Agenda of Council - Monday, 11 March 2024

Unconfirmed City of Parramatta Council - Minutes of Council Meeting - Monday, 26 February 2024

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Minutes

Ordinary Council Meeting

Monday, 26 February 2024

6.30pm

Council Chamber

Level 4, PHIVE

Parramatta Square, Parramatta

COUNCIL MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber and Councillors Phil Bradley, Kellie Darley, Michelle Garrard, Henry Green, Cameron MacLean, Paul Noack, Sameer Pandey, Deputy Lord Mayor, Dr Patricia Prociv, Dan Siviero, Georgina Valjak, Donna Wang and Lorraine Wearne (online).

COUNCIL STAFF IN ATTENDANCE

Chief Executive Officer - Gail Connolly, Executive Director City Engagement and Experience - Angela Jones-Blayney, Executive Director Finance and Information - John Angilley, Executive Director City Planning and Design - Jennifer Concato, Executive Director Community Services - Jonathan Greig, Executive Director City Assets & Operations - George Bounassif, Acting Executive Director People Culture and Workplace - Brendan Clifton, Chief Technology Officer - John Crawford, Chief Governance & Risk Officer - Roxanne Thornton, Chief Financial Officer - Amit Sharma, Chief of Staff - Justin Mulder, Council Secretariat and Policy Officer - Marina Cavar, Group Manager City Strategic Planning - Robert Cologna, Group Manager Infrastructure Planning and Design - Anthony Newland, Group Manager Regulatory Services - Paul Lyth, ICT Strategy and Partnering Manager - Ian Vong.

1. OPENING MEETING

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber opened the meeting at 6:36pm

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF LAND

The Lord Mayor acknowledged the Burramattagal people of The Dharug 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 ANNOUNCEMENT

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

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Noack

That an apology on behalf of Councillor Wearne and be accepted and a leave of absence granted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Bradley

That Councillor Humphries be permitted to attend this meeting by audio-visual link.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

6. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12 February 2024

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Garrard

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

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

7. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

There were no Declarations of Interest made at this meeting.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

DEALING WITH ITEMS BY EXCEPTION

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack

That in accordance with Section 13 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the Order of Business be amended to deal with the following items by exception

· Item 12.1 Investment Report for January 2024

· Item 13.2 Status Update on Report – Sponsorships, Corporate Memberships and Memorandum of Understanding

· Item 15.1 QwN Council’s Customer Service and Call Centre Statistics

· Item 15.2 QwN Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Bridge Community Reference Group

· Item 15.3 QwN Response to Community Pantry Initiative – Donations as at February 2024

· Item 15.4 QwN LATE REPORT: Questions Taken on Notice at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 12 February 2024

· Item 16.1 QwN myWorkplace – 9 Wentworth Street Project Update

Record of Voting

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Item 16.1 QwN myWorkplace – 9 Wentworth Street Project Update was recommitted in closed session for further questions from Councillor Pandey with no alteration to the resolution.

Reports to Council - For Notation

12.1

Investment Report for January 2024

(Report of Tax and Treasury Accountant)

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack

That Council receive and note the Investment Report for January 2024.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Reports to Council - For decision

13.2

Status Update on Report - Sponsorships, Corporate Memberships and Memorandum of Understanding

(Report of the Executive Director City Planning and Design)

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack

That the report detailing the current and planned sponsorships, corporate memberships and Memorandums of Understanding be provided to a Council meeting in March 2024.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

15.1

Council's Customer Service and Call Centre Statistics

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE:

(a) How many enquiries did Council’s Customer Service Centre receive in 2023, broken down by the method of contact (i.e. phone, email, walk-in, online portal, snap send solve, social media)?

Executive Director City Engagement and Experience response:

Please see table below:

	Phone	Email to Customer Contact Centre*	Email to Council Mailbox#	Snap Send Solve	Service Requests created through online portal**	Walk-in (PHIVE)	Social Media
Customer enquiries	136,839	12,738	56,500	4,875	14,392	5,830	N/A

* cteam@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

# council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

** does not include applications, certificates and licence purchases

Note: The social media team monitors direct messages to its accounts and actions if appropriate but does not track enquiries as it is not an official customer enquiry platform of Council.

(b) What was the closure rate, including how many enquiries/requests were closed on first contact as well as other specific/relevant timeframes (e.g. a week, month, 90 days etc)?

Executive Director City Engagement and Experience response:

Council does not have accurate data available on first contact resolution rates. (The new Customer Experience Strategy, which is currently under development, is assessing how to accurately monitor and record closure rates in real-time).

15.2

PLR2 - Bridge Works Community and Stakeholder Reference Group

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

Question with Notice:

(a) What is the purpose of the PLR2 bridge community reference group and what is Council’s role with the group?

Executive Director City Planning and Design response:

The Bridge Works Community and Stakeholder Reference Group is a Transport for NSW (TNSW) Reference Group established in relation to the new bridge and connections from Melrose Park to Wentworth Point, over the Parramatta River.

TNSW describes the purpose of the Group as follows (summarised from the Terms of Reference):

• To provide a forum for the needs of all key stakeholders, both councils, and the community to be represented in the delivery of the Bridge Works.

• To facilitate effective communication between TNSW and representative stakeholder and community groups and provide additional channels through which TNSW can provide information to the broader community.

• To allow another channel for the community to seek information and provide feedback on project matters including the development of new project information or changes to existing information, issues of interest or concern to the community, response to community complaints, community initiatives and programs.

• To allow the Parramatta Light Rail project team to seek feedback and provide proactive responses to matters of interest or concern.

• The Reference Group is not a decision-making body; it performs an advisory and consultative role.

(b) When and how was the group established?

Executive Director City Planning and Design response:

TNSW established the Bridge Works Community and Stakeholder Reference Group in October 2023, in response to feedback received from the community during various public consultation activities in 2022-2023.

Executive Director City Planning and Design response:

Under the TNSW Terms of Reference, the membership comprises a total of 10 organisations (each with two representatives) as shown in Table 1, as well as the TNSW participants shown in Table 2 below.

Table 1 – Membership (Organisations, Community Groups, Landowners)

City of Parramatta Council (Group Manager Infrastructure Planning and Design and community member Shant Ohannessian)	Boating Industry Association	Wentworth Point Peninsula Town Team
City of Ryde Council	Melrose Park Residents Action Group	Holdmark (developer)
NSW Maritime	Waterfront Action Group	Sekisui (developer)
Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Table 2 – Transport for NSW Members

Senior delivery staff for the Bridge Works

Contractor representatives (as required)

Members of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Communication and Engagement Team

Subject matter experts (as determined).

15.3

Response to Community Pantry Initiative - Donations as at February 2024

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

QuEstion with Notice:

On 4 December 2023, Council resolved “that each Councillor distribute their share of the $16,500 savings (obtained from not progressing with the increase in the annual Councillor allowance) to a local not-for-profits, to support the provision of food, material aid and petrol vouchers.”

1. How much money has been donated so far and to which emergency relief organisations?

Executive Director, Community Services response:

As at 22 February 2024, the following donations have been made:

Organisation	Amount
Parramatta Mission	$2,200
Karabi Community and Development Service	$1,100
Hope Connect	$1,100
CCA NSW	$2,200
Parramatta Women’s Shelter	$2,200
St Ioannis Community Aid (Hellenic Orthodox Church in Australia)	$1,100
Total	$9,900

2. Which Councillors are yet to nominate one of the emergency relief organisations to donate their proportion of the savings to?

Executive Director, Community Services response:

As of 22 February 2024, the following Councillors are yet to nominate a local not-for-profit organisation:

1. Clr Garrard

2. Clr Green

3. Clr Siviero

4. Clr Wang

5. Clr Pandey

6. Clr Wearne.

3. What will happen to any unspent funds?

Executive Director, Community Services response:

Councillors are able to donate to a local not-for-profit organisation up until 21 June 2024.

After this time any remaining funds will be returned to the General Reserve as part of the end of financial year process.

15.4

LATE REPORT: Questions Taken on Notice at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 12 February 2024

(Report of the Council Secretariat & Policy Officer)

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

Councillor Pandey asked a question on Item 12.3 Referral of Inspection Reports by Fire and Rescue NSW which was taken on notice.

· Can we find out how many notices have been issued?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

This information is not available at the time of publication and will be provided under separate cover once information from NSW Fire and Rescue is received.

___________________________________________________

Councillor Bradley asked a question on Item 12.3 Referral of Inspection Reports by Fire and Rescue NSW.

· Work on flammable cladding in buildings around the City of Parramatta has been done. Can an update report on the progress on remedial work on buildings affected by the cladding recall be provided?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

This information is not available at the time of publication and will be provided under separate cover once information from NSW Fire and Rescue is received.

___________________________________________________

Councillor Garrard asked a question on Item 12.4 Delegation of the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive Officer Exercised During the 2023/24 Recess Period

· Can staff provide detailed information on the benefits the position of Lord Mayor gets including the discretionary budget?

Chief of Staff Response:

Expenses and facilities allocated to the Lord Mayor are detailed in the Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy, specifically Section 9, Additional facilities for the Lord Mayor.

To access the Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy.

In 2023/24 the following operational budget was allocated to the Office of the Lord Mayor (with expenditure approved under the delegation of the Chief of Staff):

· Advertising and community messages - $110,000 per annum

· Catering - $5,000 per annum

· Presentation and gifts - $5,000 per annum

· Donations - $50,000 per annum

___________________________________________________

Councillor Pandey asked a question on Item 14.1 Proposed Council Submission - Review of Section 83c of the Education Act 1990

· Are there policies and procedures in place for Councillors to be privy to submissions made by staff on behalf of Council?

Executive Director City Planning and Design Response:

Yes, there is an operational procedure for the consideration and preparation of submissions. The purpose of the procedure is to ensure early identification of key submission points and discussion with the Executive Director City Planning and Design and/or CEO to inform a course of action in the making of a submission. Submissions are placed on the Councillor portal (if made by staff under delegation) or reported to Council (if seeking endorsement).

___________________________________________________

Councillor Garrard asked a question on Item 16.2 LATE REPORT: ITT10-2023 - Supply and Installation of New Multi-Level Carparking Technology and Maintenance Agreement which was taken on notice.

Answer provided in the Confidential Attachment to this report.

___________________________________________________

Councillor Pandey asked a question on Item 16.2 LATE REPORT: ITT10-2023 - Supply and Installation of New Multi-Level Carparking Technology and Maintenance Agreement

Answer provided in the Confidential Attachment to this report.

Note: Councillor Humphries left the meeting at 6.46pm and did not return.

8.... Minute of the Lord Mayor

8.1

International Women’s Day 2024

(Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber)

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber and Councillor Garrard

(a) That Council notes International Women’s Day 2024 is taking place on Friday 8 March, and this year’s global United Nations Women theme is “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment.” The day celebrates women's achievements whilst raising awareness about discrimination and progress towards gender parity.

(b) That Council notes that to celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024, the City of Parramatta is running a series of events showcasing women’s leadership and influence in our community.

(c) That Council notes the ongoing work being undertaken by the City of Parramatta to promote gender equality and prevent domestic and family violence.

(d) That Council considers a suitable way to commemorate the first female alderman to be elected to Parramatta Council, Ms Anne Walker, who served from 1971-74, as well as our first female Lord Mayor, Councillor Lorraine Wearne.

(e) That Council allocate $12,000 from the Office of the Lord Mayor and Councillor Support Budget to facilitate International Women’s Day 2024 events.

(f) That the CEO provide information to all Councillors summarising the current activities of Council that promotes and celebrates women in the community and within Council.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

8.2

PHIVE achieves 6 Green Star Sustainability As Built Rating

(Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber)

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber and Councillor Bradley

That Council note that on 21 February 2024, PHIVE obtained a ‘6 Green Star’ sustainability As Built rating, from the Green Building Council of Australia, placing it in the ‘World Class’ category.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

9.... Public Forum

There were no speakers.

10.. Petitions

There were no petitions tabled at this meeting.

11.. Rescission Motions

There were no rescission motions at this meeting.

12.. Reports to Council - For Notation

12.1

Investment Report for January 2024

(Report of Tax and Treasury Accountant)

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

13.. Reports to Council - For Council Decision

13.1

Quarterly Budget Review - December 2023

(Report of the Chief Financial Officer)

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Pandey

(a) That Council adopt the December 2023 Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) and the Responsible Accounting Officer’s report on the financial position of the Council (Attachment 1).

(b) That Council approves the revised budget for the 2023/24 financial year:

i) Net operating result (including capital) of $109.9 million surplus.

ii) Net operating result (excluding capital) of $0.8 million surplus.

iii) Capital revenue of $112.7 million.

iv) Capital expenditure of $219.2 million.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Councillor Bradley asked the following question for Item 13.1 Quarterly Budget Review - December 2023.

· How does Council calculate depreciation?

Councillor Darley asked the following question for Item 13.1 Quarterly Budget Review - December 2023

· Wants an explanation on what projects have been rephased to get to the total of $91 Million?

13.2

Status Update on Report - Sponsorships, Corporate Memberships and Memorandum of Understanding

(Report of the Executive Director City Planning and Design)

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

13.3

Public Exhibition of Amendment to the Parramatta City Centre Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan - Church Street North Precinct

(Report of the Land Use Planning Manager)

MOTION: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wang

(a) That Council approve an amendment to the Parramatta City Centre Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan, for the purposes of public exhibition, that proposes an increase of the residential development contribution rate for the Church Street North precinct from 3% to 4% while retaining the 3% rate for development which does not include residential accommodation (Option 3 in the report).

(b) That Council authorises the Chief Executive Officer to amend and publicly exhibit draft Parramatta City Centre Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan (Amendment No 3) in accordance with the Option 3 details contained in this report.

AMENDMENT: Councillor Bradley and Councillor Darley

(a) That Council approve an amendment to the Parramatta City Centre Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan, for the purposes of public exhibition, that proposes an increase of the residential development contribution rate for the Church Street North precinct from 3% to 4.5% and 3.5% rate for development which does not include residential accommodation.

(b) That Council authorises the Chief Executive Officer to amend and publicly exhibit draft Parramatta City Centre Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan (Amendment No 3).

Record of Voting:

For the Amendment: Councillors Bradley and Darley

Against the Amendment: Lord Mayor Councillor, Pierre Esber and Deputy Lord Mayor, Patricia Prociv, and Councillors Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

On being PUT to the meeting, voting on the Amendment was two (2) votes FOR and ten (10) votes AGAINST. The Amendment was LOST.

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wang

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillors Prociv and Councillors Darley, Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Motion: Councillor Bradley

On being PUT to the meeting, voting was eleven (11) votes FOR and one (1) vote AGAINST. The MOTION was CARRIED.

13.4

Public Exhibition of Civic Link Block 3 Concept Design

(Report of the Senior Design Manager)

MOTION: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council approve the draft concept plans (including specifications for the inclusion of phone charging points in all seating) for Civic Link Block 3 (at Attachment A) for public exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days to allow for community consideration and feedback on the design.

(b) Further, that any community feedback and the final concept plan be reported to Council for adoption along with the specifications of the ‘smart city’ elements.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

13.5

Submission on the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms

(Report of the Group Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning)

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council approve the submission at Attachment 1 (provided under separate cover) to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (the Department) in response to the public exhibition of the ‘Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low-and mid-rise housing’ (reforms) requesting:

A. A two-year deferred commencement to enable Council to pursue programmed solutions. Council’s justification for this exemption includes:

i. Council acknowledging the need to deliver greater housing diversity to assist in addressing national housing supply and affordability issues and Council’s strong leadership and collaborative partnerships are critical to meet this challenge.

ii. Council has a compelling performance record for determining rezoning applications exceeding the housing target of 23,660 by 1,800 dwellings within the first two-and-a-half years of the 2021-2026 period; and Council is on track to rezone land to permit another 48,000 dwellings (almost 8,000 above the 2026-2036 target).

iii. Council planning for further strong housing growth with a number of precinct-scale proposals being considered and has brought forward the programmed ‘missing middle’ investigations and rezonings of suitable areas to deliver medium density housing proximate to rapid transport and services, adding this will assist the State Government’s to meet the 5-year housing target set by the Federal Government.

iv. Council has a strong track record for delivering housing is based on quality local planning and design controls that are responsive to the local context that would be strengthened with alternate governance arrangements that increase the City’s planning powers to influence city shaping policy changes for both high density precinct-scale developments and infill missing middle housing.

B. Changes to the reforms, to address the following concerns:

i. The reforms are not reflective of best practice strategic planning that consider changes to planning controls at the precinct level, informed by studies and analysis with community and relevant statutory authority input. These broad-brush reforms are predicated on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ development assessment-led approach and will destabilise long standing local planning frameworks, particularly where local planning controls will be overridden because they are less permissive than the proposed State controls. Under the reforms, planning controls for a site will now be contained in various state and local statutory instruments and local guidelines, increasing the complexity and confusion for landowners.

ii. The reforms are intended to address housing supply, however no research or evidence has been presented demonstrating that this approach is an effective method to deliver affordable, low and mid-rise housing types within infill settings, that are appropriate for a range of contexts and environmental constraints.

iii. The standardised approach to planning controls coupled with the non-refusal development standards do not consider local character or conditions, all of which are necessary to ensure good amenity and design outcomes for both individual dwellings and localities.

iv. The mismatch between the proposed FSR and height of building controls will result in buildings that are bulky, setbacks to boundaries insufficient for the scale, and significant impacts upon deep soil and tree canopy loss contributing to reduced amenity and heat island effects.

v. Overriding existing local heritage protections for heritage conservation areas and special character areas by allowing new housing types and greater densities within these precincts will significantly compromise their special character and heritage values and integrity.

vi. E1 Local Centres and MU1 Mixed Use zoned centres included in the 800 metres walking distance be restricted to those containing a full line supermarket of approximately 4,000-4,500m2 accompanied by population-serving retail and commercial space, and have access to rapid transport services and adequately serviced by public transport.

vii. The reforms exacerbate existing infrastructure shortfalls particularly community infrastructure and open space; and a holistic review of local infrastructure provision is required to enable the real cost increases in providing infrastructure to be recognised including the development contribution caps and rates, and stormwater management service levies.

viii. Region shaping strategic plans should be released prior to these housing reforms taking effect to enable an examination of the intended outcomes of the reforms in the context of housing and job targets, environmental and liveability directions, and infrastructure and services delivery.

(b) That in response to the reforms, Council accelerate the Dual Occupancy Codes SEPP Advocacy Project required by parts (d) and (e) of Council’s resolution of 22 May 2023 (Minute 4318) by conducting the following in its place:

ix. The preparation of a submission by the CEO and sent on behalf of Council to the Minister for Planning, the Minister for Fair Trading and NSW Building Commissioner and Government Architects that includes:

1. Requested changes to the Codes SEPP in accordance with the design principles set out in Attachment 1 (provided under separate cover) that were presented to Council as part of the review of dual occupancy developments during the preparation of the Harmonisation DCP process.

2. Concerns Council has with the Complying Development process.

(c) Further, that Council with the assistance of the Local Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis MP, seeks a meeting with the Minister for Planning and Minister for Local Government to discuss the two-year deferred commencement request and governance measures that could be put in place to permit Council to work towards making a contribution to the housing capacity required to meet the National Blueprint target in an efficient manner.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley, Darley, Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang (Unanimous).

14.. Notices of Motion

14.1

Reporting on the Status of Council Resolutions

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

MOTION: Councillor Darley and Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv

(a) That the CEO provide Council with a report by 25 March 2024 on the status of each resolution made during this term of Council, including a summary totaling the resolutions by status (i.e. new, completed, in progress, overdue), clear identification of the overdue resolutions with what action has been taken and what is still to be done as well as an updated timeline for when the resolutions will be completed.

(b) That the CEO also provide Council with a report of outstanding resolutions from the last term of Council, with their current status.

(c) That a standing progress report be provided monthly on Council’s website with the resolutions still to be completed and their status.

(d) Further, that any additional resources required to monitor and action Council resolutions be reported back to Council and incorporated into the budget and DPOP process for 2024/2025.

AMENDMENT: Councillor Noack and Councillor Wang

(a) That the CEO report on each resolution made during this term of Council be provided to Council as part of the Council’s usual End of Term report.

(b) Further, that the Council’s End of Term report, that has recently been reframed as ‘State of our City’, be presented to Council in August 2024.

Record of Voting:

For the Amendment: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley, Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Amendment: Councillor Darley

On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Amendment was eleven (11) votes FOR and one (1) vote AGAINST. The Amendment became the MOTION.

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Wang

(a) That the CEO report on each resolution made during this term of Council be provided to Council as part of the Council’s usual End of Term report.

(b) Further, that the Council’s End of Term report, that has recently been reframed as ‘State of our City’, be presented to Council in August 2024.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley, Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Motion: Councillor Darley

On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was eleven (11) votes FOR and one (1) vote AGAINST. The Motion became the CARRIED.

14.2

Report on Council's Domestic Waste Reserve

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

MOTION: Councillor Darley and Councillor MacLean

(a) That the CEO prepare a report to Council before the end of April 2024, outlining the plan for Council’s Domestic Waste Reserve, including but not limited to funding for:

· the roll out of FOGO;

· the opening and future expansion of the Community Recycling Centre:

· expanded waste education programs;

· additional Christmas recycling collection;

· additional council clean-ups and resource recovery;

· rebates.

(b) That this report contains a comparison of Council’s domestic waste charges with similar Sydney councils as well as outline current levels of waste collection, resource recovery, contamination and community satisfaction with waste services in the Parramatta LGA.

AMENDMENT: Councillor Valjak and Councillor Wang

(a) That the CEO update Councillors regarding the plan for Council’s Domestic Waste Reserve at the planned workshop on the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) and FOGO initiatives in March-April 2024.

(b) That at this workshop, Councillors be provided with the latest insights into waste education, proposed recycling tax clean-up efforts, resource recovery initiatives and an overview of potential rebates and incentives as previously foreshadowed by the CEO at the Councillor Strategic Planning Day and Budget Workshop in late 2023.

Record of Voting:

For the Amendment: :Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Councillors Garrard, Green, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Amendment: Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Bradley, Darley and MacLean

On being PUT to the meting voting on the AMENDMENT was eight (8) votes FOR and four (4) votes AGAINST the Amendment was CARRIED

The Amendment became the MOTION.

RESOLVED: Councillor Valjak and Councillor Wang

(a) That the CEO update Councillors regarding the plan for Council’s Domestic Waste Reserve at the planned workshop on the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) and FOGO initiatives in March-April 2024.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: :Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Councillors Garrard, Green, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Motion: Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Bradley, Darley and MacLean

On being PUT to the Meeting voting on the MOTION was eight (8) votes FOR and four (4) votes AGAINST the Motion was CARRIED

14.3

Recognition of Service to Council

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

MOTION: Councillor Darley and Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv

(a) That Council acknowledge and thank Mr Bruce Mills, former Acting Executive Director of Property and Place and Group Manager of Place Services, for his 15 years of service to Council.

(b) Further, that Council acknowledge and thank Ms Nicole Carnegie, Director City Strategy, for her 13 years of service to Council.

AMENDMENT: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Siviero

That the CEO recognise all staff for their contributions and service as per the staff Rewards, Recognition and Service program.

Record of Voting:

For the Amendment: Unanimous

The Amendment became the MOTION.

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Siviero

That the CEO recognise all staff for their contributions and service as per the staff Rewards, Recognition and Service program.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

15.. Questions with Notice

15.1

Council's Customer Service and Call Centre Statistics

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

Item dealt with earlier in the Meeting.

15.2

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Bridge Community Reference Group

(Councillor Kellie Darley)

Item dealt with earlier in the Meeting.

15.3

Response to Community Pantry Initiative - Donations as at February 2024

(Report by Councillor Kellie Darley)

Item dealt with earlier in the Meeting.

15.4

LATE REPORT: Questions Taken on Notice at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 12 February 2024

(Report by Council Secretariat and Policy Officer)

Item dealt with earlier in the Meeting.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

MATTER OF URGENCY – CLOSURE OF PCYC

Councillor Garrard requested to raise a Matter of Urgency under clause 9.3(b) of the Code of Meeting Practice, regarding the Closure of Parramatta PCYC

The Lord Mayor considered the matter to be urgent.

MATTER OF URGENCY

CLOSURE OF PARRAMATTA PCYC

MATTER OF URGENCY - Closure of Parramatta PCYC

Councillor Michelle Garrard

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Green

(a) That Council note the positive contributions made by PCYC to the City of Parramatta, delivered through their broad range of youth and community activities and support;

(b) That Council supports their objective to find a new permanent home within the Parramatta CBD; and

(c) That the Lord Mayor write to Donna Davis MP, Andrew Charlton Federal MP The Hon. Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Police and Counter-terrorism, The Hon. Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport and The Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Youth advocating they honour the WestInvest funding and to identifying an appropriate, centrally located site within the Parramatta CBD so that urgent planning can progress for a new Parramatta PCYC.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

PROCEDURAL MOTION

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

At 9.21pm, The Lord Mayor adjourned the meeting and the following Councillors were present:

Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors MacLean, DLM Prociv, Pandey, Noack, Bradley, Wang, Garrard, Green, Siviero, Darley and Valjak.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

RECONVENED MEETING

At 9.31pm, the Lord Mayor reconvened the meeting and the following Councillors were present:

Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Bradley, Darley, Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Valjak and Wang

Note: Councillor Siviero left the meeting during the adjournment.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

Move to closed session

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Maclean

That at this time of the meeting, being 9.32pm, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber advised that the meeting would move into Closed Confidential Session to allow consideration of matters in Closed Session in accordance with Section 10A of the Local Government Act 1993. Accordingly, members of the press and public are excluded from the closed session and access to the correspondence and reports relating to the items considered during the course of the Closed Session will be withheld.

This action is taken to discuss:

16.1 QWN myWorkplace - 9 Wentworth Street Project Update

(Councillor Sameer Pandey)

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

16.2 CONFIDENTIAL Determination of Senior Staff Structure – City of Parramatta

(Report by Chief Executive Officer)

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (a) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Council moved into closed session at 9.33pm.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

At 9.41pm, The Lord Mayor adjourned the meeting and the following Councillors were present:

Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors MacLean, DLM Prociv, Pandey, Noack, Bradley, Wang, Garrard, Green, Darley and Valjak.

RECONVENED MEETING

At 9.58pm, the Lord Mayor reconvened the meeting and the following Councillors were present:

Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Bradley, Darley, Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Valjak and Wang

ATTENDANCE BY AUDIO-VISUAL LINK BY COUNCILLORS

RESOLVED: Councillor Valjak and Councillor Bradley

That Councillor Siviero be permitted to attend this meeting by audio-visual link.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Councillor Siviero returned to the meeting (online) at 10.01pm.

16.2

Determination of Senior Staff Structure - City of Parramatta

(Report of the Chief Executive Officer)

MOTION: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wang

(a) That Council determine the six senior staff positions within the organisation structure, including the roles and reporting lines, as shown at Attachment 1 of this report, pursuant to s332(1) of the Local Government Act 1993.

(b) That Council note the senior staff positions are the same as those previously determined by Council except for:

i. The deletion of the role, Executive Director People, Culture and Workplace; and

ii. The deletion of the role, Executive Director, Property and Place.

(c) That Council note the changes to the senior staff structure aim to improve clarity of responsibilities for the relevant functions and to reduce duplication of responsibilities.

(d) That Council note the changes will reduce the senior staff structure by two (FTE) and reduce senior staff employment costs by an estimated $750,000 per annum.

(e) Further that Council note the following title changes to better recognise key functional areas within the scope of responsibility:

i. Executive Director Community Services to Executive Director Community and Culture; and

ii. Change to the name of Directorate from Community Services to Community and Culture to reflect the title change outlined above (i).

AMENDMENT: Councillor Darley and Councillor Bradley

(a) That Council defer determination of the senior staff positions, and resulting organisational structure, for two weeks so the following information can be provided in writing to Councillors:

· The number of staff who have been made redundant since April 2023;

· The percentage increase in senior staff salary between March 2023 and July 2023 as well as between March 2023 and December 2023;

· The number of staff who will have a new line manager as a result of the proposed structure compared to the currently adopted structure;

· The number of staff who have left since October 2023;

· The number of vacant positions currently and how many are being filled by contract and temporary personnel; and

· A summary of coronial inquiries that Council has been involved in throughout the current term of Council.

(b) Further, that the current interim arrangements remain in place in the meantime

Record of Voting:

For the Amendment: Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Bradley, Darley MacLean and Pandey

Against the Amendment: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, Councillors Garrard, Green, Noack, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

On being put to the meeting, voting on the Amendment was five (5) votes FOR and seven (7) votes AGAINST. The Amendment was LOST.

RECOMMENDATION: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wang

(b) That Council note the senior staff positions are the same as those previously determined by Council except for:

iii. The deletion of the role, Executive Director People, Culture and Workplace; and

iv. The deletion of the role, Executive Director, Property and Place.

(c) That Council note the changes to the senior staff structure aim to improve clarity of responsibilities for the relevant functions and to reduce duplication of responsibilities.

(d) That Council note the changes will reduce the senior staff structure by two (FTE) and reduce senior staff employment costs by an estimated $750,000 per annum.

(e) Further that Council note the following title changes to better recognise key functional areas within the scope of responsibility:

iii. Executive Director Community Services to Executive Director Community and Culture; and

iv. Change to the name of Directorate from Community Services to Community and Culture to reflect the title change outlined above (i).

For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Motion: Councillors Bradley and Darley

On being PUT to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was ten (10) votes FOR and two (2) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

RECOMMIT ITEM 16.1

Councillor Pandey requested the leave of the Chairperson to recommit the earlier decision of Council in relation to Item 16.1 QWN myWorkplace - 9 Wentworth Street Project Update, as he had a further question to the Question with Notice - The Chairperson granted leave to recommit this item.

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Bradley

That Item 16.1 QWN myWorkplace - 9 Wentworth Street Project Update be recommitted to allow further questions on this matter.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Item 16.1 QWN myWorkplace - 9 Wentworth Street Project Update

(Councillor Sameer Pandey)

Councillor Pandey asked questions on Confidential Item 16.1 QWN myWorkplace - 9 Wentworth Street Project Update which were taken on notice

PROCEDURAL MOTION

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Bradley

That Council move into open session.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Council Moved to Open Session at 10.51pm.

17. REPORTS OF RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN CLOSED SESSION

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Bradley

That the recommendations in relation to Item:

· 16.2 Determination of Senior Staff Structure - City of Parramatta.

be received and noted as resolutions of Council without any alteration and amendment thereto.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

16.2

Determination of Senior Staff Structure - City of Parramatta

(Report of the Chief Executive Officer)

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wang

(b) That Council note the senior staff positions are the same as those previously determined by Council except for:

v. The deletion of the role, Executive Director People, Culture and Workplace; and

vi. The deletion of the role, Executive Director, Property and Place.

(c) That Council note the changes to the senior staff structure aim to improve clarity of responsibilities for the relevant functions and to reduce duplication of responsibilities.

(d) That Council note the changes will reduce the senior staff structure by two (FTE) and reduce senior staff employment costs by an estimated $750,000 per annum.

(e) Further that Council note the following title changes to better recognise key functional areas within the scope of responsibility:

v. Executive Director Community Services to Executive Director Community and Culture; and

vi. Change to the name of Directorate from Community Services to Community and Culture to reflect the title change outlined above (i).

For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv, Councillors Garrard, Green, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Siviero, Valjak and Wang

Against the Motion: Councillors Bradley and Darley

On being PUT to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was ten (10) votes FOR and two (2) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

18. CONCLUSION OF MEETING

The meeting concluded at 10.55pm.

This page and the preceding 27 pages are the Minutes of the Ordinary/Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Monday, 26 February 2024 and confirmed on Monday, 11 March 2024.

Chairperson

City of Parramatta Council Agenda Monday,11 March 2024 Item 13.3

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.3

SUBJECT Public Exhibition of Draft Homebush Bay Circuit - Bennelong Parkway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge and Paths

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09289762

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Transport Planning

CSP THEME: Accessible

workshop/briefing date: Ward Councillors May 2023 and December 2023.

PURPOSE:

This report seeks the endorsement of Council to publicly exhibit the proposed Homebush Bay Circuit - Bennelong Parkway Bridge and Paths in Wentworth Point.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the draft Homebush Bay Circuit – Bennelong Parkway Bridge and Paths at Attachment 1 for the purposes of public exhibition.

(b) That the draft plans be placed on exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days.

BACKGROUND

1. Council has a strong track record of securing external funding for pedestrian and cyclist projects. Since 2017, with the support of the State and Federal Governments, Council has delivered 8.5km of improved cycling infrastructure to the value of $53M, with an additional $135M secured to plan, design and construct a further 20km. A key consideration for funding partners is whether the community has been consulted on a project, as community support is a key consideration in deciding whether to award future funding for capital works. Public exhibition is the first stage of that process.

2. On 25 February 2019 Council endorsed the Homebush Bay Circuit Wayfinding Strategy and Master Plan which identified a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Haslams Creek and connecting paths as critical to completing the Homebush Bay Circuit (HBC) and making it safer for all users (see Figures 1 and 2 below). Subsequently, Council secured co-funding from Transport or New South Wales (TfNSW) to design both the bridge and paths.

A map of a neighborhood

Description automatically generated

Figure 1: Homebush Bay Circuit (project location in red)

A diagram of a road with cars and a bicycle

Description automatically generated

Figure 2: Cross-section of Bennelong Parkway from Master Plan

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. A feasibility study into the bridge was completed in 2020 that investigated a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge to the north or south of Bennelong Parkway, or re-purposing the existing bridge for pedestrians and cyclists with a new vehicular bridge to the south. A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge on the north was preferred because it:

· Avoids impacting listed Endangered Ecological Community to the south.

· Avoids the major utilities to the south.

· Allows pedestrians and cyclists on the Circuit (30-40,000 people a month) to avoid crossing Bennelong Parkway twice (18,000 vehicles per day).

· Is a shorter, more direct connection between the Badu Mangroves, Hill Road and the Foreshore Promenade in Wentworth Point.

· Would be a standalone bridge independent of the existing vehicular bridge, allowing unencumbered maintenance or replacement should it be required in the future.

4. Subsequently, Council and TfNSW co-funded the design of the bridge and connecting paths to the east and west (see Figure 3 and 4 below), the detailed plan is available at Attachment 1. The project proposes:

· A new 5m wide (to allow for current and future volumes) pedestrian and cyclist bridge,

· A separated bike path on the northern verge of Bennelong Parkway between the Badu Mangroves and Hill Road,

· A wide footpath on the northern verge of Bennelong Parkway between the Badu Mangroves and Foreshore Promenade access path,

· Two new raised pedestrian and cyclist priority crossings of Bennelong Parkway at the Archery Centre and Wentworth Common,

· New center median planting,

· New raised bicycle priority crossing over The Piazza,

· Re-built roundabout at the intersection of The Piazza and Bennelong Parkway to meet modern standards, improve circulation and reduce vehicle speeds,

· Retention of westbound bike lane and shared path on southern side of Bennelong Parkway.

Figure 3: Bridge with connecting paths either side.

A map of a road and buildings

Description automatically generated with medium confidence,BENNELONG PKWY,THE PIAZZA

Figure 4: Connecting paths to the west.

5. The existing bus stops are retained along with all existing circulation (left and right turns retained). A turning space is proposed in the center of Bennelong Parkway for the driveways at 29 Bennelong Parkway (Mariners Cove) and the Archery car park that will allow drivers to cross a single lane of traffic when turning right. The quantum of public street parking outside the archery carpark has been increased by switching it to the southern side.

6. As the bridge is within a mapped coastal area and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for exhibition that identifies the impacts in detail alongside any mitigation measures. The impacts are not significant and mitigation measures can be accommodated within the project scope, budget and timeline. The connecting paths to the west have been prepared to a concept level of detail to allow for community feedback prior to any detail design. The EIS documentation runs over hundreds of pages and therefore is not attached to this Council report, however it is in line with the detailed plan provided at Attachment 1. The EIS will be hosted on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website with a link from Council’s Participate Parramatta page that will host the consultation of the project.

7. In late 2023, Council placed a load limit on the existing Bennelong Parkway road bridge due to concerns about the condition. The temporary load limit will be in place until a repair methodology is developed and implemented. The new pedestrian and cyclist bridge has been designed to be clear of the existing bridge to allow all inspection, maintenance and repair activities to be undertaken.

8. A small portion of land at 29 Bennelong Parkway is required to deliver the bridge. All options have been investigated to avoid acquisition, however the alternatives (southern side – cross Bennelong Parkway twice and environmental impacts; narrower bridge – 3m is not adequate for current and future volumes; closer to existing bridge – clear zone required for maintenance of existing bridge and Ausgrid cables attached) are not feasible. The adjacent landowner has been advised of the necessity for acquisition and has been consulted on a number of occasions. The acquisition process is currently underway.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

9. The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to Bennelong Parkway Bridge and Paths:

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Resp.
September 2022 - ongoing	Sydney Olympic Park Authority	Bridge and Wentworth Common crossing strongly supported. No objection raised to wider road in locations identified. Concern with lighting affecting fauna. Project should minimise impact to vegetation.	Support noted Support noted Lighting will be the minimum required by standards, however colour and timing of light will be adjusted, feature lighting removed. Project has been designed to minimise impact where possible.	City Strategic Planning / Capital Projects.
7 November 2023	Active Transport Advisory Committee	ATAC were presented with the concept plans and invited comment.	The ATAC will have additional opportunity to comment during exhibition.	City Strategic Planning
6 February 2024	Access Advisory Committee	How will footpath and bike path separation be shown / legible. How much will be shared? Who will have priority where? Will there be signage?	Where there is space, there will be a planted buffer. If adjacent will be strong visual contrast. The project will be almost completely separated. Pedestrians and bikes will have priority at driveways, pedestrians will have priority over bike riders. Signage will be minimized, prefer to rely on the physical street to inform.	City Strategic Planning
7 June 2023	29 Bennelong Parkway Community Association representatives	See Attachment 2 for detailed list of concerns and responses.		City Strategic Planning
11 October 2023	29 Bennelong Parkway Community Association Strata members			City Strategic Planning
August 2023 - ongoing	TfNSW	The main concern is ensuring the most appropriate crossing facility at Wentworth Common.	TfNSW and Council have come to an agreed position to exhibit a raised priority crossing rather than a refuge island.	City Strategic Planning / Capital Projects

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Resp.
14/12/2023 (update email)	Rosehill Ward Clrs	Asked if the information can be shared with the public	Plans will be provided to the community when reporting to Council in early 2024.	City Strategic Planning
May 2023	Rosehill Ward Clrs	Project with 5m width and its location are supported.	Support noted	City Strategic Planning

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

11. Legal advice was sought on whether Council required landowners consent (from the owners of 29 Bennelong Parkway) for exhibition of the EIS for the Bennelong Parkway Bridge. The EPA Regulation 2021 Clause 23 states:

Persons who may make development applications

(1) A development application may be made by—

(a) the owner of the land to which the development application relates, or

(b) another person, with the written consent of the owner of the land.

(2) The consent of the owner of the land is not required for a development application made by a public authority or for public notification development if the applicant complies with subsections (3) and (4).

(3) The applicant must give notice of the application—

(a) to the owner of the land before the application is made, or

(b) by publishing, no later than 14 days after the application is made, a notice in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the development will be carried out.

(4) If the applicant gives notice under subsection (3)(b), the applicant must also, no later than 14 days after the application is made—

(a) if the applicant is a public authority—publish the notice on the public authority’s website, or

(b) for public notification development—arrange for the consent authority to publish the notice on the NSW planning portal.

12. Legal Services have advised that, as a public authority, Council is exempt from the requirement to obtain landowner consent prior to lodging or assessing/determining the application, however the Regulations do require Council to comply with the requirements of sub-section (3) and (4) as above.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

13. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council’s budget as the EIS, detail design and concept design have been co-funded from an existing grant allocation from TfNSW of $358,683, and the balance of $261,000 from Council’s S7.11 contributions. The public exhibition will be funded from the grant allocation.

	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
Internal 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

Robert Cologna

Group Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Homebush Bay Circuit - Bennelong Parkway Bridge and Paths - Concept Plans	1 Page
2 ⇩	Bennelong Parkway Bridge - Adjacent Landowner Consultation	2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

City of Parramatta Council Agenda Monday,11 March 2024 Item 13.4

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.4

SUBJECT Public Exhibition of Draft Toongabbie to Westmead Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09307783

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Transport Planning

CSP THEME: Accessible

workshop/briefing date: Ward Councillors - 18 May 2023 and 30 November 2023.

PURPOSE:

This report seeks the endorsement of Council to publicly exhibit the proposed Toongabbie to Westmead Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the draft Toongabbie to Westmead Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor at Attachment 1 for the purposes of public exhibition.

(b) That the draft plan be placed on exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days.

BACKGROUND

2. State (TfNSW Strategic Cycleways Corridors and Green Grid) and Council (Bike Plan 2017 and Parramatta Ways) policies identify the Western Line from Toongabbie to Parramatta CBD as a high priority pedestrian and cyclist link. A feasibility study and concept design for the corridor has been prepared as per Figure 1 below.

Finlaysons Creek Path (current and future) Girraween Creek Path A map with a red line

Description automatically generated

Figure 1: Toongabbie to Westmead Corridor (RED), existing paths (BLUE)

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. The Toongabbie to Westmead (T2W) pedestrian and cyclist corridor looks to vastly improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, travel time and amenity whilst minimising impacts to other users and the environment. The overall corridor study identifies the spatial requirements and impacts of walking and cycling upgrades (see example below at Figure 2, the Community Information Package is available at Attachment 1).

Figure 2: Example spatial study and impacts summary

4. At key locations and at stations, the project proposes separated pedestrian and cyclist paths where space allows. Outside of these precincts the western / southern parking lane of Wentworth Avenue is proposed to be re-purposed for a separated bike path. In these locations the parking lane against the rail line is only sparsely utilised. Where parking is in high demand it is proposed to retain enough parking to meet existing requirements. A summary of the parking impacts is provided at Table 1 below, demonstrating that before and after the project there will be a significant surplus of parking spaces along the alignment.

Table 1: Parking Spaces along corridor

Location	Spaces	Peak use	Future spaces	Surplus	Notes
Station Road (southern side)	5	2	0	0	Vehicles can park off street, east of Premier Street, or in Premier Street.
Premier Street	50	16	47	31	3 spaces removed to improve access to Girraween Creek path.
Toongabbie Station Precinct	326	202	311	109	10-15 spaces removed on Wentworth Avenue: - On western side, between station and Wentworth Ave overbridge. - On eastern side between Postmistress and Barangaroo.
Toongabbie Station Precinct	326	202	311	109	12 spaces are currently timed parking. 2P, 1/4P, Accessible, Kiss and Ride on Wentworth Ave and side streets can be expanded to support local businesses.
Toongabbie to Pendle Hill	322	97	141	44	Western parking lane occupied by bike path.
Pendle Hill Station	106	102	106	4	Commuter parking converted to parallel, extended by 120m to retain current number.
Pendle Hill to Cumberland Hwy	167	29	79	50	Western parking lane occupied by bike path.
Wentworthville (Wentworth Ave only)	174	125	129	4	Southern parking lane, east of Finlaysons where parking is least utilised, replaced by bike path (45 spaces).
Wentworthville (excl. Wentworth, Lydbrook and Byrne)	258	185	258	73	Lydbrook and Byrne excluded as they are unlikely to be affected.
Park Parade	0	0	11	11	11 additional spaces through more efficient use of the road corridor.
Totals	1408	758	1082	326

5. The corridor study included two feasibility studies that tested two structures that would have significant benefits for pedestrians and cyclists both regionally and locally. These studies looked at:

· a pedestrian and cyclist underpass of Wentworth Avenue in the rail corridor (Sydney Trains have issued conditional approval),

· a pedestrian and cyclist overbridge of the Cumberland Highway that is partially within the rail corridor (Sydney Trains have issued conditional approval).

6. In addition, the area immediately west of Bridge Street was studied to determine whether Wentworth Avenue between Reid Avenue and Bridge Street could be one way westbound. The reason for this is there is insufficient space for two vehicle lanes and the proposed paths in this part of Wentworth Avenue. The study determined it was feasible with two minor upgrades that would be funded as part of the project.

7. The T2W corridor was also developed in collaboration with Cumberland Council as it includes a 1.1km section between Bridge Road and Parramatta Park that is located in that LGA. Cumberland Council have exhibited their portion of the corridor in late 2023 as part of the Westmead South draft Master Plan, available at Figure 3 below and https://haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/westmead-south-masterplan-2023.

A map of a city

Description automatically generated

Figure 3: Cumberland Council exhibition of T2W Corridor in late 2023.

8. Throughout the development of the project the alignment was consistent with the Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP) Mays Hill Masterplan. However, after further discussion, GSP has requested the section through the Park be deferred until Mays Hill is re-master planned. Therefore the 40m of path in the park between Bailey Street and Park Parade will only be considered pending further consultation with and approval by GSP.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

9. The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to the Toongabbie to Westmead Corridor Study:

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Resp.
7 November 2023	Active Transport Advisory Committee	ATAC were presented with the concept plans and invited comment.	The ATAC will have additional opportunity to comment during exhibition.	City Strategic Planning
6 February 2024	Access Advisory Committee	McCoy Park is popular, could lane around shops be one way. Consider retaining disabled parking as parallel as it is better for disabled users. The vegetation along the rail line is important to local groups. How will you access on a bike from Binnalong Road? How will shared path / separated path be clear / legible? How long will it take to be delivered.	Noted, one way will be investigated in detail design. Noted, this will be included as an objective in detail design. The project has been designed to minimise impact on vegetation. There will be a break in the kerb for access. There will be physical or visual separation. In shared paths it will have blue educational paint. It will likely be staged over a number of years with the priorities informed by the community and based on funding availability.	City Strategic Planning
25/1/2024	Blacktown Council Officers	Preferred alignment west of Girraween Ck to Blacktown is on south of Rail line.	Noted, upgrade of Girraween Creek path will be required along with ongoing collaboration.	City Strategic Planning
September 2022 - ongoing	Cumberland Council officers	Alexandria/Hawkesbury /Bailey Cumberland preferred alignment. Future connections across rail line supported.	Alignment incorporated as baseline. Noted in plans.	City Strategic Planning
July 2023 - Ongoing	TfNSW	The proposal is on Council-controlled streets and TfNSW raises no objection.	Noted	City Strategic Planning
July and August 2023	Sydney Trains	Sydney Trains raises no objections and has granted conditional Gate 0 approval.	Noted	City Strategic Planning
November and December 2023	TfNSW - Buses	It is preferred that bus (though infrequent) routes are retained on Wentworth Avenue west of Pendle Hill.	Need for diversion to be tested with full survey in detail design. Diversion turning paths tested for largest bus.	City Strategic Planning
September 2022 - ongoing	Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP)	During the investigation process their position went from support for alignment, to seeking that any decision on the connection be deferred and considered in a potential new Mays Hill master planned.	Note added for exhibition and in Council report that this 40m section is draft unless advised otherwise by GSP.

Councillor Consultation

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

Date

Councillor

Councillor Comment

Council Officer Response

Resp.

30/11/2023 (update email)

Parramatta Ward Clrs

No comments

Noted

May 2023

Parramatta Ward Clrs

Project supported

Concern regarding parking being re-purposed at stations.

A bridge at Cumberland is supported given the past pedestrian death.

Support noted.

Where parking is needed that quantum is retained in the proposal.

Support noted

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

11. There are no legal implications foreseen arising from public exhibition of the proposed plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

12. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council’s budget as the concept design has been funded from an existing grant allocation from TfNSW of $197,000. The public exhibition will be funded from the grant allocation.

	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
Internal 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

Robert Cologna

Group Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Toongabbie to Westmead Corridor Study - Commuity Information Package

23 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

City of Parramatta Council Agenda Monday,11 March 2024 Item 13.5

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.5

SUBJECT Public Exhibition of Draft Wilderline to Duck River Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09307791

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Transport Planning

CSP THEME: Accessible

workshop/briefing date: Ward Councillors - September 2023 and December 2023

PURPOSE:

This report seeks the endorsement of Council to publicly exhibit the proposed Wilderline to Duck River Path (Granville and Clyde).

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the draft Wilderline to Duck River Path at Attachment 1 for the purposes of public exhibition.

(b) That the draft plan be placed on exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days.

BACKGROUND

2. Since the closure of the T6 Heavy Rail line to enable Parramatta Light Rail (PLR), Council has long advocated for the disused line to be used by pedestrians and cyclists alongside significant re-vegetation – The Wilderline. The T6 forms part of a regional scale link connecting the PLR Active Transport Link (ATL) from Carlingford to Camellia, and onwards Duck River south via Clyde Station, see Figure 1 below.

3. Recent work by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) on the Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy identified the T6 for active transport, and Sydney Metro West have been conditioned to extend the Wilderline from the PLR ATL to around A’Beckett’s Creek in Clyde. A feasibility study and concept design has been prepared for the section between A’Beckett’s Creek and Clyde Station, along with associated connections.

M4 Shared Path

Figure 1: Wilderline within regional context (TfNSW Cycleways Finder basemap).

4. As per Figure 2 below, there is only one feasible route to connect the Metro West Wilderline at A’Beckett’s Ck to Parramatta Road. Similarly, the only step-free access to the M4 Shared Path (the main east-west route in this area) is via Hamilton Street and Arthur Street in Granville. There are a number of streets Between Parramatta Road and Clyde Station, therefore 6 options were tested.

Figure 2: Scope of Wilderline to Duck River (BLUE is concept design, RED is feasibility options)

5. The T6 between A’Beckett’s Creek and Parramatta Road is currently unused and left untended. The proposed 6m wide shared path would include lighting and potential landscaping as per Figure 3 below.

Figure 3: Artist’s impression of Wilderline (existing and proposed) looking north from Parramatta Road

6. Between the M4 Shared Path and the T6, the only route that would be step free is along Arthur and Hamilton Street. It is proposed to re-purpose unused car parking spaces on Arthur Street to deliver high quality pedestrian and cyclist paths as per Figure 4. According to comprehensive parking surveys within 100m of the project, there are 108 available spaces with a peak use of 55. Therefore the 28 spaces on Arthur Street proposed to be re-purposed can be easily accommodated. The three houses that front the proposed paths all have off street parking with garages. Detailed plans are available at Attachment 1.

Figure 4: Arthur Street and Hamilton Street.

7. Between Parramatta Road and the ramps of Clyde Station there were 6 possible alignments. This precinct is highly constrained, the most significant challenges are:

· The narrow streets with approval for 25m B-doubles,

· Road access is solely via Parramatta road with two signalised intersections allowing right turns: Berry Street (in) and Marsh street (out).

· The need for local businesses to provide parking for their customers and conduct their business.

8. A total of 6 routes were tested:

· The rail corridor

· Marsh Street (west)

· 3 options on George Street (east / west / west with indented for additional parking)

· Berry Street (west)

9. A detailed analysis of the impacts and customer outcomes is provided at Attachment 2. The feasibility study identified the Rail line and Berry Street as the only plausible routes, however the Rail line had more risks (Sydney Trains approvals, greater impact on business parking, turning paths at Sutherland / Marsh corner). Therefore a detailed concept was prepared for exhibition using Berry Street as per Figure 5 (a higher resolution is provided at Attachment 1) as it was legible for new users, had potential for increased amenity and had the least impact to parking for local businesses.

Figure 5: Parramatta Road / Berry Street Concept Plan

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

10. The following stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to Wilderline to Duck River:

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Resp.
23 February 2023	DPHI and TfNSW (Corridors)	No objection is raised to Council investigating and exhibiting the Wilderline.	Noted	City Strategic Planning
7 November 2023	Active Transport Advisory Committee	ATAC were presented with the concept plans and invited comment.	The ATAC will have additional opportunity to comment during exhibition.	City Strategic Planning
6 February 2024	Access Advisory Committee	Questions about contamination.	The project assumes the area will be contaminated and will be delivered by building up with minimal excavation.	City Strategic Planning

Councillor Consultation

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

Date

Councillor

Councillor Comment

Council Officer Response

Resp.

18/12/2023

(update email)

Rosehill Ward Clrs

No comments

Noted

City Strategic Planning

13/9/2023

(meeting)

Rosehill Ward Clrs

Not ideal to re-purpose parking, but there is surplus

Berry Street as the preferred alignment is supported.

Noted

City Strategic Planning

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

12. There are no legal implications foreseen arising from public exhibition of the proposed plan.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

13. There are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council’s budget as the concept design has been funded from an existing grant allocation from TfNSW of $78,250. The public exhibition will be funded from the grant allocation.

Robert Cologna

Group Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Wilderline to Duck River - Concept Plans	6 Pages
2 ⇩	Wilderline to Duck River - Community Information Package	15 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.

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
4 October 2022	Policy Review Committee	Noted that staff would be reviewing ongoing Council’s policy portfolio to identify redundant items to retire.	Noted and actioned	Governance
20 February 2024	Policy Review Committee	Supported Stormwater Disposal Policy to be endorsed by Council for immediate rescission.	Noted and actioned	Governance + Group Manager Development & Traffic Services

1 ⇩	For Public Exhibition - Draft Regulatory Enforcement Policy 2023	11 Pages
2 ⇩	For Information - Regulatory Enforcement Policy Review 2023 - Summary of Proposed Changes	1 Page
3 ⇩	For Information - Regulatory Enforcement Policy 2017	21 Pages