Late Items Agenda of Council - Monday, 8 July 2024

Council 8 July 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM SUBJECT PAGE NO

8 Minutes of the Lord Mayor

8.1 Vale Bill McNamara OAM....................... 4

8.2 Australia Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards 6

8.3 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government.. 9

8.4 Celebrating the Significant Contribution of Our Civic Leaders Through Commemorative Works................... 11

9 Public Forum

9.1 SPEAKER 1: Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors................ 13

9.2 SPEAKER 2: Item 14.6: Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors....... 15

9.3 SPEAKER 3: Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta............ 17

9.4 SPEAKER 4: Item 14.4: Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and Part 5 footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H)....... 19

9.5 PUBLIC FORUM SUBMISSION: Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta............ 21

9.6 PUBLIC FORUM SUBMISSION: Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta............ 23

9.7 PUBLIC FORUM SUBMISSION: Item 14.6: Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors....... 25

14 Notices of Motion

14.1 On-Street Parking Issues for Residents in Newington......... 27

14.2 Advocacy for the Western Sydney Community Forum Transport Development........ 29

14.3 Traffic Impacts of Windsor Rd and James Ruse Drive Intersection........... 32

14.4 Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and part 5 Footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H)...... 34

14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta............ 36

14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors................ 38

15 Questions with Notice

15.1 Verge Maintenance in City of Parramatta............................. 41

15.2 Questions Taken on Notice at 24 June 2024, Council Meeting................. 42

16 Confidential Matters

16.1 Peninsula Park, Wentworth Point - Legal Options for Council

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (g) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 8.1

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT Vale Bill McNamara OAM

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518178

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Welcoming

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to acknowledge the death of Mr William (Bill) McNamara OAM, a Western Sydney construction pioneer and community leader, and express Council’s sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council acknowledge the death of Mr William (Bill) McNamara OAM, a Western Sydney construction pioneer and community leader, on 29 June 2024.

(b) That Council express its sincere condolences to Mr Bill McNamara OAM’s family and friends at this sad time by writing to his son-in-law, Mr Jim Taggart OAM.

BACKGROUND

1. Mr Bill McNamara OAM was a pioneer in the construction industry and a community leader who left a remarkable legacy in Western Sydney, with an outstanding impact on Blacktown in particular. In 2022 at 94 years of age, Bill was given the Key to the City of Blacktown, signifying his contribution and ongoing interest in Greater Western Sydney.

2. Born in 1927, Bill attended Riverstone Public School and Auburn High School, going on to complete his education as an apprentice carpenter at Riverstone Meatworks, signing up for five years with the Riverstone Meat Company and attending Granville Technical College.

3. At the age of 29, he was singled out by then Minister for Local Government, and future Premier, Jack Renshaw, who said at the time that Bill “set an example to all young Australians and had shown what could be done by ability and willingness to take a chance”.

4. In 1950, Bill married Pat Hynds and together built a home raising six children, Anthony, Carol, Alan, Sharon, Christopher and Maureen, at 22 Hunter Street, Riverstone. Bill’s family have been a part of Parramatta and Blacktown City for more than a century, moving from Western NSW to Riverstone in the 1920s. In 1953, the McNamara Group built an office and joinery in Riverstone Parade – one of the first factories to be built in that industrial area.

5. The McNamara Group delivered many landmark developments that have shaped Parramatta, Blacktown and greater Western Sydney over the past half century, including the McNamara Centre, the Octagon, United Permanent building, Parramatta Cultural Centre, Hunter Street Carpark, J.A. Fleming Stand at Rosehill Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. They also built WestPoint Shopping Mall in Blacktown, Marketown Shopping Centre in Riverstone, Mount Druitt High School, Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club, as well as important defence facilities such as the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Richmond. At its peak the McNamara Group employed some 300 people.

6. Bill served on numerous community boards including as Chairman of St. Gabriel’s School for deaf children for 30 years, Chair of the Economic Development Board of Greater Western Sydney for four years and Board Member of Council’s Blacktown Venue Management Limited. He was also a driving force in encouraging local small businesses to be involved in the lead up to the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

7. In recognition of his outstanding industry and community contributions, Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984 and in 2017 was Blacktown City Council’s Corporate Citizen of the Year.

8. Council expresses its sincere condolences to his wife Pat, children Anthony, Carol, Alan, Sharon, Christopher and Maureen, sons- and daughters-in-law including Jim Taggart OAM, grandchildren, extended family and friends at this sad time.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 8 July 2024 Item 8.2

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT Australia Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09516337

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to commend City of Parramatta’s award-winning public infrastructure, Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Charles Street Square and Parramatta Town Hall, as recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council commend City of Parramatta’s award-winning public infrastructure, Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Charles Street Square and Parramatta Town Hall, as recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards.

(b) That Council congratulate City of Parramatta staff as well as the following parties on their outstanding efforts in delivering world-class public infrastructure, including:

a. Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) – Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall won the Sulman Medal for Public Infrastructure and the Award for Urban Design.

b. Charles Street Square – Lahznimmo Architects with SMM won the 2024 Urban Design Award.

c. Parramatta Town Hall – Design Inc Sydney, Lacoste and Stevenson, Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and TKD Architects won the 2024 Commendation for Heritage Conservation.

BACKGROUND

1. The 2024 NSW Architecture Awards celebrate excellence in design, placemaking, and sustainability. A range of City of Parramatta’s iconic public building designs were recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 NSW Architecture Awards on Friday 28 June at the City Recital Hall.

2. Parramatta Aquatic Centre by Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, in collaboration with Builder Lipman, won the Sulman Medal for Public Infrastructure and was the 2024 Winner for Urban Design.

3. The Parramatta Aquatic Centre, a collaboration between City of Parramatta Council, McGregor Coxall Landscape Architects, Grimshaw and ABA, is an example of a different way of conceptualising aquatic centres. The masterplan is clever in its simplicity. The siting of the pool responds to the park’s topography and context and is located to maximise retention of existing trees. The circular design is cut into the park, maximising public views in, out and over the facility. This makes the experience of visiting the pool more about the landscape experience than the built form, appropriate given the location within World Heritage Listed Parramatta Park. The facility is functional and rational in its internal planning, with materials chosen for strength and durability. Natural light filters through to the internal programmed spaces. This project is an incredible addition to ‘Public Sydney’ and demonstrates the importance and value of strong urban design and landscape input to drive the best public outcomes.

4. The Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) transcends the typical, transforming itself into an oasis both within and outside the centre. It fosters a sense of discovery where pool users and passersby can connect and interact. Criss-crossing public pathways through, above, and into the centre expand the facility’s purpose from its core function to make the building itself an expansive public space. The key challenge - accommodating 15,000sqm within a public park - is resolved through a singular insight: burying the building beneath gardens that together form a perfect circle. This innovative design prioritises camouflaging the building’s physical footprint, embedding connections between the building and parkland. The PAC breaks away from the sterile steel boxes often associated with aquatic centres, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Recycled construction waste form the retaining gabion walls, with concrete and native planting creating a sense of inevitability to the outcome. The park’s flora is extended into the heart of the centre, reinforcing its connection to nature. Adding another layer of significance, the PAC incorporates a tapestry of First Nations interpretive elements. This project is an exemplar for local governments seeking the greatest value for their projects, prioritising community, sustainability, and cultural connection.

5. Charles Street Square, by Lahznimmo Architects, in collaboration with landscape architects Spackman Mossop Michaels and builder Regal Innovations, won the 2024 Award for Urban Design. Lahznimmo Architects, in collaboration with landscape architects Spackman Mossop Michaels, have delivered an outstanding contribution to the urban landscape through the creation of Charles Street Square. This transformative project links Charles and Phillip Street to Parramatta River, integrating the ferry wharf terminus into a vibrant public space now known as Parramatta Quay. The Charles Street Square illustrates the designers’ innovative problem-solving in navigating complex and dynamic challenges. The design mediates between three distinct levels: Riverfront, Mid terrace, and Street level with a continuous landscaped ramp that was observed in constant use. The thoughtful arrangement ensures accessibility and fosters engagement with the riverfront as a theatrical experience by incorporating sweeping amphitheatre seating. Flooding of the site is an inherent condition to the precinct. The jury’s visit following a significant flooding event provided firsthand confirmation of the project’s exceptional performance under duress, further validating its effectiveness and durability.

6. Parramatta Town Hall by DesignIncSydney, Lacoste+Stevenson, Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and TKD Architects, in collaboration with Built, received a commendation for heritage conservation. Parramatta Town Hall has served its community for more than 140 years. Built to a design by George Mansfield, the structure is remarkably intact, retaining much of its exterior and interior Victorian form, fabric, and presence. The project conserves the original building and adds a small glass addition, linking it to the new Civic Centre, Phive. The works demonstrate a substantial depth of research informing the scope of intervention and conservation, and sympathetically integrates modern audio-visual functionality with respectful interfaces against the existing fabric. The lightweight addition facing Parramatta Square allows the original Town Hall to remain the showpiece, while enhancing the user experience. The interpretive installation throughout is commendable.

7. Council commends all involved including City of Parramatta staff on their outstanding efforts in delivering world-class public infrastructure.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 8 July 2024 Item 8.3

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.3

SUBJECT 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09514461

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

To report on attendance and participation at the Australian Local Government Association 2024 National General Assembly held in Canberra from 2 - 4 July 2024.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council notes the Lord Mayor, Councillors and Council officers represented the City of Parramatta at the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA), held in Canberra from 02-04 July.

(b) That Council notes the NGA explored the theme of “building community trust” with a focus on housing and community infrastructure, disaster resilience and recovery, energy, roads and transport.

BACKGROUND

1. From 2 - 4 July the Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber, Councillor Paul Noack and Councillor Donna Wang travelled to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to attend the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) hosted by the Australian Local Government Association. Council officers also attended the event to support Councillors.

2. The 2024 NGA explored the theme ‘building community trust’ with a focus on housing and community infrastructure, disaster resilience and recovery, energy, roads and transport. Councils from across Australia gathered to hear talks and presentations by local government representatives, Federal MPs and technical experts, as well as debate motions across a number of themes.

3. The Conference featured speeches by Cr Linda Scott, ALGA President, the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. Her Excellency the Hon. Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia also delivered her first formal speech at the event. A key theme of these speeches was the importance of local government in building trust in public institutions at a time of declining participation.

4. The Prime Minister, the Hon. Anthony Albanese, also spoke at Australian Council of Local Government dinner (4 July) and forum (5 July).

5. Speakers and discussion at the conference covered the challenges of continuing to deliver high quality services in the face of ongoing natural disasters, skills shortages and cost of living pressures. For this to continue, trust in government, between governments, our institutions and our citizens is fundamentally important.

6. Whilst in the ACT, I attended additional meetings to discuss strategic issues relevant to the City of Parramatta, including:

a. A high-level meeting with His Excellency Mr Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India, to discuss the draft Parramatta 2050 strategic vision and maintaining Parramatta’s strong connections with South Asian communities; and

b. Meetings with local MPs including Mr Jerome Laxale MP, Federal Member for Bennelong and Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Member for Parramatta.

7. I was pleased to be able to share the experience with Council staff, with the intent of promoting the transformation of Parramatta into a global city and sharing this vision with key decision makers from local, State and Federal governments.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

8. There are no further financial implications for Council arising as a result of the Lord Mayoral Minute. Costs associated with the registration and participation of Councillors at approved Professional Development activities are provided for in accordance with the provisions of the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 8 July 2024 Item 8.4

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.4

SUBJECT Celebrating the Significant Contribution of Our Civic Leaders Through Commemorative Works

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518191

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to seek endorsement for the locations of a number of commemorative works across the LGA in honour of key civic leaders who have made a significant contribution to the history and evolution of the City of Parramatta.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council endorse the the locations of a number of commemorative plaques across the LGA in honour of key civic leaders who have made a significant contribution to the history and evolution of the City of Parramatta, including:

· Mr John Books, former Councillor and Lord Mayor

· The Hon, John Brown AO, former Federal Member for Parramatta

· Paul Barber, former Lord Mayor; and

· Ray and Shirley Wehbe, local community advocates and fundraisers.

(b) That Council note the indicative dates for ceremonies to be held at each location.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Commemorative Works and Memorials Policy recognises that appropriately designed and sited commemorative works can provide an enduring reminder of the civic leaders who have made a significant contribution or impact to the history and evolution of the City of Parramatta.

2. This Minute seeks endorsement for the locations of a number of plaques across the LGA in honour of key civic leaders who have made a significant contribution to the history and evolution of the City of Parramatta, as shown in the table below:

*Ceremonial Event*	*Location*	*Timeframe*
Official opening of the John Brown Sports Pavilion	Amenities Pavilion, Peggy Womersley Reserve, Carlingford	31 August 2024
Official opening of the Paul Barber Pavilion	Amenities Pavilion, John Curtin Reserve, Winston Hills	Week of 03 September 2024
Commemorative plaque laying in honour of Ray and Shirley Whebe	Oatlands Shops, garden area	Week of 03 September 2024
Official opening of the John Books Amenities Building	Amenities Building, Max Ruddock Reserve, Winston Hills	Week of 03 September 2024

3. Councillors, appropriate Council staff and the close family and friends of the relevant civic leader will be invited to each ceremony.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

4. There are no unbudgeted financial implications from this Lord Mayoral Minute. Costs associated with the plaques, signs and ceremonies will be sourced from the 2024/25 Lord Mayor Support Budget (4010).

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.1

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.1

SUBJECT SPEAKER 1: Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518193

FROM Yadhu Singh

Appeal from Harris Park’s businesses to the City of Parramatta Council

We are the business owners from Harris Park, NSW 2150. We make an appeal to the City of Parramatta Council to look into our requests.

We note:

1. The zoning of the streets within the Little India precinct, an entity approved by the Council, is confusing and does not reflect the current reality within the Little India Precinct, Including Wigram Street, Marion Street and Station Street East.

2. While Station Street East is zoned commercial to allow certain aspects of operation until 10 PM, Wigram Street is zoned residential and same activities are allowed to operate only until 7 PM. This is unfair, non-uniform and confusing when all these streets are essentially similar in nature and are not residential in nature or in effect. We understand these discrepancies are historical but it’s about time that they be reviewed as part of the proper governance and duty of care towards the businesses by the Council.

3. We note that mobile food vehicles are SEPP exempt if operated in accordance with the requirements. (https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/2024-01/FAQ_Mobile_Food_Vehicles.pdf)

4. Council officers are visiting this precinct and issuing fines of $6000 against many businesses and some of them have received three fines of $6000 each. This is causing a high level of stress and is potentially pushing many of these businesses towards bankruptcy. Given the cost of running businesses and cost of living, this is causing avoidable stress and leading to bad health outcomes for these business owners and their families.

5. Before issuing these hefty fines, council is required to issue a written notice and an order which in many cases has not occurred.

6. Council officers say something to these businesses when they visit the street and the fines notices have something entirely different.

7. Little India precinct was approved (and inaugurated) by the City of Parramatta Council and was publicly launched by the PM of Australia and PM of India last year in presence of the Lord Mayor of the Council.

8. NSW and various Councils including the City of Parramatta Council have been promoting nighttime business activities. We find that the current inconsistencies and approach by the Council is unreasonable and is not in the best interest of the businesses and is against Council’s own position to make this a thriving business precinct.

We request Council to:

1. Review Zoning of the streets within the Little India precinct (a city of Parramatta Council entity) as a matter of urgency,

2. While this review is in process, any regulatory action is put on hold,

3. The fines issued so far should be withdrawn,

4. An urgent meeting with the Lord Mayor, the CEO and Harris Park councillors is requested to provide guidance to business to comply with all requirements of Council.

We hope that the City of Parramatta Council (Lord Mayor, Councillors, and executives) would consider our request and make a just decision with a sense of urgency.

STAFF RESPONSE

There is no staff response.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.2

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.2

SUBJECT SPEAKER 2: Item 14.6: Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518195

FROM Sanjay Deshwal

Dear Lord Mayor and Councillors,

I wish to speak before you this evening in relation to Item 14.6 for consideration at tonight’s Council meeting.

My Public Forum is:

The Fines Issued by Council to small Food Kiosks and Restaurants on Wigram Street.

These are all small businesses who all have joined me in Large numbers here today, by closing their shops in the hope that Lord Mayor and Councillors will hear them out.

Most of them are Small Businesses and they provide Food at very reasonable amount to New Migrants and Students at Little India Harris Park.

They were visited by Council Officers and most of them got fines without any warning or notification given to them. I as Owner of 95 Wigram Street, Harris Park, never got any message or call or email : even though my phone number, my email are all written on my Building. I was shocked to get Fines of 3000 dollars each on two occasions by post.

Many Businesses here have got fines of 3000, 6000, some have got 18,000 and one Business has got fines of $ 24,000.

Honorable Lord Mayor and Distinguished Councillors, please have a look at all these Businesses and let me know, is it fair, Is it Justified to fine them so much ?? As per the Natural Justice Provisions, should not a warning be given to all of us, or even a notification, that from now on please close at 7 PM.

For years these places are being operational, and they all are willing and happy to comply with the Law. I have directed my tenant to please close at 7 PM as per these fines.

Further we wish to know, why the area between Parkes Street and Marion Street on Wigram Street is targeted?? Why Food stalls on Marion Street and Station Street are allowed to operate till late.

Wigram Street has changed drastically over the last ten or fifteen years. Most of these Businesses are located between Parkes Street and Marion Street and majority is Business, there are very few residents in this area.

We request from Council:

a) Kindly waive off these fines - as No warning or notification was issued to any of us

b) Please consider the operational hours to be changed from 7 PM to at least 930 PM so as the Businesses can trade in a orderly and efficient way.

c) Please guide us a proper pathway and help these Small Businesses that what should be the Legal and Justified way to get these timings altered

Only recently, we all thanked Lord Mayor Pierre Esber and his team and all our Councillors, MP and MLC's for dedicating this area as Little India Harris Park at Parramatta the area is alive, kicking and growing due to all small businesses who ply their trade.

Thank You

STAFF RESPONSE

There is no staff response.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.3

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.3

SUBJECT SPEAKER 3: Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518188

FROM Prabir Maitra

Cricket speech

Converting a natural turf field to synthetic renders it unsuitable for summer daytime sports such as cricket.

The NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer’s report on synthetic turf fields details the thermal experience of humans on synthetic turf fields. When the air temperature is 30^oC, the person is experiencing a temperature that feels like 45^oC. Surface temperatures above 80^oC have been recorded on synthetic fields – even those with an organic infill.

Recent research has shown that participants exercising on synthetic fields have higher skin temperatures, greater sweat rates and feel hotter. The lived experience of cricketers is that their endurance and skills execution is greatly reduced under hot conditions (greater than 35^oC).

Senior cricket is typically played from 1:30pm to 6:30pm over the summer sporting season. This means cricketers feel the brunt of increased surface temperatures – they are the canary in the coal mine. The impact for a wicket keeper and younger players who are closer to the ground would be even greater.

Western Sydney typically has more than 50 days per year when temperatures exceed 30^oC. Therefore, converting natural turf cricket ovals to synthetic turf would result in either: mass cancellations for cricket, unsafe playing conditions or wholesale changes to how game day is managed.

There has been a major increase in cricket participation numbers, with Cricket NSW reporting a 36% increase in women’s cricket registrations from 2022 to 2023. This is fuelled by the success of the Australian Women’s cricket team and recent demographic changes as many passionate cricketers from the sub-continent make Australia their new home.

Cricket plays a key role for integrating our new residents into our cricket loving nation. Parramatta District Cricket Association want assurances from Parramatta Council that all sporting facilities including new facilities be suitable for both summer and winter sport. Full synthetic fields are only suitable for winter sports and are not suitable for cricket.

Parramatta District Cricket Association already faces a shortfall of fields and we have had to place caps on player registrations. We can ill-afford to lose the few facilities we currently have. There are alternative options for improving playing fields that will benefit both winter and summer sport. These alternatives are also far more cost effective and demonstrate how public money can be spent in a responsible manner.

For example, converting a single soccer field to synthetic will cost about $2 million dollars and benefit about 300 players. In contrast the same 2 million dollars could install slip drainage systems in 20 natural turf fields and benefit 4000 soccer players and cricketers alike - providing a well-drained facility for both.

STAFF RESPONSE

There is no staff response.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.4

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.4

SUBJECT SPEAKER 4: Item 14.4: Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and Part 5 footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H).

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518189

FROM Mouhamad Dehen

Dear Lord Mayor and Councillor’s

Firstly, I want to thank you for your continued support in relation to the sports centre facility planned for Wentworth Point.

My name is Mouhamad Dehen, I believe story telling can provide deep meanings to issues we face in life including community challenges

I was born in Western Sydney and went to a high School that was known for being ‘rough’ and a final destination for students that were suspended from other schools.

My father immigrated to Australia in 1976 and was a hardworking man however he had his children as his first priority as he identified many social issues within local communities such as youth that were led astray by lack of supervision and guidance from their parents that were working long hours to supply their families with a better life.

My father observed these issues as he was a weekend ‘Arabic school’ teacher and saw the misbehavior of many of the youth at that time.

He identified at the time that sports helped protect children from going astray as it gave them a direction and increased their capabilities both in sports and academic achievements being involved in sports himself as a youth that he remembers till this day as great memories.

His focus on picking me up from school even though this brought me ridicule by my fellow students and made me uncomfortable at times he knew then that he needed to occupy my free time with sports and ensure I wasn’t mixing with the wrong crowds.

Other parents involved in the swimming club my brother and I attended were either CEO’s, business individuals or came from high income families while my father worked three jobs to afford basic items such as swim gear, googles etc.

During my school years I was school age champion and was well know at school as a great swimmer although I was not at a high performance level swimming gave me a high status amongst my peers.

Since then, I have completed two master’s degrees, double bachelor’s degree, and worked in several multinational organisations around the World having travelled to over 45 countries.

I was one of the lucky ones as my parents knew the importance of sports in development of young future individuals and knew that sports would keep my brother and I away from an undesirable future.

Last time we were in council it was my son’s exact birth date and today is my daughters exact birth date. Is this a co-incidence that we are seeking their future bright destiny? As the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has advised that it is unlikely to finalise its assessment of the proposed amendments to the Homebush Bay West Development Control Plan 2004 (DCP) for the Block H site to enable exhibition of the Planning Agreement before the commencement of the 2024.

I kindly request your support ensuring that the CEO is delegated authority to execute the planning agreement following the public exhibition period subject to there being no substantial amendments to the Agreement arising from the public exhibition as continuing support for the VPA is key to securing our children’s future!

Thank you

STAFF RESPONSE

There is no staff response.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.5

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.5

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM SUBMISSION: Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518190

FROM David Schwartz

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed council members, and fellow residents of our

cherished Local Government Area,

I am David Schwartz, a local resident and advocate for our community’s well-being, and the preservation of our green spaces.

I aim to address this Council on the serious matter of the growing use of synthetic turf on our local playing fields. While it may appear convenient, Council must consider the long-term consequences of using these products.

Synthetic turf offers convenience, a uniform green surface that requires minimal maintenance, but beneath that plastic veneer lies many environmental and health concerns. Toxins in the form of Volatile Organic Chemicals, styrene butadiene rubber

(SBR) crumb sourced from recycled tyres, and petrochemical plastics used in its production seep into our soil and waterways, affecting not only the users of these facilities but also our wildlife. Children deserve better than to play on a surface that harbours toxins.

I am aware that modern technology is producing less toxic versions of these artificial

ground covers. These solutions only seem to address one problem associated with this technology, the end-of-life problem. Unfortunately, during the life span of an artificial playing field, it ends the life of everything under it. That’s the real problem, and no form of synthetic covering can avoid that reality.

Real grass grown in healthy soil is resilient, keeps the microclimate cooler, absorbs more rainwater, sequesters CO2, and provides a haven for a wide variety of life.

Synthetic turf is quite the opposite, the soil underneath dies, toxins and more CO2 are

released as it degrades and is well known to heat up to intolerable levels.

The end-of-life problem for disposing of synthetic turf has not yet been satisfactorily

addressed either. Some older playing fields that utilised materials and are difficult to

recycle will inevitably end up in land fill with all the issues that go along with that.

The NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer clearly document in their final report on this subject that the composition of these products is not fully known, due to proprietary commercial interests. In fact, in that report, which I really recommend you read, there is a worrying repeated call for more research on the impacts of synthetic turf. Research which, in my opinion, should have been done before the products were deployed en mass in this community and others.

How many times must communities, and the ecosystems we depend upon, pay the price for corporate greed and secrecy about the harms their products cause before decision makers learn some basic cautionary principles?

This council has an ongoing commitment to restoring the health of the Parramatta River. A goal that leaching chemicals, zinc from rubber infill, and plastic pollution from synthetic grass playing fields will put at risk.

I urge this council to prioritise our green spaces, community facilities, and the well-being of our residents. Your duty is to safeguard the community, not catering to the profitability of landlords and developers. Please choose wisely for our children, for our environment, and for the legacy we leave behind.

Thank you for your attention, and may you make decisions that honour the duty to the role in this community that our votes have granted you.

STAFF RESPONSE

There is no staff response.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.6

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.6

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM SUBMISSION: Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518192

FROM David Martin

Hi I’m David Martin.

I’m a Registered Landscape Architect with over 35 years professional experience in several cities across Australia and SE Asia - 15 of those - most recently with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority as Manager, Public Domain Design; up until late 2023.

My time @ SOPA provided me with a deep understanding of changing local climatic conditions, user expectations and an appreciation of the rapidly growing demand for community-level recreation - shared by many western Sydney LGAs faced with densification, population growth and impacts from a changing climate.

I have also had the professional opportunity to work on the strategic planning, design and delivery of several new sporting facilities on the Olympic Peninsula which have embraced best-practice ‘natural-turf’ playing surfaces technologies, which I believe the City of Parramatta should consider in making an informed decision on sports facility surfacing as an alternative to synthetic turf.

I also highlight I have Master of Sustainable Development and act on a pro-bono basis as the National Lead Representative for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) in Climate Change Adaptation and Urban Green Infrastructure - having recently facilitated and co-authored the National Urban Green Infrastructure Planning & Decision Framework (SA HB 214:2023) with Dr Pfautsch et al and contributed to the 2013 Australian Climate Change Adaptation Standard for Settlements & Infrastructure.

I have presented on future-proofing and building resilience within the Sydney Olympic Parklands at the Singapore World Congress for Biophilic Cities - International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and was also invited to give a paper at the Parks & Leisure Australia (PLA) NSW/QLD/ACT Conference on a ‘Climate for Change’ - making the case for building community and green/blue infrastructure resilience within the Sydney Olympic Parklands in response to increasing impacts from a hotter, dryer climate through the application of living, growing (green) infrastructure - now defined as ‘urban green infrastructure’ - under the new Standards Australia Handbook for Urban Green Infrastructure as mentioned above.

I would recommend Council consider alternative natural playing field surfacing such as ‘reinforced natural turf solutions’ - which are cooler, non-toxic, have a greatly reduced plastic content - while also accommodating extended hours of recreation use. I am happy to share technical information with Council officers in this regard.

Thank you for time.

STAFF RESPONSE

There is no staff response.

Attachments:There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 9.7

PUBLIC FORUM

ITEM NUMBER 9.7

SUBJECT PUBLIC FORUM SUBMISSION: Item 14.6: Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518194

FROM Anandsinh Jhala

Appeal from Harris Park’s businesses to the City of Parramatta Council

We are the business owners from Harris Park, NSW 2150. We make an appeal to the City of Parramatta Council to look into our requests.

We note:

5. Before issuing these hefty fines, council is required to issue a written notice and an order which in many cases has not occurred.

6. Council officers say something to these businesses when they visit the street and the fines notices have something entirely different.

We request Council to:

1. Review Zoning of the streets within the Little India precinct (a city of Parramatta Council entity) as a matter of urgency,

2. While this review is in process, any regulatory action is put on hold,

3. The fines issued so far should be withdrawn,

4. An urgent meeting with the Lord Mayor, the CEO and Harris Park councillors is requested to provide guidance to business to comply with all requirements of Council.

We hope that the City of Parramatta Council (Lord Mayor, Councillors, and executives) would consider our request and make a just decision with a sense of urgency.

STAFF COMMENT

A 3-page petition was submitted as an attachment but has not been included for the purposes of this report.

There is no staff response to this public submission.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 14.1

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 14.1

SUBJECT On-Street Parking Issues for Residents in Newington

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09406861

FROM Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Dr Patricia Prociv

MOTION

That the CEO provide a report to Council in late 2024 or early 2025 that:

(a) Investigates options to introduce the Newington rollback kerb parking proposal; and

(b) Includes the results of the previous surveys, an approximate timeline for any suburb wide surveys, the financial implications of undertaking letterbox surveys of residents, social media, and pop-up consultations; and any relevant amendments that may become necessary to the Parking Enforcement Policy.

BACKGROUND

1. The current parking regulations and policy of parking with two wheels on nature strips is an offence on all streets with roll back kerbs in Newington. This was set out by the previous Auburn Council and continues to apply unless amended by the City of Parramatta.

2. A survey to change the parking was undertaken about 7 years ago (in around 2017) and rejected by residents at the time with preferences of around 45.5% for and 50.5% against.

3. Since that time parking issues for local residents have worsened with the increase in new residential dwellings and higher demand for on-street parking for both local residents and visitors to events in Sydney Olympic Park.

4. It is timely that the issue is revisited and residents should again be surveyed to explore current community views and options to improve parking availability in the precinct.

STAFF RESPONSE

Council staff can provide the report in the timeframe requested from within existing resources.

Patricia Prociv

Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Dr Patricia Prociv

Robert Cologna

A/Executive Director City Planning and Design

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Council 8 July 2024 Item 14.2

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 14.2

SUBJECT Advocacy for the Western Sydney Community Forum Transport Development

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518047

FROM Councillor Phil Bradley

MOTION

That Council:

(a) Note that Western Sydney continues to suffer from disproportionally lower levels of public and other transport access and service. This is while also having a population with higher proportions of people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage than other areas of Sydney.

(b) Express concern about Transport for NSW’s decision to defund Western Sydney Community Forum’s Western Sydney transport development portfolio, after more than 25 years of ongoing support.

(c) Make representations to the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, the State Member for Parramatta, Ms Donna Davis MP and the Minister for Transport, the Hon Jo Haylen MP to seek the immediate reinstatement of Transport for NSW’s ongoing funding of Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) for continued transport support and advocacy on behalf of the communities of Western Sydney. This would be consistent with Minister Haylen's commitment in October 2021 that "Western Sydney's transport needs must be a priority.”

BACKGROUND

1. Many residents of Western Sydney know that Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) is the region’s not-for-profit peak social development council. WSCF works with the community, government and industry sectors to improve outcomes for communities across the region.

2. Transport for NSW has provided WSCF with funding of approximately $250,000 per year for the past 25 years. This funding is for leading and facilitating transport development, coordination, and capacity building services. It addresses the significant disparity in access to public transport and other modes of support with transport in Western Sydney, where there are higher proportions of people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.

3. In April 2024, the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into current and future public transport needs in Western Sydney found that the inequitable provision of transport options and infrastructure in Western Sydney is leaving many people without adequate access to jobs, education and essential services, and further entrenching socio-economic barriers experienced in some areas. Transport for NSW funding allowed WSCF to give evidence at this inquiry and advocate on behalf of the communities of Western Sydney.

4. Other examples of activities delivered by WSCF through this investment in transport and sector development are the provision of regular news, information and training to services providing transport to assist older people to live independently in their homes, supporting agencies in Western Sydney to develop joint policy submissions on transport to governments to ensure Western Sydney has a voice at the policy level, and providing translation services to community transport providers to assist in their delivery of services.

5. However, on 22 May 2024, Transport for NSW advised funding for Western Sydney Community Forum will stop from July 2024. This decision places additional pressure on vulnerable communities already contending with heightened socioeconomic challenges and signifies a loss in transport development for Western Sydney, the fastest growing region and third largest economy in Australia. In addition, it places pressure on organisational viability and operations in a broader sense.

6. It is hoped, with the support of Council, WSROC, Parramatta MP Ms Donna Davis and Western Sydney's communities, that we will be able to reverse Transport for NSW’s decision and continue Western Sydney Community Forum's vital work in Western Sydney

STAFF RESPONSE

7. For over 25 years Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) has provided important research capabilities and sector development opportunities for community transport providers and neighbourhood centres that provide transport services. Council benefited from these training and information services during those times that Council provided contracted community bus services.

8. It is understood that funding from the NSW Government for this service has regularly been on short term annual arrangements, however, news that the funding will not be continued will have an impact both on those who provide transport services and on the well-researched information available to transport planners.

9. Western Sydney has benefited from a number of significant funding commitments for transport infrastructure projects that help address the transport disadvantage experienced across the region. Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 being one such announcement recently made. The value that WSCF’s transport development project offers to these projects is understanding in greater detail the actual experiences of residents who experience transport disadvantage and the behaviour change initiatives that can secure better outcomes for the most disadvantaged residents from these infrastructure projects.

10. Council officers consider that advocacy for the continuation of this funding would be of benefit to our local communities.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

11. If Council resolves to approve this Motion there will be no financial impact associated with the writing of advocacy letters.

Phil Bradley

Councillor

David Moutou

Acting Executive Director Community Services

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 14.3

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 14.3

SUBJECT Traffic Impacts of Windsor Rd and James Ruse Drive Intersection

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09512248

FROM Councillor Georgina Valjak

MOTION

That Council urgently writes to the Secretary of Transport for NSW and the Minister for Transport, the Hon Jo Haylen MP, seeking a review of the James Ruse Drive intersection in North Parramatta which is adversely impacting surrounding communities who are experiencing gridlock conditions in their suburbs.

BACKGROUND

1. Following numerous representations from residents in suburbs spanning North Rocks, Winston Hills and Northmead an urgent review needs to be undertaken by TfNSW to investigate traffic light phasing and traffic build up emanating from the James Ruse Drive intersection at North Parramatta.

STAFF RESPONSE

2. An initial investigation by Council staff indicates that conversion of this intersection to a Diverging Diamond Interchange may be feasible if combined with property acquisition on the west side of Windsor Road north of James Ruse Drive and closure of Northmead Avenue at Windsor Road. If feasible, this option is likely to provide the most cost effective way to increase the capacity of the intersection. It is recommended that the letter to TfNSW also requests an investigation of this option. This letter can be prepared and sent within existing Council resources.

3. The image below shows the design of a proposed Diverging Diamond Interchange (proposed for Bald Hills in Queensland).

A map of a highway

Description automatically generated

Georgina Valjak

Councillor Georgina Valjak

Robert Cologna

A/Executive Director City Planning and Design

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 14.4

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 14.4

SUBJECT Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and part 5 Footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H)

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09508076

FROM Councillor Paul Noack

MOTION

(a) That Council note that the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has advised that it is unlikely to finalise its assessment of the proposed amendments to the Homebush Bay West Development Control Plan 2004 (DCP) for the Block H site to enable exhibition of the Planning Agreement before the commencement of the 2024 caretaker period for local government elections.

(b) That Council note it has previously authorised the CEO secure the delivery of the community infrastructure (valued at $70 million) associated with the proposed DCP amendment by negotiating the Planning Agreement, publicly exhibiting the draft Planning Agreement for a minimum period of 28 days and reporting to Council the outcomes of the public exhibition.

(c) That having regard to the above advice from DPHI, and to avoid any risk to Council of not securing the $70 million worth of community benefit in the Planning Agreement, the CEO be delegated authority to execute the Planning Agreement following the public exhibition period subject to there being no substantial amendments to the Agreement arising from the public exhibition, including the total value or the value/nature of the various components therein.

BACKGROUND

1. In December 2023 Council resolved that in the event the DPHI supported the DCP amendments for Block H, the CEO be authorised to secure the delivery of the supporting infrastructure by negotiating the Planning Agreement, endorsing the legal drafting of a draft Planning Agreement if favourable terms are met, publicly exhibiting the draft Planning Agreement for a minimum period of 28 days, reporting to Council the outcomes of the public exhibition and correcting any anomalies of a minor or non-policy nature that may arise during the preparation of the draft Planning Agreement.

2. Exhibition of the Planning Agreement has not yet occurred due to delays with the exhibition and assessment of the proposed DCP amendments by DPHI.

STAFF RESPONSE

3. Staff have been advised that DPHI is now finalising the submissions report which will provide a summary of the exhibition process, the issues raised in the submissions and the key considerations for the next steps in the process. The Department intends to make the report publicly available in the near future.

4. DPHI is aware that resolution of the DCP amendment and the subsequent exhibition and adoption of the local Planning Agreement is unlikely to be finalised before Council elections in September 2024.

5. It is important to note that DPHI has advised that it recognises there is a need for close alignment between the Department’s finalisation of the DCP amendment and Council’s Planning Agreement. This alignment is critical in the next stage of DCP process to make sure the community benefits of the proposal can be secured.

6. It is therefore important for Council to ensure the Planning Agreement can be secured at the same time as the DCP amendment is approved by DPHI. Should Council not be able to execute the Agreement simultaneously with the approval of the DCP, it could result in the DCP being approved without any requirement for community benefits to be provided by the developer.

Paul Noack

Councillor

Robert Cologna

A/Executive Director City Planning and Design

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 14.5

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 14.5

SUBJECT Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09512229

FROM Councillor Georgina Valjak

MOTION

(a) That the CEO investigate opportunities to transform existing natural turf sports fields into synthetic fields within the North Rocks, Parramatta and Dundas Wards.

(b) That the CEO prepare a report on the findings of the investigation, including potential sites, potential return on investment and high level costings, for consideration by Councillors as part of the 2025/26 DPOP budget process.

(c) That the potential to transform existing natural turf sports fields into synthetic fields be canvassed with the community as part of the 2025 Community Ward Workshops.

BACKGROUND

1. At a Councillor workshop on 19 June 2024, Councillors considered a presentation by an expert Community Sport and Leisure Facilities consultant on crucial factors in planning the location and construction of a synthetic field. The discussion centred on the outcomes of the NSW Chief Scientist report and the implementation of recent best practice to address concerns regarding microplastics, infill, circular economy, heat, and other environmental issues.

2. The workshop highlighted the widespread misunderstanding of the Chief Scientist report, which has, in fact, led to technological advancements in the development of synthetic turf tailored to Australian conditions. Based on the advice from the industry expert, it was noted that concerns about microplastics have been mitigated through the engineering design of the grass, heat issues have been significantly reduced using organic infill, and a recycling plant now exists to process synthetic grass at the end of its useful life.

3. According to Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategy, there is a shortage of sports fields in the Parramatta LGA, and as our population grows, so will the demand for sports grounds. The availability of synthetic fields is part of the solution to the current and future demands for sports fields. While natural turf fields can be used for about 25-30 hours per week, synthetic fields can be used up to 70-80 hours per week and do not need to be closed during rainy days.

4. Currently, the Council has two synthetic fields: one in the Epping Ward and another in the Rosehill Ward. While I support the need for a second synthetic field in the Rosehill Ward, I believe each ward should have at least one synthetic field to meet the current and future demand across the LGA.

STAFF RESPONSE

Council's Sportsground Strategy and Action Plan (SSAP) adopted on 9 May 2022, establishes the strategic framework and direction for future sportsground upgrades and provision, including synthetic fields. The proposed report will consider the plans outlined in the SSAP, including high-level capital and operational cost estimates, as well as potential sites within the identified wards.

Georgina Valjak

Councillor Georgina Valjak

George Bounassif

Executive Director City Assets and Operations

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 14.6

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER 14.6

SUBJECT Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09512185

FROM Councillor Paul Noack

MOTION:

(a) That Council notes the recent petitions from Harris Park businesses regarding local enforcement activity and fines issued to local businesses.

(b) That Council notes that officers have been working with mobile food vendors and residents in the Harris Park area to raise awareness of their operating obligations, including running drop-in education sessions and providing a three-month enforcement amnesty between December 2023 and March 2024 to allow time for vendors to comply with the legislation.

(c) That Council write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon Paul Scully MP and the State Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis MP to request an amendment to the legislation (SEPP) to allow mobile food trucks and food stalls to be operational until 10pm in residential zones.

(d) That the CEO organise another community information drop-in session at the Harris Park Community Centre for residents and businesses, to provide expert guidance from Building Compliance, Environmental Health Compliance and Planning, including advice on the required approvals, activities that do not require development consent, food safety, advice on investigatory procedures and current legislative obligations for mobile food vendors.

BACKGROUND

1. The City of Parramatta is proud of its diverse food scene and encourages activities like food trucks that add to our lively street culture. However, businesses must operate within the law.

2. Mobile food vendors on Wigram Street are currently operating under NSW government legislation (SEPP) which restricts the operating hours of food trucks in residential areas to 7pm.

3. Council has no power to change this legislation or the operating hours for food trucks and carts under the legislation.

4. The petitions calling for Council to allow businesses to continue trading until 10pm require a change to the SEPP and/or the rezoning of the relevant residential areas in the Heritage Conservation Area of Harris Park.

STAFF RESPONSE

5. In 2023, Council responded to an increasing number of community complaints relating to the adverse impacts on residential amenity caused by the quantity of mobile food trucks/carts and their trading hours in the residential Heritage Conservation Area of Harris Park. Concerns were also raised in relation to excess rubbish, hooning by vehicles, frequent traffic and pedestrian congestion and unsafe work practices. Some of these concerns were raised by the local Police and also by members of the Local Traffic Committee.

6. A significant number of vendors and businesses were found to potentially be in breach of the NSW legislation (SEPP) that permits mobile food trucks to trade without the need to obtain a development consent.

7. Additionally, a significant number were found to have breached Council’s LEP, as they had undertaken unauthorised alterations and additions to heritage items or properties within the Heritage Conservation Area without lodging a development application or obtaining the necessary consent.

8. Due to the widespread nature of the unauthorised activity, the CEO directed staff to undertake some community information sessions in the Harris Park Community Centre to educate local residents and businesses on their rights and obligations.

9. Several sessions were run to provide expert guidance from Building Compliance, Environmental Health Compliance and Planning perspectives. Advice given included what activities and uses required approval, whether certain activity was authorised without development consent, as well as advice on investigatory procedures and timeframes.

10. These sessions attracted attendance from a significant number of residents and businesses, which was an encouraging sign that efforts were being made to become compliant. In a continued effort to work with local businesses, the CEO implemented an amnesty whereby no enforcement action was taken for a 3 month period between December 2023 and March 2024, to afford property and business owners additional time to lodge relevant applications and/or bring their premises into compliance.

11. However, following the amnesty period, Council continued to receive complaints from the Harris Park community regarding activity that contravened the legislation in terms of trading hours, intensification of use (i.e. extension of cooking facilities beyond what was approved, increased dining areas) and extension/alteration of buildings and structures in heritage areas or on heritage items without appropriate approvals.

12. Council commenced compliance action by means of carrying out inspections over several weeks and issuing warnings in the first instance when a breach was identified. Penalty infringements were issued for breaches observed on subsequent occasions. The majority of businesses were noted to comply following a warning or after being issued with a penalty infringement notice. However, several businesses were noted to continue breaching the legislation beyond the issuance of several infringement notices.

13. Complaints from the community continue to be received due to ongoing lack of compliance in the area. Council officers have made multiple efforts over a significant period of time to work with businesses to obtain compliance, however Council is legally obliged to undertake regulatory action to address non-compliances of unauthorised activity, especially when it can be demonstrated that non-compliance with legislation is causing negative impacts on the amenity of the local community.

Petitions

14. Council officers have reviewed the petitions and note that a significant number of the petitioners are currently the subject of enforcement action including the issue of Stop Use Orders, Orders to Demolish unauthorised works, warnings and fines.

15. Should property owners and local businesses wish to pursue a rezoning of the area from a residential to a business zoning, they are required to lodge a formal Planning Proposal with Council, prepared by a qualified Planning consultant.

16. However, it should be noted that Council’s DPOP includes the commencement of a Heritage Review (which will be spread over 5 years) in 2024/25. This review will include an assessment of the Harris Park Heritage Conservation Area.

17. Officers would not recommend proceeding with any planning proposal to rezone properties within the Heritage Conservation Area of Harris Park until such time as the heritage review has been completed.

18. In this instance it is recommended that interested property owners advocate directly to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to request an amendment to the SEPP to permit trading until 10pm in residential areas.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

19. If Council resolves this Motion, the financial impacts on the budget (cost of the community information session, hall hire, etc) will be covered by the 2024/25 operating budgets of the City Planning and Design, City Assets and Operations and City Engagement and Experience Directorates.

Paul Noack

Councillor

George Bounassif

Executive Director City Assets and Operations

Robert Cologna

A/Executive Director City Planning and Design

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Council 8 July 2024 Item 15.1

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

ITEM NUMBER 15.1

SUBJECT Verge Maintenance in City of Parramatta

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09501819

REPORT OF Councillor Kellie Darley

CSP THEME: Accessible

Question with Notice:

1. How many reports/complaints of overgrown street verges in the LGA have been received annually for the last few years?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

Since June 2023, Council has received 1,270 requests for verge maintenance.

2. What is the percentage break down by resolution type (i.e. owner/resident maintained after Council request, Council maintained, or left as is)?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

Council staff actioned approximately 54% of the total requests received. A breakdown of the details of each request and the method of resolution would require a detailed report back to Council.

3. What is the budget for carrying out verge maintenance as per the Verge Maintenance Policy?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

The 2023/24 budget provides $40,000 for maintenance of nature strips adjacent to private properties and $200,000 for Council owned properties.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 8 July 2024 Item 15.2

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

ITEM NUMBER 15.2

SUBJECT Questions Taken on Notice at 24 June 2024, Council Meeting

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09512799

REPORT OF Council Secretariat & Policy Officer

CSP THEME: Accessible

QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv asked a question in relation to Item 12.3 Status Update – CBD Footpaths Audit and Pavement Replacement Program (Peer Review);

· Having the program is great. How do we stop Sydney Water and other like services from digging up the newly laid footpaths or paving?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

Unfortunately, Council has no power to prevent utilities from digging up newly laid footpaths.

Utilities have legal rights to access their underground infrastructure even though it will result in damage to Council’s infrastructure such as footpaths and drains. However, Council has the right to seek monetary reimbursement for the damage to our infrastructure which is then used to restore the infrastructure to its original condition.

Councillor Pandey asked two (2) question in relation to Item 12.3 Status Update – CBD Footpaths Audit and Pavement Replacement Program (Peer Review);

· There was a previous resolution of Council for the City of Parramatta to be a member of the (I think) NSW Streets Opening Coordination Council (SOCC) iWORCS System. Where councils put their Capital Delivery Program, etc and on that program and organisations like Sydney Water put in theirs. In the last term of Council, I also had a Motion asking if Council can advocate to organisations like Telstra to participate in the program. Has this happened?

· If not, can we revisit that and see if Council is a member of the NSW Streets Opening Coordination Council (SOCC) iWORCS System Program?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response:

Council is a member of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) which has recently signed an updated MOU with the Streets Opening Coordination Council. Telstra (Telstra InfraCo), Ausgrid, Sydney Water and other utilities are members of the Council.

Council staff are exploring the benefits of the new MOU and whether future access to iWORCS II will require a new or enhanced membership in addition to the IPWEA membership.

___________________________________________________________________

Councillor Valjak asked two questions in relation to Item 14.1 - Emergency Accommodation and Womens' Shelters in Parramatta:

· Is the link to ‘Home Service’ that is listed on our website available 24 hours 7 days a week?

Acting Executive Director Community and Culture Response:

Link2home is the NSW government’s (Department of Communities and Justice) state-wide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The phone number for Link2Home is ‍1800 152 152.

From 9am to 10pm daily, Link2home provides callers with information, assessments and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation services across NSW. Between the hours of 10 at night and 9 in the morning, Link2home provides information and assessment only and will refer people to emergency services if required. Referral to accommodation and support services is not possible during these hours.

·... Can we explore a 24 hour service as part of this resolution?

Acting Executive Director Community and Culture Response:

Council could write to the NSW government and request that it expand the existing service between 10pm and 9am each day.

However, it is anticipated that the operational reasons for Link2Home not being able to make referrals after 10pm at night until 9am would not be able to be addressed without additional funding/resourcing from the NSW government funding. (Council is not in a position to separately provide this service as we do not have access to emergency and crisis accommodation).

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL