Late Items Agenda of Council - Monday, 27 September 2021

Council 27 September 2021 Item 8.1

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT Thanking the Parramatta Community

REFERENCE F2019/03630 - D08239325

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayor Minute is to recognise the ongoing outstanding response and inspiring efforts of community groups, organisations, and volunteers across the City of Parramatta to support our communities during the difficult Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council thank and congratulate the many community groups, organisations and volunteers detailed in this Lord Mayor Minute at Attachment 1 for their exceptional ongoing efforts to support the people of the City of Parramatta in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

(b) That Council note the support provided by these organisations has been across a wide range of areas, from provision of essential food and household items to activities reducing the impacts of social isolation.

(c) That Council note messages of thanks have been sent to these organisations recognising the integral role they play in our community and for the incredible resilience they have shown through these uncertain times, adapting their services when faced with new challenges.

(d) Further, That Council note this list of organisations is not exhaustive, and that there are many more in our City who have made contributions to support and keep this community well and safe.

BACKGROUND

1. The Covid-19 pandemic has continued to bring unprecedented challenges to our community, with outbreaks and lockdowns causing uncertainty in our City.

2. In response to these challenges, the efforts from community organisations and volunteer groups across all sectors of society has been extraordinary, as they have worked diligently to support the communities they work with.

3. It is vital that we acknowledge these contributions made right across the City of Parramatta. We’ve seen a huge local grass roots response, with community organisations and volunteers expanding, adapting, or initiating new services to meet the significant demand in our City.

4. From providing emergency food and essentials packs or supporting those facing family and domestic violence, to assisting community members in isolation, our community organisations are playing an essential role.

5. Over the last 18 months, I have had the opportunity to meet many of these service providers and hear about the many more who are working hard to deliver these services.

6. It has been inspiring to see the power of community, and the resilience and passion of these community groups in the face of difficult, and often uncertain circumstances. They have played a pivotal role in supporting our City through this crisis.

7. This Lord Mayor Minute thanks and congratulates these organisations and volunteers for their tremendous efforts in caring for the well-being and safety of our City and its residents.

8. This list, provided at Attachment 1, is not exhaustive, and does not contain every group or volunteer who is making a difference in our community. This Minute provides examples that we can celebrate, recognising the generosity and steadfast commitment that exists in our communities.

9. To all these organisations and individuals, and the many more we have not named, we say Thank You for supporting and uplifting our communities, and for your staggering efforts, resilience, and community spirit.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

10. There are no new financial implications for Council as a result of this Lord Mayor Minute.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Community organisations supporting the Parramatta Community

4 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Item 8.1 - Attachment 1

Community organisations supporting the Parramatta Community

Organisations supporting the City of Parramatta community

Organisation	Services Offered
1st North Rocks Scouts	Adapted programs to Covid-19 requirements to enable community participation, build resilience and reduce social isolation.
Australian Red Cross	Food and emergency relief for people seeking asylum
Bahajiya - Acts of Kindness - Dharamveer Yadav	Dharamveer Yadav and his wife prepare and distribute meals in Blacktown and Woolloomooloo via AOK - Acts of Kindness
Bill Crews Foundation	Meals service support during temporary closure of local service
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation	Transitioned existing services online and established new client wellbeing programs and services to provide aide throughout Covid-19.
Boronia Multicultural Services Incorporated	Workshops and wellbeing support programs.
Christian Community Aid Services Inc.	Provision of emergency food, care, and material aid packages.
City of Parramatta Art Society Inc.	Development of new online programs to re-engage arts and creative industry and reduce social isolation.
Communiteer	Online platform connecting skilled volunteers with not-for-profits and community organisations in need of assistance. Wellbeing programs to reduce social isolation.
Community Migrant Resource Centre	Provision of food and care packages.
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Parramatta / Cumberland Facebook Group	Online platform to organise and share resources and information to assist residents and connect neighbours, reducing social isolation
Cumberland Multicultural Community Services	E-vouchers, financial support, casework support
Cumberland Women's Health Centre	Mental health and wellbeing checks on regular service users. New outreach programs to reduce social isolation.
Dance Makers Collective	Development of wellbeing programs including guided meditations to reduce feelings of stress and social isolation. Development of new performance program to re-engage dance and creative industry.
Dharug Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation	Developing digital resources to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and reduce social isolation.
DIVERSITY ARTS AUSTRALIA	Artistic development programs for people with disabilities.
Down Syndrome Association of NSW Inc	Transitioned existing services online and established new online client wellbeing programs to build resilience and reduce social isolation.
Dundas Anglican Church	Mobile food pantry assisting Dundas, Dundas Valley and Telopea
Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre	Mental health and wellbeing checks on regular service users.
Evolve Housing (including Evolve Housing for Youth)	Accommodation and welfare support programs.
Fighting Chance Australia Ltd T/A Avenue Coworking	Transitioned existing services online and established new online client well-being programs. Provision of food, care, and material aid packages to clients.
Foodbank	Regular donation of pallets of food and personal care hampers
Good360	Donation of personal care items
Harris Park Community Centre	Provide support and assistance to the local community by offering information, advocacy, and appropriate referrals
Helping Homeless of Australia	Provision of emergency food, care and material aid packages plus welfare support programs
High Street Youth Health Service	Continuing in-person support services for vulnerable young people, food, and emergency relief.
Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc.	Employment training including upskill / re-skill programs for people impacted by Covid-19.
Hindu Council of Australia	Provision of food, care, and material aid packages.
Hope Connect Inc.	Material aid packages and free flu shot clinic Transitioned services online to provide aide throughout Covid-19.
Host International	Food and emergency relief for people seeking asylum
Hume Community Housing	Accommodation and community support programs
Indian Crisis and Support Agency	Transitioned existing services online and established new online client well-being programs. Provision of essential information and services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the Parramatta LGA
Jesuit Refugee Service	Provision of food, care, and material aid packages.
Karabi Neighbourhood Services	Provision of food, care, and material aid packages.
Kids With Cancer Foundation Australia Limited	Provision of food and care packages for families with children who have cancer.
Life Without Barriers	Food and emergency relief for people seeking asylum
Little India Australia incorporated	Food drives plus provision of food and care packages, delivery of a Covid-19 Helpline to provide crisis support.
Melrose Park Meal Share in partnership with Kick Start Cafe	Meal service for vulnerable community members.
Milk Crate Theatre	Theatre and script classes and performance for people experiencing homelessness.
Miracle Babies Foundation Ltd	Online wellbeing and support service for parents who have had a baby born prematurely or critically ill, online access to new resources and support workers for guidance and information and to support parents' mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association	Training and advocacy activities for people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
Nepalese Community in Sydney	Provision of essential information and services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the Parramatta LGA
OzHarvest	Food hamper hub in Granville and establishment/supply of Telopea Hamper Hub
Pari Inc.	Digital and practical training programs to upskill / re-skill people impacted by Covid-19.
Parramatta & District Historical Society	Development of new online services to reduce social isolation and create the ability to partner with schools to provide digital excursions and learning experiences.
Parramatta Clay and Arts Incorporated	Development of new online program to re-engage arts and creative industry, transition of existing services online.
Parramatta Computer Pals for Seniors Inc.	ICT training for seniors to reduce social isolation and enable participants to access services online.
Parramatta District Men's Shed Inc	Established ‘The Shed Wireless’, a new podcast to reach members at home, focused on improving men’s wellbeing and reducing social isolation
Parramatta Holroyd Family Support Inc.	Transitioned existing services online and established new client wellbeing programs and services to provide aide throughout Covid-19.
Parramatta Mission	Food and emergency relief, and accommodation support.
Parramatta Women's Shelter	Food and emergency relief, and accommodation support. Support for vulnerable children and young people including 'at home' learning support.
Parramatta-Cumberland Women's Domestic and Family Violence Court Advocacy Service	provision of Court support services to women experiencing Domestic and family violence -- they effectively met an extraordinary increase in demand while dealing with social distancing and changing court procedures.
Pathways Community Care Inc	Regular provision of meals for vulnerable community members. Additional meals service support during temporary closure of local service
Rapid Relief Team	Food box delivery in partnership with Service NSW
Relationships Australia (NSW) Limited	Individual and family counselling services, and connections to professional mental health services.
Rydalmere Public School (Community Hub)	Social and material support provided to local families - focus on newly arrived families
Sathya Sai Organisation	Regular provision of meals for vulnerable community members - volunteer service
Settlement Services International	Food and material relief, and training and opportunities.
SHINE for Kids Co-op Ltd	Workshops and wellbeing support for children with a parent in correctional facility.
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Sydney Centre	Regular provision of meals for vulnerable community members - volunteer service
Society for Immortal Research	Regular provision of meals for vulnerable community members. Additional meals service support during temporary closure of local service
St Francis Social Services (t/a The House of Welcome)	Food and material relief.
St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church	Regular provision of meals for vulnerable community members. Additional meals service support during temporary closure of local service
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW	Emergency relief services and support.
Stitch Community Limited	Delivery of virtual activities including interest groups and wellbeing programs to reduce social isolation for seniors.
StreetMed Inc.	Regular provision of meals for vulnerable community members. Additional meals service support during temporary closure of local service
Tamil Resource Centre	Provision of food and care packages.
Taste Cultural Food Tours Inc.	Development of new program to provide local food tours to support local restaurants and cafes.
The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre	Provision of material aid, and access to household goods, to homeless and vulnerable community members.
The Deaf Society	Advocacy, training, and support services for the deaf community.
The Movement Sydney (Kim Ross)	Collecting and dispersing food donations to people mainly in Dundas Valley and Telopea
The Northcott Society	Wellbeing support programs.
The Reconnect Project	Provision of material aid and ICT equipment to support vulnerable community members and help them to become digitally connected, reducing social isolation and enable remote access to services.
The Salvation Army Western Sydney	Emergency relief services and support.
Thelma Brown Cottage	Accommodation and support services to women and children experiencing homelessness, including online casework and programs
Turbans 4 Australia, Inc.	Provision of food, care, and material aid packages.
UCA - Parramatta Mission	Food and emergency relief, and accommodation support.
Uniting Vic Tas	Financial aid program and energy bill support program.
WestWords	Transitioned services online to provide aide throughout Covid-19.
Y NSW	Digital and practical training programs to upskill / re-skill people impacted by Covid-19.

Council 27 September 2021 Item 8.2

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT End of Lord Mayoral Term Report

REFERENCE F2019/03630 - D08239465

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayor Minute is to thank the Chamber for its dedication and leadership, and the community for their support during my time as Lord Mayor and note some of the key achievements and milestones of Council during this period.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council note I thank the Chamber, the community, Council staff, and my family for their support during my term as Lord Mayor; and

(b) Further, that the Chamber note the significant achievements and milestones of Council during this period, some of which are outlined in this Minute.

BACKGROUND

1. I have been honoured to serve as Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta for the past two years, and I would like to thank my colleagues for placing their confidence in me.

2. I am immensely proud to have played a part in the ongoing transformation of our City, particularly in a time where we experienced one of the toughest periods our community has ever faced as we keenly felt the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. Firstly, I would like to thank the people of the City of Parramatta. Our City is filled with ambitious, tenacious, and compassionate people, and it has been my pleasure to serve as their Lord Mayor.

4. I also thank Council’s tremendous staff, who have supported me through this time, and who continue to work hard to deliver exceptional services, programs, and projects for the people of Parramatta.

5. They have faced new and unique challenges over the last two years and have done an extraordinary job delivering Council’s services in uncertain times, while continuing to harness the growth of our City for the benefit of our communities.

6. A special thank you to the CEO, Executive Team and the staff of the Lord Mayor and Councillor Support office, for their advice, professionalism, and support throughout this time.

7. To the Deputy Lord Mayor and my fellow Councillors, thank you all for your commitment to our City and its people. Over the last two years we have faced many challenges and tough decisions in this Chamber, and we have not always seen eye to eye, but we have always served with the community’s best interests at heart, and I thank you for that.

8. Finally, I would like to thank my family, my wife Jenny, our children, and grandchildren, for their encouragement and support, not just in my time as Lord Mayor but throughout all my time as a Councillor. Without their backing, I would not have had the opportunity to serve as a Councillor or Lord Mayor and for this I am grateful.

9. It is also my pleasure to note some of the key achievements and milestones marked by Council during my time as Lord Mayor, which include:

Covid-19 Relief and Recovery

Council responded to the pandemic with our Covid-19 Relief and Recovery Package to support jobs and businesses, protect rate payers, accelerate shovel-ready projects, and ensure our City recovers as quickly as possible. Our complementary package of measures prioritised the health and wellbeing of our community and our staff, offering a combination of financial assistance, improved trading conditions, and equitable access to online services.

It also included opening Council facilities to community organisations that provided essential services, such as food banks, as well as offering services, programs, and resources online.

AT Parramatta City Brand

Council launched its dynamic new brand for Parramatta to boost investment, drive growth and increase visitation to Sydney’s Central River City. The new ‘Where it’s AT’ brand and marketing strategy positions Parramatta as the destination of choice for residents, visitors, and businesses.

To ensure our cultural life continued to thrive, Council also introduced the ‘HOME AT Parramatta’ online platform and produced digital festivals and programming, including WARAMI Live, Make Music Day and the Riverside Theatres Digital series. These allowed residents and visitors’ access to premium entertainment and diverse cultural experiences from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Council also continued to deliver world-class events, online and in person in line with public health advice, including transforming multiple outdoor spaces across the Parramatta CBD for Parramatta Nights, which featured a jam-packed program of live music acts, an open-air cinema, outdoor roller-skating rink, and carnival rides.

Parramatta Square

Council’s long-term vision for a flagship community, cultural and civic building in the Parramatta CBD is coming to life as construction of 5 Parramatta Square commenced. Parramatta Square will also be home to two new iconic public artworks, A Place of Eels and Where Eels Lie Down. These striking pieces will tell the story of Parramatta, from our Indigenous foundations to our sporting culture, and will become iconic landmarks of this great City at the heart of Australia’s largest urban regeneration project.

Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Construction on Parramatta’s new $88.6 million aquatic and leisure centre is officially underway following the appointment of construction firm Lipman for the state-of-the-art community facility. This will be a place the people of Parramatta and Greater Sydney can enjoy for many years to come.

Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal

City of Parramatta’s bold vision to grow the shape and size of its CBD is closer to becoming a reality after Council endorsed an ambitious plan to revitalise the Central River City. First proposed in 2013, the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal will see the boundaries of the Parramatta CBD expanded and the heights of buildings soar to cater for the estimated 46,000 new jobs and 14,000 new dwellings over the next 40 years. As the centre for global Sydney and beating heart of Western Sydney, Parramatta must continue to evolve into a world-class metropolis while maintaining its unique identify and preserving all-important cultural and public spaces for generations to come.

Prioritisation Assessment Program

Council led the way with the launch of its new Prioritisation Assessment Program to help fast-track the City’s shovel-ready projects and stimulate NSW’s economy as it recovers from the Covid-19 crisis. As one of the first to be rolled out across NSW, the program focuses of redeploying Council assessment resources to progressing a small number of qualifying development applications and planning proposals to help bring forward key projects that are ready to commence and create investment certainty and confidence in the local economy.

Vision for Riverside Theatres

Council is driving forward its ambitious redevelopment of the iconic Riverside Theatres, furthering its transformation and growth as a hub of performance excellence that attracts talent and investment, after Council approved the next steps to progress its new concept proposal. The Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Concept Proposal outlines Council’s vision for a major upgrade and significant expansion of Riverside Theatres, which includes new venues and increased capacity at the existing site.

New Strategic Alliances

Council launched two new strategic alliances to bring together some of our most influential stakeholders to collaborate and deliver unique opportunities for our City. The ground-breaking EducateAT Parramatta Alliance unites top universities that have a presence in Parramatta to advocate for, and attract talent to, our City and make the centre of global Sydney a thriving hub of academic excellence and vocational training. Through the Parramatta Square Precinct Alliance, Council will work with the precinct’s landowners and tenants to ensure Parramatta Square’s public domain is a welcoming, safe, and seamless space.

Wentworth Point Community Centre & Library

The highly anticipated Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library opened its doors to the public in late 2019. Comprising a state-of-the-art library, co-working space, study and music rooms, dance studio and more, it is a vibrant and inclusive community space where visitors can read, learn, work, and create together. The team at WPCCL have also continued to be a pillar of the community throughout Covid-19 lockdowns, with live and recorded story-time sessions, virtual exhibitions and more helping to keep our community connected through restrictions.

Parramatta as a 24-Hour City

Following the endorsement of our Night City Framework, Council has taken the next step towards becoming a thriving 24-hour destination with the launch of our Night Time Economy Activation grants to increase our night-time offerings and help lead the City’s economic recovery from Covid-19, and our live music trial to revolutionise Parramatta’s outdoor dining scene. We also welcomed the announcement of the NSW Government’s first 24-hour Economy Commissioner and look forward to working with the State Government as they implement their 24-Hour Economy Strategy and the benefits this will bring for our City and night-time offerings.

City of Parramatta honoured as Australia’s ‘leading Smart City’

Council took out the coveted ‘Leadership City’ category for 2020 at the third annual Smart Cities Awards, following the rollout out of a host of innovative projects and technological solutions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award stemmed from four initiatives delivered by Council, all of which were finalists across two categories:

· Smart Planning at Melrose Park. This project – funded by the Federal Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, in partnership with PAYCE and UTS – involved the installation of a network of environmental sensors to help improve the area’s liveability in the long term and inform future planning.

· Parramatta CBD Parking Finder, which was enhanced in 2020 with real-time updates on business operating hours, services, and special offers in response to Covid-19.

· Australia’s first automated real-time flash flood warning system, FloodSmart.

· Australia’s first interactive digital storytelling box, Storybox, in Parramatta Square, led by ESEM Projects in collaboration with ABC Content Ideas Lab.

Phillip Street Smart Street

The transformation of one of Parramatta CBD’s main thoroughfares into a street of the future is one step closer to reality. Phillip Street, which links Parramatta Wharf to Eat Street and the Justice Precinct, is undergoing a two-stage revamp. Construction on the $4.3 million first stage – including the widening of the footpath on the southern side of Phillip Street between Church and Smith streets to accommodate outdoor dining, as well as the installation of ‘Smart City’ elements and an urban forest of mature trees – is almost complete.

Parramatta Legal and Justice Precinct

Council unveiled our innovative proposal to expand the Justice Precinct in the Parramatta CBD, which would bring more than 2,200 legal jobs to the City and boost the local economy by $350 million a year. Under the proposal the expanded precinct would include a permanent Supreme Court circuit, a new law school, and a legal start-up hub to encourage new ideas in the delivery of legal services. Top law firms, universities and business groups have joined Council’s bold bid to transform the Parramatta CBD into one of Australia’s key legal hubs with the inaugural meetings of the Legal and Justice Precinct Coalition taking place recently.

Escarpment Boardwalk

The Escarpment Boardwalk is now officially open to the public, connecting Parramatta Park to Melrose Park and Sydney Olympic Park via a completely off-road walking and cycling path along the Parramatta River. Co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, this $18 million project is the final link in the popular Parramatta Valley Cycleway. With this new connection, the community can now enjoy more than 20km of off-road paths on both sides of the Parramatta River. The boardwalk is part of the multimillion-dollar transformation of Parramatta Quay – the river gateway to Sydney’s Central City. This includes the redevelopment of Charles Street Square, the area adjacent to the wharf, which saw early works take place in March 2021 and will have an improved riverfront walk, new garden terrace, and an amphitheatre with views over the Quay.

Boronia Grove Community Centre

The much-awaited Boronia Grove Community Centre is complete in the heart of Epping. Made possible with the help of the NSW Stronger Communities Fund, this two-storey facility has five meeting rooms for the community to hire and an arts room. Two adjoining meeting rooms can be booked for bigger events, such as birthday parties or small conferences. The facility adds yet more vibrancy to Epping and will soon include a new café.

Rydalmere Park

A new state-of-the-art synthetic sports field at Rydalmere Park was unveiled following completion of stage one of the ground’s multimillion-dollar overhaul. Improvements to the northern sporting field include new synthetic turf and wider playing field, a synthetic warm up area, new lighting, fencing, and spectator seating. The new pitch, which can be used seven days a week all year round, will provide more capacity and accommodate the increasing demands of Parramatta’s rapidly growing population.

Parramatta Foundations Mini-Documentary Series

Council commemorated Foundation Day online in 2020 with the premiere of a five-piece mini-documentary series called Parramatta Foundations. The series takes viewers on a journey of discovery through our rich Indigenous and colonial history and unearths our City’s history and heritage through a range of local stories about pandemics, legends, food, buildings and more.

New life for Parramatta’s historical treasures

Parramatta artefacts dating back to the First Fleet were digitised with 3D technology and showcased online as part of Council’s new partnership with Macquarie University. From a rusted axe found at the site of two convict huts to a clay cup traced back to 1790, more than 30 items from the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre’s cultural collection can now be seen by a global audience for the first time. The partnership is a great example of a win-win partnership between higher education and government.

Virtual Tour of Parramatta

Council created an interactive 360-degree self-guided virtual tour of Parramatta to bring the City to the world. The virtual tour offers a bird’s-eye view of Parramatta’s significant cultural heritage sites. Visitors can also explore the interiors of heritage properties including Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage, Old Government House, Whitlam Institute, and Newington Armory.

Heart of Play

Council adopted the Heart of Play Master Plan which will provide the blueprint for a 30-hectare outdoor sporting and recreation network in North Parramatta to serve as the local community’s ‘shared background’. The master planned areas consider current and future uses of seven parks and reserves connected via pedestrian and cycleway links to create a welcoming and improved open space in a rapidly growing part of the City.

John Wearn Reserve Carlingford

Families from Parramatta and beyond have been enjoying the safari-themed playground at John Wearn Reserve in Carlingford as part of the $5.2 million refurbishment of the park. The Reserve upgrade also features a dog park, amenities block, carpark, skate park, fitness station, multi-use court, barbecue facilities, picnic shelters and a stage with amphitheatre seating. The revamped John Wearn Reserve is a space our community can be proud of.

Local Upgrades

Our community has new spaces to play and enjoy the outdoors with new playgrounds delivered across the local government area (LGA) including at Goodin Road, Winston Hills; Gallery Gardens, Old Toongabbie; Max Ruddock Reserve, North Rocks; and Pierre de Coubertin Park, Newington. Binalong Park Tennis Facility enjoyed a facelift with repainted markings, a refurbished tennis building, and new picnic shelters and tables, while Edwin Ross Reserve, Carlingford has transformed into a new play space for residents and students. The improvements include a nature-themed playground, an area to play Newcombe ball, picnic shelter, and informal kick-about space.

Local neighbourhood centres were also upgraded across the LGA, including Chisholm Centre, Winston Hills; which included upgraded solar-powered street lighting, an improved streetscape, new furniture, accessible car spaces and access ramp, bike ramps and native landscaping, complete with a bird bath. Constitution Hill shops received an upgrade as part of the Better Neighbourhoods Program, with the works including new bench seating, garden beds, mature trees, centre signage and car parking bollards.

Winston Hills commuter car park

Work is progressing on the much-needed commuter car park on Junction Road, Winston Hills. Once complete, the new car park will provide more than 100 much-needed car parking spaces for people who use the bus services along the M2 Motorway. Council worked with Transport for NSW and The Hills Shire Council to get this project off the ground and deliver the upgrade on this busy stretch of road.

Alfred Street Bridge

Australia’s first true diagonal arch bridge is one step closer to becoming a reality with Council securing a multimillion-dollar funding contribution from the NSW Government to construct the impressive new pedestrian and cyclist connection. The 190-metre-long Alfred Street Bridge will provide the City’s growing number of residents, workers, students, and visitors a safe, convenient, and scenic walking and cycling link across the Parramatta River.

Council’s new home

Council will soon have a new administrative headquarters following the recent purchase of an office building in the heart of the growing Parramatta CBD. Strategically located near Parramatta Square and the soon-to-come Parramatta Light Rail route, the seven-storey building at 9 Wentworth Street will be home to Council’s corporate services, Customer Contact Centre, and Councillor and Lord Mayor’s offices. The acquisition is seen as strategic investment in the future of the community and the delivery of Council services and allows Council to eliminate its existing rental obligations and take advantage of the capital appreciation that will come with owning our own building.

Advocacy

Council continually advocated for additional support from the State and Federal governments, including for businesses that have been heavily impacted by the lockdowns brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes Council advocating for recovery packages and improved trading conditions that will provide a much-needed boost for businesses and the economy in the wake of Covid-19. Over the past 18 months, Council has also provided support for several Covid-19 testing sites including through traffic management and providing Council open space locations.

Westmead continues to transform, with the NSW Government announcing a partnership with the University of Sydney to establish a multidisciplinary campus in Westmead, with Council calling on the State Government for a new ‘Precinct Deal’ to ensure the health and innovation hub reaches its full potential. Council is ready to work with our key stakeholders to help us realise our long-standing vision for Westmead as a world-leading innovation, health, and education centre.

Council continued to advocate for improved infrastructure and transport services for our City, including major infrastructure projects Sydney Metro West and Parramatta Light Rail. With Light Rail works well underway, we have advocated heavily to the NSW Government to address and minimise the impacts of construction on the City. Council also welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in planning for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2. Council also successfully advocated for the retention of direct ferry services between Parramatta and Circular Quay.

Council also continues to advocate for the renewal of the Camellia Precinct as a key jobs, housing, and transport hub to support the rapid growth of the Parramatta region.

Council also welcomed the NSW Government’s appointment of construction giant Lendlease to build the Powerhouse Parramatta. As the centre of global Sydney, Parramatta has long awaited an iconic cultural institution that will educate and inspire the people of Western Sydney and beyond for generations to come.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

10. There are no new financial implications for Council as a result of this Lord Mayor Minute.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Dwyer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 27 September 2021 Item 9.1

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.1

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM 1: Item 17.2 - Planning Proposal and associated process - 355 & 377 Church Street, Parramatta

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08240359

FROM Alison Brown, NSW Planning Manager, Stockland

Background to Planning Proposal

Stockland is working with McDonald’s to deliver a high quality mixed use development at 355-375 Church Street, Parramatta. As Councillors may be aware, there is a long planning history on the site.

An initial DA submitted by McDonald’s and supported by Council in 2015, included a drive-through and at grade car parking. This DA was deferred by the Regional Planning Panel with feedback that the proposal did not maximise the site potential. Specifically, that it was a “lost opportunity to present a major architectural feature on this significant site substantial amendment is required to create a building of more appropriate scale and city character in this very significant location of Parramatta”.

McDonald’s withdrew the DA, and subsequently entered into a JV with Stockland in 2017 to deliver a scheme that would maximise the sites potential in accordance with the Panel’s feedback and the CBD Planning Strategy. Since then Stockland and McDonald’s have worked extensively with Council and other authorities to deliver a satisfactory Planning Proposal. Lodged in 2018, the Planning Proposal was finally supported by Council in July 2020.

After receiving the support of full Council in July 2020, we have dealt with some hurdles put up by the Department of Planning. Firstly, the Gateway Determination issued in September 2020 sought to further restrict the number of parking spaces contrary to Council’s resolution, however this was overturned by the Independent Planning Commission. Eight months later, the Gateway Determination was amended. We were then instructed by the Department to refine the Planning Proposal, to remove those elements which will duplicate the CBD Planning Proposal, and lodge as a fresh application. We were concerned about this backward step, but given no choice. This has resulted in the need to report the matter to Council again today.

This has been a long process starting from the feedback received in 2015 that the site is capable of great things. We have fully cooperated with consent authorities in order to achieve an outcome that is acceptable to all stakeholders including the landowner, McDonald’s.

McDonald’s Key Requirements

Stockland wishes to realise the shared goal of achieving a high quality mixed use development on this strategic site. However in order to proceed with the development we must meet the minimum requirements of McDonald’s.

The present McDonald’s restaurant and take away operation is supported by a dual drive-through facility and approximately 60 at-grade parking spaces. The site also benefits from a high level of visibility and accessibility, with multiple entries and unrestricted operation (entry/exit) from both Victoria Road and Ross Street. McDonald’s presence at the site for 42 years means that they own the site outright and are under no commercial pressure from their business to redevelop the land in the foreseeable future

McDonald’s overriding objective in any redevelopment is to continue to operate a successful restaurant on the site. This has informed our conversations with Council over the past 4 years as we worked through the planning and design issues, and the concept was endorsed by Council in July 2021.

McDonald’s requirements to support the ongoing operation include the following of relevance:

· Maintain a drive thru facility,

· Provide convenient access to the drive through, and

· Provide adequate customer car parking.

If McDonald's cannot achieve these fundamental requirements, they will not proceed with a redevelopment. Parking and Access

Currently, there are 60 McDonalds parking spaces. This will reduce to 30 spaces following development.

In terms of access arrangements at Victoria Road, there is currently free movement of traffic, with turning movements permitted freely in both left and right directions, and both into and out of the site. Traffic may also enter from Ross Street.

This will change significantly following development.

· In terms of entry from Victoria Road, movements into the site will be restricted to left in only. This will prevent any impact whatsoever on the Church Street intersection, or the light rail corridor, as only eastbound traffic approaching from the west can enter the site.

· In terms of exit movements, no cars will be permitted to exit the site onto Victoria Road at all. Instead, all exits will be to Ross Street.

· Ross Street access will be upgraded to permit both entry and exit movements.

The above approach is supported by traffic modelling.

McDonald’s Compromises

As noted above, there are three key changes to the current access and parking arrangements that McDonald’s has agreed to:

· Firstly, a halving of customer car parking numbers.

· Secondly, left turn only movements into the site from Victoria Road

· Thirdly, all exit movements onto Ross Street.

Each of these changes represents a compromise by McDonald’s, as they will result in a reduction in convenience for customers. As such, McDonald’s cannot accept any further restrictions on their access arrangements compared to the existing. Any proposal to further restrict access or egress arrangements will result in the project being abandoned. Instead McDonald’s has indicated that it would simply maintain the status quo, preferring to maintain a large car park and highly flexible vehicle movements.

Recommendation

We endorse the Recommendation in the business paper. In order to ensure that the access arrangements are thoroughly interrogated going forward, we would accept an amendment to recommendation (f) to require that the DCP address the following (added text in red):

Recommendation (f)…

3 Resolving traffic issues (including justifying the location for vehicular access, sightlines, vehicle queueing, pedestrian safety and minimising any impact of the development on Parramatta Light Rail and the surrounding road network, including restricting turning right from Victoria Road into the site);

Conclusion

We thank you for the opportunity to present our submission.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CITY PLANNING AND DESIGN

No staff response required.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 27 September 2021 Item 12.8

FAIR

ITEM NUMBER 12.8

SUBJECT SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT FOR APPROVAL: Proposed extension of current COVID Relief Package

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08241869

REPORT OF Acting Senior Project Officer

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

To propose an extension to 31 December 2021 of the COVID Relief Package endorsed on 26 July 2021.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the extension of ten action items (1(c) i.-x.) previously endorsed on the 26 July 2021, for a further three months until 31 December 2021:

i. (F1) Waiver of interest on late rate payments - The Council will waive interest on late payments for Council rates, where ratepayers satisfy the hardship criteria (as set out in the Rates Hardship Policy).

ii. (F2) Payment Plans for Late Rate Payments - The Council will put in place payment plans for late payments for Council Rates, where ratepayers are suffering financial hardship and satisfy the hardship criteria (as set out in the Rates Hardship Policy).

iii. (F3) 7-day Payment of Goods – The Council will reintroduce 7-day payment processing periods for local small and medium suppliers of goods.

iv. (F5(a)) Waiver of License and Hire Fees - The Council will waive pre-paid and ongoing licence and hire fees for outdoor dining, food stalls, temporary premises, and non-commercial advertising.

v. (F5(b)) Waiver of License and Hire Fees – The Council will waive pre-paid and ongoing licence and hire fees for community halls, parks, and community venues.

vi. (F5(c)) Waiver of Outdoor Dining Fees - License and Approvals – The Council will waive the licence and approval fees for outdoor dining licences across the LGA, including Parramatta Square.

vii. (F6) On Street Parking – The Council will put in place a range of measures to provide grace periods and cautions for time limited on street parking spaces; however, Council will continue to enforce illegal parking to ensure public safety and turnover for short stay parking to support local businesses. Council will also reduce and change time limits in a number of local on street parking locations to facilitate takeaway services, support local business and hospital staff. These measures will remain in place until occupancy reaches 80% of 2019’s vehicle volumes or at Councils discretion.

viii. (F7a) Waiver of Rents – The Council will waive all rents for Council owned assets which are occupied by community groups, essential services and not for profit organisations.

ix. (F7b) Waiver of Rents – Affordable Housing Dwellings - The Council will provide rent relief for tenants of City of Parramatta Council’s Affordable Housing Dwellings, if tenants qualify for financial hardship and a request is made for rent reduction.

x. (H3) Evening Lighting Trial of Council’s sportsgrounds - That Council implement a park night lighting trial across the entire Local Government Area.

(b) Further, that Council notes the State Government’s intention to provide $250,000 to Council to contribute to on-the-ground emergency relief efforts in relation to the impacts of COVID-19, and resolves that to meet required timeframes, expenditure of these funds will occur in one of the following ways:

i. Through existing procurement policy and financial delegations; and/or

ii. Via delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to award ad-hoc grants, under the Community Capacity Building category of the Community Grants program, where grants are directly related to emergency relief provision as a result of lockdown restrictions.

BACKGROUND

1. On Monday 26 July 2021, Council resolved (in summary) to:

Note the progress of the COVID-19 Community Resilience and Economic relief Package initially adopted 7 April 2020 (revised and adapted by Council resolution on the 9 June 2020, 13 July 2020, 12 October 2020, and 30 November 2020).

Note the update on current business and community support from the State and Commonwealth Government.

Approve the reinstatement of ten Action Items from the former Relief package, for a period of 3 months (backdated to commence from Saturday 26 June 2021).

Approve a Waiver of licence and approval fees for outdoor dining fees within the Parramatta Light Rail (PLR) Corridor) for period of six months (also from Saturday 26 June 2021).

Approve from Monday 19 July 2021 (until such time as the Commonwealth Government support of this measure ceased) the waiver of Child Care Gap-Fees for parents/carers on days they choose to keep their children at home due to stay-at-home orders.

2. The majority of proposed measures were approved until 26 September 2021 (for three months). One action was reinstated for six months and another implemented until Commonwealth Government support ceases.

3. With the initial (two-week) stay-at-home order in its third month, the impacts on the community and economy remain, through the shutdown of businesses, programs, services and facilities.

4. Stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are proposed to be relaxed as NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target (under the roadmap to freedom released 9 September 2021). The roadmap to freedom is not contingent on dates but on vaccination levels.

5. Council staff will provide an update Covid report to Council in late October 2021 if measures need to be further reviewed prior to Council’s caretaker period.

6. The following ten actions are recommended to be extended to 31 December 2021:

Action Number	Title	Description
F1	Waiver of interest on late rate payments	The Council will waive interest on late payments for Council Rates, where ratepayers satisfy the hardship criteria (as set out in the Rates Hardship Policy).
F2	Payment Plans for financial difficulties	The Council will put in place payment plans for late payments for Council Rates, where ratepayers are suffering financial hardship and satisfy the hardship criteria (as set out in the Rates Hardship Policy).
F3	7 Day Payment of Goods	The Council will reintroduce 7-day payment processing periods for local small and medium suppliers of goods.
F5(a)	Waiver of License and Hire Fees -Outdoor dining, food stalls, temporary premises, and non- commercial advertising	The Council will waive pre-paid and ongoing licence and hire fees for outdoor dining licenses, food stalls, temporary premises, and advertising.
F5(b)	Waiver of License and Hire Fees – Community halls, parks, and community venues	The Council will waive pre-paid and ongoing licence and hire fees for community halls, parks, and community venues.
F5(c)	Waiver of Outdoor Dining Fees- Licence and Approvals (Outside Parramatta Light Rail (PLR) Corridor)	The Council will waive the licence and approval fees for outdoor dining licences outside of the PLR corridor.
F6	On Street Parking	The Council will put in place a range of measures to provide grace periods and cautions for time-limited on street parking spaces; however, Council will continue to enforce illegal parking to ensure public safety and turnover for short stay parking to support local businesses. Council will also reduce and change time limits in a number of local on street parking locations to facilitate takeaway services, support local business and hospital staff. The revised COVID-19 Timed Parking Strategy (Extended Grace Period from 10 minutes to 1 hour and 2 cautions prior to a PIN issued on the 3rd occasion) will be implemented. Additional arrangements with NSW Health may include health staff working in Westmead. Normal Parking monitoring and enforcement will return once the parking occupancy rate reaches 80% or at Council’s discretion. This will be monitored and compared against 2019’s Mark Mode Vehicle volumes in Timed Parking Zones in the Parramatta CBD.
F7(a)	Waiver of Rents	The Council will waive all rents for Council owned assets which are occupied by community groups, essential services and not for profit organisations.
F7(b)	Waiver of Rents – Affordable Housing Dwellings	The Council will provide rent relief for tenants of City of Parramatta Council’s Affordable Housing Dwellings, if tenants qualify for financial hardship and a request is made for rent reduction.
H3	Evening Lighting Trial of Council’s sportsgrounds	That Council implement a sports ground night lighting trial across the Local Government Area.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
May – June 2020	Council Staff	All actions were developed with staff and management input.	Council’s Covid-19 related actions reflect staff and management input, both via individual consultation and the Crisis Management Team	City Strategy Unit
August – September 2020	Council Staff	All COVID-19 actions were developed with staff and management input	Council’s COVID-19 related actions reflect staff and management input, both via individual consultation and the Crisis Management Team	City Strategy Unit
September 2020	Council Staff	All Live Music Pilot Program actions were developed with staff and management input	Live Music Pilot Program related actions reflect staff and management input, both via individual consultation and the Crisis Management Team	City Strategy Unit
September 2020	Adjoining Business Owners to Phillip Lane Activation Project	Financial relief through COVID-19	-In line with Project Scope -Supports initiative	Bruce Mills
October 2020	Place Services	In line with other Council & State Government initiatives	-Cohesive Government to Government approach -Supports initiative	Bruce Mills
October 2020	Property Security and Assets	In line with other Council & State Government initiatives	-Cohesive Government to Government approach -Supports initiative - Reduction of budgeted income noted	Bindy Begg, Michael Leckey and Bryan Hynes
October – November 2020	Council Staff	All COVID-19 actions were developed with staff and management input	Council’s COVID-19 related actions reflect staff and management input, both via individual consultation and the Crisis Management Team	City Strategy Unit
July 2021	Council Staff	Updates on progress of the 2020 relief package as well as costing estimates for proposed actions to reinstate developed with staff and management input.	Council’s COVID-19 related actions reflect staff and management input	City Strategy Unit

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
13 July 2020	All Councillors	Councillors endorsed a report to be provided to the September Council meeting to further consider fee waivers	In addition to October 2020 Council Report, fee waivers also presented as part of this November Council Report	City Strategy
August 2020	All Councillors	Briefing Note provided to Councillors for their information on progress made related to Council’s COVID-19 package throughout August	Briefing note provided to Councillors for information	City Strategy
September 2020	Lord Mayor	Executive Director City Planning and Development provided briefing to Lord Mayor on action R2 – Supporting Development	Lord Mayor briefed on action R2 – Supporting Development	City Planning
September 2021	All Councillors	Briefing note provided to Councillors for their information on the Evening Lighting Trial of Council’s sportsgrounds during the COVID lockdown period.	Briefing note recommended to trial lighting 22 sportsgrounds from the 29 practically available from Monday to Friday between the hours of 5:30-8:30pm.	Social and Community Services

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

10. The financial implications resulting from the proposed extension to ten previously endorsed COVID-19 Relief Package actions, for the period of 26 June 2021 to 31 December 2021, unless otherwise stated, and assuming 100% waiver rates, are estimated to be as follows:

Item number	Action	Financial implications (three-month estimate)
i.	(F1) Waiver of interest on late rate payments – The Council will continue to waive the interest on late payments for Council rates, where ratepayers satisfy the hardship criteria (as set out in the Rates Hardship Policy). To date no interest has been generated.	$125,000 loss on budgeted income
ii.	(F2) Payment Plans for Late Rate Payments – The Council will put in place payment plans for late payments of Council rates, where ratepayers are suffering financial hardship and satisfy the hardship criteria (as set out in the Rates Hardship Policy).	No impact to operating budget. Will have a cashflow impact.
iii.	(F3) 7-day Payment of Goods – The Council will reintroduce 7-day payment processing periods for local small and medium suppliers of goods.	No impact to operating budget. Will have a cashflow impact.
iv.	(F5(a)) Waiver of License and Hire Fees – The Council will waive pre-paid and ongoing licence and hire fees for outdoor dining, food stalls, temporary premises, and non-commercial advertising	$60,000 loss in income.
v.	(F5(b)) Waiver of License and Hire Fees –The Council will wave pre-paid and ongoing licence and hire fees for community halls, parks, and community venues. Due to the closure of facilities (as a result of lockdown) there is currently no revenue from hiring of facilities and the level of hire activity is not easy to predict at this stage.	$228,000 loss in income.
vi.	(F5(c)) Waiver of Outdoor Dining Fees – License and approvals (outside PLR) - The Council will waive the licence and approval fees for outdoor dining licences outside of the PLR corridor.	$35,000 loss in income.
vii.	(F6) On Street Parking – The Council will put in place a range of measures to provide grace periods and cautions for time-limited on street parking spaces; however, Council will continue to enforce illegal parking to ensure public safety and turnover for short stay parking to support local businesses. Council will also reduce and change time limits in a number of local on street parking locations to facilitate takeaway services, support local business and hospital staff. These measures will remain in place until occupancy reaches 80% of 2019’s vehicle volumes or at Councils discretion.	$1.7M loss in income.
viii.	(F7a) Waiver of Rents – The Council will waive all rents for Council owned assets which are occupied by community groups, essential services and not for profit organisations.	$102,000 loss in income.
ix.	(F7b) Waiver of Rents – Affordable Housing Dwellings - The Council will provide rent relief for tenants of City of Parramatta Council’s Affordable Housing Dwellings if tenants qualify for financial hardship and a request is made for rent reduction. No known rent relief has been requested to date by affordable housing tenants.	$34,000 loss in income.
x.	(H3) Evening Lighting Trial of Council’s sportsgrounds - That Council implement a park night lighting trial across the entire Local Government Area.	$40,000 cost
Subtotal of the proposed 3 month extension of the above actions.		$2.9M maximum loss in income.
Total for the proposed 3-month extension of the above actions and the COVID-19 Relief Package endorsed 26 July 2021.		$5.8M maximum loss in income

Caitlin Carpenter

Acting Senior Project Officer

Geoff King

Group Manager City Strategy

Richard Sheridan

Chief Financial Officer

Jon Greig

Executive Director Community Services

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 27 September 2021 Item 15.1

WELCOMING

ITEM NUMBER 15.1

SUBJECT SUPPLEMENTARY LATE REPORT FOR APPROVAL: Citizen of the Year Awards Policy

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08023479

REPORT OF City Events & Festivals Manager

PURPOSE:

To seek approval to formalise the City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Awards Policy (formally Terms of Reference).

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That it be noted that the Citizen of the Year Awards is currently administered by a Terms of Reference.

(b) Further that, Council approve the City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Awards Policy which will supersede the previous Terms of Reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Each year, the National Australia Day Council delivers the Australia Day Awards program. This prestigious national program recognises the high achievement and contribution of eminent Australians and leading citizens. The program culminates in the announcement of the national Australia Day Award recipients in Canberra on Australia Day Eve typically presented by the Prime Minister of Australia.

2. The local Citizen of the Year Awards are administered by local government authorities throughout the country, with the Australia Day Council of New South Wales providing support locally. The Australia Day Council provides program support through certificates for presentation and delivery outline. Through this program, local Councils are provided with the opportunity to be appointed an Australia Day Ambassador who can attend when Citizen of the Year Awards are presented.

3. The City of Parramatta has participated in the Australia Day Awards program since their inception as they provide the opportunity to recognise and honour the high achievement and contribution of outstanding local citizens to the City.

4. The City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Awards recognise outstanding achievement and excellence in the local community and highlights the importance of service to the Australian nation. Being nominated for a local Citizen of the Year Award is a great honour and is an opportunity for local residents to pay tribute to neighbours, friends or colleagues who make them proud to be an Australian.

5. The City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Awards are part of Council’s broader Australia Day program, with awards to be presented on or around Australia Day each year.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

6. Previously, the Citizen of the Year Awards program was administered according to a Terms of Reference. Formalising this program into a policy provides stronger governance and structure for this program.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Various dates	Lord Mayor’s Office	Supports proposal for Policy	Noted	Tamara Hitchcock
24 Aug 2021	Policy Advisory Committee	Requested revisions to structure and content of policy.	Request noted and updates made.	Tamara Hitchcock
21 Sept 2021	Policy Advisory Committee	Requested minor revisions.	Request noted and updates made.	Tamara Hitchcock

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
8 Feb – 12 April 2021	Councillor Pandey	Concerns regarding finalist selection criteria, fairness of new award categories created by Panel	Noted, review undertaken	Tamara Hitchcock
21 July 2021	Councillor Pandey	Request to see changes to ToR prior to Council review	Noted – supported by Governance	Tamara Hitchcock
14 Sept 2021	Councillor Tyrrell	Provided revisions to the policy.	Noted – requests included.	Tamara Hitchcock

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

10. The Citizen of the Year Awards budget is within the Civic Events Program operational budget.

11. There are no financial implications for Council associated with implementation of this policy.

12. 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	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Funding Source	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Jeffrey Stein

City Events & Festivals Manager

Sophia Kouyoumdjian

Acting Group Manager, City Experience

Ian Woodward

Group Manager Legal Services

Richard Sheridan

Chief Financial Officer

Tamara Hitchcock

Acting Executive Director, City Engagement and Experience

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

For Review - Citizen of the Year Awards Policy

13 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 27 September 2021 Item 17.2

INNOVATIVE

ITEM NUMBER 17.2

SUBJECT SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT FOR APPROVAL: Planning Proposal and associated processes - 355 & 375 Church St, Parramatta

REFERENCE RZ/10/2018 - D08073201

REPORT OF Land Use Planning Manager

LANDOWNER: Stockland Development Pty Ltd

APPLICANT: McDonald’s Australia Ltd

workshop/briefing date: 22 September 2021

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED BY SYDNEY CENTRAL CITY PLANNING PANEL:

DA/96/2015 – Staged development involving a redeveloped McDonald’s restaurant and concept approval for a future mixed-use development; the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel deferred its formal determination on this matter, and the application was withdrawn May 2016.

PURPOSE:

To recommend next steps for the Planning Proposal and associated Draft Development Control Plan and Planning Agreement at 355-375 Church St, Parramatta.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note the correspondence from the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment (DPIE) summarised in this report regarding this Planning Proposal.

(b) That the existing Planning Proposal for 355-375 Church St, Parramatta be amended to remove provisions consistent with the CBD Planning Proposal, while retaining the provision pertaining to a bespoke parking rate for take away food and drink premises at this site.

(c) That the amended Planning Proposal (as at Attachment 1) be resubmitted to the DPIE as a new Planning Proposal seeking a new Gateway determination.

(d) That, pending a new Gateway determination from DPIE in line with the amendments outlined in (b) above, Council:

1 advise DPIE that it no longer wishes to pursue the existing Planning Proposal process, as the amended Planning Proposal described above will replace it as a new Planning Proposal, and

2 exhibit the Planning Proposal.

(e) That negotiation of a Planning Agreement at this site cease, recognising that infrastructure contributions for this site will instead be made as part of a future Development Application (DA) in line with the relevant Contributions Plan in place for the CBD at that time.

(f) That Council officers prepare a draft Development Control Plan (DCP) and it be endorsed under delegation by the Chief Executive Officer for the purpose of public exhibition in accordance with the following principles:

1 Further defining the preferred two-tower scheme, including podium heights and tower setbacks, with a view to minimising any non-compliances with relevant Apartment Design Guide requirements but acknowledging that some non-compliances will remain;

2 Establishing an appropriate relationship to, and mitigating impacts on, proximate heritage items;

3 Resolving traffic issues (including sightlines, vehicle queueing, pedestrian safety and minimising any impact of the development on Parramatta Light Rail and the surrounding road network, including restricting turning right from Victoria Road into the site);

4 Demonstrating adaptive re-use potential of the drive-through facility and at least some of the parking spaces proposed;

5 Establishing an appropriate relationship to the 385 Church Street isolated site (including built form controls for an unamalgamated scenario, and a direction for an amalgamated scenario that maintains the two towers while seeking to increase inter-building separation and tower setbacks);

6 Appropriately managing the environmental quality impacts of the proposed podium uses (particularly noise, air pollution and odour);

7 Ensuring that footpath widening and the “notch” in the centre of the site are marked appropriately in the DCP to support future public access;

8 Ensuring the building appropriately addresses the potential future through-block link;

9 Require a comprehensive Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) report at Development Application stage and ensure that building design implements CPTED principles; and

10 Ensuring that podium landscaping makes a positive contribution to public and private domain.

(g) That, prior to exhibition of the draft DCP, Council consult with the landowners of 385 Church Street on the draft DCP about the controls pertaining to their land.

(h) That the exhibition of the Planning Proposal and DCP need not occur concurrently.

(i) Further, that Council delegates to the Chief Executive Officer to make any changes of a minor, administrative and/or non-policy nature that may arise during progression of the relevant Planning Proposal.

PLANNING PROPOSAL TIMELINE

SITE DESCRIPTION AND SURROUNDS

1. Council is processing a Planning Proposal for land at 355-375 Church St, Parramatta (shown in Figure 1 below).

Figure 1: Subject site at 355 and 375 Church Street and surrounding context

Source: Council’s internal mapping with annotations from Council officers

2. Existing development on the site includes a retail/commercial building (corner of Victoria Road/Church Street), a McDonald’s restaurant (including surface parking and drive-through with vehicle access to both Victoria Road and Ross Street) and a two-storey office building (facing Ross Street).

3. The site is adjacent to the Parramatta Light Rail (PLR) Stage 1 corridor running North-South along Church Street. The site is directly across Victoria Road from the State Heritage Item Prince Alfred Square. It is also near a number of other State and Local listed items, including State Heritage Item St Patrick’s Cathedral, presbytery and precinct (and potential archaeological site).

4. The Planning Proposal site does not include 385 Church Street, located at the southwest corner of the Ross/Church Street intersection. The existing development at 385 Church Street is a three-storey retail/commercial building.

COUNCIL’S PREVIOUS CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING PROPOSAL

5. Council considered the initial assessment of this Planning Proposal on 13 July 2020 and resolved (amongst other things) to send the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) for a Gateway determination.

6. The Planning Proposal that Council endorsed was generally consistent with the provisions of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, with the exception that it established a bespoke parking rate for the land use “Takeaway Fast Food and Drink Premises” at this site. The provisions included as part of the Planning Proposal sent for Gateway determination are summarised as follows:

a. Height: consistent with the Prince Alfred Square Solar Access Plane.

b. FSR: 7.2 FSR [comprising 6:1 Incentive FSR control, 0.9:1 Design Excellence bonus, and 0.3:1 [or 5%] High Performing Buildings bonus].

c. Residential and commercial parking rates consistent with the CBD Planning Proposal.

d. Bespoke parking rate for Takeaway Food and Drink Premises land use as follows: 1 parking space per 30 sqm of gross floor area of all Takeaway Food and Drink Premises, or a maximum of 30 parking spaces, whichever is less, as well as a sunset clause ending the application of this provision after 5 years from the date of notification of the amendment.

7. On 13 July 2020, Council also resolved to prepare a draft Development Control Plan (DCP) and draft Planning Agreement for this site.

GATEWAY DETERMINATION AND POST GATEWAY REVIEW PROCESS

8. The Planning Proposal received a Gateway determination from DPIE on 13 November 2020. The Gateway determination required changes to the Planning Proposal that conflicted with the position supported by Council and the Applicant on two key matters, namely in that its conditions required:

a. inclusion of the neighbouring isolated site (385 Church St); and

b. removal of the parking rate for Takeaway Fast Food and Drink Premises land use.

9. In response to the Gateway determination, the Applicant pursued a Post-Gateway Review process through the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to amend both of the abovementioned Gateway conditions. The IPC ultimately supported the Council and Applicant supported position, with its advice finding that the Gateway determination should be altered to remove both conditions.

10. DPIE considered the IPC’s advice, and issued a revised Gateway determination (“Gateway alteration”) on 13 May 2021 which removed the abovementioned conditions. Issuance of the Gateway alteration “unlocked” the processes of drafting a DCP and Planning Agreement, and these processes commenced shortly thereafter.

GATEWAY ALTERATION TIMEFRAME

11. The Gateway alteration referred to above also set a timeframe for various stages of the Planning Proposal process as follows:

a. Exhibition by 30 June 2021

b. Reported to Council for finalisation by 31 October 2021

c. Finalised by 31 December 2021.

12. This timeframe was not achievable, particularly given Council’s policy stance that site-specific Planning Proposals not be exhibited unless accompanied by any relevant DCP and Planning Agreement. Council officers and the Applicant both communicated to DPIE that the timeframe set in the Gateway alteration was not reasonable and requested that a more realistic timeframe be set.

13. Council subsequently received correspondence from DPIE (dated 14 July 2021) to the effect that - given the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal has been submitted for finalisation - DPIE encourages Council to consider refining this proposal to relate only to those matters which are not aligned to the CBD Planning Proposal.

COUNCIL OFFICER RECOMMENDATION

14. Council officers agree with DPIE’s stance outlined above, and recommend as follows for the Planning Proposal and its accompanying processes:

a. Planning Proposal: The Planning Proposal should be simplified by removing those controls which are consistent with the CBD Planning Proposal (as at Attachment 1) and resubmitted to DPIE as a new Planning Proposal seeking a new Gateway determination.

b. Planning Agreement: There is no longer a need for a Planning Agreement at this site as Council has recently resolved to move away from the former Community Infrastructure (“value sharing”) framework for the CBD (which depended on Planning Agreements as the delivery mechanism). The delivery of the non-monetary elements originally sought in the Planning Agreement process can be supported by DCP controls instead and development contributions payable.

c. DCP: A DCP should still be advanced to address unique site-specific issues as provided in the recommendation of this report. Council’s previous principles resolved for the DCP should be revisited and updated based on the progress of the DCP drafting process so far.

15. Attachment 2 contains further details on Council officer’s analysis and recommendation on each of the points outlined in Paragraph 14 above.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
May 2021	Council’s Open Space team	City Planning discussed with Council’s Open Space team the timing and scope of works for improvements to Prince Alfred Square (as Council and the Applicant have discussed for some time the potential of applying contributions from this development site towards that project).	This report recommends that Planning Agreement negotiations cease. If the Applicant communicates a preference for dedicating funds to Prince Alfred Square and this aligns with Council’s priorities at DA stage, this issue can be resolved at that time by works provided being offset against development contributions requirements.	City Planning
Extensive consultation May-Sept 2021	Applicant	Summary of key consultation outcomes are discussed in this report.		City Planning
17 June 2021	Heritage Committee	Council’s Heritage Committee was given a brief update on project status, which at that time was that the draft DCP and Planning Agreement were begin negotiated. It was noted that the Committee would be notified of forthcoming exhibition. The Committee did not provide any comments specifically on this project.	The Committee will be notified when the Planning Proposal and/or DCP are on exhibition.	City Planning

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Councillors will be briefed on this matter in standard pre-Council meeting briefing session	TBD at the briefing session	TBD at the briefing session	TBD at the briefing session or prior to Council meeting	City Planning

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

18. In response to the new contributions framework that Council is progressing for the CBD, this report recommends that Planning Agreement negotiations at this site cease and that infrastructure contributions instead take place at DA stage. Therefore, there are no significant financial implications as a result of this report or the Planning Proposal which it contemplates.

19. Pending a future DA process or processes (the timing and nature of which is unknown), it is expected that Council would receive development contributions in line with the relevant contributions framework in place at that time.

20. As Council officers had undertaken initial action towards negotiating a Planning Agreement for this site in line with Council’s previous resolution, there will be nominal legal fees (estimate: approx. $2,000) that would be recouped from the Applicant that will be covered in existing Council budget allocations.

	FY 21/22	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25
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

Robert Cologna

Land Use Planning Manager

David Birds

Group Manager, City Planning

Richard Sheridan

Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

Brett Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	ATTACHMENT 1 - PLANNING PROPOSAL - 355 & 375 Church Street, Parramatta	87 Pages
2 ⇩	ATTACHMENT 2 - FURTHER INFORMATION - COUNCIL OFFICER ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS	6 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL