Agenda of Council - Monday, 12 December 2022

MINUTES OF THE Meeting of City of Parramatta Council HELD IN THE council chamber at 5 PARRAMATTA square, parramatta ON Monday, 5 December 2022 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 Donna Davis and Councillors Phil Bradley, Kellie Darley, Pierre Esber, Michelle Garrard, Henry Green, Ange Humphries, Cameron Maclean, Paul Noack, Sameer Pandey, Dr Patricia Prociv, Dan Siviero, Georgina Valjak and Donna Wang.

1. OPENING MEETING

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Donna Davis, opened the meeting at 6:39pm.

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF LAND

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

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. GENERAL 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. APOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR ATTENDANCE BY AUDIO-VISUAL LINK BY COUNCILLORS

Procedural Motion

4106

RESOLVED (Esber/Siviero)

That the Council accept the apologies of Councillor Wearne due to personal reasons be accepted and leave of absence granted.

6. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

SUBJECT: Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 28 November 2022

4107

RESOLVED (Noack/Bradley)

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 November 2022 be received and noted, and that such minutes be taken as a true record of the proceedings of that meeting, subject to the following amendments to Item 11.1:

1) Note that Councillor Noack voted for the rescission; and

2) the Motion was moved by Councillor Esber and seconded by Councillor Humphries.

7. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

There were no Declarations of Interest made at this meeting.

8. Minutes of the Lord Mayor

8.1

SUBJECT Condolence Motion for Carlingford High School student Calvin Wijeweera

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08793154

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Donna Davis

4108

RESOLVED (Davis/Esber)

(a) That Council extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Calvin Wijeweera, a Carlingford High School student who was killed on Rembrandt Street Carlingford, on the morning of Thursday 1 December 2022;

(b) That Council thank the first responders for their efforts in tragic circumstances;

(c) That the Chamber hold a minute’s silence as a mark of mourning and respect for the young life lost in this tragic accident; and

(d) Further, that the Lord Mayor write a letter of condolence to Calvin Wijeweera’s family and to the Principal, students and staff of Carlingford High School.

Note: Council held a minutes’ silence

8.2

SUBJECT Live site activation across the City of Parramatta

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08793120

REPORT OF Lord Mayor, Councillor Donna Davis

4109

RESOLVED (Davis/Garrard)

(a) That Council congratulate the City of Parramatta’s City Engagement & Experience Team for the successful organisation of two World Cup live sites on Sunday 4 December 2022.

(b) That Council officers investigate and table a report in early 2023 on a framework for future planning for live activation sites across the City of Parramatta, to support major sporting and community events; and

(c) Further, that this report detail opportunities to leverage new infrastructure projects and resourcing needs associated with any proposed live site activities for Council’s consideration.

9. Public Forum

9.1

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM 1: for Item 13.2 Rose Street Precinct, Epping

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08790650

FROM Vinh Cuong Pham

Dear Lord and Councillors,

I'd like to discuss the impact of the land rezoning (known as the Rose Street Precinct, Epping).

The rezoning will impact heavily on our livehood and the value of our property (93 Essex Street Epping).

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

STAFF RESPONSE

No staff response provided.

9.2

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM 2: for Item 13.2 Rose Street Precinct, Epping

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08790660

FROM Ralph Allen

Thank you for your letter of 30 November advising of a one-day window to comment on this item, which is compliant with the ambition of the outlined consultation period.

Background

The background section of the document and the March 14 comments in Attachment 1 gloss over one of the main triggers for resident responses.

The re-zoning materials developed by Hornsby Council and circulated for exhibition proposed that the south side of Maida Road be developed for low rise townhouses etc and provided diagrams and other materials to this effect.

Hornsby Council did not include FSR controls in their work and as a result much larger buildings were eventually permissible and have mostly been built. The process failure meant there was no effective consultation and the Epping community, and especially within the precinct, was blindsided by the negative impacts of what are technically poor planning outcomes.

The recognition of and concern to ameliorate the planning authority’s failure is a thread in many of council’s earlier materials, for example the staff recommendation at Background point 6.

As there are still two business days before the evening of 5th December council officers should have time to fact check the Hornsby Council materials and confirm to councillors if they deem necessary. It is suggested that the report would be improved and more accurate if this aspect was included or council could confirm it was fully aware in the minutes.

It is also suggested that the documentation would be more professional from the council’s perspective if the petition sent to the three ward councillors, signed by nearly all residents of the precinct, formally presented to and noted by council at its meeting on 25 March 2019, was recorded in the background or the attachment. We thank Cr Davis for presenting.

Site Description

The site description language and diagrams do not include topography.

Given that interface issues are made worse by steep gradients to the north (and ameliorated to Brigg Road to the south), and the paper includes a crude 1 in 100 flood map, the absence of this information is a material shortcoming.

It should be a simple matter to prepare a sentence or two and drop in a diagram. Interesting resources such as Open Street Map are now readily available online which show how high the south side of Brigg Rd is and the relatively small catchment area up Chesterfield Rd that drains through the precinct.

Current Strategic Planning Framework

The report includes some comment on the Urban Activation Precinct process and surrounds.

It is suggested the councillors should be made aware in this section of the report of the current approach to planning for the properties on the other side of the paling fence – the south side of Maida Rd.

Recollection is that the buildings currently standing on the south side of Maida Rd would usually require R4 zoning as defined by council, but that the recommendation of new planning documents was to assign an R3 zoning with an 0.8 FSR to enable further development.

If this is still planned, users of the documents would falsely infer that there is a graduated development / build height regime from the Epping railway station to the precinct.

It could also mislead users concerning the diversity of housing types that exist in Epping, as one of the stated claims of the R3 classification was in fact to provide diversity in housing stock. R4 would therefore have been more truthful and better from any administrative perspective

Given the short time available to prepare a response I haven’t had time to research the current status of this work, no doubt a member of your team can quickly provide you with the necessary information.

The main point might be that council is in fact completely comfortable with and supportive of current built forms as between the precinct and Maida Rd, which is essentially the position of the report and its signatories? And fully supportive of development of the remaining site in Maida Rd? Notwithstanding what good planning practice might look like elsewhere?

Flood risk

Interesting to see this council’s flood mapping information, I think for the first time.

I note the affected blocks are fully shaded although many have a substantial fall front to back, so water clears rapidly and could not impact much of each site.

Many of the blocks on Forest Grove have or will have significant residential towers on them and I’m sure we all hope sufficient hydraulic work has been undertaken – that might be an issue for your point 25.

For the precinct the catchment area on the western side of the line that flows through is quite small – Victoria Street and Rawson Street would be close to the limits ?

It is suggested that including topographical information would significantly improve the usefulness of the diagram.

The idea that an externally commissioned report would have been / would be acceptable for council purposes I think is new information would have been a non-combative inclusion earlier in this council’s process

Conclusion

Thank you again for the opportunity to comment.

I would like to thank Cr Bradley and other voices on or within council that have been seeking to bring this matter to a conclusion, and Cr Davis who tabled our petition.

Good government and administrative action in the democratic tradition would generally encompass openness, transparency and completeness in communications and we wish councillors all the best as they chart the city’s future.

Kind regards

Ralph Allen

STAFF RESPONSE

No staff response provided.

9.3

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM 3: for Item 13.2 Rose Street Precinct, Epping

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08790640

FROM Camellia Pham – Written Submission

Dear Lord Mayor and Councillors

I am a resident of a HCA property in Epping.

I urge you to reject the proposed rezoning of the Rose Street precinct.

A significant portion of this precinct is heritage conservation listed. It would detract from the beauty of the area to allow it to be converted into apartment blocks. This area is primarily comprised of houses, and having apartment blocks here would be an eyesore and insult the efforts of those who had classed this area as HCA. There are other areas in Epping which would be a better fit for apartments.

Additionally, the current facilities such as playground equipment are already used heavily by children of residents; having a higher number of residents will lead to crowding and a poorer experience.

STAFF RESPONSE

No staff response provided.

Procedural Motion

4110

RESOLVED (Esber/Maclean)

That the meeting be adjourned for a short recess.

Note: The meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm for a short recess.

The meeting resumed at 7:17pm with the following Councillors attendance: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Donna Davis and Councillors Phil Bradley, Kellie Darley, Pierre Esber, Michelle Garrard, Henry Green, Ange Humphries, Cameron Maclean, Paul Noack, Sameer Pandey (Deputy Lord Mayor), Dr Patricia Prociv, Dan Siviero, Georgina Valjak and Donna Wang.

10. Petitions

There were no petitions tabled at this meeting.

11. Rescission Motions

Nil

12. Reports to Council - For Notation

12.1

SUBJECT DEFERRED ITEM: Variations to Standards under Clause 4.6 of Parramatta LEP 2011, Auburn LEP 2010, Holroyd LEP 2013, The Hills LEP 2012, Hornsby LEP 2013 (Deferred from the 14 November Council meeting)

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08788623

REPORT OF Group Manager - Development and Traffic Services

4111

RESOLVED (Pandey/Darley)

That the report be received and noted.

In accordance with section 375A of the Local Government Act a Division of votes is recorded on this planning matter.

The report moved by Councillor Pandey and seconded by Councillor Darley was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIVISION A division was called, the result being:-

AYES: Councillors Bradley, Darley, Davis, Esber, Garrard, Green, Humphries, Maclean, Noack, Pandey, Prociv, Siviero, Valjak and Wang.

13. Reports to Council - For Council Decision

13.1

SUBJECT 2023 Annual Community Grants

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08730428

REPORT OF Community Capacity Building Manager

4112

RESOLVED (Pandey/Wang)

(a) That Council notes the applications received in the annual round of the 2023 Community Grants Program in Attachment 1.

(b) That Council notes the status of grants made in the quarterly Community Grants Program and Parramatta Representative Sports Grant in Attachment 2.

(c) That Council adopts the expenditure recommended by the Grants Committee for the 2023 Community Grants in Attachment 3.

(d) That Council endorses three Creative Skills Development Grant offers of $10,000 for the following applicants:

1. Miss Lucy Clements

2. Ms Thelma Thomas

3. Dr Stephen Sewell.

(e) That Council endorses a Creative Fellowship Grant offer of $20,000 for Ms Keg de Souza.

(f) That the $9,885.96 remaining in unallocated funds be re-allocated into the 2023/24 financial year, to support the development of a Youth Focused initiative, within the 2023/24 Community Grants Program, and that Councillors be consulted within 3 months’ time at a Councillor Workshop on the developments of the reallocation of unallocated funds.

(g) Further that, Council delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer to disburse funds to the recipients in paragraphs (c) and (d) above.

Note: Page 25 of the Agenda reads the Sydney Improvised Music Associates is partially funded.

13.2

SUBJECT Rose Street Precinct, Epping

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08733270

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Land Use; Team Leader Land Use Planning

4113

RESOLVED (Maclean/Esber)

(a) That Council does not proceed to prepare a drainage analysis to support consideration of amendments to the planning controls that apply to the Rose Street Precinct, Epping for the following reasons:

1. Amendments to the planning controls for the Rose Street Precinct would have no strategic merit as the area is not required to contribute to meeting Council’s adopted housing targets to 2036 and therefore the amendments sought would be inconsistent with Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement and Local Housing Strategy.

2. Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement seeks to retain the local character of existing low density residential areas that are not currently identified to help meet housing growth targets, which are to be protected from the encroachment of high-density development.

(b) Further, that Council writes to the landowners within the Rose Street Precinct, Epping and surrounding area advising them of Council’s decision.

In accordance with section 375A of the Local Government Act a Division of votes is recorded on this planning matter.

The report moved by Councillor Maclean and seconded by Councillor Esber was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIVISION A division was called, the result being:-

AYES: Councillors Bradley, Darley, Davis, Esber, Garrard, Green, Humphries, Maclean, Noack, Pandey, Prociv, Siviero, Valjak and Wang.

13.3

SUBJECT Draft Loan Borrowing Policy for Public Exhibition

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08734029

REPORT OF Policy Officer

4114

RESOLVED (Esber/Garrard)

(a) That the draft Loan Borrowing Policy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

(b) That Council authorises the Chief Executive Officer to make any necessary editorial and content changes to the draft Loan Borrowing Policy for public exhibition to give effect to Council’s resolution.

13.4

SUBJECT Review of Library Opening Hours

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08765769

REPORT OF Library Services Manager

4115

RESOLVED (Esber/Bradley)

(a) That Council adopt revised Library Opening Hours across the City of Parramatta Library Network, as recommended below:

Library	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun	Hours
Carlingford	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-8	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-12		43	+5.0
Constitution Hill	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-8	9.30-5	9.30-5	-	48	+7.5
Dundas	9.30-5	9.30-8	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-12	-	43	+2.5
Epping	9.30-5	9.30-8	9.30-8	9.30-8	9.30-5	9.30-5	2-5	57	+7.5
Ermington	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-8	9.30-5	9.30-5	9.30-12	-	43	+5.5
Parramatta	9-8	9-8	9-8	9-8	9-5	9-5	9-5	68	+6.0
Wentworth Point	9.30-5	9.30-8	9.30-8	9.30-8	9.30-5	9.30-5	2-5	57	+13
Newington	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	-7.0
Total Hours all Libraries								359	+40

(b) That the Newington lending facility be replaced by longer opening times at the Wentworth Point Library, promotion of the Home Library Service to Newington residents and through the provision of a book vending kiosk at the Newington Community Centre

(c) Further, that the Library Service to report back to Council with a report on customer feedback on the revised opening hours in November 2023.

13.5

SUBJECT Exhibition Outcomes - Draft Planning Proposal, Draft Site-Specific DCP and Draft Planning Agreetment - Holdmark Sites (Melrose Park South)

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08781705

APPLICANT/S Holdmark Property Group

OWNERS Holdmark Property Group

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer

4116

RESOLVED (Noack/Humphries)

That Council defer the consideration of this matter to Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 12 December 2022.

In accordance with section 375A of the Local Government Act a Division of votes is recorded on this planning matter.

The report moved by Councillor Noack and seconded by Councillor Humphries was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIVISION A division was called, the result being:-

AYES: Councillors Bradley, Darley, Davis, Esber, Garrard, Green, Maclean, Noack, Pandey, Prociv, Siviero, Valjak and Wang.

Note:

1. A question was taken on notice for this item.

2. Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Pandey assumed the role of Chair at 8:12pm.

3. Cr Humphries retired from the Chamber at 8:35pm and did not return.

4. Lord Mayor assumed the role of Chair at 8:40pm.

13.6

SUBJECT DEFERRED ITEM: Night Time Economy Diversification Grants 2022/23 (Deferred from 28 November 2022 Council meeting)

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08787529

REPORT OF Project Officer

4117

RESOLVED (Esber/Pandey)

(a) That Council endorses the scope and guidelines for the Night Time Economy Diversification Grants for 2022/2023 provided at Attachment 1.

(b) That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make any minor edits to the Grant Guidelines at Attachment 1 of a non-policy nature, prior to the opening of the application round of the Night Time Economy Diversification Grants for 2022/2023.

(c) That the Chief Executive Officer be delegated authority to consider and endorse to determine the recommendations of the assessment panel.

(d) Further, that a Councillor briefing note detailing the outcomes of the Night Time Economy Diversification Grants Scheme is prepared at the close of the acquittal period in November 2023.

14. Notices of Motion

Nil

15. Questions with Notice

15.1

SUBJECT Questions Taken on Notice - 28 November 2022 Council Meeting

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08786996

REPORT OF Governance Manager

Item 12.1 City of Parramatta Council Annual Report 2021/22

During discussion on Item 12.1 City of Parramatta Council Annual Report 2021/22, Councillor Bradley asked the following question:

What components of the budget were cut in the environmental sustainable expenditure? Last year’s budget was $3 for every $100 and now it is being cut to $1 for every $100.

Acting Director City Strategy:

The financial snapshot provided in the ‘For every $100…’ section represents an indicative proportional allocation across Council’s total budget, but does not reflect ‘real’ increases or decreases in dollar terms across years.

The infographic is intended to provide a simple, community friendly breakdown of where our annual funding is allocated, however cannot be used as a comparison of real expenditure from year to year.

For instance, in years where Council has increased spending on major projects, property or infrastructure, the total proportion spent on other categories will appear smaller even if actual spending in these categories has remained stable.

In the case of “Environment & Sustainability”, this spend should be reviewed in conjunction with the “Waste Management” spend as there have been some reclassifications in some of the expense categories across years. However, the overall combined spend across these two categories continues to go up year-on-year, and is budgeted to increase significantly further in FY23.

	Actual $		Budget $
Expense Category	FY2021	FY2022	FY2023
C676 - Waste and Sustainability	6,632,495	6,211,526	9,819,631
C641 - Cleansing	7,799,066	7,333,387	8,642,104
C630 - Domestic Waste Management	32,988,191	35,665,087	44,949,561
C646 - Commercial Waste Management	532,055	489,169	608,849
Total Environment Sustainability & Waste Management	47,951,807	49,699,169	64,020,145

	Actual $
Share in $ 100 spend	2021	2022
Environment Sustainability	4	1
Waste Management	10	9
Total share in $100 spend	14	11

These figures demonstrate that real expenditure has remained stable with a slight increase between FY21 and FY22, though it represented a smaller proportion of Council’s overall spend in FY22. This is because significant spend on major works and ‘one off’ property projects including PHIVE, Parramatta Aquatic Centre, 9 Wentworth Street and others, skewed the overall proportional representation of all other categories in this year.

Item 12.1 City of Parramatta Council Annual Report 2021/22

During discussion on Item 12.1 City of Parramatta Council Annual Report 2021/22, Councillor Bradley asked the following question:

What are the projections for the next five years to restore those cuts in environmental sustainability particularly as our Strategic Plan highlights the importance for green as one of our six major goals as provided by the community and when the community continue to provide green spaces as their number one issue?

Acting Director City Strategy:

As outlined in the previous response, there have been no cuts to Environment & Sustainability spending and therefore there is no projection or plan of the nature described in this question.

Item 12.1 City of Parramatta Council Annual Report 2021/22

During discussion on Item 12.1 City of Parramatta Council Annual Report 2021/22, Councillor Bradley asked the following question:

Councillors have previously looked at having culture as a stand-alone item and not to be put together with parks and recreation so Councillors could specify the amount that was actually spent on culture. Why have staff not actioned having culture separate from parks and recreation?

Acting Director City Strategy:

Staff are not aware of a specific directive to separate Culture spend from Parks and Recreation in the ‘For every $100…’ infographic, but have now noted it to explore in future versions of this section.

While this infographic provides a very high level indicative view of Council’s total expenditure, there may be many other ways to ‘categorise’ Council’s spending. Staff highly encourage interested Councillors and community to explore Council’s more detailed budgets, quarterly budget reviews, and annual financial statements for more detailed breakdown of spending.

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.

Note: Cr Prociv retired from the Chamber at 8:49pm and returned at 8:50pm.

16. CLOSED SESSION

4118

RESOLVED (Esber/Noack)

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 Tender 23/2022 Installation of Traffic Control Signals and Associated Work – Hill Road at Bennelong Parkway, Wentworth Point. (D08692348) - 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.

16.1

SUBJECT Tender 23/2022 Installation of Traffic Control Signals and Associated Work – Hill Road at Bennelong Parkway, Wentworth Point

REFERENCE ITT-23/2022-02 - D08692348

REPORT OF Manager Capital Projects

4119

RESOLVED (Noack/Bradley)

(a) That Council approve appointment of the preferred proponent for the installation of Traffic Control Signals and associated work at the intersection of Hill Road and Bennelong Parkway, Wentworth Point, for $2,904,977.30 (excl. GST).

(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.

Procedural Motion

4120

RESOLVED (Esber/Bradley)

That the meeting resume in Open Session.

Note: Question was taken on notice on the Labor Government’s decision on Stage 2 the Light Rail.

17. REPORTS OF RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN CLOSED SESSION

The Chief Executive Officer read out the resolutions for Item 16.1.

18. CONCLUSION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 8:52pm.

THIS PAGE AND THE PRECEDING PAGES ARE THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY/EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON Monday, 5 December 2022 AND CONFIRMED ON Monday, 12 December 2022.

Chairperson

Council 12 December 2022 Item 1.1

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR NOTATION

ITEM NUMBER 1.1

SUBJECT Fish Kill and Reducing Organic Matter in Waterways - Update

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08743667

REPORT OF Project Manager Legacy Asbestos

CSP THEME Green

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

To update Council on:

· Findings of the EPA in relation to fish kill / blackwater events that occurred in the Parramatta River in early 2022; and

· The outcome of enquiries made to the PRCG Stormwater Subcommittee regarding actions that can be implemented to reduce the likelihood of future fish-kill events.

As resolved by Council in May 2022.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the following report be received and noted.

(b) Further, that Council be briefed on any recommendations made as a result of the current audit of Gross Pollutant Traps.

BACKGROUND

1. In February and March 2022, large numbers of fish died in the Parramatta River. It was subsequently determined that these incidents were the result of “blackwater” events in Rydalmere and Haslams Creek. “Blackwater” events occur when oxygen levels within a waterway fall to critically low levels, usually as a result of the introduction, and subsequent decomposition, of high levels of organic materials.

2. Council considered this incident at its meeting of 14 March 2022. At this time, Council resolved officers to:

a. Write to the EPA to request that any final report on the incident/s be made publicly available.

b. Write to the Parramatta River Catchment Group Stormwater Subcommittee and ask that it review any final report, and consider the potential effectiveness of the following proposed actions to limit excessive levels of organic material being introduced into waterways:

i. Best practice park maintenance work to limit the amount of grass clippings and other organic matter available to wash into the stormwater network

ii. Best practice street-cleaning operations to reduce the amount of organic matter building up on our streets

iii. Best practice management practices for gross pollutant traps (GPT’s), such as increased cleaning of traps before forecasted major weather events

iv. Best practice education campaign to inform residents and local businesses on the impact of organic (and non-organic) matter washing into drains and our waterways, such as stencilling on City of Parramatta (CoP) drains to remind residents that only rain should go down the drain and all drains lead to our river.

c. Report back to Council within six months covering EPA and PRCG findings, as well as providing recommendations on the associated costs of any recommendations.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

EPA RESPONSE

3. Council officers wrote to the EPA seeking access to, and the public release of, any report into the fish kill / blackwater events that occurred earlier this year.

4. The EPA responded to advise that it does not ordinarily produce reports into incidents such as this, however given public interest, the EPA would provide information about the event on their website.

5. Information about the incidents can now be found at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/community-engagement/updates-on-issues/parramatta-river-fish-kills

6. On this page, the EPA indicates that “the cause of these fish kills was found to be low dissolved oxygen in the water due to a natural blackwater event”.

7. In response to the event, the Department of Planning and Environment installed monitors in the Parramatta River to measure levels of dissolved oxygen in the river. Data was collected from 7-9 February in the Parramatta River, and from February to July in Haslams Creek. The data collected is available on the EPA website. The EPA notes that the data shows “the links between DO (dissolved oxygen) and the recent fish kills”.

8. This page offers no suggestions regarding the prevention of such incidents, stating that “Blackwater events are difficult to prevent, but monitoring may play a role in predicting future events and provide forewarning about what may be expected under certain environmental conditions”

9. A copy of the EPA web information about these incidents is found at Attachment 1.

PRCG RESPONSE

10. Feedback received from the PRCG is found at Attachment 1.

11. In summary, the response advised that:

a. Management of grass clippings varies from Council to Council. Many Councils allow grass clippings to remain within their parks to aid in adding nutrients back into the soil. Council could consider reviewing this approach however, would need to consider whether the costs outweigh the benefits of retaining organic matter in the landscape. Council could consider collecting clippings during extended wet weather and in areas in close proximity to stormwater drains (ie verges).

b. Organic matter collecting in street kerbs and gutters has the greatest impact on waterways. Council could review the frequency of its cleansing operations however, increased operations would be associated with an increased cost.

c. The PRCG is aware that Council is currently rolling out cameras to monitor its Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT’s) to aid in assessing maintenance requirements. These cameras will take a daily image of the GPT allowing visual assessments to be made rapidly without the need for physical site visits. The PRCG in coordination with other bodies, including Council, has made a joint application to the DPE Smart Places Acceleration Program for funding that focuses on installing smart sensors in GPT’s, to allow for proactive management of GPT’s. This funding will result in the delivery of this work, known as the “Smarter Cleaner Sydney Harbour” project.

d. The PRCG has a community campaign known as “Love your Waterways” designed to encourage people to take five simple actions to reduce litter, pet waste, gardening materials, chemicals, and other pollutants entering waterways. This program has been successful. Council could undertake additional activities, such as stenciling of drains and reaching out to its own networks with targeted messaging, using this campaign as a base.

e. The EPA has advised the PRCG that prevention is difficult, however measures can be undertaken to improve the resilience of waterway systems. This can include improvements to the management of stormwater at the source by reducing impervious surfaces, increasing rainwater harvesting, and maximizing opportunities for ground infiltration.

f. The PRCG is currently exploring options with TfNSW for the installation and maintenance of a litter control device in Duck River. Council’s support for this project would be beneficial.

g. The PRCG has developed a planning reforms paper, titled “Strategic and Statutory Planning Review to Create our Living River”. A number of steps outlined in this masterplan will contribute to improved waterway health.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

12. An audit of Council managed Gross Pollutant traps is currently underway. The outcomes of this audit will guide the approaches taken to improve the performance of GPT’s and ensure appropriate cleaning schedules to maintain optimal operation.

13. Council has partnered with Sydney Water to develop the Blue Green Index project. The project arises from Step 4 of the PRCG Masterplan and explores new approaches to the management of diffuse stormwater pollution.

14. Council is a member of a subcommittee established under step 5 of the PRCG masterplan. This committee is made up of catchment Councils and aims to improve the application of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and exploring options to improve ongoing maintenance of WSUD systems on private properties.

15. Council’s Waste and Cleansing Team and Environment and Sustainability Team will work together to review and identify focus areas for increased street sweeping operations. The review will identify streets at greatest risk of contributing organic material to waterways and determine whether changes to street cleaning operations can reduce this risk. Should the review identify changes that would have a significant budget impact, recommendations will be returned to Council for consideration.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Responsibility
July 2022	NSW EPA	Attachment 1	Blackwater Incident reporting
September 2022	Parramatta River Catchment Group Stormwater Subcommittee	Attachment 2	Provided response to Council request for advice and comment
November 2022	Parks & Open Spaces Unit	Attachment 2 -	Provide advice on suggestions to reduce grass clippings as source of organics in waterways
November 2022	Environment & Sustainability Unit – Catchment Management	Attachment 2 -	Provide advice on use of Gross Pollutant Traps for capture of organic materials in stormwater system
November 2022	Waste & Cleansing Unit	Attachment 2 -	Provide advice on street cleansing operations impact on organics in waterways
November 2022	Regulatory Services Unit	Attachment 2	Provide advice on enforcement of pollution prevention legislation in relation to organics from private property entering waterways – enforcement difficult as need to catch offenders in the act – education a better approach to prevent offences occurring

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

17. There are no legal implications associated with this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

18. There are no unbudgeted financial impacts from the recommendations in this report. If options are to be explored that have operational implications them further costings and cost benefit analysis will be required.

Erin Lottey

Project Manager Legacy Asbestos

James Smallson

Manager Open Space and Natural Resources

John Warburton

Executive Director, City Assets & Operations

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	PRCG Response and Council Officer Comments	4 Pages
2 ⇩	EPA - Parramatta River & Haslams Ck Blackwater Incident Reporting 2022	2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council Query	PRCG Response	Council Officer Comments
*Please advise on best practice park maintenance work to limit the about of grass clippings and other organic matter available to wash into the stormwater network,*	· The management of grass clippings and other organic matter varies from council to council in the Parramatta River catchment and across different forms of open space. The retention of grass clippings on the surface of parks and other public open space during mowing is common practice. This is due to the benefits of returning nutrients to the soil to ensure healthy growing conditions, reducing the need for fertilisers or other interventions; preventing moisture loss during dry conditions, and managing the cost of collecting and disposing of/ treating large volumes of green waste. · Council could consider reviewing these practices however a decision would need to be made about whether the costs outweigh the benefits of retaining this organic matter in the landscape. · In particular, council could consider collecting grass clippings during periods of extended wet weather when mowing is occurring frequently (e.g. summer periods when grass is growing rapidly) · Simple measures could be taken to protect waterways from this organic matter at all times, including by: o Ensuring any hard surfaces are swept of grass clippings and other organic matter o Ensuring dirt, mulch, leaves and other organic materials are stored away from stormwater drains and/ or covered where necessary. o Ensuring grass clippings are collected where there is a high risk of them entering a stormwater drain (e.g. road verges) · It is noted that most councils already have good practices in place to deal with management of organic materials resulting from their parks and open space management.	Impact of any change requiring the collection and disposal of grass clippings from Council mowing operations does have the potential to be significant, depending on what is proposed. Further detailed review would be required to determine cost v benefit.
*Please advise on Best practice street-cleaning operations to reduce the amount of organic matter building up on our streets*	· Organic matter collecting in street kerbs and gutters and other hard surfaces directly linked to the stormwater system arguably have the greatest impact on waterways. This organic matter would naturally decompose on soil, in garden beds and other green spaces if left under natural circumstances, returning nutrients to the soil. · Council could review the frequency of street cleaning operations, however this has a cost implication that Council would need to consider against likely overall benefits. Note that the timing and frequency of wet weather events have a direct relationship with what matter ends up in our waterways and managing a street sweeping regime centred around these weather events could be considered but would likely prove difficult to manage.	Mechanical street sweeping occurs on the following schedule: - Parramatta CBD is swept daily - Regional town centres is swept on the week days - Residential streets (non RMS) is swept within a 8 – 10 week cycle (Our residential streets are currently done within a 4 - 6 week cycle with the leafier suburbs as close to a 2 week cycle) Leaf blowers are deployed in streets that are typically parked out (difficult access) to work ahead of the sweeper. Sweepers are also assigned to leafy suburb hot spot areas after a declared storm event including the use of leaf blowers as required. It should be noted this standard schedule significant more than our neighbouring Councils and important to mention as we are only part of the whole system of water flow into the catchment. To increase the frequency will require additional plant and operators at an anticipated cost of $530 for the first year, and $230 for each year thereafter. From observation increased frequency would not result in any significant improvement. A challenge in relying on street sweeping is that often, the organic material that gets into the waterways does not get onto the roadway and gutters until during a storm event – it sis blown from trees onto the roadway during the storm, then washed into the stormwater system shortly thereafter by rain associated with the storm. Suggestions: - Focus on enforcement of private activities that contribute to organic material on roadways, eg. Private property maintenance companies that blow grass clippings onto the roadway. - Natural Resources and Waste teams to review identification of “leafy streets” where risk of organic material being washed into the river is at is highest, to enable these areas to be prioritised before and after storms.
*Please advise on Best practice management practices for gross pollutant traps (GPT’s), such as increased cleaning of traps before forecasted major weather events*	· The PRCG is aware that City of Parramatta is currently rolling out cameras across 25 of its above ground Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) to aid in assessing condition and maintenance requirements. The system is designed to take a daily photo so that a visual assessment can be rapidly made without relying on frequent site visits and is linked to the SCADA system. · The PRCG, Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) and Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) have partnered with CSIRO on a joint application to the Department of Planning & Environment’s (DPE) Smart Places Acceleration Program. The project will focus on installing smart technology sensors on GPTs, to determine if they require cleaning and camera traps to record floating litter along waterways. The two technologies together will allow the catchment to shift from reactive to proactive catchment management. The project known as ‘Smarter Cleaner Sydney Harbour’ has just been notified of grant success. City of Parramatta is also a partner on this grant project.	An audit of Council’s gross pollutant traps is currently underway. An outcome of this audit will be recommendations for improvements to the system. Concurrently, camera monitoring is being rolled out across Council’s GPT’s to allow regular and rapid monitoring of traps without the need for site visits. This rapid monitoring will ensure maintenance needs are swiftly identified and actioned.
Please advise on Best practice Education campaign to inform residents and local businesses on the impact of organic (and non-organic) matter washing into drains and our waterways, such as stencilling on City of Parramatta (COP) drains to remind residents that only rain should go down the drain and all drains lead to our river.	· Love Your Waterways is a community campaign developed by the Parramatta River Catchment Group that encourages people to take up five simple actions to reduce litter, pet waste, gardening materials, chemicals and other pollutants from entering our waterways: 1. Reduce your rubbish – Dispose of your litter correctly and swap single-use plastics for reusable products. 2. Leave only paw prints – Pick up pet waste to stop bacteria and other bugs from entering our waterways. Wash it wisely – Wash your car and household equipment the right way to prevent cleaning products from affecting water quality and marine life. 3. Cover it up – Keep dirt, leaves and other garden waste away from stormwater drains and cover them up so they don’t wash away when it rains. 4. Keep it clear – Rain water is the only thing that should go down a stormwater drain. · The program has been so successful that it is now delivered across multiple catchment groups in Greater Sydney. Council could consider further specific measures such as drain stencilling and reaching out to its own networks with more targeted messaging using this program as a basis. The PRCG are currently expanding the Reduce your Rubbish component of the Love Your Waterways education materials to provide more detailed information on litter reduction.	A targeted catchment and stakeholder program using the existing PRCG and EPA collateral could be rolled out subject to the availability of the following resources: 1. 1 FTE Temp F/T at least 1 year Grade 6 ($70k + 20% overheads) $85,000 2. Print budget and distribution costs $12,000 3. Drain stencils and spray paint $3,000 Total $100,000 pa. This could be potentially sourced from the Stormwater Levy reserve – further investigation required.

Council 12 December 2022 Item 12.2

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR NOTATION

ITEM NUMBER 12.2

SUBJECT Workforce Diversity

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08739186

REPORT OF Executive Director, People Culture & Workplace

CSP THEME: FAIR

workshop/briefing date: nIL

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide information on Council’s practices around workforce diversity, opportunities and targets in response to a Notice of Motion at the 21 February 2022 Council Meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be received and noted.

BACKGROUND

1. The City of Parramatta Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy was developed in November 2021. The strategy aims to support three key outcomes:

· Attract, develop and retain unique talent, people with the right skills, who have qualities, experiences and perspectives not widely represented.

· Foster an inclusive workplace – embed and enhance an inclusive culture where people feel they belong. Promote the City of Parramatta as the right place for the best people to do their best work. One that values the unique differences and individual strengths of each person.

· Reflect the aspirations of our diverse community – actively engaging with, listening to, and representing our diverse community. Enhancing our external partnerships, seeking feedback and gaining insights from our community members.

2. Council, at its meeting of 21 February 2022, considered a Notice of Motion on workforce diversity that Council note the diversity within the City of Parramatta and opportunities for employment and the growth and development opportunities in the LGA. This report provides the information requested in that Notice of Motion outlining:

i) Current known workforce diversity profile of Council workforce against current diversity profile within the LGA.

ii) Current Traineeship and Apprenticeship programs and potential future strategies within City of Parramatta.

iii) Current internship participation and potential opportunities for expansion.

iv) Opportunities for Traineeship and pathways for employment for people from Indigenous background as well as people with disability.

v) Options for Local employment targets.

vi) Options for embedding diversity targets in contracts that council issues.

vii) Industry benchmark for Local Government areas in diversity profile of staff.

viii) Employment assistance/opportunities for veterans.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

2. The following report provides an overview of Council’s practices around workforce diversity, including opportunities for expansion.

Current known workforce diversity profile of Council workforce against current diversity profile within the LGA.

3. The table below shows the diverse representation and demographic in Council’s workforce, reflecting the community in which Council operates. Responses were taken from Council’s first internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) survey which was run in March 2022. Council received 583 responses to the DEI Survey, which represents 47% of all staff.

Demographic	CoP Responses (583 survey responses, 47% of staff)	LGA Data (2021 Census).
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander	1%	0.8%
Gender	Woman (56%), Man (39%), Non Binary/ Gender Fluid (1%), Prefer not to say (4%)	50% Woman, 50% Man (only binary gender data available)
Disability	10%	No stats available on those living with a disability (2016 Census 4%)
LGBTIQA+	10%	No stats available
Parents and Carers (includes caring for children, caring for elderly parents, providing care to a person living with disability or with a health condition etc	45%	35%
Veterans	2%	1.3% (previously serving 1%, currently serving 0.3%)

Current Traineeship and Apprenticeship programs and potential future strategies within City of Parramatta.

Current & Past Traineeship and Apprenticeship Programs

4. Council does not currently have any traineeship and apprenticeship programs in place. Council has run traineeship and apprenticeship programs previously. In 2020 Council partnered with Aboriginal Employment Strategy and ran a traineeship program in the City Assets & Operations Directorate. This program was not renewed in 2021 to ensure that there is a clear strategy and framework to support trainees in the workplace which was not possible due to the pandemic and organisational redesign.

Potential future strategies Traineeship and Apprenticeship Programs within City of Parramatta

5. Council’s First Nations Strategy is currently being drafted and as part of this Council could partner again with Aboriginal Employment Strategy to offer an Indigenous Traineeship Program for school students. Recommencing the Aboriginal Employment Strategy traineeships is planned for recommencing in mid-2023.

6. Council could explore broader Traineeship and Apprenticeship Programs beyond Indigenous Traineeship Program for school students. For example, as part of their Youth strategy, Cumberland Council offer traineeship and apprenticeship programs to provide employment and career development for youth and are currently recruiting students into horticulture, business administration and IT to start in Jan/Feb 2023. Council could consider a similar approach, initially with traineeship roles in Childcare (1 year program) and apprentices, generally in outdoor roles such as horticulture (3–4 year program).

7. Additional potential future strategies may also include partnering with TAFE to participate in their School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) Program. This option would allow TAFE to support Council to take on and train high school students in both indoor and outdoor roles.

8. Council is committed to introducing Apprenticeships and Traineeships and has commenced scoping out opportunities across operations, childcare, and aquatics. Once there is an understanding of the number of Apprenticeships and Traineeships potentially to be offered, Council will scope the resourcing required to implement and centrally manage Apprenticeships and Traineeships. This includes building partnerships with Apprenticeship Network Providers and Training Services NSW to leverage government support to employ and train apprentices and trainees. Council will work with TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations such as Aboriginal Employment Strategy to deliver the vocational education to trainees and apprentices. Council will leverage available government incentives such as payroll tax rebates on wages paid to approved apprentices and new entrant trainees.

Current internship participation and potential opportunities for expansion

Current internship participation

9. Council does not currently have a formal internship program in place. Instead, some Directorates (City Strategy, City Planning & Design, and Property & Place) have been offering Student Project Officer roles for university students since 2012. Over the last 10 years Council has employed 100 Student Project Officers and retained 30%. Council currently has 11 Student Project Officers working across areas in the City Strategy and City Planning and Design Directorates. Student Officer roles are managed within the Directorate. To support Student Officers centrally an Early Careers program was designed and implemented in 2021 focusing on connecting the Student Officers across Council and providing exposure to development sessions, senior leaders and the executive team. In 2022 City Strategy also commenced employment of Graduate Officers and hence the Early Careers Program was recently redesigned into ‘Ignite’, a talent development program which focuses on personal leadership and continues to provide Student Officers and Graduate Officers exposure to senior leaders and connection across Council.

Potential opportunities for expansion of internships

10. Potential opportunities for expansion include implementing a structured early careers program featuring internship roles and graduate roles that have a development program to provide a pipeline of new talent into established roles and future leader roles across Council.

11. Partnerships could include:

· CareerTrackers: a national non-profit organisation that works with Indigenous university students to create internship opportunities. Students complete a 12-week paid internship during university breaks and participate in a year-round program of support, training, and leadership development.

· CareerSeekers: to support refugees and asylum seekers with professional employment experience. We could work with CareerSeekers to provide specific opportunities for those living with a disability

· Stepping Into Program: to provide experience for university students with a lived experience of disability

· EducateAT Alliance: Australian-first alliance of government and top universities linking students with industry

· Western Sydney University: to actively participate in their industry focused employment programs including their WISE (Women in STEM Education) Program, which connects students with employers to support career development.

12. Council has commenced scoping out the potential to introduce further internship and graduate programs. This involves identifying critical roles across Council that would potentially be suitable to target and develop interns and graduates. This will establish timeframes and resourcing required to develop and run early careers recruitment campaigns, design and manage rotations, broaden out the Ignite program and design additional development programs to support graduates in their transition into permanent appointments at the end of their programs.

Opportunities for Traineeship and pathways for employment for people from Indigenous background as well as people with disability.

13. Up until 2020, Council ran a Traineeship program in partnership with Aboriginal Employment Strategy for Indigenous Australians. Council has not run specific Traineeship programs for individuals identifying as living with a disability. Council will be participating in the Social Ventures Australia Employer Innovation Lab during October 2022 – February 2023 which supports employers to address career advancement challenges for disadvantaged youth and how to create career pathways for them.

14. With the newly launched Disability Employee Resource Group (ERG), Council has commenced looking at broad pathways for employment for people with a lived experience with Disability. Council has taken out a silver membership with the Australian Network on Disability (AND). Through the AND membership Council has commenced undertaking a review of recruitment practices and processes.

15. Council will also participate in the AND Disability Confident Recruiter Program and additional AND Awareness training in December 2022 which will focus on employment pathways for people with lived experiences of disability. Council will focus on employment and support for people with disability, remove unintended barriers, and advance awareness and inclusion which are actions aligned with Council’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

Options for Local Employment Targets

16. There are options for employers to consider Local Employment Targets. For example, Western Sydney Airport recently announced that it was exceeding its local employment target, with 54% of the workforce building Sydney’s new airport coming from the local Western Sydney community. This was almost double the construction phase target of 30%. There could be an option for City of Parramatta to look at options for local employment targets for our workforce however there needs to be consideration for how “local” is defined as it would be difficult to restrict targets to the LGA and may require consideration of ‘local Western Sydney community’ and balance the risk presented in difficult employment markets.

17. In order for Council to explore Local Employment Targets further research and scoping needs to be conducted in alignment with our Workforce Strategy. Council will need to understand what skills are available for eligible potential local talent that meet our Workforce Strategy needs. It is recommended that rather than invest in scoping out targets our Talent Acquisition team could focus on talent acquisition practices to attract the local talent. It is also recommended that Council could invest in partnering with local employment agencies to identify and attract local talent or talent from across Western Sydney.

Embedding Local Employment/Diversity Targets in Contracts

Embedding Diversity Targets

18. Where feasible, Council has implemented employment targets in line with The NSW Government Action Plan (PBD 2020-03: Skills, training and diversity in construction). This is a ten-point commitment to the construction sector requires all agencies to demonstrate a commitment to meet skills and diversity targets for the engagement of apprentices, learning workers, young people under 25 years, women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on major construction projects. Agencies may also consider additional skills and diversity targets that reflect local demographic profiles.

19. The NSW Government Action Plan outlines the requirements based on contract size. For example, construction contracts over $10 million and up to $100 million to establish skills development objectives, agencies must embed an apprenticeship target of 20% of the trades workforce. Although this was not mandatory for the current Parramatta Aquatic Centre project, Council chose to include both the Training/Apprenticeship and Aboriginal participation targets as per NSW policy in the Head Contract with the Builder.

20. For Projects under $10M there are no training targets under the current policy framework, only Aboriginal Participation. It is important to note that the reason for different requirements in the NSW Govt bands would be in recognition of the level of sophistication and resources an organisation requires to meaningfully implement these programs. It wouldn’t be feasible to include all these measures for all purchasing and contracting an organisation does regardless of contract size.

Embedding Local Employment Targets

21. Council’s Procurement Tender Evaluation Criteria provide a 5% weighting to tenderers that have an ABN that is registered in the City of Parramatta LGA. Procurement is currently undergoing a review of the Procurement Guidelines and is exploring the inclusion of DEI dimensions. An updated Procurement Guideline is scheduled for early 2023.

22. In terms of LGA targets, there are no region-specific targets in the NSW Government Action Plan, only reporting of outcomes for employment and training in the relevant region for projects in the $100M+ band. It is not recommended that Council pursue implementing any Region/LGA specific targets as in many cases they would be impractical. Supply chains and workforces are spread out and encompass multiple regions, nationally and internationally, regardless of where the ABN is. Workforces are not sufficiently concentrated within an LGA for example to be able to set meaningful employment targets uniformly.

23. Even the practical application of the current CoP 5% qualitative criteria weighting for local businesses is limited in usefulness. It works for small scale purchases and contracts where access to suppliers and services are present locally. The larger or more specialised the works forming part of any contract, the less likely it would come into play.

24. Current Legal Contracts: It is currently not possible to include Local Employment targets within 3^rd party contracts issued by Council (as advised by the CoP legal team). In order to explore this further, Council would need to define and endorse a Policy with achievable and realistic targets, which could then be reflected in contracts issued by Council.

25. It is not recommended that Council develop any policy to include Local Employment targets within 3^rd party contracts. The risk of Council specifying targets in tenders/contracts may lead to minimising the pool of businesses that put in a tender, which may lead to a reduced pool of tenderers or a negative impact on the quality of goods/services delivered to Council.

26. It is recommended that instead of targets being implemented, Council can continue to apply the employment targets in line with The NSW Government Action Plan as done in the new Aquatic Centre. Council can also look to updating the Procurement Tender Evaluation Weighting to include the DEI requirement under the current 5% local preference to tenderers who have employees or will employ local talent such as Trainees and Apprentices to deliver goods/services.

Industry benchmark for Local Government areas in diversity profile of staff.

27. There is no single source of industry benchmarks available for LGAs in terms of the diversity profile of their staff. To provide an indication of the diversity profile of staff in other LGAs we sourced several LGA’s publicly available Annual Reports and gained the following data:

Council	Gender	Aboriginal / Torres Strait	Disability	Veterans	LGBTIQA+	Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)	English Second Language
City of Parramatta (Source: CoP DEI Survey 2022. Response rate 583 responses or 47% of all staff)	Woman (56%), Man (39%), Non Binary/ Gender Fluid (1%), Prefer not to say (4%)	1%	10%	2%	10%	25%	-
City of Sydney (Source: Resourcing Strategy, 2022)	57.5% male 42.3% female	2.5%	1.6%	-	3.9%	19.7%	-
City of Townsville (Source: City of Townsville Website)	-	5.15%	1.96%	-		-	4.8%
Penrith City Council (Source: Annual Report, 2021)	61% male 39% female	12%	3%	-	-	-	-
City of Canada Bay (Source: Annual Report, 2021)	44% male 6% female	-	-	-	-	-	-

Employment assistance/opportunities for veterans.

28. One of Council’s focus areas in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy is veterans. In 2022, Council established an Employee Resource Group to further identify key initiatives and actions to increase Veteran representation at Council. In terms of employment assistance and opportunities for veterans include:

· Council has included a diversity and inclusion statement in our job advertisements stating our position as an inclusive employer and encouraging job seekers such as Veterans to apply for roles.

· Council has updated the recruitment application process to include an optional question asking Veterans to self-identify.

· Council has pledged to provide feedback to any Veterans that makes it to the final round of interviews, enabling them to improve their effectiveness for future job applications as recommended by the Office for Veteran Affairs.

· Council is looking to become a signatory to the Veterans Employment Commitment, an initiative run by the Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Program, that is a public declaration that Council supports greater employment opportunities for Veterans.

29. As requested, we will be providing a separate 12-month Veterans progress report (due 31^st December 2022).

CONCLUSIONS

30. Council is committed to creating employment pathways and opportunities for diverse groups that represent our community.

31. Council officers have identified the following areas for implementation:

· Participation in the Social Ventures Australia Employer Innovation Lab: During October 2022 to February 2023 Council will participate in the Social Ventures Australia Employer Innovation Lab addressing career advancement challenges for disadvantaged youth and how to create career pathways for them. The result will be a scoped plan and resourcing requirements for apprenticeships and traineeship pathways, as well as the internships and graduateships. The plan will also feature pathways for employment for people from diverse backgrounds.

· Apprenticeships & Traineeships: An update report at the end of March 2023 outlining the frameworks, resourcing and support required to implement Apprenticeships & Traineeships by late 2023.

· Internships & Graduates: An update report at the end of March 2023 outlining the frameworks, resourcing and support required to implement the enhancement of the Student Officer and Graduate Officer roles into an Internship Program and Graduate Program that would be in partnership with and leverage CareerTrackers and Stepping Into for early career talent from Indigenous Background and Disability.

· Local Employment Targets: It is recommended that instead of targets being implemented, Council can continue to apply the employment targets in line with The NSW Government Action Plan as done in the new Aquatic Centre. Council can also look to updating the Procurement Tender Evaluation Weightings to provide an additional weighting to tenderers who have employees or will employ local talent such as Trainees and Apprentices to deliver goods/services.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
15^th July 2021	Jessica Bulger (Director, University Program at CareerTrackers	Overview and background on CareerTrackers
15^th December 2021	Emma Henningsen, Member Experience Manager, Australian Network on Disability (AND)	Understanding what a potential membership with AND would include
22^nd March 2022	Phil McNulty (Teacher at Autism Spectrum) and Lord Mayo r	Understanding requirement and opportunity for Autism Spectrum Australia
Various May – September 2022	Michelle Dunscombe (Procurement and Payables Officer)	Procurement tender evaluation criteria currently provide a 5% weighting to tenderers with an ABN registered in the LGA. Also confirmed will be reviewing guidelines to include DEI In terms of embedding targets into contracts, procurement referred us to legal to provide information re diversity targets in contracts
19^th May 2022	Michelle Ip (Solicitor, Legal Services at Co	Unfortunately, we are unable to provide diversity targets in contracts without having a Diversity Policy in place.
Various May - July	Sylvia Rybakowska, Senior Project Officer \| Skills Broker Training Services NSW \| Western Sydney & Blue Mountains	Understanding requirements and opportunities for Council to leverage Training Services NSW services and funding
24^th June 2022	Emma Henningsen, Member Experience Manager, Australian Network on Disability (AND)	Confirming we will be taking out a silver membership with AND
4^th August 2022	Stephanie Siv (Relationship Manager at Australian Network on Disability (AND)	Understanding our new silver membership with AND
8^th August 2022	Ian Woodward (Group Mangers, Legal Services at CoP)	Unfortunately, we are unable to provide diversity targets in contracts
9^th August 2022	Kim O’Grady (Library Customer Experience Manager)	Libraries have confirmed they will be able to support work experience for Autism Spectrum Australia starting in November 2022
30^th August 2022	Belinda Doganay, Acting Coordinator Organisation Development, Cumberland Council	Provided overview of traineeship and apprenticeship programs at Cumberland Council
16^th September 2022	Bryan Hynes, Executive Director Property & Place • Property & Place	Provided advocacy and insight, referred to Boz for specific
19^th September 2022	Boz Lukin, Group Manager Project Delivery, Property & Place	Provided detail on how we have incorporated The NSW Government Action Plan etc into Acquatic Centre and the feasibility of LGA employment targets

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
6/09/2022	Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey	N/A

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

35. There are no unbudgeted financial implications associated with the preparation of this report. The report was prepared utilising existing staff resources. The recommended update to Council in March 2023 will be delivered within current staff resourcing and will bear no financial implications.

36. The March 2023 Council update will address any financial implications for any additional resources required to implement robust apprenticeships, traineeships, internships and graduate programs

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Funding Source

Operating Result
External Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Funding Source

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

Bernadette Cavanagh

Executive Director, People Culture & Workplace

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 12.3

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR NOTATION

ITEM NUMBER 12.3

SUBJECT NSW Veterans Strategy

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08746827

REPORT OF Executive Director, People Culture & Workplace

CSP THEME: FAIR

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Council’s progress of Council’s policy in line with the NSW Veteran Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be received and noted.

BACKGROUND

1. Council at its meeting of 21 November 2021, considered a report on the NSW Veterans Strategy and resolved that:

3591

RESOLVED (Pandey/Bradley)

(a) That the City of Parramatta update our recruitment application process to include an optional question asking Veterans to self-identify and, include a Diversity and Inclusion Statement in our job advertisements stating our position as an inclusive employer thereby encouraging job seekers such as Veterans to apply for roles.

(b) That the City of Parramatta commit to providing feedback to any Veteran that makes it to the final round of interviewing, enabling them to improve their effectiveness for future job applications as recommended by the Office for Veteran Affairs.

(c) That the City of Parramatta include Veterans as a focus area in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and form a Veterans Employee Resource Group in 2022 to identify key initiatives and actions to increase Veteran representation in our workforce.

(d) That a report be provided to Council after 12 months on the progress of the change to Council’s policy and investigating available options in line with the NSW Veteran Strategy.

(e) Further, that the City of Parramatta continues to support local RSLs with commemorative days and celebrations.

2. This report is provided in response to resolution (d) above.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. Council has established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy (“Strategy”), with endorsement obtained by the Executive Team on 21 November 2021.

4. Key actions implemented and upcoming as part of Council’s Strategy related to veterans include:

Date	Details
Implemented Actions
February 2022	Creation of 5 employee resource groups including a Veterans Employee Resource Group with Executive Sponsorship.
February 2022	A Diversity and Inclusion Statement was implemented in our job advertisements stating our position as an inclusive and encouraging diverse job seekers to apply such as Veterans.
March 2022	Launched an employee Diversity Survey to capture the City of Parramatta diversity demographics and inclusion sentiments. 583 people completed the survey, with 2% of respondents identifying as a Veteran. 2021 Census data for Parramatta LGA highlighted 1.3% of the population identified as a Veteran (previously serving 1%, currently serving 0.3%).
April 2022	Official launch of the Veterans Employee Resource Group to coincide with ANZAC Day. CEO Communications included sharing stories of 2 City of Parramatta Veterans to educate and raise awareness.
October 2022	Formal submission to the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Program Team - Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to sign up to the Veterans’ Employment Commitment, a public commitment to recognising the skills, values and experience Veterans bring to organisations
Upcoming Actions
November 2022	City of Parramatta is transitioning to a new recruitment platform as part of a new internal Human Resources Management System. Within the Recruitment module, an update to our recruitment application process will be made giving job seekers the option to self-identify as Veterans. This will enable us to provide direct feedback to candidates who are seeking ways to improve their interview techniques to secure future employment.
November 2022	Plans are in place to recognise Remembrance Day and educate our employees by sharing a story from a City of Parramatta employee who identifies as a Veteran. In addition, our people will be encouraged to participate in local RSL events.
December 2022	A content update to our Council Connect Intranet pages to share information about Veterans including a Fact Sheet to inform and educate our people on who Veterans are, and the benefits their experiences bring to organisations.
February 2023	The formation of an informal Veterans Networking Group to encourage employees who identify as Veterans to connect and offer advice and support.

5. Council has continued to support local RSLs with commemorative days and celebrations, for example: celebrating local ANZAC Day ceremonies at Epping and Parramatta RSL and promoting other ways to get involved including Light Up the Dawn and donating to the ANZAC Appeal. Services are also planned for Remembrance Day.

6. Council supports commemorative days throughout our community services including Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Centre creating an ANZAC Day online experience with featured historical publications, and stories from soldiers, as well as sharing details of their special conservation project.

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
Nil

Councillor Consultation

8. 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

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

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

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil

Funding Source	NA

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source	NA

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Bernadette Cavanagh

Executive Director, People Culture & Workplace

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 12.4

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR NOTATION

ITEM NUMBER 12.4

SUBJECT Annual Code of Conduct Complaint Statistics Returned to the Office of Local Government

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08783961

REPORT OF Internal Ombudsman

PURPOSE:

To report to Council regarding statistics on Code of Conduct Complaints relating to Councillors and the Chief Executive Officer for the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council notes the Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints relating to Councillors and the Chief Executive Officer for the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022.

BACKGROUND

1. Part 11 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (the Procedures) require that Council’s Complaints Coordinator must report annually to the Council and to the Office of Local Government on a range of complaint statistics within three months of the end of each September. The Procedures mandate the format of this statistical report for all councils to ensure consistency. The prescribed annual reporting period is from 01 September to 31 August each year. The report has been provided to the Office of Local Government as required under the Procedures and is replicated at the end of this report.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Confidentiality

2. Clause 12.1 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW requires that information about Code of Conduct complaints and their management and investigation, is to be treated as confidential and is not to be publicly disclosed or discussed except as may be otherwise specifically required or permitted under the Procedures.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

3. There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
[Date of consultation]	[Name / Type of stakeholder]	[Summary of feedback from stakeholder (max. 50-100 word limit)]	[Council’s response to the feedback (max. 50-100 word limit)]	[Business Unit / Directorate / Staff responsible for consultation]
Nil	NIL	NIL	NIL	NIL

Councillor Consultation

4. There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
[Date of consultation]	[Name of Councillor / Ward Councillors]	[Summary of feedback from Councillor(s)]	[Council’s response to feedback]	[Business Unit / Directorate / Staff responsible for consultation]
NIL	NIL	NIL	NIL	NIL

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

5. Include any legal implications (if required) that have been considered in preparing this report to Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue

Funding Source

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result

Funding Source

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX

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

Elizabeth Renneberg

Internal Ombudsman

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Statistical Report on Code of Conduct Complaints relation to Councillors and the Chief Executive Officer for the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022

2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.1

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.1

SUBJECT Minutes of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 9 November 2022

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08386278

REPORT OF Traffic and Transport Manager

CSP THEME:

Accessible

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with the minutes of the Parramatta Traffic Committee held on 9 November 2022 and seek Council approval for the recommendations of the Committee

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note the minutes of the Parramatta Traffic Committee held on 9 November 2022, provided at Attachment 1.

(b) Further, that Council approve the recommendations of the Parramatta Traffic Committee from the meeting held on 9 November 2022 provided at Attachment 1 and in this report, noting the following financial implications for each item.

I. item 2211 a1 Alfred Street from Eleanor Street, Rosehill to George Street, Parramatta – Proposed changes to Alfred Street Pedestrian and Cyclist Upgrade Stage 2

TfNSW has provided a letter of intent to Council stating that should suitable designs be prepared, consultation undertaken with the community and approved by TfNSW, the project would be eligible for construction funding through the NSW Government's Active Transport Program in 22/23 financial year. The minor changes as a result of this report can be accommodated within the existing Alfred Street Stage 2 budget. Accordingly, this proposal has no direct financial impact upon Council’s budget.

II. item 2211 A2 Kirby Street at Victoria Road, Rydalmere – Installation of an ‘All Traffic Left Only’ restriction

The estimated cost of the proposed ‘All Traffic Left Only’ restriction is $2,500 (Incl. GST). This project is 100% funded by Transport for NSW Block Grant Funds for installation and maintenance of traffic signs and line markings in FY2022/23.

III. ITEM 2211 A3 BUNGAREE ROAD, BURRABOGEE ROAD AND BINALONG ROAD – PROPOSED RAISED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS FOR PENDLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

The proposed raised pedestrian crossings are to be constructed by School Infrastructure NSW as part of the redevelopment of Pendle Hill High School at no cost to Council. Therefore, this proposal has no direct financial impact on Council’s budget.

IV. ITEM 2211 A4 Dunlop Street, First Avenue, Ryde Street – Proposed Shared Paths, Kerb Build Out, and Raised Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings

The total estimated cost of construction of this project including paths, lighting and crossings is $1.25 million ex GST for all the works. An application will be lodged with TfNSW to fund this project through the Get NSW Active Program in FY23/24. It is intended to commence construction when funding for the project becomes available.

V. ITEM 2211 A5 Caroline Chisholm Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, Winston Hills – Installation of speed cushions

The cost estimate for the proposed speed cushions on all approaches to the roundabout at the intersection of Caroline Chisholm Drive and Hillcrest Avenue is $16,000. This project is 100% funded by the 2022/23 Australian Government Black Spot Program. Accordingly, there will not be any direct impact on Council’s budgets.

VI. ITEM 2211 A6 ADA STREET, HARRIS PARK – PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE FOR CHRISTMAS IN LITTLE INDIA

Business item. The information regarding the proposed special event be received and noted. This item has no direct financial impact on Council’s budget.

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. 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 TfNSW 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 9 November 2022. The meeting was attended by Councillors Paul Noack (Chairperson), Henry Green and Kellie Darley. The minutes of that meeting and the reports to that meeting are in Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 of this report.

The recommendations from the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting are provided below

ITEM NO.

item 2211 a1 Alfred Street from Eleanor Street, Rosehill to George Street, Parramatta – Proposed changes to Alfred Street Pedestrian and Cyclist Upgrade Stage 2

Recommendation from Parramatta Traffic Committee:

1. That Council approve the installation of a ‘No left turn, vehicles under 9m excepted’ restriction for vehicles travelling eastbound in Hassall Street turning northbound into Alfred Street Rosehill.

2. That Council note the modifications proposed to the existing traffic signals in Hassall Street at Alfred Street, Harris Park as detailed below are subject to the Traffic Control Signal (TCS) plan being approved by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).

3. That Council note that the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for the turn restriction is to be approved by TfNSW prior to the installation of the restriction.

4. That recommendations 1 to 3 are subject to Transport for New South Wales confirming funding prior to the commencement of construction.

Unanimous Support

item 2211 A2 Kirby Street at Victoria Road, Rydalmere – Installation of an ‘All Traffic Left Only’ restriction

Recommendation from Parramatta Traffic Committee:

1. That the existing ‘No Right Turn’ restriction from Kirby Street into Victoria Road, Rydalmere in the northbound direction be replaced with an ‘All Traffic Left Only’ restriction with associated sign, unbroken double barrier centreline (BB), painted median island and outline marking of painted median edge line (E5) as shown in the attached sketch.

2. That a ‘Stop’ restriction be installed on Kirby Street at Victoria Road, Rydalmere in the northbound direction with associated ‘Stop’ sign, transverse line at stop line (TF) and give way line used on right hand side of road (TB1) as shown in the attached sketch.

3. That the existing ‘No Right Turn Buses Excepted’ restriction from Kirby Street into Victoria Road, Rydalmere in the southbound direction be replaced with an ‘All Traffic Left Only’ restriction as shown in the attached sketch with associated painted median island and outline marking of painted median edge line (E5) as shown in the attached sketch.

4. That recommendations 1, 2 and 3 are subject to a Traffic Management Plan being approved by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Unanimous Support

ITEM 2211 A3 Bungaree Road, Burrabogee Road and Binalong Road – Proposed Raised Pedestrian Crossings for Pendle Hill High School

Recommendation from Parramatta Traffic Committee:

1. That Council approve the upgrading of the existing at-grade pedestrian crossing in Bungaree Road, Toongabbie immediately north of Cornock Avenue to a new raised pedestrian crossing as shown in Figure 3 of this report.

2. That Council approve the construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing in Burrabogee Road, Pendle Hill immediately east of Knox Street as shown in Figure 5 of this report.

3. That Council approve the construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing in Binalong Road, Old Toongabbie outside property No. 64 as shown in Figure 7 of this report.

4. That the design of the kerb extension on the southern side of Burrabogee Road be revised such that there is a provision for a future driveway along the eastern property boundary of No. 8 Burrabogee Road. Details are to be shown on revised Civil Plans for Council review and approval.

5. That Council approve the installation of PS-2 Bicycle Logos on the approaches to the proposed raised pedestrian crossings as detailed in recommendations 1-3 above.

6. That Council approve the installation of a 40m long ‘No Parking 8am-9:30am, 2:30pm to 4pm School Days’ restriction on the west side of Bungaree Road south of Cornock Avenue as shown in Figure 3 of this report.

7. That Council approve the installation of a 26m long ‘No Parking 8am-9:30am, 2:30pm to 4pm School Days’ restriction on the east side of Bungaree Road, Toongabbie south of Cornock Avenue as shown in Figure 3 of this report.

8. That Council approve the installation of a 15m long ‘No Parking 8am-9:30am, 2:30pm to 4pm School Days’ restriction on the north side of Burrabogee, Toongabbie Road east of Knox Street as shown in Figure 5 of this report.

9. That Council approve the installation of a 17m long ‘No Parking 8am-9:30am, 2:30pm to 4pm School Days’ restriction on the south side of Burrabogee Road, Pendle Hill west of Knox Street as shown in Figure 5 of this report.

10. That Council approve the installation of a 48m long ‘No Parking 8am-9:30am, 2:30pm to 4pm School Days’ restriction on the west side of Binalong Road, Old Toongabbie between Nos. 56-62 as shown in Figure 7 of this report.

11. That Council approve the installation of an 8m long ‘Loading Zone 9:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri, Bus Zone All Other Times’ restriction in Binalong Road, Toongabbie within the existing bus bay as shown in the design plans attached to this report.

12. That Council approve the installation of an 18m long ‘No Parking 8am-9:30am, 2:30pm to 4pm School Days’ restriction on the east side of Binalong Road, Old Toongabbie immediately north of the existing raised pedestrian crossing along the northern boundary of the Pendle Hill High School as shown in design plans attached to this report.

13. That recommendations 1-12 are subject to all costs associated with the installation of the raised pedestrian crossings, traffic signs and public domain works being paid for by the applicant at no cost to Council.

Unanimous Support

ITEM 2211 A4 Dunlop Street, First Avenue, Ryde Street – Proposed Shared Paths, Kerb Build Out, and Raised Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings

Recommendation from Parramatta Traffic Committee:

1. That Council approve the construction of a separated shared path and footpath on the northern verge of Dunlop Street between Hermington Street and Neil Street, and the eastern verge of First Avenue between Dunlop Street and Grimes Lane, Epping as shown on the plan attached to the report.

2. That Council approve the construction of a shared path on the northern verge of Dunlop Street between Neil Street and Ryde Street, and western verge of Ryde Street between Wyralla Avenue and Dunlop Street, Epping as shown on the plan attached to the report.

3. That Council approve the construction of a raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings of Neil Street and Park Street at Dunlop Street, and Dunlop Street at First Avenue, Epping as shown on the plan attached to the report.

4. That Council approve the construction of a kerb buildout on the western side of Ryde Street at Wyralla Avenue, Epping as shown on the plan attached to the report.

5. That recommendations 1 to 4 are subject to the funding being secured.

Unanimous Support

ITEM 2211 A5 Caroline Chisholm Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, Winston Hills – Installation of speed cushions

Recommendation from Parramatta Traffic Committee:

That speed cushions (1.6m to 1.9m wide x 2m long) with associated ‘25km/h’ and ‘Speed Hump’ signs be installed on all approaches to the roundabout at the intersection of Caroline Chisholm Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, Winston Hills as shown on the plan attached to the report.

Unanimous Support

BUSINESS ITEMS

ITEM 2211 A6 ADA STREET, HARRIS PARK – PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE FOR CHRISTMAS IN LITTLE INDIA

Recommendation from Parramatta Traffic Committee:

That the information regarding the proposed special event be received and noted.

Unanimous Support

CONSULTATION & TIMING

5. Details of the consultation undertaken with the Community, Agencies and Councillors for each item, are included in Attachment 2 and Attachment 3.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

ITEM
2211 A1	TfNSW has provided a letter of intent to Council, should suitable designs be prepared, consulted with the community and approved by TfNSW The project would be eligible for construction funding through the NSW Government's Active Transport Program in 22/23 financial year. The minor changes as a result of this report can be accommodated within the existing Alfred Street Stage 2 budget. Accordingly, this proposal has no direct financial impact upon Council’s budget.
2211 A2	The estimated cost of the proposed ‘All Traffic Left Only’ restriction is $2,500 (Incl. GST). This project is 100% funded by Transport for NSW Block Grant Funds for installation and maintenance of traffic signs and line markings in FY2022/23.
2211 A3	The proposed raised pedestrian crossings are to be constructed by School Infrastructure NSW as part of the redevelopment of Pendle Hill High School at no cost to Council. Therefore, this proposal has no direct financial impact on Council’s budget.
2211 A4	The total estimated cost of construction of this project including paths, lighting and crossings is $1.25 million ex GST for all the works. An application will be lodged to TfNSW to fund this project through the Get NSW Active Program in FY23/24 for construction. It is intended to commence construction when funding for the project becomes available.
2211 A5	The cost estimate for the proposed speed cushions on all approaches to the roundabout at the intersection of Caroline Chisholm Drive and Hillcrest Avenue is $16,000. This project is 100% funded by the 2022/23 Australian Government Black Spot Program. Accordingly, there will not be any direct impact on Council’s budgets.
2211 A6	Business item. The information regarding the proposed special event be received and noted. This item has no direct financial impact on Council’s budget.

7. There are no financial impacts on the budget arising from approval of this report as summarised in the table below.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil	Nil

Funding Source	N/A	N/A

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil	Nil

Funding Source	Nil	Nil

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil	Nil

Richard Searle

Traffic and Transport Manager

Mark Leotta

Group Manager - Development and Traffic Services

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	PTC 2211 Approved Minutes for the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 9 November 2022	8 Pages
2 ⇩	PTC 2211 Reports of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 9 November 2022	129 Pages
3 ⇩	PTC 2211 Attachment 3 Consultation and Timing for Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 9 November 2022	6 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.2

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.2

SUBJECT Minutes of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 9 November 2022

REFERENCE F2021/00521 - D08386294

REPORT OF Traffic and Transport Manager

CSP THEME:

Accessible

workshop/briefing date: NIL

PURPOSE:

That Council consider the minutes and approve the recommendations of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 9 November 2022.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note the minutes of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 9 November 2022, as provided at Attachment 1.

(b) Further, that Council approve the recommendations of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 9 November 2022 as provided at Attachment 1 and in this report, noting the following financial implications of each item.

I. ITEM 2211 B1 Hill Road, Wentworth Point – Update on the proposed improvements on Hill Road, Wentworth Point

This report only provides an update on the proposed traffic improvements and other proposed works on Hill Road and Bennelong Parkway, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park. Therefore, this matter has no financial impact upon Council's budget.

II. ITEM 2211 B2 Proposed Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Council Land

This report provides guidelines for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations within the Parramatta LGA. It does not recommend any specific projects. Accordingly, there is no direct financial impact on Council’s budget.

III. ITEM 2211 B3 PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED, PROJECTS CURRENTLY FUNDED AND PROJECTS LISTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE FUNDING

There are no financial implications to Council as a result of this report

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 9 November 2022. Councillors in attendance were: Paul Noack (Chairperson), Henry Green and Kellie Darley. The minutes of that meeting and the reports to that meeting are in Attachments 1 and 2 of this report.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

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

ITEM NO:

ITEM 2211 B1 Hill Road, Wentworth Point – Update on the proposed improvements on Hill Road, Wentworth Point

Recommendation from Traffic Engineering Advisory Group:

1. That Council note the updates regarding the proposed improvements on Hill Road, Wentworth Point.

2. That further information be provided on the revised design of the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Hill Road and Burroway Road, Wentworth Point be provided to the Parramatta Traffic Committee.

Unanimous Support

ITEM 2211 B2 Proposed Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Council Land

Recommendation from Traffic Engineering Advisory Group:

1. That Council adopt the Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Council Land as detailed in Appendix A of this report.

2. That recommendation 1 be subject to annual reviews of the guidelines being undertaken to ensure relevant industry standards and regulations are addressed.

Unanimous Support

item 2211 b3 Projects Recently Completed, Projects Currently Funded and Projects Lists for Consideration of Future Funding

Recommendation from Traffic Engineering Advisory Group:

1. That the information regarding progress on 2022/23 funded projects be received and noted.

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

3. That Council note that no traffic projects have been completed since the last TEAG meeting.

Unanimous Support

CONSULTATION & TIMING

4. Details of the consultation undertaken with Agencies and Councillors for each item considered at the meeting are included in Attachment 3. No community consultation was required.

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.
2211 B1	This report only provides an update on the proposed traffic improvements and other proposed works on Hill Road and Bennelong Parkway, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park. Therefore, this matter has no financial impact upon Council's budget.
2211 B2	This report provides guidelines for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations within the Parramatta LGA. It does not recommend any specific projects. Accordingly, there is no direct financial impact on Council’s budget.
2211 B3	There is no financial implication to Council as a result of this recommendation.

7. There are no financial impact on the budget arising from approval of this report as summarised in the table below.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil	Nil

Funding Source	N/A	N/A

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil	Nil

Funding Source	Nil	Nil

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil	Nil

Richard Searle

Traffic and Transport Manager

Mark Leotta

Group Manager - Development and Traffic Services

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	TEAG 2211 Approved Minutes for the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 9 November 2022	3 Pages
2 ⇩	TEAG 2211 Reports of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held 9 November 2022	59 Pages
3 ⇩	TEAG 2211 Attachment 3 Consultation and Timing for Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting held on 9 November 2022	3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.3

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.3

SUBJECT Post Exhibition: Investment Policy

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08663052

REPORT OF Policy Officer

CSP THEME: Fair

workshop/briefing date: Policy Review Committee – 4 October 2022

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement to adopt the draft Investment Policy (Policy 205).

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council notes that no submission was received following public exhibition of the draft Investment Policy.

(b) Further, that Council adopts the Investment Policy attached to this report.

BACKGROUND

1. On 31 October 2022, Council resolved to place the draft Investment Policy (Policy 205) on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

2. The draft Investment Policy was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, from 1-28 November 2022. Submissions on the draft Policy were invited from members of the public by contacting Council’s Governance Team directly or by using Council’s Participate Parramatta portal. Printed copies of exhibition materials were also made available for viewing at Council’s library branches and Customer Service Centre.

3. In total, the Participate Parramatta page for the draft Investment Policy received 27 views.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. During the public exhibition period, no submissions were received from members of the public.

5. Council officers do not propose any changes to the draft Investment Policy as a result of the public exhibition.

6. The draft Investment Policy recommended for adoption is provided at Attachment 1.

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
1-28 November 2022	Public Exhibition	No submissions received during Public Exhibition period	Noted	Governance

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
28 July 2022	Finance Committee meeting	Committee recommended to add climate risk criteria requirement to clause 3.3.5(b), to ensure policy direction is aligned with Council’s broader strategy.	Feedback noted and reflected in the draft Policy placed on public exhibition.	Finance
23 August 2022	Finance Committee meeting	Committee supported updated draft Policy. No further changes proposed.	Noted	Finance
4 October 2022	Policy Review Committee meeting	Committee members provided comments on the proposed changes to the draft Policy. No further changes proposed.	Noted	Governance + Finance

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

9. The draft Policy was reviewed by Legal Services on 13 September 2022 and is compliant with legislation.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

10. The Chief Finance & Information Officer reviewed the Policy on 12 September 2022.

11. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the proposed resolution, three are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Melissa McIsaac

Policy Officer

Gwendolyn Hughes

Governance Manager

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Investment Policy 2022

12 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.4

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.4

SUBJECT Post Exhibition: Adoption of Local Orders Policy

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08649425

REPORT OF Policy Officer

CSP THEME: Fair

workshop/briefing date: Policy Review Committee – 4 October 2022

PURPOSE:

To consider the submissions received during the public exhibition of the draft Local Orders Policy (Policy 135) and to seek Council’s endorsement to adopt the Policy.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council receive and note the submissions received following public exhibition of the draft Local Orders Policy.

(b) Further, that Council adopt the draft Local Orders Policy as attached to this report.

BACKGROUND

1. On 10 October 2022, Council resolved to place the draft Local Orders Policy (Policy 135) on public exhibition for a period of 42 days, as prescribed under the Local Government Act 1993.

2. The draft Local Orders Policy was placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days, from 11 October-22 November 2022. Submissions on the draft Policy were invited from members of the public by contacting Council’s Governance Team directly or by using Council’s Participate Parramatta portal. Printed copies of exhibition materials were also made available for viewing at Council’s library branches and Customer Service Centre.

3. In total, the Participate Parramatta page for the draft Local Orders Policy received 90 views.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. During the public exhibition period, 2 submissions were received. Of these, 2 were generally supportive.

5. The submissions are summarised in the table below, with a staff response provided for each submission:

Submission Number	Submission Comment	Staff Response
1	Generally supportive of the draft Policy. Additional commentary provided regarding ensuring community compliance.	Noted. Forwarded supplementary comments regarding compliance matters to relevant officers for notation.
2	Submission received from the Internal Ombudsman (IOSS). Generally supportive of the draft Policy. Provided recommendations to verify certain legislation references and provided stylistic feedback regarding drafting of clauses.	Noted. Feedback reviewed by Legal Services to ensure that draft Policy clauses are soundly drafted, and to re-confirm that all legislation references are correct. Stylistic feedback may be taken into consideration during next periodic review of Policy.

6. As a result of the IOSS submission, two non-substantive amendments were made to the draft Policy:

i. Clause 3.2.4: amended referenced clause numbers from Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 to accurately cite the relevant clauses of the legislation.

ii. Clause 3.4: added the term “markings” to the existing statement regarding property numbering, to ensure consistency in language with the terms employed in the Local Government Act 1993.

7. The draft Local Orders Policy recommended for adoption is provided at Attachment 1.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
11 October-22 November 2022	Public Exhibition	2 submissions received, generally in support.	The feedback was noted. No substantive changes have been proposed to the draft Local Orders Policy resulting from the submissions received.	Governance

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
4 October 2022	Policy Review Committee meeting	Committee members provided feedback on the proposed changes to the draft Policy. No further changes proposed.	Noted	Governance + Regulatory Services

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

10. The draft Policy as presented was reviewed by Legal Services on 27 September 2022 and again on 22 November 2022, and is compliant with legislation.

11. Council must adopt a Local Orders Policy by 21 December 2022 to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.

12. Further, under section 165(4) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council’s existing Local Orders Policy will be automatically revoked if the Policy has not been adopted within twelve months of the declaration of the poll for the NSW Local Government elections.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

13. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the proposed resolution, three are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Melissa McIsaac

Policy Officer

Paul Lyth

Group Manager Regulatory Services

John Warburton

Executive Director, City Assets & Operations

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

For Adoption - Draft Local Orders Policy 2022

19 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.5

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.5

SUBJECT Draft Removal of Printed Promotional Materials Policy for Public Exhibition

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08734017

REPORT OF Policy Officer

CSP THEME: Fair

workshop/briefing date: Policy Review Committee – 15 November 2022

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement to place the draft Removal of Printed Promotional Materials Policy (Policy 339) on public exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the draft Removal of Printed Promotional Materials Policy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

(b) That Council authorises the Chief Executive Officer to make any necessary editorial and content changes to the draft Removal of Printed Promotional Materials Policy for public exhibition to give effect to Council’s resolution.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s existing Policy for the Removal of Placards, Bills, Flyers, Banners and Paper Affixed to Public Assets (Policy 339) was last adopted by Council on 10 July 2017 and is now due for review.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

2. Before adopting the draft Policy, Council must place the document on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. This report is seeking Council’s approval to place the draft Removal of Printed Promotional Materials Policy on public exhibition. The submission period is likely to close in early January 2023.

3. Once submissions have closed a further report will be presented to Council incorporating any public comment at a meeting in February 2023 where Council will be required to adopt the final Policy. This document will become effective once it is adopted by Council.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

4. The following stakeholders have been consulted and reviewed the draft Policy:

· Legal Services Unit,

· Leadership Team,

· Executive Director City Assets & Operations, Executive Director Property & Place, and Chief Executive Officer, and

· Policy Review Committee.

Time frame from exhibition to adoption of Policy:

· Council Meeting – 12 December 2022

o Council endorses the draft Policy for purposes of public exhibition.

· Public Exhibition – Exhibition dates approximately 13 December 2022 to 13 January 2023 (additional days will be added to the standard 28-day public exhibition period to accommodate public holidays)

· Council Meeting – 13 February 2023

o Council adopts the draft Policy

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

5. The draft Policy was reviewed by Legal Services on 20 October 2022 and does not present any legal concerns.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

6. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council’s budget associated with the exhibition and adoption of this draft Policy.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Melissa McIsaac

Policy Officer

Paul Lyth

Group Manager Regulatory Services

John Warburton

Executive Director, City Assets & Operations

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	For Public Exhibition - Draft Removal of Printed Promotional Materials Policy 2022	4 Pages
2 ⇩	For Information - Removal of Pritned Promotional Materials Policy Review 2022 - Summary of Proposed Changes	3 Pages
3 ⇩	For Information - Policy for the Removal of Placards 2017 - Full Markup of Proposed Changes	8 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.6

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.6

SUBJECT Policies for Rescission: Community & Stakeholder Engagement Policy

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08765430

REPORT OF Policy Officer

CSP THEME: Fair

workshop/briefing date: Policy Review Committee – 15 November 2022

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement to rescind Council Policies which have been identified as redundant.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approves the rescission of the Community & Stakeholder Engagement Policy (Policy 335).

BACKGROUND

1. Council officers have assessed Council’s policy portfolio to identify policies which are redundant because they have been superseded by other sources.

2. Council’s Community & Stakeholder Engagement Policy (Policy 335) was last adopted on 10 July 2017.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. The Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy has been superseded by Community Engagement Strategy which was adopted by Council on 28 November 2022. All provisions of the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy are addressed in the Community Engagement Strategy 2022.

4. The Community Engagement Strategy ensures Council will meet the requirement under section 402A of the Local Government Act 1993 to implement a strategy for engagement with the local community, therefore the Policy is redundant.

5. A reference copy of the existing Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy can be found at Attachment 1.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
February 2022	Research & Engagement unit	Confirmed Policy was redundant and should be rescinded once updated Community Engagement Strategy adopted.	Agreed to seek Council endorsement to rescind Policy when appropriate	Governance
August 2022	Executive Team & CEO	Approved to rescind Policy	Noted	Governance

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
15 November 2022	Policy Review Committee meeting	Supported to rescind Policy, conditional on the prior adoption of the updated Community Engagement Strategy.	Noted	Governance + Research & Engagement

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

8. There are no legal implications associated with this Council Report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

9. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council associated with rescinding the identified Policy.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue
	Nil
Funding Source

Operating Result	N/A
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source	N/A

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Melissa McIsaac

Policy Officer

Anna Pijaca

Research & Engagement Manager

Nicole Carnegie

Director City Strategy

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

For Information - Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy 2017

6 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.8

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.8

SUBJECT Popup Cycleway at Wigram Street, Harris Park

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08649905

REPORT OF Project Officer Transport

CSP THEME: Accessible

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement to proceed to public consultation on a proposal to convert the temporary Wigram Street Pop-up Cycleway in Harris Park to a permanent cycleway.

RECOMMENDATION

a) That Council conducts a public consultation on the proposal, including the design options (detailed in Attachments 1 and 2), to convert the temporary Wigram Street Pop-up cycleway in Harris Park to a permanent cycleway.

b) That public consultation for the proposal be held for a minimum period of 28 days.

c) Further, that the outcomes of public consultation of the plans be reported to the Parramatta Traffic Committee with a report back to Council.

BACKGROUND

1. Wigram Street Pop-up Cycleway was an initiative of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) in collaboration with Council as a Covid 19 response.

2. Council at its 14 September 2020 meeting endorsed support of the delivery by Transport for NSW of the pop-up cycleway on Wigram Street Harris Park as a trial for six months.

3. Consultation for the pop-up cycleway was undertaken by TfNSW in December 2020. The consultation involved identification of the current temporary cycleway. It did not investigate other options at that time. One objection was raised relating to roadside rubbish collection which was addressed.

4. This pop-up cycleway was 100% funded by TfNSW. TfNSW and Council collaborated on the design. Council constructed the pop-up cycleway.

5. The pop-up cycleway was installed as a six month trial from September 2021 to March 2022. No complaints or issues were raised by the public. A total of 21,800 bicycle trips have been counted since installation, averaging 50 riders per day.

6. Following this trial discussions were held with TfNSW about the possible conversion of the pop up into a permanent pathway.

7. TfNSW allowed Council to utilise $145,307 in May 2022 to prepare draft designs of a permanent conversion of the pop-up cycleway. The funding is available until June 2023.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

8. Traffic safety has been considered with the installation of the pop-up cycleway, where lane widths were narrowed to 2.8m (minimal width). Minimal lane widths create the possibility of increased crashes when combined with factors including, high speeds, driver inattention, and prevalence of heavy vehicles. The risk of crashes is considered to be low here; given low speeds, traffic volumes and minimal heavy vehicles. There have been no recorded traffic incidents or complaints. Following internal consultation, an alternative design has been developed for consultation that removes any risk from narrow lanes by making Wigram Street one-way northbound between Bowden Street and Allan Street. This would allow for one wider vehicle travel lane, wider parking spaces a more generous cycleway lane. Please note the proposed design for Cambridge Street is common to both options:

Option 1: Refer to Attachment 1 which provides for one-way traffic northbound along Wigram Street (between Bowden and Allen Streets) – Southbound traffic would proceed left onto Allen Street, right onto Harris Street then right onto Bowden Street to access properties on Wigram Street south of Allen Street, resulting in an average diversion of 500m. This allows for wider traffic lanes of around 3m or more and for the cycleway to be widened from 2.4m (minimum standard width) to 3.0m, together with widening the cycleway separator from 0.4m to 1.0m. To maintain travel lane widths south of Bowden Street 4 on-street parking spaces on Wigram Street would be removed from the east verge. Parking counts undertaken over both Friday 6 and Saturday 7 May 2022 show that parking on the east verge, where parking is proposed to be removed, is well utilised, but that parking on the west verge is underutilised and has sufficient capacity for parking of an additional four vehicles.

Option 2: Refer to Attachment 2 which retains two-way traffic along Wigram Street, retaining the current travel lane and cycleway widths. This option results in no loss of on-street parking. While parking lane width of 2.1m complies with Australian standards, the travel lane width of 2.8m will require heavy vehicles to yield to each other and wait for suitable passing opportunities. The likelihood of heavy vehicles traversing this section of Wigram Street is very low. The total number counted over both Friday 6 and Saturday 7 May 2022 was one bus and no heavy vehicles.

9. If the cycleway is to be retained pedestrian safety is important owing to a nearby primary school and the route being a popular walking and cycling route to Harris Park Station. This has been considered in more detail as part of the design process that considers a more permanent arrangement. The proposed pedestrian safety improvements, common to both options, are:

· Raise the existing pedestrian crossing of Allen Street at Wigram Street;

· Add a raised pedestrian crossing of Wigram Street at Allen Street;

· Widen the southern Cambridge Street verge between Wigram Street and the zebra crossing near the rail bridge by 1.5m to allow for a separate footpath, street trees and cycleway;

· Widening the existing 2.1m wide shared path on the north verge of the Cambridge Street rail bridge to 3.5m;

· Construct a new continuous footpath treatment (pedestrians continue at footpath level and vehicles give way) on Tottenham Street at its intersection with Cambridge Street; and

· Construct a new continuous footpath treatment on Station Street W at its intersection with Cambridge Street.

10. Other improvements proposed as part of the permanent conversion include a review of the impact on parking which has resulted in the following being included in the concept plans:

· Reinstating 7 on-street parking spaces along the south verge of Cambridge Street between Wigram Street and the zebra crossing near the rail bridge; and

· Marked parking areas on Wigram Street south of Cambridge Street, to aid with parking discipline.

11. Feedback received from the public consultation will be used to guide preparation of the final design. Approval will then be sought from Council’s Local Traffic Committee and TfNSW of the final design.

12. Upon approval of the final design, Council will engage a quantity surveyor to prepare a construction estimate and funding from TfNSW would be sought for construction.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

13. The purpose is to seek community feedback on the proposal to convert the temporary cycleway to a permanent cycleway and understanding of the community of the options offered

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
July 2021	Internal (Traffic and Transport Team, Civil Assets Team)	Provide two options: one-way to allow for wider travel lanes, the other should retain two-way with existing narrow but compliant travel lanes	Design options prepared for public consultation	Strategic Land Use Planning, Transport Planning team

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
November 2022	Rosehill Ward Councillors – via email	1. Status of previous consultation? 2. Expand consultation to include Wigram Street Cycleway extension to Marion Street?	1. Transport for NSW consulted on the pop-up cycleway in December 2020. Conversion of the facility to permanent, requires public consultation prior to consideration by Council’s Traffic Committee.		Strategic Land Use Planning, City Planning and Design
			2.The current design funding is for conversion of the current temporary facility into a permanent cycleway. Staff recommend Council pursue this design now to support bidding for external grants to deliver these works. Any future extension to Marion Street should be considered as part of the Bike Plan re-fresh in 2023 and by the subject of future funding requested to TfNSW.		Strategic Land Use Planning, City Planning and Design

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

16. There are no legal implications arising from this report and its recommendation.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

17. The cost of public consultation is estimated at $10,000 including letterboxing, newspaper advertisements and social media promotion. This cost is in the current Q1 forecast and allocated within the existing design budget of $145,307, whish is funded by a grant from TfNSW.

18. Therefore, if Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the recommendation, there are no further financial implications on the budget as set out in the table below.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil

Funding Source

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Michael Kolos

Project Officer Transport

Michael Jollon

Transport Planning Manager

Robert Cologna

Group Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Option 1 - Wigram Street Cycleway Concept Design for Public Consultation (One-way)	2 Pages
2 ⇩	Option 2 - Wigram Street Cycleway Concept Design for Public Consultation (Two-way)	2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.9

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.9

SUBJECT Exhibition of Housekeeping Amendment to City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021

REFERENCE F2022/00230 - D08744883

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Infrastructure Planning

CSP THEME: Innovative

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to outline the administrative changes proposed to the City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021 (Plan) as part of a housekeeping amendment to the Plan. The report recommends that Council endorse the ‘Draft City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021 (Amendment No. 1)’ for the purposes of public exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council endorses the “Draft City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021 (Amendment No. 1)” provided at Attachment 1 for public exhibition.

(b) That the draft Plan be publicly exhibited for a minimum period of 28 days.

(c) That Council delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer to correct any minor anomalies of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan making process.

(d) Further, that Council commences a broader review of the Works Program outlined in the Outside CBD Development Contributions Plan.

BACKGROUND

1. At its meeting of 12 July 2021, Council endorsed the “Draft City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021” for finalisation, subject to a number of amendments. The new Outside CBD Contributions Plan was a key component of the “Harmonisation Project”, which was established to create a single consolidated local planning framework for the LGA following the creation of the new City of Parramatta Council in May 2016.

2. The new Outside CBD Contributions Plan (“the Plan”) consolidated and replaced a number of contributions plans that were administered by the new Council as a result of the realignment of Council boundaries during the local government amalgamation process. Following the endorsement of the Plan by Council and the approval of the Minister for Planning, the Plan came into effect on 20 September 2021.

3. The Plan has now been in operation for approximately 14 months. During this time, a limited number of issues that are substantively of an administrative nature have been identified, which the proposed draft amendment seeks to address. The proposed changes are outlined in the section below.

ISSUES

Modifications of consent

4. Under the existing wording of the ‘transitional arrangements’ section of the Plan, all development applications seeking modification following the commencement of the Plan will be subject to the new contribution plan. This leads to the unintended consequence of a modified development application being assessed under a different Plan to which the original consent was issued.

5. A modification of development consent can only amend the matters relating to the modification sought by the applicant and any associated conditions. The modification itself cannot change the original development contribution unless it is directly related to the works proposed by the modification. Therefore the development contribution condition itself should not be subject to review only by the fact that Council has implemented a new development contribution regime.

6. A minor change is proposed that amends the wording of the Plan to state that modifications to development applications will continue to be levied under the contributions plan in place at the time of the original determination.

Levying development contributions on new residential allotments

7. The current Plan does not allow for a development contribution to be levied for land subdivision applications creating new residential lot/s where there isn’t a dwelling being created at the same time. Since the commencement of the Plan, there have been occasions where a landowner may seek to demolish and rebuild an existing dwelling, as well as subdivide a portion of the existing site for future development without seeking approval for the future dwelling on the new lot.

8. In this scenario, the landowner benefiting from the development uplift is not required to pay a monetary contribution on the newly created lot, as the Plan does not provide a resident occupancy charge rate for the creation of new allotments. This is unfair to a future owner of the new allotment, who will have to pay a contribution for that new allotment, instead of the original landowner who benefitted from the subdivision and sale.

9. In accordance with Environmental Planning & Assessment Act (EP&A Act) and associated Regulation, the intention of a Section 7.11 Plan is to ensure that any new development that generates additional demand should only pay an appropriate contribution for that additional demand. Further, where existing demand already exists, then this needs to be credited toward the overall contribution calculation.

10. The intention of this amendment is to ensure that there is a better alignment between the time of which development occurs, and when a development contribution is paid to Council. This approach is consistent with Council’s former s7.11 development contribution plans, as well as contributions of most councils and is accepted by industry as the appropriate timing for this implementation of a development contribution levy.

11. To address the above issue, it is proposed to amend the Plan as follows:

a. Amend Table 3 to insert an additional category for ‘new allotments’, with the assumed number of residents to be based on the same rate that would apply for a 4+ bedroom dwelling (3.5 residents).

b. Amend Table 4 to include ‘new allotment’ as an additional Type 1 Residential accommodation category term.

The effect of this change is to ensure that the original landowner who carries out and benefits from the subdivision, will have to pay the contribution for the subdivision (not the incoming purchaser of the new allotment(s).

Defining social housing and social housing providers

12. The wording of the current Plan provides an exemption from development contributions for affordable or social housing that is being undertaken by a social housing provider. For the avoidance of doubt, notations have been included in the Plan to denote that definitions for “social housing”, “social housing provider”, and “affordable housing” are the same as otherwise included within the EP&A Act and the Housing SEPP.

Introduction of new worker occupancy rates

Childcare facilities

13. For the purpose of calculating development contribution levies, the current Plan does not provide a worker occupancy rate for childcare facilities. An assessment of development applications lodged with Council over the last five years indicated that the average gross floor area to worker occupancy rate was approximately 42 sqm per worker.

14. The assessment found that 42 sqm per worker represented an accurate reflection of average worker occupancy rates in development applications that were approved by Council over the past five years, while also complying with the minimum indoor and outdoor play space requirements for accredited childcare facilities as administered by the Commonwealth Government Regulator, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

15. Given the availability of this data and the number of development applications received in a given year (approximately 7-8), it is proposed that a new workforce occupancy rate of 42 sqm per worker for ‘childcare facilities’ be introduced within the ‘Infrastructure – Community’ land use in Table 7 of the Plan. The introduction of a worker occupancy rate will provide more transparency to industry and the community as to how Council will levy new childcare facilities under the Plan.

Indoor recreation facilities

16. The Plan does not currently prescribe a worker occupancy rate for indoor recreation facilities such as private gyms and dance studios. An assessment of all development applications lodged with Council over the last five years (a total of 17) found that more than two-thirds of these types of applications determined were for facilities with a total site area of less than 1,000 sqm, with an average worker occupancy rate of 149 sqm per worker. A small number of consents issued over the same period were for facilities well in excess of 1,000 sqm, which disproportionately affected the average worker occupancy rate per sqm.

17. As the current Plan does not provide an appropriate ‘similar use’ in the workforce occupancy rates outlined in Table 7 of the Plan, it is proposed that a new rate of 149 sqm for ‘indoor recreation facilities’ be introduced within the ‘Infrastructure – Community’ land use in Table 7 of the Plan.

Minor corrections of a non-policy nature

18. A number of minor corrections that are of a non-policy nature are proposed, including:

a. Inclusion of references to Council’s Voluntary Planning Agreement Register, and guidance as to how a Planning Agreement may affect the time of the provision of local infrastructure;

b. Typographical amendments to clarify which sections of the EP&A Act and the associated Regulation apply for imposing development contributions through complying development;

c. Amendments to the methods that Council will accept payments (removal of cash and cheque payments);

d. Updated guidance on the responsibility of private certifiers to receive written confirmation that all monetary contributions owing have been paid prior to the issuing of an occupation certificate;

e. Updated references that reflect the role of the NSW Planning Portal as the method to submit development applications and complying development certificates;

f. Updated references to co-living housing resulting from amendments to the Housing State Environment Planning Policy (Housing SEPP) on 1 July 2022; and

g. Minor amendments to the process for crediting of monetary contributions for previous consents to new or modified applications before refunds will be considered.

FUTURE REVIEW OF WORKS PROGRAM

19. The Plan includes a works program that identifies the infrastructure required to meet the needs of the forecast population growth over the 20 year period from 2021 to 2041. This growth was based on Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy, adopted by Council in July 2020, which forecasted that an additional 166,839 residents will live within the Plan area by 2041, as well as an additional 33,131 workers and 2,306 visitors.

20. The works program as endorsed by Council estimated that the infrastructure required to service the Plan area would cost approximately $1.69 billion over 20 years, with $1.39 billion of these costs attributed (“apportioned”) to new population growth. For the Plan to be able to fully fund the apportioned costs of funding this infrastructure, the Plan was required to generate $69.5 million per year over the life of the Plan.

21. Since the commencement of the Plan in September 2021, that Plan has collected approximately $2.75 million to September 2022 quarter. Forecasts for the current financial year suggest that the Plan could generate approximately $4 million. Based on these figures, it is highly unlikely that the apportioned value of the current works program ($1.39 billion) will be met by development contribution income generated from the Plan alone, increasing the overall funding gap to Council.

22. In response, Council needs to conduct a review of the works program to ensure that projects are prioritised to align with funding that is available. To enable this the work program will most likely need to be reduced. Prioritisation of projects should align with Council’s strategic priorities, as well as the key principles around development contributions funding including whether the Council is reasonably expected to provide a service or facility, does the project constitute capital works, does it meet the demands of incoming populations (as opposed to existing areas with limited growth) and how high is the apportionment value. A future review of the works program would need to apply stricter criteria to ensure that an amended works program can be delivered through the likely income generated from the Plan.

23. A review of the Works Program would likely commence in early to mid-2023, and would require consultation with relevant stakeholders and Councillors. A future report back to Council on the outcome of the review would be likely to occur by late 2023.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
September 2021 - present	Internal staff implementing the Plan	Issues of an administrative nature complicate the assessment of development applications and CDCs, due to an inconsistency in wording and the lack of like-for-like land use categories (particularly childcare centres)	Consultation has been undertaken with internal sections of Council to identify areas in the Plan that can be amended to provide greater clarity as to the intention of the Plan when applying a development contribution levy.	City Planning & Design

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Standard briefing prior to Council meeting	All	Report finalised prior to briefing	Report finalised prior to briefing	City Planning & Design

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

26. Section 215 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 allows for council’s to amend or repeal a contributions plan. Further, Section 215(5) of the Regulation allows for council’s to amend a contributions plan without preparing a new plan for a limited number of reasons, including ‘minor typographical corrections’.

27. Council Officers have determined that while the amendments to the Plan as outlined in this report are substantially of an administrative nature, the introduction of a new residential charge rate for new allotments and the new proposed worker occupancy classifications for childcare facilities and indoor recreation facilities fall outside the scope of Section 215(5) of the Regulation. As a result, the changes proposed would require Council endorsement for the purposes of publicly exhibiting the Draft City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021 (Amendment No. 1) draft Plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

28. The changes proposed in the draft Plan are substantially of an administrative nature, and there are no direct financial implications to Council resulting from this report.

29. Should Council resolve to support a review of the works program, it would be done within Council’s existing budget and resources. Any financial implications resulting from the review of the Plan’s work program will be outlined for Council’s consideration as part of a future report.

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

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue

Funding Source	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Funding Source	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

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

Joshua Coy

Senior Project Officer Infrastructure Planning

Diane Galea

Team Leader Infrastructure Planning

Anthony Newland

Group Manager Infrastructure Planning & Design

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Draft Outside CBD Development Contributions Plan 2021 (Amendment No. 1)

115 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.10

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.10

SUBJECT Boundary amendment between Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08766430

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Place Services

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Rosehill Ward Councillor Briefings 20 September 2022 and 21 November 2022.

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement to progress to the NSW Geographic Names Board an amendment of the suburb boundary between Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council endorses the proposed boundary amendment between Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point.

(b) Further, that Council submits the proposed boundary amendment request to the NSW Geographic Names Board (GNB) of NSW for formal assignment and Gazettal under the Geographical Names Act 1996.

BACKGROUND

1. On 22 August 2022, City of Parramatta Council resolved a Notice of Motion, to commence community consultation for a proposal to amend the suburb boundary of Wentworth Point to include the addresses of the Sanctuary Building precinct which is currently located in the suburb of Sydney Olympic Park. See Site Map (Attachment 1).

2. Council had previously received a request from Sekisui House (developer of the ‘Sanctuary’ site in Sydney Olympic Park), to amend the suburb boundary between Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point to include the ‘Sanctuary’ development area.

3. The ‘Sanctuary’ site is an outlying community isolated from the Sydney Olympic Park civic center with a lack of community connection and support from other residents and services in Sydney Olympic Park, due to the isolated location.

4. Also, the ‘Sanctuary’ site is physically adjacent to the retail hub of Wentworth Point at the northern tip of the peninsular. It has closer ties to the community of Wentworth Point and its residents are more invested in the development of the Wentworth Point community than Sydney Olympic Park.

5. Council officers have received advice that ‘Sanctuary’ residents are joining Wentworth Point community groups as they seek out information and events that are relevant to them and their residential location.

6. A boundary adjustment will also provide clarity of navigation, deliveries, wayfinding, and emergency services response times.

7. Under City of Parramatta Council’s Road Naming Policy (Policy 283) and the NSW Address Policy and User Manual (May 2021) developed by NSW Geographical Names Board (GNB), Council is the responsible authority for the provision of address numbering to all properties and road names to all local and private roads situated within the Parramatta Local Government Area (LGA).

8. Accurate addressing information in NSW is required for adequate navigation, emergency response, service delivery and statistical analysis. To ensure that all property addressing, and road naming is comprehensible, clear, accepted, unambiguous and readily communicated, all property addresses, and road names must comply with the requirements specified in Chapter 6 “Addressing Principles” of the NSW Address Policy and User Manual (2021).

9. Under the provisions of the Geographical Names Act 1966, section 6.8.5 Boundary Determination –

d. Boundaries should be regularly reviewed, especially in areas subject to urban development. The review process should take into primary consideration impacts on community interests. Following this, consideration can be given to the likely impact on government and commercial interests.

e. Address localities should be reflected in the address of any given site. A boundary adjustment may be required if the address locality of the access point to a site is not concurrent with the address locality for the site being addressed.

10. Council’s role is to seek community feedback prior to endorsement and referral to the GNB for approval under the Geographical Names Act 1966. GNB policy outlines the following consultation requirements:

7.1.3 Consulting on a Proposal

Address Localities

Under the provisions of the Geographical Names Act 1966, the GNB is responsible for address locality name and boundary determination.

Principles outlined in Chapter 6 - Section 6.8 - Principles of Address Locality Naming shall be followed when creating new or amending existing address locality names/boundaries.

It is recommended that Local Government consult with the immediate community who directly utilise the addresses assigned to sites affected by a boundary change. This includes, but is not limited to, residents, ratepayers and businesses.

The level and form of consultation by the GNB can vary depending on the proposal, as follows:

· Where a proposal will affect more than 20 parcels or owners/occupiers and/or includes a name change or creation of a new address locality, the proposal must be advertised by the GNB.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

11. Council’s Research & Engagement team developed and arranged public consultation on the Sydney Olympic Park boundary amendment via Council’s engagement portal, Participate Parramatta.

12. Public consultation ran for approximately three weeks (22 days) from Monday 10October until Monday 31 October 2022. Letters were sent via Australia Post to 643 impacted residents, businesses as well as the Wentworth Point Residents Action Group and prescribed authorities being Sydney Olympic Park Authority, TfNSW and NSW National Parks, detailing the exhibition.

13. Flyers including a QR code were placed at the Wentworth Point Community Hub and Library. Digital screens at Wentworth Point Community Hub and Library also displayed the consultation. Targeted social media was also utilised to alert residents and nearby businesses of the opportunity to provide feedback.

14. Overall, the opportunity to provide feedback for this project was presented to an estimated 33,350 persons culminating in 353 formal contributions.

15. Of those that made formal contributions, the community sentiment was positive, with 69.12% of survey respondents expressing support for the boundary amendment.

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
10/10/22 - 31/10/22	The community, via Council’s Participate Parramatta Engagement Portal	Feedback was captured through a survey hosted on the project page. Verbatim responses provided by community members is provided in Attachment 2.	The project page saw 1,253 visitors and 1,585 views. This resulted in a conversion of 353 completed surveys. Responses received from the community were reviewed against the Geographical Names Board of NSW ‘NSW Address Policy and User Manual’ (May 2021) guidelines for naming roads and places. No feedback identified the proposed names to be offensive, racist, derogatory or demeaning.	Senior Project Officer, Place Services Community Engagement Officer, Research & Engagement
07/10/22	643 impacted residents and business’ via direct mail out	Verbatim responses that may have been generated by accessing the survey from the letters QR code are provided in Attachment 2.	Letters detailing the exhibition and how to submit formal feedback were sent to residents and businesses affected by the proposed boundary amendment.	Senior Project Officer, Place Services Printing Officer, Corporate Services
10/10/22	The community, via flyers	Verbatim responses that may have been generated by accessing the survey from the postcard’s QR code are provided in Attachment 2.	A postcard was designed to support and promote the exhibition and included a QR code which received a total of 33 scans.	Senior Project Officer, Place Services Community Engagement Officer, Research & Engagement
10/10/22 – 17/10/22	The community, via Social Media	Feedback was captured through a survey hosted on the project page. Verbatim responses provided by community members is provided in Attachment 2.	A paid campaign across Facebook and Instagram. Overall, the social media combined campaign garnered a reach of 14,036 people across Council’s main social media accounts.	Community Engagement Officer, Research & Engagement
11/10/22	The community, via Participate Parramatta Newsletter	Verbatim responses provided by community members and a summary of engagement findings is provided in Attachment 2.	Electronic direct notification was issued via the Participate Parramatta Newsletter (11,848 subscribers), which received 189 link clicks and an open rate of 47% over the public exhibition period.	Community Engagement Officer, Research & Engagement

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
20/09/22	A briefing was provided to the Rosehill Ward Councillors	No comments provided	NA	Senior Project Officer, Place Services
27/09/22	All - via a Councillor Briefing Note distributed through the Councillor Portal and the Councillor Weekly Newsletter.	No comments provided	NA	Senior Project Officer, Place Services
21/11/22	A briefing was provided to the Rosehill Ward Councillors	No comments provided	NA	Group Manager, Place Services

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

19. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the proposed resolution, the financial impact on the budget is set out in the table below. Council should note:

· External operating costs associated with this project are $400 for paid advertisements to support engagement as part of the community consultation component of this project and are budgeted within Service Code 420097 - Road Naming and funded from General Revenue.

· Under the provisions of the Geographical Names Act 1966, the GNB must issue a notice for a new or changed address locality name or boundary (if it affects more than 20 lots and/or owners) in the Government Gazette. In addition to the requirements of the Act, any change to the name or extent of an address locality will be notified by the GNB Secretariat to relevant government agencies and authorities who require this information. The GNB provides the notification to relevant government authorities and publishing in the Government Gazette without charge.

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

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil

Funding Source

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil

Funding Source

CAPEX
CAPEX
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	Nil

Kim Marsh

Senior Project Officer Place Services

Bruce Mills

Group Manager Place Services

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Attachment 1 - Site Plan	1 Page
2 ⇩	Attachment 2 - Sydney Olympic Park Boundary Amendment Engagement Report	30 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.11

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.11

SUBJECT Draft Shannons Paddock Masterplan

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08766504

REPORT OF Senior Open Space and Natural Resource Officer

CSP THEME: Green

workshop/briefing date: 07 November 2022

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement for the public exhibition of the draft Shannons Paddock Landscape Masterplan Report (Attachment 1) and report back to Council on completion of the public exhibition period.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the draft Shannons Paddock Landscape Masterplan Report (Attachment 1) be placed on public exhibition for 28 days in the City of Parramatta Library, Council’s Customer Service Centre and on Council’s website.

(b) That temporary signage be placed at Shannons Paddock advising of the public exhibition period.

(c) That community groups, adjoining residents and members of the community who previously provided contact details for further project updates be directly notified of the exhibition period.

(d) Further, that a report back to Council be prepared upon completion of the public exhibition period.

BACKGROUND

1. A draft Landscape Masterplan Report has been prepared for Shannons Paddock Wentworthville/Westmead.

2. The Shannons Paddock Landscape Masterplan Report is funded under Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program (BNP). The BNP focuses on delivering capital upgrade improvements at local centres outside of the Parramatta CBD. Funding prioritisation for future works under the BNP is primarily informed by the biennial Centres Review undertaken by Place Services.

3. The 2020/21 Centres Review identified Wentworthville Shops Neighbourhood Centre (located adjacent the north-west corner of Shannons Paddock) as a candidate for the BNP funding in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years. As the public domain of the neighborhood centre had not been identified as requiring a physical upgrade, it had been proposed to upgrade Shannons Paddock (particularly the playground) as a more viable option to increase visitation to the centre.

4. To guide future upgrade works and ensure Shannons Paddock meets current and long term community requirements, it was determined a Council endorsed Masterplan was required. BNP project funding is split over 2 financial years as follows: Year 1 (FY21/22) - delivery of Masterplan; Year 2 (FY22/23) - delivery of Stage 1 park improvement works (playground upgrade).

5. The 2021-23 Better Neighbourhood Program was endorsed by Council on 15 June 2021 (Note, the project is referred to as ‘Wentworthville Shops’ in the approved BNP).

6. Shannons Paddock is situated within the Parramatta Ward and comprises approximately 2.5 hectares of land.

7. The site address is listed as 14 Darcy Road Wentworthville. The park straddles the boundary of Westmead and Wentworthville with a primary frontage on Darcy Road at the intersection of Briens Road. The park also has minor frontages with Lydbrook Street, Reid Avenue and Water Street.

8. Shannons Paddock was named after the Shannons Brick, Tile and Pottery factory which operated between 1912 and 1982. The factory was located on the current residential development south of the site between Reid Avenue and Finlaysons Creek (47 Wentworth Avenue and 1 Reid Avenue.).

9. Shannons Paddock is owned by the City of Parramatta Council and is zoned as RE1 Public Recreation under the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011. The site is bisected by the channelised Finlaysons Creek, zoned as W1 Natural Waterways, and surrounding land uses are R4 High Density Residential (to the east), R3 Medium Density Residential (to the south/ south-west) and R2 Low Density Residential (to the west/ north-west).

10. Immediately adjacent the north-west corner of the site is the Wentworthville Shops Neighbourhood Centre (zoned B1 Neighbourhood Centre). The site is approximately 500m north-east of the Wentworthville Train Station and adjacent (west of) the Westmead Health and Innovation District.

11. Current infrastructure within Shannons Paddock includes a ‘local’ level children’s playground with picnic facilities, and a pedestrian path connecting Reid Avenue to Darcy Road. The site is typically open turf with scattered tree planting. A fenced and channelised creek (Finlaysons Creek) effectively divides the park with no available crossing points. The channelised creek is a Sydney Water asset.

12. Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy (CIS) recommends the provision of a new ‘district’ level play space in Westmead. It is proposed the existing playground at Shannons Paddock will be upgraded from a ‘local’ to ‘district’ level facility to achieve this recommendation.

13. Shannons Paddock is an important green space which currently provides limited recreational opportunities and is subsequently under utilised. The park provides a ‘backyard’ for residents of high and medium density housing. Future developments will greatly benefit the local community through opportunities to be active, be outdoors, and engage with each other.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

14. The draft Landscape Masterplan Report was informed through a process of detailed investigation of the current park’s physical condition, community consultation, and technical analysis.

15. The draft Masterplan aspires to provide a well-considered and strategic approach for the ongoing improvement of the park. The Masterplan intends to guide future developments which will greatly benefit the local community through opportunities to be active, to be outdoors, to connect with nature, and to engage with each other.

16. Upgrades proposed in the draft Masterplan include:

a. Proposed pedestrian paths including improved street access and ‘fitness loop’ around central lawn,

b. Proposed separated cycleway,

c. Proposed park lighting,

d. Proposed park seating and picnicking spaces with tables, BBQs and shelters,

e. Proposed ‘district’ level playground including public toilet,

f. Proposed bridges to improve accessibility and permeability,

g. Proposed outdoor exercise equipment/ fitness stations associated with ‘fitness loop’,

h. Proposed central/ open lawn and kick-about areas,

i. Retention of existing canopy trees and additional shade tree planting,

j. Proposed entry wall on Darcy Road frontage,

k. Naturalisation of Finlaysons Creek including wetland, water treatment and boardwalk (Note: existing canal is a Sydney Water asset. Proposed naturalisation is subject to Sydney Water approvals and renewal program),

l. Improved intersection at Darcy Road and Briens Road (Note: Subject to detail design and traffic approvals).

These improvements are identified in the draft Landscape Masterplan contained within the draft Landscape Masterplan Report (refer Attachment 2).

17. A Staging and Implementation Plan has been prepared as part of the draft Masterplan (page 40 of Attachment 1) which categorizes the works into multiple stages based on priority. Further, pending adoption of the draft Masterplan, it is proposed that works will be implemented progressively on the basis of priorities identified within the document.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

18. Community consultation for this project has undergone two Phases of consultation, with a third Phase to be undertaken pending approval of this report. The Phases of consultation are as follows:

a. Phase 1 (Complete, 31 January – 21 February 2022): Ideas – understanding the community’s priorities for the future of Shannons Paddock, and how they wish to use the space.

b. Phase 2 (Complete, 24 May – 28 June 2022): Feedback – presentation of concept plans for community feedback including a long term vision for Shannons Paddock (Landscape Masterplan).

c. Phase 3 (Pending approval, January/ February 2023): Public Exhibition – exhibition of draft Landscape Masterplan Report prior to formal adoption.

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

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

31 January 2022 – 21 February 2022

Community Engagement Phase 1 – Ideas

Details of feedback are presented in the Phase 1 Engagement Outcomes Report (refer to Attachment 3)

Key results of consultation include:

Top 3 Visions:

1. A fun place with lots of different activities and play equipment.

2. A place for adventure and discovery through the natural landscapes

3. A community gathering place for picnics and events.

Top 5 existing elements of the park that need the most improvement.

1. Playground/ play spaces,

2. Shade trees,

3. Park furniture,

4. Lighting,

5. Pedestrian footpaths.

Top 5 improvements which would increase the number

of times people visit the park.

1. More tree planting,

2. More picnic facilities (tables, shelters, BBQs),

3. Children's bike track,

4. More park seating,

5. Better footpaths to provide access around the park,

6. Community fitness equipment.

Community feedback was used to inform the draft Landscape Masterplan.

Open Space and Natural Resources (Parks and Open Spaces).

24 May 2022 – 28 June 2022

Community Engagement Phase 2 – Feedback.

Details of feedback are presented in the Phase 2 Engagement Outcomes Report (refer to Attachment 4)

Overall, the community expressed a high level of support for the draft Landscape Masterplan presented (refer to Attachment 5).

Key results of consultation include:

Do you support the draft Landscape Masterplan:

1. Yes: 72%

2. Yes, to an extent: 20%

3. Unsure: 6%

4. No: 2%

Items identified for consideration:

1. Tree planting and shading,

2. Parking,

3. Safety and Visibility,

4. Diverse cycleway use,

5. Signage and Accessibility,

6. Additional features:

i. Community garden,

ii. Shaded open areas for community events,

iii. Adequate bins.

The high level of community support was noted.

The revised Masterplan has taken into consideration community feedback.

Notes regarding items identified for consideration:

1. Additional tree planting included, particularly along paths,

2. No car parking added as it would lead to reduced open space and amenity. On-street parking out of masterplan scope,

3. Lighting is proposed on main access way (cycleway),

4. Cycleway is proposed as separated, with dedicated pedestrian paths,

5. Signage to be reviewed/ included at detail design, and in line with Council’s signage and branding policies and procedures,

6. Additional features:

i. Community garden is proposed under the Milson Park Masterplan,

ii. Open turfed areas proposed for events, Additional tree planting for shade has been included,

iii. Bins to be reviewed/ included at detail design.

Open Space and Natural Resources (Parks and Open Spaces).

Councillor Consultation

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

Date

Councillor

Councillor Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

1 June 2022

Parramatta Ward Briefing Session

Project update and presentation of concept plans prior to Community Engagement Phase 2.

Councillors support commencement of consultation and concept plan presented.

Concept plans presented to community at Community Engagement Phase 2

Open Space and Natural Resources (Parks and Open Spaces).

7 November 2022

Councillor Briefing Session

Project update and presentation of the draft Masterplan was provided to Councillors.

Councillors generally supportive of proposal.

Councillors requested investigation into minor amendments.

Minor amendments undertaken including additional shade tree planting.

Parks and Open Spaces

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

22. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council associated with the development and approval of the draft Landscape Masterplan Report.

23. Development and of the draft Landscape Masterplan Report is funded through the 2021-23 Better Neighbourhood Program as BNP - Wentworth Shops (422056), which has a total budget of $490,000.00 split over 2 financial years:

a. FY21/22: $54,750.00 (to be used for preparation of the Masterplan report),

b. FY22/23: $435,250.00 (to be used for finalisation of the Masterplan report and Stage 1 park improvement works i.e. playground upgrade).

24. The draft Masterplan works have an estimated total construction cost of $11,000,780. However, it should be noted that the Landscape Masterplan Report is a guiding document to be implemented progressively over a 10-15 year period as funding becomes available.

25. Stage 1 park improvement works (implementation) will focus on upgrading the playground and associated infrastructure (picnic facilities/ park furniture). Implementation works will be funded follows:

Source	Budget (FY22/23)	Budget (FY23/24)
422056 – BNP Wentworthville Shops Includes finalization of Masterplan report	$435,250.00	$0
420027 – Ward Initiative Parramatta	$25,000.00	$0
100090 – Playground Replacement Program	$170,000.00	$0
Total	$630,250.00	$0

Note: It is anticipated Stage 1 park improvement works will be completed in FY23/24. Unspent funding to be rolled-over into the FY23/24 through the budget review process (subject to approvals).

26. Further works associated with the implementation of the Masterplan works will require additional funding. Future funding sources include development contributions (Item O01 of the City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021 allows for the “upgrade one existing local park in Wentworthville to a district park, ideally at Shannons Paddock”), VPA’s, grant opportunities, and further contributions from Council’s annual capital works programs. Any funding will need to be approved through the annual budgeting process.

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

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Funding Source

Operating Result
External Costs
Internal Costs
Depreciation
Other
Total Operating Result	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Funding Source

CAPEX
CAPEX	$630,250
External
Internal
Other
Total CAPEX	$630,250	Nil	Nil	Nil

Alastair Hickey

Senior Open Space and Natural Resource Officer

Terry Johnson

Group Manager Parks & Open Space

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

John Warburton

Executive Director, City Assets & Operations

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Shannons Paddock Draft Landscape Masterplan Report	105 Pages
2 ⇩	Shannons Paddock Draft Landscape Masterplan	1 Page
3 ⇩	Shannons Paddock Phase 1 Engagement Outcomes Report	34 Pages
4 ⇩	Shannons Paddock Phase 2 Engagement Outcomes Report	30 Pages
5 ⇩	Shannons Paddock Draft Concept Plan for Phase 2 Community Engagement	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 December 2022 Item 13.12

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.12

SUBJECT Planning Agreement relating to the Telopea Estate State Significant Development Application

REFERENCE F2022/00105 - D08785531

REPORT OF Team Leader Land Use Planning; Senior Development Manager

CSP THEME: Innovative

Development applications considered by sydney central city planning panel: Nil

workshop/briefing date: Councillor Briefing – 9 November 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to:

· Provide an overview of the Letter of Offer submitted to Council by Frasers Property Australia and NSW Land and Housing Corporation to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) associated with the State Significant Development Application for the Telopea Estate redevelopment; and

· Recommend the terms of agreement that would be acceptable for Council to enter into any VPA with the above parties.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council supports the revised letter of offer (Attachment 2) dated 27 September 2022 from Frasers Property Australia, with the exception to the following matters:

i. A capped value for costs of works for all items.

ii. The inclusion of Items 8, 12 and 13 in Table 1 of this report in their current form.

(b) That Council approves the following terms to be included in any draft Planning Agreement:

i. For all items, with the exception of the library and community centre, are delivered as works in kind, in line with development and with no financial value cap assigned;

ii. That subject to an agreed scope and cost estimate, Frasers deliver a warm shell new library and community centre of a minimum of 4,150sqm and associated car parking;

iii. That subject to an agreed scope and cost estimate, Frasers provide a monetary payment to Council upon issue of a consent of the first development application within the concept area, towards the full fit out of the library and community centre and associated parking;

iv. The existing Dundas Library and other community facilities at 21 Sturt Street will remain open until a new library and community facility is fully operational;

v. The sale of 21 Sturt Street, in accordance with section 30 of Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, is conditioned on the dedication of new stratum to Council and the delivery of a warm shell library and community centre and associated car parking and the payment of funds (upfront) for future fit out of facility;

vi. Removal of items ‘12’ and ’13’ Elyse Street link in Table 1 unless there is significant redesign of these items;

vii. Removal of item ‘8’ New Marshall Road in Table 1, unless evidence is submitted that indicates that it provides wider community benefits and does not solely service the development itself;

viii. That traffic items 7, 9 and 10 in Table 1 that require Transport for NSW approvals as part of the SSD Application process, if not obtained, then Council shall receive an agreed equivalent in monetary contribution; and

ix. The value of the Planning Agreement, excluding the land transactions, be equal to or more than the equivalent in development contributions payable.

(c) That Council notes the importance of a timely resolution of the matter and is committed to working with Frasers and LAHC to endorse a draft Planning Agreement prior to any consent being issued by the Minister for Planning on the State Significant Development Application.

(d) That any monetary contributions received by Council for the fit out of the new library and community centre in Telopea be invested in line with Council’s Financial Investment Policy and allocated for the sole purpose of the fit out of the new library and community centre in Telopea.

(e) That Council provide delegated authority to the CEO to:

i. negotiate based on the terms outlined in part (a) and (b) of this resolution;

ii. endorse the legal drafting of a draft Planning Agreement if favourable terms are met;

iii. to request payment of costs incurred by Council in the negotiations of the past and current Letter of Offers;

iv. to publicly exhibit the draft Planning Agreement for a minimum period of 28 days; and

v. to report back to Council on the outcomes of the public exhibition.

(f) Further that, in the event that a draft Planning Agreement is not agreed between the parties, that Council request the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and the Minister for Planning and Homes, the following:

i. Development contributions apply to any Stage 1A consent issued in accordance with the Parramatta s94 Development Contributions Plan Amendment 5 (2017);

ii. Development contributions apply to any future Concept Area development applications in accordance with the Parramatta (Outside CBD) Contributions Plan 2021 (or future plans that may apply);

iii. That no offsets from payment of Development Contributions are granted for any publicly dedicated item to Council;

iv. Council must agree to taking any item intended to be dedicated;

v. That Council’s land at 21 Sturt Street be removed from the SSD Application; and

vi. If, in the event, 21 Sturt Street is included for the purposes of residential development and roadway as part of the SSD application, Council will seek formal commencement of the compulsory acquisition process.

BACKGROUND

1. The Telopea Precinct (the Precinct) is located to the east of the former Telopea heavy-rail station and future Telopea Light Rail Stop. The precinct currently contains a mixture of high and low rise social and affordable and private housing. NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) are the major landholder within the precinct.

2. Precinct planning for Telopea has been underway since 2015, with involvement from Council, LAHC and the (then) Department of Planning and Environment. The current planning controls contained in the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan (PLEP) 2011 result from the 2018 rezoning by the NSW Government. Attachment 1 provides a summary of the key planning milestones and the planning controls for the Precinct.

State Significant Development Application

3. In December 2019, Frasers Property and Hume Housing were announced as LAHC’s development partner for the Telopea Precinct. Telopea is a part of the Communities Plus Program under which LAHC engages private sector developers and community housing providers to design, fund and build social, affordable and private housing.

4. On 17 September 2021, LAHC and Frasers lodged a Concept Plan and Stage 1A (detailed development) for the Telopea Estate Redevelopment as a State Significant Development (SSD) application to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). The application applies to LAHC owned land, Council’s pathways, roads, 21 Sturt St (Dundas Library site) and Telopea Christian Church (16 Shortland St). Council at its meeting on 22 November 2021 endorsed a formal submission to the SSD Application.

5. The Concept Plan by LAHC includes a mixed-use development of approximately 4,700 dwellings (including 1,000 social and affordable units); 7,000sqm retail precinct; a library and community centre; and combined Church, residential aged care facility; conversion of Elyes St to a pedestrian link; and road and intersection upgrades. The Concept Plan application relates to the dark red area shown in Figure 1 below.

6. The detailed proposal for Stage 1A of the redevelopment applies to the light red area shown in Figure 1 marked ‘Stage 1A and seeks approval for apartments containing a total of 452 units on Lot C9; a new public park; a new road crossing of the light rail; and a new plaza adjacent to Telopea Station.

7. It is Frasers and LAHC intention to develop the 13.4 hectares of LAHC owned land over 15 to 20 years.

Map

Description automatically generated

Figure 1: Land application of the Concept Plan Application and Stage 1 Detailed Application (source Scoping Report for SSD Application, LAHC 2021)

8. The application is under assessment and the DPE have requested further information from the applicant to be submitted. Dependent on the quality of information submitted, DPE advise that they may finalise their assessment in the first or second quarter of 2023.

9. DPE have indicated that they would like an agreement between the parties prior to any consent being issued.

PLANNING AGREEMENT

Background

10. Frasers and LAHC have submitted Letter of Offers (four since June 2020) associated with the SSD application with the intention of entering into a Planning Agreement with Council to deliver local infrastructure within the Telopea Precinct in lieu of payment of development contributions. The Letter of Offers have also related to the acquisition of Council’s land at 21 Sturt Street which is currently home to Dundas Library and neighbourhood centre and other associated community facilities.

11. Council officers did not consider the three previous offers in June 2020 ($23M value), October 2021 ($45M value) and June 2022 ($57M value) VPA offers to be acceptable. The offers were not comparable in value to development contributions payable nor were these offers inclusive of a fully funded new library and community centre for the Precinct. The new facility is an essential community infrastructure item for the Precinct, in light of 21 Sturt Street acquisition proposal.

Current Letter of Offer

12. The current Letter of Offer dated on 27 September 2022 (refer Attachment 2) contains 13 items with a value of $70.9M.

13. A breakdown of this offer is provided in Table 1 below and items are shown on Figure 2.

Letter of Offer – September 2022
Item #		Value
Library/Community Centre
1	Library and Community Centre	$43,729,761
Open space
2	Light Rail Arrival Plaza	$9,170,552
3	Neighbourhood Park	$2,367,504
4	Open space associated with library & community centre	$2,296,878
5	Development of a pocket park on Shortland Street	$719,393
6	Development of a pocket park on Sturt Street (adjacent to the library)	$562,069
Roadworks and intersection upgrades
7	Stage 1A roadworks (Sturt St north and east, Shortland St, new link road and Adderton Rd signalised intersection)	$5,059,383
8	New Marshall Rd extension and portion of Manson St with signalised intersection	$1,949,201
9	Adderton Rd & Manson St signalised intersection	$1,173,899
10	Shortland St & Evans Rd signalised intersection	$1,360,238
Public Domain
11	Pedestrian Connection - Manson Road to light rail	$243,781
12	‘Eyles Street’ open space link	$2,287,831
13	Pedestrian connection – ‘Eyles Street’	$685,539
Land Transactions
	21 Sturt Street Land Valuation	-$11,650,000
	New Stratum Lot for new library and community centre	$11,650,000
Land Payments		$0
TOTAL		$70,920,490

Table 1 – Telopea VPA offer items (note numbering of items is different to Letter of Offer)

Diagram

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Figure 2 – Telopea VPA offer items (refer Table 1 for description)

14. The Letter of Offer includes the delivery of the items above subject to the following terms:

a) The offer is in lieu of payment of development contributions associated with the SSD Application (equivalent amount of approximately $60M);

b) A 4,120sqm fully fitted multifunction library and community centre will be delivered, capped at a total value of $43,729,761. Any variations to the design brief for this facility will be at cost to Council;

c) The existing Dundas Library & Neighbourhood Centre at 21 Sturt Street stays operational until such time as the new facility is open;

d) All works are capped at the values identified in the Letter of Offer (refer Table 1). The capped values are derived from a supporting Quantity Surveyor Report (QS Report) dated July 2022 that has accompanied the September 2022 VPA Offer.

e) A section 30 agreement under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (Just Terms Act) will be entered into for the 21 Sturt Street site and Council roads at an agreed market value of $11.65M.

f) The new stratum lot (accommodating the new library and community centre) is reduced in value to $11.65M from the agreed market value of $12.45M. This is to offset the cost of purchasing 21 Sturt Street from Council.

15. Council Officers have reviewed the proposed offer and provide an analysis below.

KEY ISSUES

No capped value of works

16. Council Officers are supportive, in principle, of the majority of works items listed in the Letter of Offer. As part of the drafting of any Planning Agreement matters such as staging of delivery, scope of works, minimum levels of embellishment which will be included in a draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan attached to the Draft Planning Agreement.

17. Council Officers do not support the proposal to cap (or limit) the value of the works to be delivered. Works are proposed to be delivered over a 10 to 15 timeframe. If caps are included in the planning agreement, there may be funding gaps in the future due to CPI or unforeseen costs. This is a risk to Council.

18. Consistent with Council’s approach in planning agreements, it is proposed that all items are delivered as works in kind, in line with development and with no financial value cap assigned. This ensures works are delivered without any funding gap in the future.

Items Not Supported

19. Council Officers do not support the items ’12. Elyse Street open space’ and ‘13. Elyse Street pedestrian link’ in their current form. It is recommended that these spaces be redesigned in order for Council to consider their inclusion in the Letter of Offer.

20. In relation to Item 12, by closing the street at this location, universal access will be required to be accommodated and due to the topography and narrowness of the site will require significant ramping which would negate any the benefits of the proposed open space. Further the design does not meet Council’s requirements for public open space, as it borders with private communal open space which causes safety and interface issues.

21. Council Officers consider a better outcome for Item 12 is to maintain these areas as a public shareway or laneway dedicated to Council to reflect primary ‘access’ purpose and to accommodate additional street parking.

22. In relation to Item 13, Council Officers have requested a well-designed ‘open to sky’ pedestrian link which is embellished with paving, landscaping and lighting. As identified in the Telopea Master Plan, this link provides an important connection through to Waratah Shops/Evans Road.

23. Further, Council Officers consider that Item 8 ‘New Marshall Road extension and portion of Manson Street with signalised intersection’ should not be supported as the new road is considered to benefit only the development and has no public benefit. It is recommended to discount this item from the offer, however in the event that Frasers are able to provide further evidence which indicates a wider role the road will play in the road network Council may consider apportioned costs.

Community Centre and Library

24. Council Officers are supportive of the inclusion in the Letter of Offer of a fully fitted 4,150sqm new community and library facility for the following reasons:

a. The size and location of the facility within the Telopea Precinct is consistent with the Telopea Master Plan, Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy (CIS) and an infrastructure item on the works list of the City of Parramatta (Outside CBD) Development Contributions Plan 2021.

b. The size of the facility will be able to accommodate a new library, as well as flexible and bookable community space, offices and/or community centre for (potentially) existing users of 21 Sturt Street.

c. The Letter of Offer ensures that the existing operations at 21 Sturt Street will not cease until the new facility is operational. This gives certainty to the community and Council.

25. Notwithstanding the above, Council Officers do not support the Letter of Offer’s proposal to cap the value of the facility at ~$43.7M and with cost variations borne by Council.

26. In July 2021, Frasers engaged FJMT Architects to develop a concept based on a high level brief (e.g. basic design requirements, square metre allocations). Frasers have based their QS costing solely on this Concept. Note any new facility will not be built for another 8-10 years.

27. Given the new facility will not be built imminently, it is considered unreasonable to fully cost and design at this stage and lock Council into a detailed scope of works. Firstly, Council will want to input the design fitout requirements for a new facility closer to the time it is being delivered; and secondly the cost of works to fit out a facility will likely increase in the future. Capping the value of the facility to a predetermined amount will eliminate any flexibility to both Council and Frasers/LAHC.

28. Council Officers recommend an alternative funding approach to the delivery of a new library and community facility, which reduces the risk to both Council (that a new facility can be delivered on time to the community) and Frasers and LAHC (that they can secure 21 Sturt Street and deliver promised community infrastructure):

a. That subject to an agreed scope and cost estimate, that Frasers deliver a warm shell new library and community centre of a minimum of 4,150sqm and associated car parking; and

b. That subject to an agreed scope and cost estimate, that Frasers provide a monetary payment to Council upon issue of a consent of the first development application within the Concept Area, towards the full fit out of the library and community centre and associated parking.

29. If Frasers are agreeable to payment of fund for the purposes of fit out, it is proposed that these funds are invested in line with Council’s Financial Investment Policy and are ‘ring fenced’ for the purposes intended.

Acquisition of 21 Sturt Street & Public Roads

30. The Statute that empowers an Authority of the State to acquire land by compulsory process is Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (JT Act).

31. LAHC is an authority of the State pursuant to s 4(1) of the JT Act. Section 7(1) of the JT Act provides that the JT Act does not empower an authority of the State to acquire land. The power to acquire land as an authority of the State must be authorised under another Act.

32. LAHC is authorised to acquire land under s 22(1) of the Housing Act in connection with a purpose of LAHC under that Act, which under s 8 includes to “develop and make available, or to make available for development by others, such of the land so acquired as the Corporation considers necessary or expedient for the residential development and for public purposes”. Residential development is defined in that section to include “the expansion, establishment and re-development of residential areas”. Section 28 of the Housing Act also authorises LAHC to “erect on any land vested in or acquired by the Corporation buildings for residential, business, or other purposes, or for public use”.

33. As the Land is classified as “operational land” under the Local Government Act Council can agree to sell or transfer the Land to Frasers or LAHC. LAHC can, however, only acquire the Land by agreement or by compulsory acquisition under the JT Act.

34. Under section 30 of the JT Act, an authority of the State and the owners of land may agree in writing that the land be compulsorily acquired by that authority on terms agreed by both parties. Council Officer’s proposed terms are;

a) dedication of new stratum and associated car parking to Council in line with valuation reports provided. Totalling an agreed value of $11.65m

b) delivery of a warm shell library and community centre

c) payment of funds (upfront) for future fit out of facility at an agreed time period.

d) Continued operation of the existing facility until the new library and neighbourhood centre is operational.

35. For any roadways in Council ownership required by the developer, Council Officers propose these be transferred to LAHC via a S30 agreement for $1 on the condition that the transfer of the roadways back to Council shall occur at Nil cost and no offset shall be provided for any works or embellishment required to deliver the roadway to an appropriate standard.

36. DPE have indicated in writing to the applicant on 28 July 2022 that “The Department does not support the potential loss and closure of Council’s community facility at 21 Sturt Street, unless a full replacement facility is provided as part of the development.”

Implications for not entering into VPA

37. Council Officers consider the likely alternative scenario if a planning agreement is not entered into between Council and Frasers/LAHC to be:

a. 21 Sturt Street will be acquired (as LAHC has the authority under the Housing Act)

b. Section 7.11 development contributions would be paid over the life of the SSD Applications. It is estimated (over 15 years) that payments would come in installments at various times over many consents totally approximately $60M (not adjusted for CPI).

38. As the s7.11 plan is designed to collect development contributions across the local government area (LGA) and it is spent across a wide range of works list items across the LGA. It is unlikely that contributions over 8-10 years could be accumulated to the value of a new library facility in order to fully fund it. The ring-fencing of funding for a specific works item is not permitted under this type of contributions plan.

39. Furthermore, the s7.11 only apportions 40% (approximately $11.34M) of the $28.5M identified for the library and multi purposes centre. This is less than a quarter of the estimate total cost. Therefore, Council would need to rely on other funding sources, such as grants or general revenue.

40. It is noted that any funds received from acquisition of 21 Sturt Street could be ring fenced by Council via resolution. However Council would still be required to purchase land/stratum to build a new library and community centre.

41. Based on the current terms of the Letter of Offer, subject to terms outlined above, Council Officers consider that the entering into a planning agreement with Frasers/LAHC would result in a superior outcome for the community.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

42. No stakeholder consultation has been undertaken on this matter. An opportunity for stakeholder consultation will arise should the draft VPA offer be publicly exhibited.

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
NIL

Councillor Consultation

43. The following Councillor consultation has been undertaken in relation to the current Letter of Offer:

Date

Councillor

Councillor Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

9 November 2022

All

Various questions were raised concerning the offer and the process involved.

Responses on the matters raised were provided.

City Planning and Design

14 November

2022

Lord Mayor, Cr Darley and Clr Prociv

Questions were raised on details of the Planning Agreement negotiation process.

Responses on the matters raised were provided.

City Planning and Design

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

44. There are two key significant legal issues regarding the Letter of Offer and delivery of local infrastructure.

a. LAHC is authorised under the Housing Act 2001 to compulsorily acquire the Council’s land for the purposes of residential development, even if that land is not specifically used for “public” purposes.

b. Consents for SSD Application which are submitted by the Crown (being LAHC), the Minister for Planning has discretion to add or delete or alter any conditions of consent. This includes conditions relating to delivery of infrastructure and development contributions.

45. Legal review will commence upon agreement of key terms and during drafting of any planning agreement.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

46. The Planning Agreement discussed in this report is expected to deliver a range of financial benefits to Council. At this stage these remain in negotiation as described in the report. Negotiations have been informed by advice provided by the Chief Financial and Information Officer. If the Council Officer recommendation is adopted by Council, staff will continue to negotiate a Planning Agreement in accordance with the resolution and place the Planning Agreement on public exhibition. The details of the finalised agreement will be reported back to Council for consideration following the public exhibition.

47. There are currently no short term financial implications on the budget, as indicated in the table below.

	FY 22/23	FY 23/24	FY 24/25	FY 25/26
Revenue
Internal Revenue
External Revenue
Total Revenue	NIL	NIL	NIL	NIL

Funding Source

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

Conclusion

48. Assessment of the SSD Application by DPE and determination by the Minister for Planning may be in the first or second quarter of 2023. DPE have indicated that they would like an agreement between the parties prior to any consent being issued. Therefore, there is limited time in which Planning Agreement can be negotiated and agreed by both parties.

49. Council Officer’s conclude that the Letter of Offer can be accepted subject to a number of terms being successfully negotiated. Council Officers are seeking the CEO be granted delegation to continue to negotiate these terms on behalf of Council.

50. If these terms are accepted, drafting of a Planning Agreement will commence with a view of placing on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. A further report will be prepared for Council on the outcome of the public exhibition period.

Bianca Lewis

Team Leader Land Use Planning

David Birds

Group Manager, Major Projects and Precincts

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

Justin Day

Acting Executive Director Property and Place

John Angilley

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Bryan Hynes

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1⇩	Telopea Precinct Summary of Planning Milestones and Controls	7 Pages
2⇩	Letter of Offer 27 September 2022	9 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Obligations
Oath [Affirmation] of Office by Councillors	I swear [solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm] that I will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of the City of Parramatta Council and the City of Parramatta Council that I will faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in me under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of my ability and judgement.
Code of Conduct Conflict of Interests
Pecuniary Interests	A Councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the Council at which the matter is being considered, must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting. The Councillor must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting: a) At any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed, or b) At any time during which the Council is voting on any question in relation to the matter.
Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interests	A Councillor who has a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter, must disclose the relevant private interest in relation to the matter fully and on each occasion on which the non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to the matter.
Significant Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interests	A Councillor who has a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest in relation to a matter under consideration at a Council meeting, must manage the conflict of interest as if they had a pecuniary interest in the matter.
Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interests	A Councillor who determines that they have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest must also explain why conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.