Late Items Agenda of Council - Monday, 20 November 2023

Council 20 November 2023 Item 8.1

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT Local Government NSW Annual Conference 2023

REFERENCE F2022/03176 - D09220421

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to recognise the successful Local Government NSW Conference hosted by City of Parramatta and thank all Council staff involved.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council recognise the successful Local Government NSW Conference hosted by City of Parramatta on 12-14 November 2023 at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

(b) That Council thank all City of Parramatta staff involved in the conference and acknowledge their efforts to showcase the very best of what Parramatta has to offer.

BACKGROUND

1. The 2023 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference was hosted by City of Parramatta, from 12-14 November 2023 at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

2. LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM thanked the Lord Mayor, Councillors and Council staff for hosting an exceptional LGNSW 2023 Conference, with a record number of delegates attending the conference. She also acknowledged Council’s key role in guiding and enabling the growth and transformation of the City since Parramatta last hosted the Conference in 2015.

3. The Lord Mayor welcomed delegates to the City through his address on Sunday 12 November 2023. Over 3 days, delegates shared ideas and considered a range of motions to determine priorities for advocacy in the coming year.

4. Delegates made the most of Parramatta’s vibrant hospitality across local accommodation, dining and tourism providers with positive impacts on the local economy. Delegates were also offered the opportunity to participate in a tour of PHIVE, highlighting the best of award-winning, modern community infrastructure.

5. Council thanks the broad range of City of Parramatta staff who were involved in efforts to host the Conference, from those who attended, ran stalls at the trade show, hosted tours of PHIVE and assisted behind the scenes to make delegates feel welcome during their stay in the City of Parramatta.

6. City of Parramatta looks forward to attending and participating in the next LGNSW conference will be held in Tamworth from Sunday 17 – Tuesday 19 November 2024.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

7. There are no further financial implications for Council arising as a result of this Lord Mayoral Minute.

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 20 November 2023 Item 8.2

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT Parramatta Aquatic Centre - Outstanding Sports and Recreation Facility at Boomtown! 2023

REFERENCE F2022/03176 - D09220303

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to acknowledge that the Parramatta Aquatic Centre won Outstanding Sports and Recreation Facility at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s Boomtown! 2023 Property and Infrastructure Awards on 16 November 2023.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council note that Parramatta Aquatic Centre, the City of Parramatta’s new swimming, wellness and fitness hub, won Outstanding Sports and Recreation Facility at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s Boomtown! 2023 Property and Infrastructure Awards; and

(b) That Council congratulate all current and former Councillors, staff and project partners who have contributed to delivering the Parramatta Aquatic Centre.

BACKGROUND

1. The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s Boomtown! Annual Property and Infrastructure Awards recognise outstanding new community projects across Western Sydney. The awards showcase excellence across categories including infrastructure, sustainability, and tourism.

2. Judging for the Awards was undertaken by Dialogue Patrons, Kerry Schott AO, Mike Mrdak AO, Prof. Peter Shergold AC, Lucy Hughes Turnbull AO, Cameron Clyne and Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM.

3. At an awards ceremony on 16 November 2023, the judges awarded the Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC), the City of Parramatta’s new $88.6 million swimming, wellness and fitness hub, with Outstanding Sports and Recreation Facility. The judges singled out PAC’s eye-catching design, environmental features, and state-of-the-art community facilities, setting a new benchmark for a public recreation building.

4. The Award recognises the many years of hard work to deliver this landmark centre to our rapidly growing region. Designed by Andrew Burges Architects, McGregor Coxall and Grimshaw, the PAC provides a recreational, civic and community hub for the City focused around and celebrating the pleasures of swimming in a parkland setting. The project, which was jointly funded by the City of Parramatta and the NSW Government, provides learn-to-swim and children’s play areas, indoor and outdoor pools, a large-scale wellness and recreation centre and multi-purpose community and function rooms.

5. PAC encapsulates what is unique about our city and inspires us to truly celebrate the elements that make Parramatta such a special place. Already over 80,000 people have visited PAC and more than 2,000 have registered for the learn-to-swim program since it opened in September.

6. PAC is the result of years of hard work, tenacity and commitment. Council congratulates those who have worked for years to achieve this vision, including former and current elected Councillors, staff, the NSW Government and project partners who’ve contributed in varying ways to deliver this bold vision.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 20 November 2023 Item 8.3

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.3

SUBJECT Correspondence from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces - Request for Councils to Review Housing Densities

REFERENCE F2022/03176 - D09220681

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: 15 November 2023

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to table a letter from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces regarding the need to allow for more housing in low and medium density zones across NSW.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council note the receipt of a letter dated 30 October 2023 from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, The Hon. Paul Scully MP regarding the need to allow for more housing in low and medium density zones across NSW (Attachment A); and

(b) That the Lord Mayor write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to:

i) acknowledge receipt of the letter and the NSW Government’s commitment to increase the supply and diversity of homes across NSW;

ii) acknowledge that a strategy for increasing the mix of housing with a focus on medium density housing is an existing action in Council’s adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement and Local Housing Strategy;

iii) Council will agree to bring this action forward subject to the State Government:

a. committing to critical infrastructure projects that will unlock this capacity in particular a construction timetable detailing completion of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2; and

b. providing funding for the studies and necessary community consultation required to progress this action.

BACKGROUND

1. On 30 October 2023 the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon Paul Scully MP, wrote to the City of Parramatta (Attachment A) regarding the need to allow for more housing in low and medium density zones across NSW. In summary, this letter states that:

· As part of the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government is committed to commence the construction of 377,000 new homes by 2029;

· There are still opportunities available for the planning system to prioritise low and mid-rise housing types in NSW’s man residential zones;

· There is a ‘limitation’ in 33 out of 35 Greater Sydney Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) that prevents terraces, townhouses, and residential flat buildings (i.e. manor houses) from being built in R2 Low Density Residential Zones;

· There is a ‘limitation’ in 53% of Greater Sydney LEPs that prevents residential flat buildings (i.e. apartments) from being built in R3 Medium Density Residential Zones;

· All councils are called to immediately review their local policy settings and approaches to identify existing well-located areas where terraces, small unit blocks or well-designed mid-rise apartments can be permitted; and

· The letter be tabled at the next Council meeting so that councillors are clear about the NSW Government’s intentions.

2. The City of Parramatta’s adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement (section 3.2.1) and Local Housing Strategy contain actions to encourage a more diverse range of housing, including medium density housing. This includes committing Council to identifying suitable areas for medium density housing. For Council to bring forward this work, additional resourcing and funding would be required for studies and planning.

3. Given the strong housing growth we will continue to experience in the LGA, Council needs to ensure that this is matched with infrastructure provision. Infrastructure considerations are a key element in the planning processes the City of Parramatta undertakes, and further, Council is working with the NSW Government to ensure key infrastructure improvements are made to service this growth into the future, including the new Sydney Metro West and Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.

4. This Minute proposes that the Lord Mayor write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to:

i) acknowledge receipt of the letter and the NSW Government’s commitment to increase the supply and diversity of homes across NSW;

ii) acknowledge that a strategy for increasing the mix of housing with a focus on medium density housing is an action in Council’s endorsed Local Strategic Planning Statement and Local Housing Strategy;

iii) Council will agree to bring this action forward subject to the State Government:

a. committing to critical infrastructure projects that will unlock this capacity in particular a construction timetable detailing completion of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

b. providing funding for the studies and necessary community consultation required to progress this action.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

1 ⇩

The Hon. Paul Scully MP - Medium Density

2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 20 November 2023 Item 8.4

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.4

SUBJECT Happy Diwali 2023

REFERENCE F2022/03176 - D09220282

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to wish the City of Parramatta community a Happy Diwali.

Recommendation:

That Council wish the City of Parramatta community a Happy Diwali having regard to recent celebrations of the festival of lights.

BACKGROUND

1. Diwali (or Deepavali) is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year.

2. This year Diwali began on Sunday 12 November 2023. The word Diwali (or Deepavali) means “row of lights” in Sanskrit and people celebrate the festival by decorating their homes with lights and oil lamps, called “diyas”. Diwali commemorates different Hindu, Jain and Sikh legends about good deities triumphing over evil. During Diwali friends and families exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy delicious feasts and wear new clothes.

3. Diwali is internationally important and culturally significant, linking people around the world and uniting a diasporic community. A significant population of City of Parramatta residents come from India, celebrating Diwali is a way for them to stay connected to their roots. As India celebrates one of the world’s brightest and most festive holidays, Indians around the world are also gathering for a time of family, gifts and reflection.

4. In 2023, a number of community events will be conducted in City of Parramatta LGA including:

a. Henna art workshops from Parramatta Libraries: Friday 10 November – Sunday 12 November 2023;

b. Journey of Shri Ram at PHIVE Discovery space presented by the Hindu Council: Friday 10 November – Sunday 3 December 2023;

c. Harris Park Diwali Street Fair, Wigram Street, Harris Park presented by Little India Australia - Saturday 18 November 2023.

5. Council is promoting Diwali via media releases, organic social media, event page on AT Parramatta and City of Parramatta websites, eNewsletters and Council owned digital screens. Paid digital marketing campaigns will promote Diwali and the events within the LGA. Staff support has been provided to community groups, especially in the areas of event applications, traffic management and marketing. Further, street banners celebrating Diwali have been installed at Marion St and Wigram Street, Harris Park. Marketing funds for Diwali were allocated by Council as part of the FY24 budget.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

6. There are no further financial implications for Council arising as a result of this Lord Mayoral Minute.

7. Council allocated up to $30,000 for in-kind support of Diwali 2023 across the City of Parramatta, including marketing, promotions, street banners, advertising and staff costs.

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 20 November 2023 Item 8.5

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.5

SUBJECT City of Parramatta's '12 Days of Christmas Charity'

REFERENCE F2022/03176 - D09218587

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to note the City of Parramatta’s upcoming Christmas celebrations, including the ‘City of Parramatta’s 12 Days of Christmas Charity’ program.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council note the City of Parramatta’s upcoming Christmas celebrations, including festive decorations throughout the LGA and activations planned for Parramatta Square.

(b) That Council recognise that this Christmas may be a particularly tough season for many people in the City of Parramatta community, given rising cost of living pressures.

(c) That Council note the ‘City of Parramatta’s 12 Days of Christmas Charity’, a program of charitable initiatives that seeks to connect with and help those in need in our community, as well as raise awareness of how others can add their support.

This includes donations to the following charities serving people in the Parramatta LGA:

a. Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney: Gifts from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event and public/staff donations from City of Parramatta Giving Trees located at PHIVE, Branch Libraries, PAC, ROC and Church St office

b. Parramatta Women’s Shelter: $5,000 donation to be presented at the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event and Christmas tree and decorations donation from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event

c. Turbans 4 Australia Food/Grocery Hampers: $1,000 donation

d. High Street Youth Health Service End of Year BBQ for Food/Grocery Hampers: $1,000 donation

e. Parramatta Mission Meals Plus Service: $1,000 donation and Christmas tree and decorations donation from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event

f. Karabi Community Development Services Grocery Assistance: $1,000 donation

g. Pathways Community Church Food Service: $1,000 donation

BACKGROUND

1. From 30 November 2023 to 8 January 2024, City of Parramatta Christmas decorations will add festive cheer throughout the LGA in locations including Parramatta CBD, town centres, Council facilities and libraries. Christmas trees, garlands, performances, street banners and wreaths will help to encourage the festive spirit during the Christmas holiday season.

2. This year, the City of Parramatta proposes to celebrate with ‘City of Parramatta’s 12 Days of Christmas’, a program that recognises that this year may be a tough Christmas for many people in our community and seeks to connect with and help those in need, as well as raise awareness of how others can add their support.

3. Each year, the Lord Mayor of Parramatta hosts a community Christmas celebration in December in the City of Parramatta LGA. This event is attended by City of Parramatta Councillors, community and business leaders, representatives of frontline service providers and key City stakeholders. It is an opportunity to recognise the achievements by the City of Parramatta's governing body, Lord Mayor and Councillors, and their contribution to the City.

4. The 2023 ‘City of Parramatta’s 12 Days of Christmas’ program proposes to include:

Day of Christmas	Activity	Date/Location	Notes
1	Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Parramatta Square	Thursday 30 November from 5.30-9pm, Parramatta Square next to PHIVE	Lord Mayor and any interested Councillors to light the Christmas Tree located in Parramatta Square at an event featuring roaming performers and live music including Cantabile Choir Trio, Balloon Twisting Elf and Fairies, and Snow Queen Stilt Walker.
2	Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event	Friday 1 December, Oatlands House	Lady Mayoress has requested guests to bring an unwrapped children’s or young person’s gift to be donated to Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney. Alternatively guests can make a donation to Parramatta Women’s Shelter or Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney. Representatives from Parramatta Women’s Shelter and Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney will speak about the work of their charities at the event. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress will present a $5,000 monetary donation and Christmas tree donation to Parramatta Women’s Shelter, as well as present the collected children’s and young people’s gifts to Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney.
3	Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney ‘Christmas Cave’ Gifts Presentation	Week of 4 December, Ronald McDonald House Westmead	Lord Mayor and any interested Councillors to present the donated gifts from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event to Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney at their in-house ‘Christmas Cave’ shopping location. This is where Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney parents and carers can choose gifts that they then give to their children during the season of giving.
4	Christmas Giving Trees	Week of 4 December until Thursday 21 December, City of Parramatta Facilities	Christmas Giving Trees to be available at sites across City of Parramatta facilities for staff and the public to make monetary donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney. Locations include PHIVE, Branch Libraries, PAC, ROC and Church St office.
5	Parramatta Women’s Shelter Christmas Tree Donation	Week of 4 December, Parramatta Women’s Shelter	Lord Mayor and any interested Councillors to deliver the Christmas tree and decorations donated from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event to Parramatta Women’s Shelter.
6	Good Gifts Market	Thursday 7 December 2-8pm, Centenary Square and St John’s Cathedral Lawn	Lord Mayor and any interested Councillors to attend the Parramatta Good Gifts Market, featuring a range of over 35 stallholders, many of whom are featured in the interactive Good Gifts Guide that supports community-focused, sustainable gifting.
7	City of Parramatta Early Learning Centres Christmas Carols and Stories	Date TBC	Lord Mayor, any interested Councillors and staff in uniform to attend early learning centres to listen to children singing carols and read some stories. All activities to be supervised by early childhood centre educators.
8	Turbans 4 Australia Food/Grocery Hampers	Sunday 10 December 11am-12pm, 14 Martha St Clyde	Lord Mayor and any Councillor or staff volunteers to assist with food/grocery hamper distribution at Clyde and present $1,000 donation.
9	High Street Youth Health Service End of Year BBQ	Wednesday 13 December, Harris Park	Lord Mayor and any Councillor or staff volunteers to attend event and present $1,000 donation to local youth.
10	Parramatta Mission Meals Plus Service and Christmas Tree Donation	Date TBC (Tuesday or Thursday), Parramatta	Lord Mayor and any Councillor or staff volunteers to assist with Meals Plus Service, present $1,000 donation and deliver Christmas tree and decorations donated from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event to Parramatta Mission.
11	Karabi Community Development Services Grocery Assistance	Date TBC (Tuesdays), location dependent on date chosen (Seven Hills, Wentworthville, Constitution Hill)	Lord Mayor and any Councillor or staff volunteers to assist with grocery assistance and distribution, such as picking up goods, packing hampers, and present $1,000 donation.
12	Pathways Community Church Food Service at Prince Alfred Park	Date TBC (Wednesday nights), Prince Alfred Park	Lord Mayor and any Councillor or staff volunteers to assist serving food and present $1,000 donation.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

1. The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration, the Christmas tree in Parramatta Square and Good Gifts Market are part of established City of Parramatta programs, budgeted for within the existing 2023/24 operating budget.

2. This Lord Mayoral Minute proposes a donation of $5,000 be made to Parramatta Women’s Shelter as a Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration charity event partner.

3. This Lord Mayoral Minute also proposes donations to be made to the following charities serving people in the Parramatta LGA:

c. Turbans 4 Australia Food/Grocery Hampers: $1,000 donation

d. High Street Youth Health Service End of Year BBQ for Food/Grocery Hampers: $1,000 donation

e. Parramatta Mission Meals Plus Service: $1,000 donation and Christmas tree and decorations donation from the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Celebration Event

f. Karabi Community Development Services Grocery Assistance: $1,000 donation

g. Pathways Community Church Food Service: $1,000 donation

4. The total $10,000 donation (outlined in this section) can be met from the existing 2023/24 Lord Mayor and Councillor Support donations budget (126000 – 646203) which has a current balance of $37,750.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL