan is based on a snapshot of the Rates database as of March 2021 whereas this report utilises the latest Rates database to calculate the most current rates-in-the-dollar.

4. General increases in Council Rates are governed by IPART. For the 2021/22 rating year, IPART has determined that the maximum allowable general increase is 2%. In accordance with the rating structure, Council is proposing to increase its rates by the maximum amount allowable by IPART.

5. In order for Council to levy rates and charges for the 2021/22 rating year, Council is required to resolve the making of all rates and annual charges, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 & Local Government (General) Regulations 2005

RATES FOR 2021/2022

6. It is recommended that the following rates be levied for the 2021/22 financial year.

Rates for the City of Parramatta Council

Residential Rates

7. In the case of all rateable land within the City of Parramatta Council which is categorized as Residential land (Residential), an Ordinary Rate-in-the-dollar of zero point zero zero one seven three eight eight nine (0.00173889) upon the Land Value.

8. The minimum amount of the rate which shall be payable for the year in respect of any individual parcel of such rateable land shall be seven hundred and seven dollars and fifty cents ($707.50).

2021/22
Residential
Ad Valorem	0.00173889
Minimum	$707.50
Est. Yield	$98,473,872

Business Rates

9. In the case of all rateable land within the City of Parramatta Council which is categorised as Business General land (and is not within the subcategories of Business land referred to in paragraphs 11 to 15 below) (Business General), an Ordinary Rate-in-the-dollar of zero point zero zero four zero zero two three three (0.00400233) upon the Land Value.

10. The minimum amount of the rate which shall be payable for the year in respect of any individual parcel of such rateable land shall be five hundred dollars ($500).

2021/22
Business General
Ad Valorem	0.00400233
Minimum	$500
Est. Yield	$15,968,901

11. In the case of all rateable land within the City of Parramatta Council which is categorised as business land and is within the sub-category of Central Business District (CBD), because it is within the geographical area which is highlighted on the map exhibited for inspection during the exhibition of the Draft 2021/22 Operational Plan as Business CBD Rate (Business CBD), an Ordinary Rate-in-the-dollar of zero point zero one zero seven nine six six two (0.01079662) upon the Land Value.

12. The minimum amount of the rate which shall be payable for the year in respect of any individual parcel of such rateable land shall be seven hundred and twenty-five dollars ($725).

2021/22
Business CBD
Ad Valorem	0.01079662
Minimum	$725
Est. Yield	$24,583,443

13. In the case of all rateable land within the City of Parramatta Council which is categorised as Business land and is within the sub-category of Central Business District – Centre of Activity Area No 2, because it is within the geographical area which is highlighted on the map exhibited for inspection during the exhibition of the Draft 2021/22 Operational Plan as Business CBD No.2 Rate (Business CBD No.2), an Ordinary Rate-in-the-dollar of zero point zero two three zero seven nine five two (0.02307952) upon the Land Value.

2021/22
Business CBD No.2
Ad Valorem	0.02307952
Minimum	N/A
Est. Yield	$3,433,516

14. In the case of all rateable land within the City of Parramatta Council which is categorised as Business land and is within the sub-category of “Industrial Centres of Activity” because it is within the suburbs of Camellia, Chester Hill, Clyde, Eastwood, Ermington, Granville, Guildford, Melrose Park, Merrylands, Northmead, North Parramatta, Old Toongabbie, Parramatta, Pendle Hill, Rosehill, Rydalmere, Seven Hills, Toongabbie, Wentworthville, Silverwater, North Rocks and within the geographical areas which are highlighted on the map exhibited for inspection during the exhibition of the Draft 2021/22 Operational Plan as Business Industrial Centres of Activity (Business ICA), an Ordinary Rate-in-the-dollar of zero point zero zero seven eight zero five nine five (0.00780595) upon the Land Value.

15. The minimum amount of the rate which shall be payable for the year in respect of any individual parcel of such rateable land shall be seven hundred and twenty-five dollars ($725)

2021/22
Business ICA
Ad Valorem	0.00780595
Minimum	$725
Est. Yield	$18,014,574

ANNUAL CHARGES FOR 2021/22

16. It is recommended that the following charges be made for the 2021/22 financial year.

Domestic Waste Management Charges

17. In the case of all rateable land within the City of Parramatta Council, for which a Domestic Waste Management (DWM) service is provided or proposed to be provided in accordance with Section 496 of the Local Government Act as follows:

A DWM Charge of four hundred and thirty six dollars and five cents ($436.05) for:

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of an 80-litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested; and

(ii) The removal once fortnightly of an additional 240-litre recycling bin for all recyclable material such as paper, glass, PET plastics and the like, and to make a further pro-rata charge of one hundred and seventeen dollars and ninety-one cents ($117.91) for each additional fortnightly recycling service;

(iii) The removal once fortnightly of an additional 240-litre garden waste bin for all grass clippings, pruning, leaves, woodchip and the like, and to make a further pro-rata charge of one hundred and seventeen dollars and ninety-one cents ($117.91) for each additional fortnightly garden waste service;

A DWM Charge of four hundred and fifty four dollars and one cent ($454.01) for:

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 140-litre capacity garbage container (including shared services), and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested; and

(iii) The removal once fortnightly of an additional 240-litre garden waste bin for all grass clippings, pruning, leaves, woodchip and the like, and to make a further pro-rata charge of one hundred and seventeen dollars and ninety-on cents ($117.91) for each additional fortnightly garden waste service;

A DWM Charge of six hundred and eighty four dollars and fifty-cents ($684.50) for:

(i) The removal once weekly of the contents of a 240-litre capacity garbage container (including shared services), and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested; and

A DWM Charge of one thousand seven hundred and twenty-four dollars and one cent ($1,724.01) for:

(i) The removal once weekly of the contents of a 660 litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested.

A DWM Charge of two thousand three hundred sixty three dollars and fifty-eight cents ($2,363.58) for:

(i) The removal once weekly of the contents of an 1100 litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested.

A DWM Availability Charge of eighty-one dollars and fifty-three cents ($81.53), where a domestic waste service is available to vacant residential land and where service is available but not used.

2021/22
Domestic Waste Management
Service	Charge
80L Domestic Waste Service	$436.05
80L Domestic Waste Service	$436.05
140L Domestic Waste Service	$454.01


240L Domestic Waste Service	$684.50
660L Garbage bin	$1,724.01
1,100L Garbage bin	$2,363.58

Additional Recycling and/or garden waste bin	$117.91
Availability Charge	$81.53

Commercial Waste Management Charge

18. In the case of all rateable land within the former City of Parramatta Council, for which a Commercial Waste Management service is provided or proposed to be provided, an annual charge in accordance with Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993 as follows:

140-litre Commercial Garbage Charge of four hundred and sixty nine dollars and eighty-eight cents ($469.88) for

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 140-litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested

240-litre Commercial Garbage Charge of seven hundred and seven dollars and eighty-nine cents ($707.89) for

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 240-litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested

(ii) The removal once weekly 240-litre recycling bin for all recyclable material such as paper, glass, PET plastics and the like, and to make a further pro rata charge of one hundred and twenty four dollars and fifty-five cents ($124.55) for each additional weekly recycling service

(iii) The removal once fortnightly of a 240-litre garden waste bin for all grass clippings, pruning, leaves, woodchip and the like, and to make a further pro-rata charge of one hundred and twenty dollars and fifty-five cents ($124.55) for each additional fortnightly garden waste service;

660-litre Commercial Garbage Charge of one thousand seven hundred and seventy two dollars and sixty six cents ($1,772.66) for

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 660-litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested

1100-litre Commercial Garbage Charge of two thousand four hundred and eighty seven dollars and thirty-nine cents ($2,487.39) for

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 1100 litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested

660-litre Commercial Recycling Charge of six hundred and one dollars and one cent ($601.01) for

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 660-litre capacity recycling container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested

1100-litre Commercial Recycling Charge of eight hundred and fourteen dollars and eight cents ($814.08) for

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of a 1100-litre capacity recycling container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested

80-litre Commercial Waste Charge four hundred and twenty-three dollars and thirty-five cents ($423.35) for:

(i) Removal once weekly of the contents of an 80-litre capacity garbage container, and to make a further pro-rata charge for each additional service requested:

2021/22
Commercial Waste Management
Service	Charge
80L Commercial Waste Services	$423.35
140L Commercial Garbage Service	$469.88
140L Commercial Garbage Service	$469.88
240L Commercial Garbage Service	$707.89
240L Commercial recycle service	$124.55
240L Commercial Garden service	$124.55


660L Commercial Garbage Service	$1,772.66
1100L Commercial Garbage Service	$2,487.39
660L Commercial Recycling Service	$601.01
1100L Commercial Recycling Service	$814.08

Stormwater Management Charges

19. In the case of all parcels of rateable urban land (excluding strata properties and vacant land) within the City of Parramatta which are categorised as Residential or Residential CBD an annual charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per assessment.

20. In the case of all rateable strata properties within the City of Parramatta which are categorised as Residential or Residential CBD an annual charge of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per assessment.

21. In the case of all parcels of rateable urban land within the City of Parramatta which are categorised or sub-categorised as Business properties (excluding vacant land) an annual charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per 350 square metres or part thereof capped at five hundred dollars ($500.00).

22. In the case of all rateable strata properties within the City of Parramatta which are categorised as Business or Business CBD an annual charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per 350 square metres or part thereof capped at five hundred dollars ($500.00). This charge is then divided according to the unit entitlements of each lot, with a minimum amount payable of $5.00.

Interest on Overdue Rates & Charges

23. In accordance with section 566(3) of the Act, the Minister for Local Government has determined that the maximum rate of interest payable on overdue rates and charges for the 2021/22 rating year will be 6%. It is recommended that the maximum interest rate allowable of 6% be adopted and applied for the 2021/22 rating year.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

N/A

CONSULTATION & TIMING

24. This year the updated Delivery Program 2021-2022 inclusive of the draft Operational Plan and Rating Information 2021-22 was placed on public exhibition. It was accompanied by a high-level summary document (translated into Council’s community languages) to help explain the Plan’s purpose and key messages.

25. The community engagement report raised no concerns or questions regarding the rating information.

Stakeholder Consultation

26. The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

3/5/2021

31/5/2021

(28 days)

Various - public exhibition submissions received

No comment in relation to the rating information

City Strategy / Finance / all relevant business units by issue

Councillor Consultation

27. The following Councillor consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Nil

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

28. To avoid legal implication the Council is required to resolve the making of all rates and annual charges, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 & Local Government (General) Regulations 2005.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

29. The Financial implications are set out in Councils 2021/22 Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

30. Rates and charges are required to be made before 1 August 2021, in order to collect rates income during the 2021/22 financial year.

Priya Pratap

Rates & Receivables Manager

Alistair Cochrane

Finance Manager Governance, Planning & Analysis

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Tzimoulas

Executive Director Corporate Services

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 13.1

ACCESSIBLE

ITEM NUMBER 13.1

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Minutes of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 26 May 2021

REFERENCE F2021/00082 - D07842536

REPORT OF Traffic and Transport Manager

PURPOSE:

That Council consider the minutes and approve the recommendations of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 26 May 2021.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note the minutes of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 26 May 2021, as provided at Attachment 1.

(b) That Council approve the recommendations of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 26 May 2021 provided at Attachment 1 and in this report, noting the following financial implications for each item.

i. ITEM 2105 A1 VIRGINIA STREET, ROSEHILL – PROPOSED WATTS PROFILE SPEED HUMPS

The estimated cost for the installation of the two Watts Profile Speed Humps is $18,000. This project is 100% funded by Council from its Ward Initiative Funds.

ii. ITEM 2105 A2 EVANS ROAD AT YATES AVENUE, DUNDAS VALLEY – PROPOSED ‘NO LEFT TURN – VEHICLES UNDER 9M EXCEPTED – GARBAGE TRUCKS EXCEPTED’ RESTRICTION

The estimated cost for the installation of the ‘No Left Turn, Vehicles Under 9m Excepted’ sign is $500. This work will be funded from the project costs for the previously approved raised thresholds budget.

iii. ITEM 2105 A3 FITZWILLIAM ROAD, OLD TOONGABBIE – INSTALL A CONCRETE BLISTER ISLAND WITH GUTTER BRIDGE

The estimated cost of the concrete blister island with gutter bridge on the south side of Fitzwilliam Road between Picasso Crescent and Reynolds Street, Old Toongabbie is $60,000. This project is 100% funded by Council from its Ward Initiative Funds.

iv. ITEM 2105 A4 CLOSURE OF ALFRED STREET TO GENERAL TRAFFIC NORTH OF RIVER ROAD WEST, ROSEHILL

The closure of Alfred Street will be implemented as part of the Alfred Street Bridge and Plaza project, which is co-funded by the NSW Government and Council. Accordingly, this proposal has no new financial impact upon Council’s budget. It is to be noted that the budget for the Plaza is $200,000. Of this $200,000, 67% is funded by NSW Government and 33% by Council.

v. ITEM 2105 A5 GOOD STREET AND BRIDGE STREET, GRANVILLE – PROPOSED ONE-WAY RESTRICTION, COMBINED RAISED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST CROSSING AND ROUNDABOUT

This project has received 100% funding of $8 million from the NSW Government under its Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program. This PTC item will have no new financial implications to Council.

BACKGROUND

1. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is legislated as the organisation responsible for the control of traffic on all roads in New South Wales under the Road Transport (Safety & Traffic Management) Act 1999. In order to deal with the large number and range of traffic related matters effectively, TfNSW has delegated certain aspects of the control of traffic on local roads to councils. TfNSW has retained both the control of traffic on the State's classified road network and the control of traffic signals on all roads.

2. The TfNSW Delegation to Councils limits the types of prescribed traffic control devices and traffic control facilities that Council can authorise and imposes certain conditions on councils. One of these conditions requires councils to obtain the advice of TfNSW and the Police prior to proceeding with any proposal. This is most commonly achieved by councils establishing a Local Traffic Committee.

3. The Committee is composed of four formal members each with one vote. These four members are a representative from Council, the Police, TfNSW and the Local State Member of Parliament or their nominee. The Parramatta Traffic Committee is an advisory body only, having no decision making powers. It is, primarily, a technical review committee that is required to advise the Council on traffic related matters referred to it by Council. In general, Council makes the decision, however, the Police and RMS can appeal Council’s decision to the Regional Traffic Committee.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. The most recent meeting of the Parramatta Traffic Committee was held on 26 May 2021. The minutes of that meeting and the reports to that meeting are Attachments 1 and 2 of this report.

5. The recommendations from the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting are provided below:

ITEM NO.

2105 A1 VIRGINIA STREET, ROSEHILL – PROPOSED WATTS PROFILE SPEED HUMPS

That two Watts Profile Speed Humps with associated signage and pavement markings be installed in Virginia Street between Alfred Street and James Ruse Drive, Rosehill as shown in the plan attached to this report.

Unanimous support.

2105 A2 EVANS ROAD AT YATES AVENUE, DUNDAS VALLEY – PROPOSED ‘nO lEFT TURN – VEHICLES UNDER 9M EXCEPTED – GARBAGE TRUCKS EXCEPTED’ RESTRICTION

That the proposed ‘No Left Turn; Vehicles Under 9m Excepted’ restriction be installed in Evans Road (southbound) at Yates Avenue, Dundas Valley as shown in Figure 1 of the report subject to the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) being approved by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).

Unanimous support.

2105 A3 Fitzwilliam road, old toongabbie – install a concrete blister island with gutter bridge

1. That a concrete blister island with gutter bridge be installed and pavement markings be altered on the south side of Fitzwilliam Road between Picasso Crescent and Reynolds Street, Old Toongabbie as shown in Figure 2.

2. That recommendation 1 is subject to the detailed design of the concrete blister island in Fitzwilliam Road, Old Toongabbie being approved by the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) prior to the commencement of construction.

Unanimous support.

2105 A4 CLOSURE OF ALFRED STREET TO GENERAL TRAFFIC NORTH OF RIVER ROAD WEST, ROSEHILL

That the closure of Alfred Street north of River Road West, Parramatta to general traffic to support the construction of the Alfred Street Bridge and associated pedestrian and cyclist plaza be approved.

Unanimous support.

2105 A5 GOOD STREET AND BRIDGE STREET, GRANVILLE – PROPOSED ONE-WAY RESTRICTION, COMBINED RAISED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST CROSSING AND ROUNDABOUT

1. That ‘One-Way’ (southbound) restriction be installed in Good Street between Cowper Street and Bridge Street, Granville as shown in the plan attached to this report.

2. That a ‘Trucks Prohibited - 3t and Over’ restriction be installed in Good Street between Cowper Street and Bridge Street, Granville as shown in the plan attached to this report.

3. That a ‘No Left Turn - Vehicles Under 9m Excepted’ restriction be installed in Cowper Street (westbound) at Good Street (southbound), Granville as shown in the plan attached to this report.

4. That a ‘No Right Turn - Vehicles Under 9m Excepted’ restriction be installed in Cowper Street (eastbound) at Good Street (southbound), Granville as shown in the plan attached to this report.

5. That a roundabout with associated signs and pavement markings be installed at the intersection of Good Street and Bridge Street, Granville as shown on the plan attached to this report.

6. That the concrete splitter islands at the existing roundabout at the intersection of Good Street and Cowper Street, Granville be replaced with painted splitter islands as shown in the plan attached to this report.

7. That the existing raised pedestrian crossing in Bridge Street east of Good Street, Granville be upgraded to include a combined raised pedestrian and cyclist crossing with associated signs and pavement marking as shown in the plan attached to this report.

8. That shared paths be installed on both sides of Bridge Street, Granville between Good Street and the combined raised pedestrian and cyclist crossing as referred in recommendation 7 through the installation of regulatory signage as shown in the plan attached to this report.

9. That the alteration to parking restrictions in Good Street, Bridge Street and Rowell Street, Granville as detailed below and as shown in the plan attached to this report be approved.

9.1. Replace the existing 1 hour parking restrictions on both sides of Good Street between Cowper Street and Bridge Street with a ‘2P 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat’

9.2. Remove the existing two ‘Bus Zone’ restrictions, one on the south side of Bridge Street west of the pedestrian crossing and the other one on the north side of Bridge Street west of Good Street

9.3. Install a ‘No Parking’ restriction on the south side of Bridge Street west of the raised crossing to provide a set-down and pick-up area for the Granville Railway Station. Note that this area was previously restricted with a ‘Bus Zone’ restriction.

9.4. Relocate the existing ‘Loading Zone’ from Good Street to the north side of Bridge Street west of Good Street

9.5. Replace the existing ‘P Disability Only’ and ‘No Parking’ restrictions on the south side of Bridge Street near Rowell Street with a ‘1P 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat’ restriction.

9.6. Replace the existing ‘P Disability Only’ restriction on the north side of Bridge Street near Rowell Street with a ‘1P 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12:30pm Sat’ restriction.

9.7. Install a ‘P Disability Only’ restriction (2 x spaces) on the west side of Rowell Street north of East Street.

9.8. Install a ‘Bus Zone 11pm-5am’ restriction on the south side of Cowper Street between Good Street and Bold Street subject to the proposal being supported by Transdev.

10. That recommendations 1-9 are subject to a Traffic Management Plan being approved by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Unanimous support.

CONSULTATION AND TIMING

6. Details of the consultation undertaken with the Community and Councillors for each item, are included in Attachment 3.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

7. There

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

9. Funding for these projects has been confirmed through the Project Review Committee. The financial comments for each item are provided below:

Item No.
2105 A1	The estimated cost for the installation of the two Watts Profile Speed Humps is $18,000. This project is 100% funded by Council from its Ward Initiative Funds.
2105 A2	The estimated cost for the installation of the ‘No Left Turn, Vehicles Under 9m Excepted’ sign is $500. This work will be funded from the project costs for the previously approved raised thresholds.
2105 A3	The estimated cost of the concrete blister island with gutter-bridge on the south side of Fitzwilliam Road between Picasso Crescent and Reynolds Street, Old Toongabbie is $60,000. This project is 100% funded by Council from its Ward Initiative Funds
2105 A4	The closure of Alfred Street will be implemented as part of the Alfred Street Bridge project, which is co-funded by the NSW Government and Council. Accordingly, this proposal has no direct financial impact upon Council’s budget.
2105 A5	This project has received 100% funding of $8 million from the NSW Government under its Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program. This project will therefore have no financial implications to Council.

CONCLUSION

10. Council officers recommend that the recommendations of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 26 May 2021 be adopted by Council.

Richard Searle

Traffic and Transport Manager

Mark Leotta

Group Manager - Development and Traffic Services

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

David Birds

Acting Executive Director, City Planning & Design

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Parramatta Traffic Committee - Minutes of Meeting held on 26 May 2021	7 Pages
2 ⇩	Parramatta Traffic Committee - Item Reports for Meeting held on 26 May 2021	72 Pages
3 ⇩	Consultation and Timing for the Parramatta Traffic Committee held on 26 May 2021	4 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 13.2

ACCESSIBLE

ITEM NUMBER 13.2

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Minutes of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 26 May 2021

REFERENCE F2021/00077 - D07842538

REPORT OF Traffic and Transport Manager

PURPOSE:

That Council consider the minutes and approve the recommendations of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 26 May 2021.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note the minutes of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 26 May 2021, provided at Attachment 1.

(b) Further, that Council approve the recommendations of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 26 May 2021 provided at Attachment 1 and in this report, noting the following financial implications for each item.

i. ITEM 2105 B1 o’connell street and fennell Street, parramatta – proposed left turn only restrictions on Fennell street

At this stage, it is only proposed to undertake community consultation for this proposal and therefore, the cost would be covered under existing budgets.

ii. ITEM 2105 B2 RAWSON STREET, EPPING – REQUEST TO CONSOLIDATE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

This report does not recommend any works in Rawson Street and only proposes consultation for parking changes on Victoria Street north of Bridge Street at this stage. Therefore, this matter has no financial impact upon Council’s budget other than the cost of consultation, which would be covered under existing budgets.

iii. ITEM 2105 B3 MURRAY FARM ROAD EAST OF LYNBRAE AVENUE, BEECROFT – REVIEW DECISION TO RETAIN PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLAND

This report recommends that the removal of the pedestrian refuge island and the associated ‘No Stopping’ restrictions as the preferred future treatment. The approximate cost for these works is $20,000 and is currently unfunded. This project will be considered for future funding.

iv. ITEM 2105 B4 SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS AND FOOD DELIVERY BIKE RIDERS – ‘WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE FOOD DELIVERY RIDER SAFETY INDUSTRY ACTION PLAN 2021- 2022’ RELEASED BY THE FOOD DELIVERY RIDERS SAFETY TASKFORCE (LED BY SAFEWORK NSW AND TRANSPORT FOR NSW)

The Taskforce findings have no financial impact upon Council's budget. The cost of installation of new signs and maintenance of existing signs will involve staff time with an approximate value of $250 from within existing employee budgets, and an expenditure of $1,000 from the Traffic and Transport promotions budget allocated for the signs.

v. ITEM 2105 B5 PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED, PROJECTS CURRENTLY FUNDED, AND PROJECTS LISTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE FUNDING

There is no financial implication to Council as a result of this recommendation.

vi. ITEM 2105 B6 OUTSTANDING WORKS INSTRUCTIONS

Transport for NSW Block Grant funds for 2020/21 have been used for these works.

BACKGROUND

1. The Traffic Engineering Advisory Group (TEAG) is similar to the Parramatta Traffic Committee, except that it only involves matters that do not invoke the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Delegation to Councils. The TEAG does not have the formal voting process that Parramatta Traffic Committee has. It is primarily a technical review committee that advises Council on traffic related matters. TEAG also considers items where TfNSW maintains its control, such as speed limits, clearways and traffic signals or items for which TfNSW does not have control such as planning of future projects.

2. The most recent meeting of the TEAG was held on 26 May 2021. The minutes of that meeting and the reports to that meeting are Attachments 1 and 2 of this report.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. The recommendations from the TEAG meeting are provided below:

ITEM NO.

2105 B1 O’CONNELL STREET AND FENNELL STREET, PARRAMATTA – PROPOSED LEFT TURN ONLY RESTRICTIONS ON FENNELL STREET

That community consultation be undertaken for a proposal to install ‘Left Turn Only’ restrictions on Fennell Street, Parramatta at O’Connell Street intersection.

Unanimous support.

2105 B2 RAWSON STREET, EPPING – REQUEST TO CONSOLIDATE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

1. That no changes be made at this stage to the existing pedestrian crossings on Rawson Street, Epping.

2. In accordance with a Council resolution from 22 February 2021 that resulted from a Notice of Motion, a meeting is being organised with the Lord Mayor, Member for Epping, Member for Parramatta and Minister for Transport to discuss traffic issues in Epping including the pedestrian crossing in Rawson Street.

3. That the pedestrian crossing outside Rawson Street Car Park be considered for traffic signals as part of any future major development applications in Rawson Street.

4. That Council note the proposed changes to parking on Victoria Street, north of Bridge Street which is aimed to provide an alternative to the Rawson Street Car Park and therefore reduce traffic volumes in Rawson Street.

Unanimous support.

2105 B3 MURRAY FARM ROAD EAST OF LYNBRAE AVENUE, BEECROFT – REVIEW DECISION TO RETAIN PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLAND

1. That the preferred future treatment for the non-compliant pedestrian refuge island including associated ‘No Stopping’ restrictions on Murray Farm Road, east of Lynbrae Avenue, Beecroft is to remove the facility.

2. That Council note that the proposal to remove the pedestrian refuge island is currently not funded.

Unanimous support.

2105 B4 SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS AND FOOD DELIVERY BIKE RIDERS – ‘WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE FOOD DELIVERY RIDER SAFETY INDUSTRY ACTION PLAN 2021- 2022’ RELEASED BY THE FOOD DELIVERY RIDERS SAFETY TASKFORCE (LED BY SAFEWORK NSW AND TRANSPORT FOR NSW)

1. That Council note the ‘Working together to improve Food Delivery Rider Safety Industry Action Plan 2021-2022’ released by the Food Delivery Riders Safety Taskforce (led by SafeWork NSW and Transport for NSW).

2. That Council note that the Industry Action Plan does not include any role for Councils in the training of food delivery riders.

3. That Council review Centre for Work Health and Safety’s ‘Work Health and Safety of Food Delivery Workers in the Gig Economy’ final report due for release in October 2021 and report back to Council via the Traffic Engineering Advisory Committee.

4. That Council provide a map showing the details of the existing shared paths within the Parramatta CBD to Parramatta Police Area Command (PAC) to facilitate the enforcement of the restrictions.

5. That Council review the existing ‘Walk Your Bike’ signs on Parramatta Light Rail hoardings in Church Street, Parramatta and investigate the opportunities to install new signs in Centennial Square including the section near Darcy Street, Parramatta.

6. That a report be brought back to the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group regarding the actions taken on recommendations 4 and 5 above to address bicycle riders riding on footpath within the Parramatta CBD.

Unanimous support.

2105 B5 PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED, PROJECTS CURRENTLY FUNDED, AND PROJECTS LISTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE FUNDING

1. That Council note that one (1) traffic project has been completed in March 2021.

2. That Council note that an offer of 100% funding up to $4,785,000 under the Federal Government Stimulus Commitment on Road Safety Program (School Zone Infrastructure) has been received for eighteen (18) projects for the 2020/21 (Tranche 1 - Q4) and 2021/22 (Tranche 2 - Q1 & Q2; and Tranche 3 - Q3 & Q4) financial years.

3. That the information regarding progress on currently funded projects be received and noted.

4. That the Projects Lists for proposed traffic works be received and noted.

Unanimous support.

2105 B6 OUTSTANDING WORKS INSTRUCTIONS

That the information in relation to outstanding Works Instructions over the 4-month period between December 2020 and March 2021 be received and noted.

Unanimous support.

CONSULTATION AND TIMING

4. Details of the consultation undertaken with the Community and Councillors for each of the items considered at the meeting, including the response for each item, are included in Attachment 3.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

5. There are no legal implications for Council associated with any of the items in this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

6. The financial comments for each item are provided below.

Item No.
2105 B1	At this stage, it is only proposed to undertake community consultation for this proposal and therefore, the cost would be covered under existing budgets
2105 B2	This report does not recommend any works in Rawson Street and only proposes consultation for parking changes on Victoria Street north of Bridge Street at this stage. Therefore, this matter has no financial impact upon Council’s budget other than the cost of consultation, which would be covered under existing budgets.
2105 B3	This report recommends that the removal of the pedestrian refuge island and the associated ‘No Stopping’ restrictions is the preferred future option. The approximate cost for these works is $20,000 and is currently unfunded. This project will be considered for future funding.
2105 B4	The Taskforce findings have no financial impact upon Council's budget. The cost of installation of new signs and maintenance of existing signs will involve staff time with an approximate value of $250 from within existing employee budgets and an expenditure of $1,000 from the Traffic and Transport promotions budget will be allocated for the signs
2105 B5	There is no financial implication to Council as a result of this recommendation
2105 B6	Transport for NSW Block Grant funds for 2020/21 have been used for these works.

7. The table below summaries the financial impacts on the budget arising from approval of this report.

	FY 20/21	FY 21/22	FY 22/23	FY 23/24
Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	N/A	N/A

Funding Source	N/A	N/A

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	N/A	N/A

Funding Source	N/A	N/A

CONCLUSION

8. Council officers recommend that the recommendations of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 26 May 2021 be adopted by Council.

Richard Searle

Traffic and Transport Manager

Mark Leotta

Group Manager - Development and Traffic Services

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

David Birds

Acting Executive Director, City Planning & Design

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Traffic Engineering Advisory Group - Minutes of Meeting held on 26 May 2021	6 Pages
2 ⇩	Traffic Engineering Advisory Group - Item Reports for Meeting held on 26 May 2021	45 Pages
3 ⇩	Consultation and Timing for the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group Meeting held on 26 May 2021	5 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 15.1

WELCOMING

ITEM NUMBER 15.1

SUBJECT FOR NOTATION: Minutes of the Riverside Advisory Board Meeting held on 10 December 2020 and 25 February 2021

REFERENCE F2007/00388 - D08089497

REPORT OF Director Riverside Theatres

workshop/briefing date: NIL

PURPOSE:

The Terms of Reference for the Riverside Theatres Advisory Board state that minutes of all meetings are to be reported to Council. This report seeks Council’s notation of the minutes of the meeting of the Riverside Theatres Advisory Board held on 10 December, 2020 and 25 February, 2021.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the Minutes of the Riverside Theatres Advisory Board Meetings held on 10 December, 2020 and 25 February, 2021 (Attachment 1 and 2)

BACKGROUND

1. The Riverside Theatres Advisory Board is a voluntary Committee of interested community members, Council staff and Councillors. The current Committee membership as at December 2020, comprised:

Ms Vyvienne Abla

Clr Donna Davis

Clr Bob Dwyer

Mr Jon Greig

Ms Rhonda Hawkins

Clr Andrew Jefferies

Mr Luke Mackey

Mr Alan Manly

Ms Keiasha Naidoo

Mr Vaughan Roles

Mr Carl Sciberras

Dr Jim Taggart OAM

2. The Advisory Board advocates for Riverside and its critical role as a major arts and culture attraction for Sydney’s Central City.

3. The primary purpose of the Committee is to advise Council on the strategic direction of the Riverside Theatres’ performance program and venues with reference to Council cultural plans and other relevant plans; to advise Council on Riverside Theatres’ strategic role in delivering Council’s vision for Sydney’s Central City as a culturally rich, successful, prosperous and destinational Parramatta; and to advocate for Riverside Theatres as western Sydney’s premier performing arts centre.

4. The Committee meets every two months with a minimum of six meetings each year.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

RIVERSIDE THEATRES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING - 10 DECEMBER 2020

Resignation from Advisory Board

5. Genevieve Blanchett’s resignation from the Advisory Board was received and accepted. The Chair acknowledged and thanked Genevieve for her contribution.

Director’s Report

6. The Director’s Report was taken as read and accepted. The Report included: an outline of the 2020 live performance program from September, a summary report of digital programming from May 2020, planning for the 2021 program, a COVID-19 update and Riverside’s 5 KPI’s.

7. The Director advised that Nina Frykberg, Manager Marketing and Communications, would be leaving Riverside before Christmas to pursue new opportunities. The recruitment of a replacement has commenced. It is hoped that the successful candidate would join Riverside in January. The Chair acknowledged Ms Frykberg’s contribution and thanked her on behalf of the Advisory Board.

Advisory Board & Terms of Reference

Riverside Strategic Plan 2021 to 2025

Introduction and Role of the Advisory Board

8. The Chair introduced the Executive Director Community Services to update on a future Strategic Plan, the ongoing life of Riverside and also what a COVID and post COVID world might look like for Riverside Theatres.

9. The Executive Director outlined the purpose of a pre-circulated slide deck was to frame a conversation amongst the Advisory Board and to test the key issues the Board might wish addressed in developing the next Strategic Plan. The discussion was also an opportunity for the Advisory Board to review where the Advisory Board has worked well and been effective and what has not worked so well. The Director outlined the “primary purposes” of the Advisory Board as stated in Riverside Advisory Board Terms of Reference.

a. Advise Council on the strategic direction of Riverside Theatres’ performances and venues with reference to Council cultural plans and other relevant plans;

b. Advise Council on Riverside’s strategic role in delivering Council’s vision for Sydney’s Central City as a culturally rich, successful, prosperous and destinational Parramatta;

c. Advocate for Riverside as western Sydney’s premier performing arts centre.

13. With a new Advisory Board to be appointed following the Council elections in September 2021 it is an opportunity to review the Terms of Reference. A future review of the Terms of Reference would welcome all suggestions from the Advisory Board. There was discussion about decisions and action undertaken by Riverside/Council staff before consultation with the Advisory Board and how divergent points of view might accommodated.

10. Clarification was sought regarding the Advsiory Board’s primary purposes related to “other relevant plans” of Council. Council’s Night City Framework was one such example. Riverside is an important part of Parramatta’s night time economy; therefore, Riverside and its Advisory Board are important participants in discussions around those plans. Council’s Disability Plan and Reconciliation Action Plan are other examples where Riverside might align with Council’s broader goals.

11. The current 2017- 2020 Strategic Plan Goals are:

a. Be recognised as a vibrant, distinctive, leading arts and cultural venue and experience centred in western Sydney

b. Connect people, ideas and dreams through performance

c. Deliver arts events & performances in Parramatta that are rich, distinctive local, national and international

d. Provide opportunity for creative talent to flourish and succeed

e. Contribute to the development and growth of the arts and cultural sector and audiences in western Sydney.

f. Contribute to the liveability and economic prosperity of Parramatta

12. Some members were of the opinion that Riverside Terms of Reference are not entirely clear as to what its role is with respect to the Strategic Plan. Is the Advisory Board the custodian of the Riverside Strategic plan? Should the members hold the Director accountable to it and the Council’s Cultural Plan?

13. The past creation of National Theatre of Parramatta was a positive outcome of the Advisory Board advising Council.

14. More recently, the Board was most effective in 2021 when proposing the digital concert series. The Board has also been a valuable sounding board for the Director for the day-to-day operations.

2017- 2020 Strategic Plan Focus Areas

15. The current 2017-2020 Strategic Plan Focus Areas were introduced and members were invited to comment.

a. Positioning

b. Infrastructure

c. Programming

d. Cultural production

e. Revenue generation, commerciality and financial resilience

f. Organisational resilience and culture

g. Education and training

h. Innovation and collaboration

16. It was suggested that under the Focus Area “Positioning”, reference to “Australia’s Next Great City” should now be replaced with “Sydney’s Central City”. “Australia’s Next Great City” was the branding of 2015 and is no longer used. Also suggested that Riverside’s positioning be broadened to include Australia in addition to Parramatta.

Where to in the Future - Where Does Riverside Want to Be in 2025

17. Seven future focus areas were identified:

a. High quality ‘in-theatre’ experiences

b. Outreach delivery platforms include digital and alternate venues

c. Education, capacity building & local production

d. Importance of collaborations and partnerships

e. Community participation, support & aspiration

f. New additional funding sources and commercial imperatives

g. Future Riverside redevelopment and renewal

Next Steps

18. The Executive Director Community Services advised the Board that Riverside’s Director will be conducting a review of the Advisory Board and its Terms of Reference in 2021. The review would be informed by one on one conversations seeking views of members on:

a. the effectiveness of the Board over its current term and how a future Board could be more effective in its next term

b. how the foundations for the future would be best developed through a new Strategic Plan 2021-25.

19. Building on the outcomes of the Advisory Board review, the 2021-25 Strategic Plan framing will include:

a. Recovery & Stabilisation (post COVID)

b. Reimagining & Reshaping

c. Redevelopment and Renewal.

20. The Chair stated that it is imperative a new strategic plan be developed as the world has changed so much. The current 2017-21 plan was the right plan at the time. The Chair noted the Riverside building redevelopment element of any future plan may be difficult for the Advisory Board to address as its scope is possibly beyond and outside the remit of the Advisory Board.

21. Recovery should encompass a two-tier approach : (1) the venue Riverside and (2) the arts sector as a whole, particularly noting the pressure on emerging productions, artists and organisations that have relied on smaller venues many of which have shut down during COVID. If collaboration, partnerships and connections are the focus of the future then we need to make sure we are supporting our artists and community.

22. The arts must be a prosperity generator for Parramatta. The economic prosperity of the city and the return on investment in Riverside will be important future considerations.

Final Comments

23. The Chair noted that the Advisory Board was comfortable with the “Where to In the Future” approach and its future focus areas.

24. The Executive Director thanked the Board for a valuable discussion and noted endorsement of the Looking Back, Looking Forward action plan including a review of the role of the Board and the development of a new strategic plan.

Other Business

25. The Riverside Director shared confidentially with the Board that he would be stepping down in the middle of the 2021. He expressed how much he has enjoyed his 20 years as Director of Riverside and thanked the Board for its support. His successor would be key in implementing Riverside’s future redevelopment and renewal

26. The Chair noted the Director’s contribution to Riverside and took the opportunity to thank the Riverside Leadership Team and Advisory Board members for their efforts in a difficult year.

27. The Director noted the resilience and agility shown by the Advisory Board particularly in the period March to April when the existential threat to Riverside was real due to COVID.

RIVERSIDE THEATRES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING - 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Director’s Report

28. Performance Program
Information was provided on the live performance program December to February including the Sydney Festival attractions and National Theatre of Parramatta’s Queen Fatima.

29. 2021-25 Strategic Plan

A proposed framework and timeline for developing the 2021-25 Strategic Plan and an update on the Looking Back, Looking Forward Review of the Advisory Board.

30. Digital Program
The concluding digital 2020 performances had been hybrid extensions of scheduled live performances. Digital performances will remain a future opportunity but perhaps not a major opportunity as originally envisaged in middle of 2020. Digital delivery will be addressed in the next strategic plan.

31. Education Performances
There is a view in the education community that students have lost a lot of ground in 2020 including attendance at live performance - an opportunity for Riverside in the next strategic plan.

32. Staffing
Two new members of the Riverside team, Craig McMaster (Commercial and Business Management Consultant) and Henri Marron (Marketing and Communications Manager), were introduced to the Advisory Board.

33. The Return of Audiences to Riverside
There is an apparent public appetite to come back to entertainment events. Live theatre, movies and dining out are the three things that the public are re-engaging with in growing numbers

34. COVID- 19

a. Riverside continued to adjust to changing NSW Heath Orders principally the mandatory wearing of masks and NSW Services check in. On the positive side, February saw permissible capacities move up to 75% allowing more people to attend performances making many productions economically viable. In addition, the one person to 4 square metres rule was recently relaxed to 2 square metres.

b. Riverside will participate in the NSW Govt Dine and Discover COVID support scheme through Services NSW. It is a NSW voucher scheme with a $100 worth of vouchers - 4 x $25 vouchers - 2 of which can be used for entertainment at a participating venue. Dine and Discover will roll out in Parramatta during March.

35. KPI’s

Riverside performance to its 5 x KPI’s YTD was tabled and discussed.

Looking Back, Looking Forward
Review of the Advisory Board & Terms of Reference

36. Key questions to be considered in the Review to be undertaken by the Director include:

a. what is the role of the Advisory Board - advising Riverside or advising Council about Riverside?

b. do the Terms of Reference require revision?

c. the Board’s role as a sounding board, in developing strategy, formulating new ideas and advocacy?

37. A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) about the Advisory Board itself (not about Riverside activity) will be useful to inform the Review.

38. The Advisory Board is Riverside’s connection to the community. While business, industry, creative knowledge and skills brought to the Board by current members is informative, it is also important that the views of a diverse cohort of stakeholders, customers and the under 25’s are also heard. This can be achieved by direct Board membership or through working sub-committees.

39. Council may need to articulate more clearly what its wishes the Advisory Board to be and do. A clearer direction may facilitate Board members engaging more effectively.

Council Update

40. COVID-19
The Executive Director Community Services outlined Council’s COVID-19 response. Riverside is currently adhering to the 2 square metre rule and mask wearing is required on entry to Riverside during public performances. While masks are no longer mandated by NSW Public Health, Council continues to exercise caution. Most theatre venues in Sydney have made wearing a mask a condition of entry where social distancing cannot be maintained. Riverside is in line with other venues in Sydney making masks mandatory at Riverside during public performances except for short periods when eating or drinking.

41. Riverside Redevelopment
Council is currently undertaking its own review of the Create NSW business case.

42. 2021/22 Budget
The Executive Director advised that Council is currently developing the 2021/22 budget of which Riverside is a part. It is a particularly challenging budget post COVID-19. The first version will be submitted to Councillors shortly.

43. City Activation
Because of Parramatta Light Rail disruptions there has been a Council focus on City Activation programs and activity eg free parking at Eat Street Carpark in the CBD when spending $20 at restaurants. Due to COVID -19 some of the summer activities such as New Year Eve, Australia Day and the Summer Series were cancelled or reduced in scale. Some Summer Series activities are being rescheduled as part of on-going CBD activations for late March/April.

Other Business

44. It would be preferable to schedule 2021-25 Strategic Plan workshops from May rather than from March.

45. The Looking Back, Looking Forward Review (including a Riverside SWOT and surveys) will be a useful precursor in framing the strategy development workshops.

46. With the Advisory Board’s term to conclude in September, it will be challenging to develop a comprehensive 2021-25 Strategic Plan in the remaining time of the current Advisory Board’s term.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

(a) The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
10 December 2020 & 25 February 2021	Community Members of the Advisory Board	Comments are recorded in the Minutes of the Meetings attached to this report	n/a	Riverside Theatres / Community Services / Robert Love

Councillor Consultation

(b) The following Councillor consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date

Councillor

Councillor Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

10 December 2020 & 25 February 2021

D Davis

B Dwyer

A Jefferies

Comments where applicable are recorded in the Minutes of the Meetings attached to this report

n/a

Riverside Theatres / Community Services / Robert Love

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

(c)

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

(d) Expenditure incurred by activity referred to in this report is within Council’s existing approved budgets.

	FY 20/21	FY 21/22	FY 22/23	FY 23/24
Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX

Funding Source

Robert Love

Director Riverside Theatres

Jon Greig

Executive Director Community Services

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Minutes of the Riverside Advisory Board Meeting 10 December 2020	5 Pages
2 ⇩	Minutes of the Riverside Advisory Board Meeting 25 February 2021	3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 16.1

THRIVING

ITEM NUMBER 16.1

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Response to Notice of Motion - Re-establishment of the Wentworth Point Working Group

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08062287

REPORT OF Group Manager City Engagement

PURPOSE:

To provide information relating to costs and other considerations for the re-establishment of the Wentworth Point working group per the Notice of Motion moved by Councillor Prociv at the 10 May 2021 Council Meeting, and to provide an alternative model for community engagement in Wentworth Point for the 2021-22 financial year that would provide a superior community engagement outcome.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council does not re-establish the Wentworth Point Working Group as there is no identified budget and staff resource for ongoing co-ordination, administration, and end-to-end delivery of each working group meeting, and to mitigate a reasonable community perception that any precinct without such a working group is being less-served by Council.

(b) That Council collaborate with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) to develop a Wentworth Point ‘Place Plan’ that aligns with Council’s Strategic documents, SOPA’s Place Vision and Strategy update occurring in 2021-22, and the work underway for the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) and the Central River city by the broader NSW Government.

(c) That Council note that development of the Wentworth Point ‘Place Plan’ will include four meetings in the 2021-22 financial year with representatives of the various Wentworth Point Community Associations as originally sought by the Notice of Motion, and that the Wentworth Point Place Plan’s ‘all-of-suburb’ community engagement will provide a voice to all residents of Wentworth Point - including CALD communities - who would otherwise be excluded from effective participation in Working Group meetings.

(d) That Council work with SOPA and the community of Wentworth Point to establish a community-led Wentworth Point ‘Town Team’ as a model for community empowerment and outcomes through consensus decision-making.

(e) Further that, Council approve a budget of $160,000 in the 2021/22 financial year to fund the facilitation of multiple suburb-wide community engagement activities, to be funded from General Revenue.

BACKGROUND

1. In 2016, during the Administration period, Council hosted a Wentworth Point Working Group in alignment with former Auburn Council, to provide a level of harmony in the delivery of services post amalgamation.

2. In November 2017, post-Administration, Council resolved to endorse the existence of the Wentworth Point Working Groups by formally appointing Cr Issa as Chair (Attachment 1). The Administrator created a Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) for the Working Group Meetings which identifies the meetings as ‘Council’s’ meetings and that a Place Manager is to provide the secretariat support. This document (the Terms of Reference) was not adopted by Council resolution.

3. Wentworth Point Working Group meetings were held quarterly from 2017 to 2018.

4. The Wentworth Point Working Group was perceived by the community as - and ultimately became - an alternative consultation forum for planning, place-based, and routine operational matters, seeing the Working Group as a mechanism through which they could raise issues and provide feedback to Council.

5. Council already has an established consultation process for planning matters, a Stakeholder Engagement Policy that stipulates the various engagement channels Council will utilise for specific projects or matters requiring community consultation, and a Service Request system for routine operational matters.

6. It is important to note that each Chairperson of the various Community Associations in Wentworth Point is not empowered to speak on behalf of the wider Wentworth Point community on wider-ranging issues outside of their Community Association remit. This is a key reason why Council’s community engagement activities in Wentworth Point rely on direct community feedback.

7. As of 26 November 2019, Council held the last ‘Council-hosted’ working group for Wentworth Point. Minutes of the meeting are at Attachment 3. Council acknowledged that the original rationale for the working group meetings was for the Community Associations at Wentworth Point to meet and discuss issues of a suburb-wide scope that could not be addressed within their localised committee meetings.

8. A handover model, known as Town Teams, was presented at the 26 November meeting by a representative of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), as SOPA had successfully used Town Teams within their precinct as a community-led model for community empowerment and outcomes through consensus decision-making.

9. At all times Council and SOPA have held the position that they are very pleased to be included as stakeholders and will attend future community-led meetings as guests, but these should be community-driven, not Council hosted.

10. On 2 October 2020, the Working Group Meetings were formally removed from Council’s meeting register.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

11. Through its Community Engagement Strategy, Council provides a range of methods and platforms through which to capture community feedback. Some of these platforms include; the online engagement portal ‘Participate Parramatta’ for feedback on strategies, projects and programs; the customer contact centre for specific service related matters requiring immediate attention; and the public submission process for capturing comments around specific Development Applications and planning proposals - in line with legislative requirements.

12. In line with the Community Engagement Strategy, Council is committed to ensuring that it provides opportunities for as many people as possible across the community to participate in its decision making, including capturing a diverse range of voices. Previously held suburb-based committees have proven to be time and resource intensive requiring significant staffing and secretariat support and have not allowed for a diverse range of voices and views to be heard. Considering these learnings, Council supports methods that allow for broader participation and does not run any suburb-based committees within the Local Government Area (LGA). This also ensures equitable principles are applied consistently across the LGA.

13. Council is aware of a growing desire within the community of Wentworth Point to have an opportunity to participate in establishing a clear vision and strategy aligned to deliverable outcomes in Wentworth Point.

14. In order to capture all the Wentworth Point’s community’s issues and concerns in a comprehensive and cost-effective way, Council staff recommend conducting extensive and comprehensive engagement in the Wentworth Point area. This engagement approach is consistent with Council’s Stakeholder and Engagement strategy and will be used to develop a detailed Wentworth Point Plan.

15. Officers also recommend that Council collaborate with SOPA in order to produce this Place Plan given SOPA’s Place Vision and Strategy update occurring in 2021-22, and the work underway for the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) and the Central River City by the broader NSW Government. Council officers have received written confirmation from a SOPA representative confirming their willingness to collaborate on a Place Plan.

16. Council has a DPOP obligation at 5.3.1.4 (drawn from the Draft Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan and Budget 2021/22 currently on exhibition). To “develop Place Plans for Wentworth Point, Epping and the Parramatta CBD”.

17. Community and stakeholder engagement to develop the Place Plan would include a series of workshops (including CALD specific community workshops in the appropriate language), translated materials, community pop-ups, online surveys, and focus groups. These activities would be open to all residents in Wentworth Point (i.e. not just members of the working group) to ensure Council are able to reach and capture the feedback of as many Wentworth Point community members as possible.

18. The engagement activities would focus on uncovering key issues of concern as well as workshop a future vision for the precinct. Whilst the approach would be like what Council implemented for the Epping Planning Review, the primary work product would be for a ‘Place Plan’ for Wentworth Point.

19. Place Plans summarise and prioritise the local needs of an area, including but not limited to infrastructure requirements, quality and type of amenity, and open space requirements, to ensure that a place is sustainable and thriving, into the future. They set objectives and determine actionable items.

20. Place Plans serve as a critical connector between Council’s adopted Community Infrastructure Strategy (CIS), and Council’s Delivery program.

21. Council will also help to establish the community led Town Teams model with the various Community Associations in Wentworth Point; Town Teams will provide a self-led group in which the community members of Wentworth Point can connect with like-minded individuals to action community initiatives. SOPA are already using Town Teams as a model for the high-density developments in the SOPA precinct and the model has proven to be successful.

22. Council will be undertaking community engagement at both the local level and across the Local Government Area in the second half of the year when consultation on the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) progresses. Council will consult specifically with the Wentworth Point community as part of that process - which will include undertaking community ‘pop-ups’ in the area.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

23. The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
9/6/2021	Sydney Olympic Park Authority	Supportive of collaborating with CoP in the creation of a Place Plan for Wentworth Point	Sought in principal agreement to collaborate with CoP for the creation of a Place Plan for Wentworth Point	Place Services
June 2021	Place Services	Worked collaboratively to produce this Council report and are supportive of this model of engagement for Wentworth Point	Sought Place Services’ input into the ‘Place Plan’ engagement model	Engagement Team

Councillor Consultation

24. The following Councillor consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
6/5/2021	Rosehill Ward Councillors	Supportive of an engagement model that responded to the need for an alternative to the working group	Suggested the model of engagement utilised for the Epping Planning Review	Place Services
10/5/2021	Clr Prociv	Created initial NoM requesting that Council Officers prepare a report to be brought to Council, on the re-establishment of the Wentworth Point Working Group	Response to Councillor Procivc NoM – F2021/00521 – D08019264	Place Services

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

25. There are no legal implications for Council associated with this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

26. The external consultant fees for facilitation of multiple suburb-wide community engagement activities for the development of the Wentworth Point Place Plan is estimated to be $160,000. This is not included in the budget for the 2021/22 financial year.

27. The $160,000 external consultant fee will facilitate multiple suburb-wide engagement activities and develop the Wentworth Point ‘Place Plan’ which involves design, advertising, and other costs. The 2017/18 Epping Planning Review budget of $168,000 for engagement activities was used as a benchmark.

28. There would also be internal staff costs with a Place Manager and/or Project Officer required to coordinate with the consultant, liaise with SOPA and arrange and attend all scheduled meetings. It is estimated that 25% of a Place Manager and/or Project Officers time is required. This equates to approximately $37,710. This staff time and cost is allocated in the 2021/22 budget under the draft DPOP obligation at 5.3.1.4 - to “develop Place Plans for Wentworth Point, Epping and the Parramatta CBD”.

29. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the proposed recommendation, the financial impact on the budget are set out in the table below.

30. The financial impacts to the budget, as set out in this section, will be included in the next Quarterly Budget Review for endorsement by Council.

	FY 20/21	FY 21/22	FY 22/23	FY 23/24
Operating Result
External Costs		$160,000
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result		$160,000

Funding Source		GR

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX

Funding Source

Anthea Hall

Group Manager City Engagement

Bruce Mills

Group Manager Place Services

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

Tamara Hitchcock

Executive Director City Engagement & Experience

Bryan Hynes

Executive Director Property & Place

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Attachment 1 - Council Resolution endorsing existance of WP Working Groups	3 Pages
2 ⇩	Attachment 2 - Terms of Reference of WP Working Group Meeting	3 Pages
3 ⇩	Attachment 3 - Final WP Meeting Minutes 26 November 2019	3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 16.2

THRIVING

ITEM NUMBER 16.2

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Better Neighbourhood Program 21/22 and 22/23 (Deferred Item)

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08102410

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Place Services

PURPOSE:

This report seeks endorsement for the projects to be delivered under the Better Neighbourhood Program in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years. The report also presents the results of the 2020/21 Centres Review that have informed the proposed allocation of funding under the Better Neighbourhood Program.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the final list of projects for delivery within the approved budget for the Better Neighbourhood Program (BNP) in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years (Attachment 1).

(b) That for centres where public domain is under private ownership, Council approve works to be carried out on private land for existing and proposed projects initiated under the BNP, including funding 30% of the total cost of the private works, to a maximum dollar value of $20,000 per rateable property, in alignment with the financial contribution model and maximum financial contribution threshold in Council’s endorsed Retail Frontage Improvement Program.

(c) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to negotiate, finalise and execute agreements with private property owners for existing and proposed projects initiated under the BNP generally in accordance with the financial model set out in Recommendation (b).

(d) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to negotiate, finalise and execute agreements with private property owners for existing and proposed projects initiated under the BNP for a proposed public funding contribution greater than the financial model set out in Recommendation (b), including up to 100% of public funding for works on private land in the following circumstances:

1 When works are proposed for three or more rateable properties at a single centre; or

2 For the installation of creative artworks; or

3 For works that improve disability access; or

4 When the private property owner(s) undertakes shopfront improvement works or commit to providing increased maintenance generally equivalent in cost of works to the financial model set out in Recommendation (b); or

5 For works on private land that constitute less than 10% of the overall cost of works; or

6 For works that are in the public interest, as evidenced by outcomes of site-specific community consultation.

(e) Further, that a report be presented to Council in accordance with Section 67(4) of the Local Government Act 1993 at the conclusion of the 2021-2023 Better Neighbourhood Program as outlined in Paragraph 15.

BACKGROUND

1. The Better Neighbourhood Program is a long-running and successful Council program that focuses on delivering capital upgrade improvements at local centres outside of the Parramatta CBD. The BNP commenced in 1999 and delivers improvements to centres to enhance the safety, vitality and economic prosperity of the area.

2. The biennial Centres Review provides Council with a bespoke, data-centric approach to placemaking and the management of centres through a clear evidence-based model underpinned by quantitative and qualitative datasets. This model continues to act as the primary mechanism to inform funding prioritisation for future works under the BNP as it distils the current and projected needs of existing and future communities across the LGA.

3. The 2020/21 Centres Review commenced in November 2020 and comprised three components;

a. A Community Voice Survey sought community input to evaluate the importance, frequency of use and perception of Council’s 51 local and neighbourhood centres

b. A comprehensive field audit of each centre conducted between 15 February 2021 - 30 April 2021 to identify, assess and document the existing built and natural character of each place; and

c. An asset condition assessment to geospatially identify and comment on the state of assets within the public domain over time. These assets include, but are not limited to, street furniture, drinking fountains, garbage bins, kerb ramps, car parks, amenities units (toilets) etc.

In addition to the aforementioned methods of primary data collection, the 2020/21 Centres Review also utilised closed-source data (Council’s ArcGIS portal) and open-source data (Transport for NSW timetabling) to enhance the multi-criteria analysis that enables Council to rank each Centre for funding prioritisation under the BNP.

4. The summarised Centres Review results table is provided in Attachment 2.

5. The Place Services team routinely engages with landowners and business owners to consider holistic improvements to local centres under the BNP. Each local centre is different, including some where the public domain is under private or shared ownership.

6. Any agreement for upgrade of works on private land is required to comply with Section 67 of the Local Government Act 1993, which states that Council is required to charge an ‘approved fee’ for works undertaken on private land, as outlined in Council’s Fees and Charges. At present, Council’s Fees and Charges do not list an ‘approved fee’ for common works completed within a BNP project, including, but not limited to upgrades to paving and installation of street furniture. Moreover, a listing within Council’s Fees and Charges is not appropriate for the BNP, as it limits the ability to provide bespoke outcomes tailored to each centre and developed as part of a local placemaking process.

7. In the alternative, a Council Resolution that lists the proposed fee to be charged is required before the works are carried out. This is what we are seeking under Recommendation (b) to (d).

8. The proposed fee to be charged is modelled off the terms of Council’s endorsed Retail Frontage Improvement Program (i.e. 30% of the cost of works up to a maximum $20k) as this is considered the most relevant adopted policy/program applying to the issue. Further, recommendation (d) lists further circumstances where a greater proportion of public funding may be appropriate, including scenarios where there may be difficulty obtaining agreement of various stakeholders, or where it may be within the public interest to do so.

9. In endorsing the terms set out in Recommendation (b), (c) and (d) which seeks to allow for the negotiation of terms with private landowners under one resolution to cover all current and future Better Neighbourhood Program projects, Council will be able to more rapidly deliver BNP projects. Consultation will continue to occur with Ward Councillors in regular briefings.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

10. On 13 March 2017, Council endorsed a revised Centres Review methodology and criteria to prioritise centres and neighbourhoods for BNP funding. That report noted that the criteria for the Centres Review will be iterative and updated when required. The 2020/21 Centres Review saw the creation of three (3) additional criteria to allow for a more thorough analysis of the data and to better reflect the overall character, condition and importance of each Centre. The additional criteria are as follows:

a. Public Domain Condition

b. Street Activity, and

c. Visitation

11. The full set of criteria used for the 2020/21 Centres Review multi-criteria analysis is provided in Attachment 3.

12. A summary of the data is presented in the results table (Attachment 2) and includes comments on the rationale for which centres have been selected for funding.

13. Attachment 1 lists the proposed BNP projects for 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years following ward Councillor consultation and identifies the proposed scope for identified projects. This scope is subject to refinement following further community consultation and validation of the needs of each centre, pursuant to Council’s routine place-making practice.

14. The proposed project list includes capital upgrade works, as well as activations and economic development opportunities. These projects will be delivered in partnership with relevant Council Directorates and in line with Council’s endorsed strategies and programs.

15. If work is carried out on private land it is a requirement of section 67(4) Local Government Act 1993 that a report of work is given at the next meeting of council specifying:

• the person for whom the work was carried out

• the nature of the work

• the type and quantity of materials used

• the charge made for those materials

• the total of the number of hours taken by each person who carried out the work

• the total amount charged for carrying out the work (including the charge made for materials)

• the reason for carrying out the work.

It is proposed that a report of work is received by Council at the conclusion of the 2021– 2023 Better Neighbourhood Program to outline all works on private land that occurred as a part of the program.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

16. As part of the biennial Centres Review, City of Parramatta conducted a study on the value of the 51 local and neighbourhood centres within the LGA. The Community Voice Survey serves as an important source for community sentiment data and ensures Council continues to deliver projects in line with community expectation and need.

17. To support participation in the Community Voice Survey, community members could have their say for a period of four (4) weeks from 8 February to 8 March 2021 via the following engagement activities:

Date	Engagement Activity	Summary of engagement	Engagement reach
08.02.21 – 08.03.21	Participate Parramatta engagement portal	The project was featured on the platform during the consultation period, resulting in 4,866 views during the consultation period. The page included the following: · Project background · Online survey link (via button) · Social map providing locations of the centres · Gallery of local centres up for review · Contact details for the Place Services Project team	· 4,866 page views
	Survey Shaper	The Community Voice Survey was hosted on the research platform Survey Shaper.	· 4,077 survey starts · 1,318 survey participants · 4,264 survey responses sharing feedback on Couincil’s 51 local and neighbourhood centres · 973 participants who opted into the gift card draw
	Social media channels	The opportunity to provide feedback was presented to 53,153 social media followers and reached approximately 35,578 people, cumulating in 2,649 clicks through to the project page.	· 10 engagements from an organic post via the Participate Parramatta Page · 14 engagements from an organic post via the Active Parramatta Page · 2,792 engagements from a paid campaign via City of Parramatta Facebook page · 100 engagements from an organic post via the City of Parramatta Facebook page · 24 engagements from an organic post via the City of Parramatta Twitter page · 251 engagements from an organic post via the City of Parramatta Instagram page.
	Electronic Direct Mails (EDM)	Via four (4) EDM’s, over 72,200 received notification of the opportunity to give feedback. The EDM’s included: · Participate Parramatta Research Panel announcement · ePulse Newsletter · Community Connective Newsletter · Parramatta Open Space and Recreation Newsletter	· 3,691 unique opens from the City Engagement: Panel · 8,071 unique opens from the ePulse Newsletter · 457 unique opens from the Community Connective · 1,228 unique opens from the Parramatta Open Space and Recreation Newsletter
	A3 Corflute Signs	60 ‘Have Your Say’ corflute signs were printed and installed within Council’s Centres with a QR code to direct participants to the survey.	The QR code on the posters generated 385 scans.

18. It is important to note that this engagement was live during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, no face-to-face engagement opportunities were provided. Nevertheless, the participation of 1,318 individual respondents is one of the larger response rates for recent Council consultation activities.

19. A summary of stakeholder consultation findings from the Community Voice Survey is captured in Attachment 4.

20. Consultation with Council’s Legal Services department was also undertaken, as evidenced in the table below:

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

21.04.21

10.05.21

26.05.21 (All correspondence via email)

Legal Services

No suggested changes to the wording of the proposed resolution, Recommendation (c) to (e).

Noted, Place Services to proceed with resolution for 14.06.21 Council Report.

Place Services

Councillor Consultation

21. The following Councillor consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
18.05.21 6:00pm – 7:30pm	North Rocks Ward Councillors	Councillors expressed support for proposed works within North Rocks Ward.	Place Services to proceed with identified projects as line items for delivery within Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program for 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.	Place Services
19.05.21 4:00pm – 5:20pm	Dundas Ward Councillors (Cr Esber and Cr Garrard)	Councillors expressed support for proposed works within Dundas Ward.	Place Services to proceed with identified projects as line items for delivery within Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program for 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.	Place Services
20.05.21 5:00pm – 6:00pm	Parramatta Ward Councillors	Councillors expressed support for proposed works within Parramatta Ward.	Place Services to proceed with identified projects as line items for delivery within Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program for 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.	Place Services
20.05.21 via email	Rosehill Ward Councillors	No response received.	Place Services to proceed with identified projects as line items for delivery within Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program for 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.	Place Services
25.05.21 3:30pm – 4:30pm	Epping Ward Councillors (Cr Tyrrell and Cr Weane)	Councillors generally supportive of the use of BNP funds for streetscape upgrades and an activation program within Epping Town Centre.	Place Services to allocate the entire Epping Ward portion of BNP funding to the planning and delivery of short and medium term activation and capital upgrades in the Epping Town Centre.	Place Services

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

22. If resolved, Place Services will not be required to seek separate resolutions of the full Council each time works are proposed on private land. This will ensure Council is compliant with Section 67 of the LG Act.

23. In addition, Place Services will be required to detail all agreements made in a report to Council when seeking endorsement of the 2023/24-2024/25 Better Neighbourhood Program.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

24. A total funding amount of $3,200,000 has been allocated under the BNP over the next two financial years. This includes CAPEX of $400,000 in the exhibited draft FY 2021/22 budget and a further $2,800,000 CAPEX in the FY 2022/23 budget.

25. The allocated budget for Year 1 and Year 2 of the BNP differs from the previously adopted Delivery Program (2018-2021) Operational Plan and Budget 2020-21 (July 2020) which had allocated $800,000 for FY21/22 and $2,400,000 for FY22/23. The total budget of $3,200,000 for this program remains the same, however, it has been rephased in line with the anticipated delivery of Year 1 works.

26. The BNP is budgeted capital expenditure sourced from general revenue.

27. The funding allocation will see a smaller expenditure in Year 1 to accommodate for consultation and the development of concept and detailed design documentation. The remaining budget will be spent in the second year of the program, allowing for the construction of proposed capital works.

28. The table below summarises the financial impacts on the budget arising from approval of this report.

	FY 20/21	FY 21/22	FY 22/23	FY 23/24
Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Funding Source

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Funding Source

Michael Northey

Senior Project Officer Place Services

Bruce Mills

Group Manager Place Services

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

Ian Woodward

Group Manager Legal Services

Bryan Hynes

Executive Director Property & Place

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Attachment 1: Proposed Better Neighbourhood Program Projects 2021/22 and 2022/23	2 Pages
2 ⇩	Attachment 2: 2020/21 Centres Review Results Table	1 Page
3 ⇩	Attachment 3: 2020/21 Centres Review Criteria	10 Pages
4 ⇩	Attachment 4: Community Voice Survey Findings	9 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 June 2021 Item 17.2

INNOVATIVE

ITEM NUMBER 17.2

SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL: Minutes of the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting held on 15 April 2021

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08086265

REPORT OF Project Officer Land Use

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

To inform Council of key discussion points from the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting on 15 April 2021 and seek approval of a recommendation for the award of a Heritage Grant for 77 Weston Street, Harris Park.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council receive and note the minutes of the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting of 15 April 2021.

(b) Further, that Council approve the Heritage Grants recommendation, as included in Item 11 of Attachment 1, to make a grant of $3,300 for 77 Weston Street, Harris Park.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee (the Committee) meets every two months and currently comprises 14 members. The purpose of the Committee is to advise Council on how better to conserve, promote and manage heritage within the City of Parramatta Local Government Area (LGA) for current and future generations.

2. The 14 members include three recently appointed members, Dr Wei Li, Sam Kelly and Chris Betteridge who attended the Committee meeting on 15 April 2021.

3. Council receives periodic reports detailing the minutes of Heritage Advisory Committee meetings, in order to keep Council informed of the advice of the Committee. Council also has a decision-making role on Committee membership as well as on applications to the Local Heritage Fund (which are reported to Council via these periodic reports when such applications have been considered).

4. Council’s Core Terms of Reference for all Advisory Committees provides that: The term of membership is four years or such longer period as resolved by Council and coincides with Council elections.

5. This means that membership of the Heritage Advisory Committee, will expire on 3 September 2021, with elections being held on 4 September 2021. The last meeting for this term of the Heritage Advisory Committee will be on 19 August 2021. Following the upcoming election if Council then resolves to proceed with a Heritage Advisory Committee it will implement an Expression of Interest process to recruit new members for the future Advisory Committee. If Council adopts this approach it is envisaged that the first meeting of the new Heritage Advisory Committee will be held in February 2022.

6. This report summarises key discussion points from the April meeting for Council’s information. The minutes of the meeting are provided at Attachment 1.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

7. The key points discussed at the meeting are summarised below.

Draft Planning Strategy for the North-East Planning Investigation Area (Item 7)

8. Council officers made a presentation on the draft Planning Strategy for the North-East Planning Investigation Area. The presentation included the six draft built form options for land within the planning investigation area exhibited that range between existing permitted development of 0.8:1 and up to an FSR of 6:1 (plus Design Excellence).

9. In response, the Committee made comments that included expressing concern with high-rise development directly adjacent to the Sorrell Street Heritage Conservation Area (HCA). The Committee supports a tapered down approach to any HCA and in this regard Option 2 would be the maximum height supported by the Committee (Option 2 proposed a height of 28 metres (8 storeys)) together with a mandatory design excellence requirement and adequate green space around new buildings in the curtilage areas. The Committee sought that its comments be provided to Council as a submission to the public exhibition of the Draft Strategy for the North-East Planning Investigation Area.

10. The Committee’s comments have been forwarded to the relevant team within Council as a submission on the Draft Planning Strategy for the North-East Planning Investigation Area.

Development Applications (Item 8)

11. The Committee was briefed on the State Significant Development Application for 41 – 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta and was advised that it was Council staff’s preference that the heritage item on the site, known as ‘The Manse’ be maintained or incorporated into the design of the proposed building and it was noted that a detailed Heritage Statement and Environmental Impact Statement has been requested.

12. The Committee expressed its strong opposition to the development application due to the proposed demolition of ‘The Manse’. The Committee also expressed concern in relation to shadowing of major heritage items in the area and obscuring of historical views of St John’s Anglican Cathedral from May’s Hill. The Committee rejected an argument that the demolition of a listed item is acceptable simply because of the existence of other heritage items of a similar age, style or location.

13. The Committee's comments have been referred to Council's Development and Traffic Services Group for consideration as appropriate.

Cultural Heritage and Visitor Services Update (Item 9)

14. A written update was provided by Council's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Manager on the following matters:

· A-Z Things: This project presents 26 objects from Council’s cultural collections that are featured in short videos telling their story and particularly their relationship to Parramatta.

· Research and Collection Services: Current research projects and topics include:

o Continuation of 3D scanning initiative with Macquarie University archaeological students

o Parramatta Female Factory – Bicentenary – 1821-2021 - the transfer of woman and children into the new Governor Macquarie commissioned female factory

o Waves of People to Recognise International Migrants Day and Australia Day

o Anzac Day

· Street Names: various street naming initiatives are being pursued in Hill Road, Melrose Park, Toongabbie Lanes and 5 Parramatta Square (5PS).

City Planning and Design Directorate Update (Item 10)

15. The Committee was briefed on a number of proposals that staff of the Directorate are considering. Table 1 below details the content of the briefing together with the Committee's response and action proposed by Council staff. It should be noted that some of the content in the column entitled “Briefing content” is now out of date in relation to the current status of projects as time that has elapsed between the preparation of briefing notes for the meeting and the time of writing this report.

Table 1: Briefing on City Planning and Design Directorate Proposals

Proposal	Briefing content	Committee's response and staff action
Planning Proposal 8 – 14 Great Western Highway, Parramatta	The public exhibition of this Planning Proposal is anticipated later in April. The Committee will be advised of the exhibition and comments already made by the Committee will be responded to in the post- exhibition report.	Committee noted
Planning Proposal, Albion Hotel site, 135 George Street and 118 Harris Street, Parramatta	The Committee was informed of the upcoming public exhibition of this Planning Proposal.	The Committee resolved that: · Site interpretation of the area’s river trade history be included in a Design Excellence Competition · Concern be expressed on the development’s impact on sightlines between heritage items in the area and shadowing of Robin Thomas reserve and other heritage sites The Committee's comments have been referred to the City Planning and Design Excellence Teams for consideration as appropriate.
Site-specific DCP adjacent to Perth House	The site-specific DCP was reported to Council on 12 April 2021 and endorsed for public exhibition. The endorsed DCP provides for: · Western side setback facing Perth House of 0 m for podium and 3 m for tower · Podium setbacks at the north-west corner will be subject to additional design controls relating to the interface with Perth House Council also resolved to notify Heritage NSW on the potential significance of the olive tree that may warrant State Heritage Register listing. The draft DCP will be placed on exhibition within the next month and the Committee will be invited to comment.	Committee noted
Planning Proposal, 17 Macquarie Street, Parramatta	The Planning Proposal was submitted in early March 2021 and is subject to an initial review. The site is not heritage listed but is within the Park Edge Highly Sensitive Area and subject to a Conservation Agreement. A Heritage Impact Study is required to allow Council to assess the proposal.	Committee noted
Planning Proposal, 23 – 27 Harold Street, North Parramatta	The Committee had previously raised concern on this proposal in June 2019. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment ended the process for this proposal in March 2021 without finalising the amendment.	Committee noted

Local Heritage Fund (Item 11)

16. The Committee recommended that Council endorse the recommendation detailed in Table 2 below relating to an application for funds from Council’s Local Heritage Fund as it addresses the relevant funding criteria in the Local Heritage Fund Guidelines for reasons given:

Table 2: Applications for Local Heritage funds

Address

Work undertaken

Recommendation on funding

Reasons for recommendation

77 Weston Street, Harris Park

Tuck-pointing and re-pointing

That a grant of $3,300 be made

Work will enhance public amenity and character of the conservation area as part of ongoing conservation work to this dwelling.

17. The Committee was briefed that the fund balance after this assessment period is $17,064.

General Business (Item 12)

18. The Committee was advised of reports of damage to the Vernon Hall Building at the Lancer Barracks due to suspected changes to the water table. The Committee requested an update on whether rising water table levels are causing damage to any other historic sites.

19. Relevant Council catchment management staff were contacted, and advice was received that there is no knowledge of any changes to water table conditions at this or any other location. There is also no awareness of this being an issue for historical buildings in Council’s LGA. This advice will be provided to the Committee at its next meeting.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

20. There are no legal implications for Council associated with this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

21. The report recommends that Council endorse the payment of one grant to a total of $3,300 which is available from Council's Local Heritage Fund. The total remaining in the fund will be $17,064.

22. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council associated with this report.

	FY 20/21	FY 21/22	FY 22/23	FY 23/24
Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source	NA

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Funding Source	NA

Paul Kennedy

Project Officer Land Use

Robert Cologna

Acting Group Manager, City Planning

Paul Perrett

Chief Financial Officer

David Birds

Acting Executive Director, City Planning & Design

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Minutes of Meeting

7 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Governance Manager		Lord Mayor Clr Bob Dwyer	Chief Executive Officer

	Minute Clerk
Clr Phil Bradley				Clr Lorraine Wearne	Sound
Clr Sameer Pandey				Clr Andrew Wilson
				Clr Andrew Jefferies
Clr Dr Patricia Prociv				Clr Bill Tyrrell	IT
Clr Pierre Esber				Clr Benjamin Barrak
Clr Donna Davis				Clr Martin Zaiter
Clr Michelle Garrard, Deputy Lord Mayor				Clr Steven Issa

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Jan – June 2021	Group Managers, Executive Team	Involvement in draft DPOP, draft budget development	Drafts compiled	Corporate Strategy / Finance
27/4/2021– 25/5/2021	Various, via Public Exhibition	Summarised in Attachment 3	Summarised in Attachment 3	Corporate Strategy / Finance

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
4/3/2021	Finance Committee	Discussion on draft DPOP and Budget principles	Incorporated feedback into drafts	Corporate Strategy / Finance
1/4/2021	Finance Committee	Discussion on draft Budget	Incorporated feedback into drafts	Corporate Strategy / Finance
7/4/2021	Councillor Briefing	Discussion on draft DPOP and Budget	Drafts finalised	Corporate Strategy / Finance
27/5/2021	Finance Committee	Discussion of Exhibition Responses and Final Draft DPOP and Budget	Incorporated feedback into final drafts	Corporate Strategy / Finance
7/6/2021	Councillor Briefing	Discussion of Exhibition Responses and Final Draft DPOP and Budget	Final drafts finalised	Corporate Strategy / Finance

1 ⇩	Draft DPOP Parts 1-3: Introduction, Focus Areas & Service Measures, Budgets 2021/22	103 Pages
2 ⇩	Draft DPOP Part 4: Fees & Charges 2021/22	53 Pages
3 ⇩	Engagement Evaluation Report and Summary of Submissions	10 Pages
4 ⇩	Post-exhibition Changes to Focus Areas and Service Measures	7 Pages

1 ⇩	Letter from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces	2 Pages
2	Shortlist of DPIE Approved LPP Members (confidential)	1 Page
3	DPIE Approved LPP Expert List for City of Parramatta (confidential)	4 Pages
4 ⇩	Remuneration Ministerial Determination	1 Page


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