Agenda of Council - Monday, 12 August 2024

Unconfirmed MINUTES - City of Parramatta - Council Meeting – 22 July 2024

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MinuteS

Ordinary Council Meeting

Monday, 22 July 2024

6.30pm

Council Chamber

Level 4, PHIVE

Parramatta Square, Parramatta

PRESENT - COUNCILLORS

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Patricia Prociv and Councillors Phil Bradley, Michelle Garrard, Henry Green, Ange Humphries, Cameron MacLean, Paul Noack, Sameer Pandey, Georgina Valjak, Donna Wang and Loraine Wearne.

PRESENT – STAFF

Chief Executive Officer - Gail Connolly, Executive Director City Engagement and Experience - Angela Jones-Blayney, Executive Director City Assets & Operations - George Bounassif, Executive Director Finance and Information - John Angilley, Executive Director City Planning and Design – Jennifer Concato, Acting Executive Director Community and Culture - David Moutou, Group Manager City Strategic Planning – Robert Cologna, Group Manager Office of the Lord Mayor and CEO - Roxanne Thornton, Chief People, Culture and Performance Officer - Brendan Clifton, Chief Financial Officer - Amit Sharma, Chief Information Officer and Acting Chief Governance and Risk Officer - John Crawford, Group Manager Major Projects and Precincts – David Birds, Group Manager, Community Hubs & Parramatta Square – Christopher Snelling, Principal Solicitor – Esther Nelson, Internal Ombudsman - Elizabeth Renneberg, Transport Planning Manager – Michael Jollon, Senior Policy & Advocacy Adviser - Renee Attard, Strategy Manager - Ashlee Gardner, ICT Service and Delivery Manager - Ian Vong, ICT Service Desk Officer – Benn Stocker, Business Support Manager – Valance Horne, Business Manager - Michelle Samuel.

1. OPENING MEETING

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, opened the meeting at 6.32pm.

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

NIL

6. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 8 July 2024

4800

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor MacLean

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

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

7. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

Councillor Pandey declared Significant Non-Pecuniary interest in relation to Item 13.4 (Adoption of Planning Proposal, Planning Agreement and Site-Specific Development Control Plan at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford) as he was a member of the Sydney Central City Planning Panel that previously considered this matter.

8. Minutes of the Lord Mayor

8.1

Vale Most Reverend Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning

(Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber)

4801

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council acknowledge the death of the Most Reverend Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning, the second Bishop of Parramatta and outstanding faith and community leader, on 15 July 2024.

(b) That Council express its sincere condolences to the Most Reverend Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning’s family and friends at this sad time by writing to Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

Note: All those present in the Chamber observed a minute’s silence in recognition of the Most Reverend Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning (Item 8.1).

PROCEDURAL MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS - DEALING WITH ITEMS BY EXCEPTION

RESOLVED: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack

In accordance with Section 13 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council resolve to adopt the following items in accordance with the recommendations as printed, without debate;

Item 8.2: NSW Blues Civic Reception
Item 8.3: Local Government Week 2024

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

8.2

NSW Blues Civic Reception

(Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber)

4802

RESOLVED: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack

(a) That the City of Parramatta congratulate the NSW Blues National Rugby League team on their 2-1 victory in the 2024 State of Origin, after winning the third match 14-4 at Suncorp Stadium on 17 July;

(b) That Council hold a Civic Reception for the NSW Blues team in Parramatta Square to celebrate the 2024 victory.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

8.3

Local Government Week 2024

(Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber)

4803

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council recognises Local Government Week from Monday 29 July-Sunday 4 August 2024 and the integral role that Councils serve in their communities.

(b) That Council notes City of Parramatta’s excellent entries, Warami and Your Place, Your Voice! Ward Community Workshops, into the Innovation in Special Events category of the RH Dougherty Events and Communications Awards at LGNSW’s Local Government NSW Week Awards.

(c) That Council thanks Council officers involved in these excellent projects and commends them on their admirable efforts.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

9. Public Forum

	Speaker	Item No.	Report Title
1.	Dr David Dilley	11.2	OCM 8 July 2024 - Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors
2.	Seema Dhawan	11.2	OCM 8 July 2024 - Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors
3.	Sanjay Deshwal	11.2	OCM 8 July 2024 - Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors
4.	Yadu Singh	11.2	OCM 8 July 2024 - Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors
5.	Matthew Lennartz	13.4	Adoption of Planning Proposal, Planning Agreement and Site-Specific Development Control Plan at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford

Note: All Councillors were provided with a copy of the Public Forum submissions prior to the Council Meeting.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS - ORDER OF BUSINESS

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Pandey

That in accordance with Section 8 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council resolve to amend the order of business to allow consideration of the below listed items ahead of any other business on the agenda; -

Item 11.2: OCM 8 July 2024 - Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

Item 13.4: Adoption of Planning Proposal, Planning Agreement and Site-Specific Development Control Plan at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

11.2

OCM 8 July 2024 - Item 14.6 Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

(Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Dr Patricia Prociv)

4804

Note: This matter was withdrawn.

13.4

Adoption of Planning Proposal, Planning Agreement and Site-Specific Development Control Plan at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford

(Project Officer Land Use)

4805

RESOLVED: Councillor Wearne and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council note the submissions received in response to the exhibition of the Planning Proposal, Development Control Plan (DCP) and Planning Agreement as summarised and responded to in Attachment 4 for 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford.

(b) That Council approve the Planning Proposal (Attachment 1) for land at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford which seeks to amend the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (PLEP 2023) in relation to the subject site by:

i. Reconfiguring the existing R4 High Density Residential and RE1 Public Recreation zones and retaining the existing SP2 Infrastructure Zone.

ii. Amending the Maximum Height of Building control by:

· Amending the maximum height of buildings on the Pennant Hills Road frontage from 27 metres (9 storeys) to part 0m, part 65 metres (18 storeys), part 84 metres (22 storeys) and part 110 metres (29 storeys) as per Figures 17 & 23 in Attachment 1.

· Amending the maximum height of buildings on the remainder of the site from part 33 metres (11 storeys) and part no height to part 0m, part 33 metres (8 storeys), part 46 metres (11 storeys), part 56 metres (14 storeys) and part no height as per Figures 17 & 23 in Attachment 1.

iii. Increasing the Maximum Floor Space Ratio control for the R4 High Density Residential zoned land from 2.3:1 to 3.6:1.

iv. Amending Schedule 1 Additional Permitted Uses to increase the maximum gross floor area of parts of the buildings used for business premises, food and drink premises, recreational facilities (indoor) and shops on the R4 High Density Residential zoned part of the site from 2,000 sqm to 2,600 sqm.

v. Amending the Land Reservation Acquisition (LRA) Map to include the RE1 Public Recreation land on the site that will be dedicated to Council.

(c) That Council enters into the Planning Agreement (Attachment 2) and delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer to sign it on behalf of Council.

(d) That Council approves the DCP controls (Attachment 3) for insertion into Part 8 of the Parramatta DCP 2023.

(e) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise negotiations and make any clarifying amendments and corrections to the Planning Proposal, DCP and Planning Agreement.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv and Councillors Humphries, MacLean Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne.

Against the Motion: Councillors Bradley, Garrard and Green

On being put to the meeting, voting on this matter was nine (9) votes FOR and three (3) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Note: Councillor Pandey left the meeting at 6.58pm as he had disclosed a Significant Non-Pecuniary interest for Item 13.4 - Adoption of Planning Proposal, Planning Agreement and Site-Specific Development Control Plan at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford

Note: Councillor Pandey returned to the meeting at 7.15pm.

10. Petitions

1. Little India (Harris Park) Welcome Signs

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv tabled a petition regarding the ‘Welcome to Little India Signs’. The signs are detrimental to the look of the area. The current signs are unsightly, unnecessarily large, gaudy and detract from the streetscape. In short, it is an eyesore with no redeeming features.

Note: A copy of the Petition is ON FILE.

2. Little India Harris Park Food Trucks

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv tabled a petition regarding ’dissatisfaction with Council’s resolution to extend the standard operating hours of food trucks in Harris Park’. We urge the Parramatta Council to reconsider the decision to allow extended operating hours for food carts in Harris Park and to engage the stakeholders, including restaurant owners and residents, to address the real challenges facing the community. It is essential that the Council takes into account the well-being of all the businesses and residents in Harris Park and works towards creating a fair and substantial environment for everyone.

Note: A copy of the Petition is ON FILE.

11. Rescission Motions

11.1

Matter of Urgency - Hambledon Cottage To Be Included In Nomination for National and Commonwealth Heritage List

(Councillor Wearne; Councillor Wang; Councillor Georgina Valjak)

4806

RESOLVED: Councillor Wearne and Councillor Garrard

That the resolution of the Council held on 8 July 2024 in relation to the Matter of Urgency – Hambledon Cottage, namely:

That the Council grants Landowners’ Consent for Hambleden Cottage to be included in a collective nomination for National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists, of Hambleden Cottage, Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm and Clay Cliff Creek, to achieve inscription on Australia’s National Heritage List.

be and is hereby rescinded.

The motion moved by Councillor Wearne and Councillor Garrard that this matter be deferred to a Councillor Workshop on being put was CARRIED.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

12. Reports to Council - For Notation

12.1

PHIVE - Results of Public Holiday Opening Trial

(Group Manager Community Hubs and PHIVE)

4807

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wang

That Council defer consideration of this matter until after a Councillor Workshop.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

14. NOTICE OF MOTION

14.2

Proposed Harris Park/Little India Community Consultative Group

(Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Dr Patricia Prociv)

MOTION: Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillor Bradley

(a) That the CEO establish the terms of reference for a Harris Park/Little India Community Consultative Group to provide a forum for local residents and businesses to come together with Council officers on a regular basis to resolve the ongoing amenity issues being experienced in Harris Park.

(b) That the Community Consultative Group be chaired by the CEO (or her delegate) and comprise three representatives from local residents, three from local businesses and relevant Council officers such as planning, traffic and regulatory services officers.

AMENDMENT: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wearne

That this matter be deferred to a Councillor Workshop.

Record of Voting:

LOST

4808

RESOLVED: Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillor Bradley

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

Note: Councillor Prociv left the meeting at 7.56pm and did not return to the meeting.

13. Reports to Council - For Council Decision

13.1

Adoption of Sportsground Allocation Policy 2024

(Policy Officer)

4809

RESOLVED: Councillor Pandey and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council adopt the Sportsground Allocation Policy 2024, at Attachment 1 to this report.

(b) That this Policy be reviewed in July 2025.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

13.2

Approval of Wilderline to Duck River Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths in Granville and Clyde (Scope of Works)

(Project Officer Transport; Senior Project Officer Transport Planning)

4810

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Garrard

(a) That Council approve the scope of works to support walking and cycling from the proposed Wilderline Shared Path on the former T6 rail corridor in Rosehill to Clyde Train Station to enable connection to the Duck River Shared Path, as set out below for submission to the Parramatta Local Traffic Committee for consideration:

i. Install raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings of Arthur Street at the M4 Shared Path in Granville, and Sutherland Street at Berry Street in Clyde,

ii. Install a separated bike path in Arthur Street between the M4 Shared Path and Hamilton Street,

iii. Install a bike path with separate footpath along Hamilton Street on the north verge,

iv. Install a shared pedestrian and cyclist path from the east end of Hamilton Street to Parramatta Road along the former T6 rail corridor,

v. Install a shared path on the south verge of Parramatta Road between George Street and Berry Street, Clyde,

vi. Install a part shared path, part separated pedestrian and cyclist paths on the west verge of Berry Street, Clyde,

vii. Conversion of Berry Street between Sutherland Street to the entry of Clyde Train Station to a shared zone.

(b) That subject to approval by the Parramatta Traffic Committee, an application be made to external grant bodies to fund design and construction of the project.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

13.3

Adoption of Church Street North Precinct Development Control Plan (DCP)

(Senior Project Officer Land Use)

4811

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Bradley

(a) That Council notes the submissions received in response to the exhibition of the Draft DCP controls for the Church Street North Precinct as summarised in Attachment 1.

(b) That Council adopt the DCP controls for the Church Street North Precinct (including the minor amendments as illustrated at Attachment 2) and incorporate these controls into Parramatta DCP 2023 to take effect within 28 days of Council’s decision as determined by a public notice published on Council’s website.

(c) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments and corrections of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan finalisation process relating to the DCP controls.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber and Councillors Bradley, Garrard, Green, Humphries, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne.

Unanimous

13.4

Adoption of Planning Proposal, Planning Agreement and Site -Specific Development Control Plan at 263-281 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford

(Project Officer Land Use)

4812

Note: This matter was dealt with earlier in the meeting, as detailed in these Minutes.

Note: Councillor MacLean returned to the meeting at 7.58pm

13.5

Public Exhibition: Draft Site-Specific Development Control Plan for land at 171 & 173, 181-185, 187 Parramatta Road, and 58, 60 & 64 Victoria Street, Granville

(Land Use Planning Manager)

4813

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Green

(a) That Council endorse the draft Site-Specific Development Control Plan (SSDCP) applying to land at 171 & 173, 181-185, 187 Parramatta Road and 58, 60 & 64 Victoria Street, Granville provided at Attachment 1 for the purpose of public exhibition.

(b) That Council note the Letter of Offer provided at Attachment 2 that sets out the terms of a Planning Agreement intended to accompany a development application for the land.

i. to draft and negotiate a Planning Agreement based upon the submitted Letter of Offer provided at Attachment 2 and as detailed in this report,

ii. that the Planning Agreement and SSDCP are placed on public exhibition concurrently for a minimum period of 28 days, and

iii. that the outcome of public exhibition be reported back to Council.

(d) Further, that Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to correct any minor inconsistencies or anomalies of an administrative nature relating to the draft SSDCP and draft Planning Agreement documentation that may arise during the drafting and exhibition process.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber and Councillors Garrard, Green, Humphries, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne.

Against the Motion: Councillor Bradley

On being put to the meeting, voting on this matter was nine (9) votes FOR and one (1) vote AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

13.6

Gateway Request: Planning Proposal for Land at 31 O'Connell Street and 9 Albert Street, North Parramatta

(Senior Project Officer)

4814

This item has been withdrawn as Council is no longer the planning authority for this matter.

Note: Councillor Darley returned to the meeting at 8.01pm.

13.7

Newington Reserve Upgrade

(Place Manager)

4815

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Noack

(a) That Council note the receipt of the $5 million grant from the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund 2021/22 specifically for the construction of a synthetic turf sports field at Newington Reserve.

(b) That Council note the Business Case for the upgrade of Newington Reserve utilising synthetic turf at Attachment 1.

(c) That officers proceed with the upgrade of Newington Reserve in accordance with Council’s adopted 2024/25 DPOP capital program (utilising synthetic turf for the full-size sports field and associated mini field).

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS – MATTER OF URGENCY

Councillor Garrard requested a suspension of standing orders to allow the consideration of a matter related to a young student from OLMC Parramatta who won the 10-12 year category of the Living Stories in Western Sydney Writing Competition.

In accordance with Section 9.3(b) of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the Lord Mayor ruled that the matter was urgent.

The Lord Mayor put to the Chamber the suspension of standing orders to consider the urgent matter.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

Note: Councillor Darley left the meeting at 8.10pm.

MATTER OF URGENCY - CONGRATULATIONS TO PIPPA MANN – LIVING STORIES WESTERN SYDNEY WRITING COMPETITION

(Councillor Michelle Garrard)

4816

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard

(a) That the Lord Mayor on behalf of Council acknowledge by way of a certificate of congratulations to Pippa Mann from OLMC Parramatta who won the 10-12yrs Category for Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Competition presented by WestWords. The event itself is held in partnership with Parramatta Libraries.

(b) That Council buy a table at the Westwords Gala Celebration Fundraising Dinner, on Thursday 19 September 2024 at Blacktown Workers Club.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

At 8.18pm, the Lord Mayor Councillor Esber adjourned the meeting until 8.35pm.

At the time of the adjournment the following Councillors were present:

Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors MacLean, Pandey, Humphries, Noack, Bradley, Wearne, Wang, Garrard, Greene and Valjak.

RECONVENED MEETING

At 8.35pm, the Lord Mayor Councillor Esber reconvened the meeting.

At the time the meeting reconvened, the following Councillors were present:

Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors Bradley, Darley, Garrard, Greene, Humphries, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne.

14. Notices of Motion

14.1

Jacaranda Trees in Oatlands and Council's Street Tree Masterplan

(Councillor Michelle Garrard)

4817

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wearne

That the preservation of existing Jacaranda trees and potential replacement of street trees in Oatlands with new Jacarandas be considered as part of the upcoming review of Council’s Street Tree Masterplan, identified for preparation in financial year 2024/25 and completion in financial year 2025/26.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

14.2

Proposed Harris Park/Little India Community Consultative Group

(Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Dr Patricia Prociv)

Note: This matter was dealt with earlier in the meeting, as detailed in these Minutes.

14.3

Customer Service - Ease of Doing Business with Council

(Councillor Sameer Pandey)

4818

RESOLVED: Councillor Pandey and Councillor Noack

(a) That the CEO provide an update and recommendation on opportunities to improve the ease of doing business with Council.

(b) That the CEO report on KPIs and service levels that are in place and any additional measures to gauge customer feedback.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

14.4

Promotion of Private Car Parking for Public Use in the Parramatta CBD

(Councillor Sameer Pandey)

4819

RESOLVED: Councillor Pandey and Councillor Valjak

(a) That the CEO investigate the options for and implications of promoting the use of existing parking, currently only used for private purposes, as public car parks available to broader users for all or parts of the day.

(b) That Councillors be briefed on the outcome of the investigations by way of a Councillor Workshop.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

Note: Councillor Garrard left the meeting at 8.52pm and did not rejoin the meeting.

15. Questions with Notice

15.1

Disposal of Council Technology Assets

(Councillor Sameer Pandey)

4820

Question With notice:

1. Could an update be provided on laptop donation to local community organisations that are made available because of Council moving to leasing laptops including numbers and plan moving forward?

Executive Director Finance and Information Response:

1. Stage 1 of laptop donations occurred in October 2022, when Council donated 100 laptops via a local community organisation (Southern Communities Council) through an expression of interest process.

2. As part of Stage 2 donations (and relocation to 9 Wentworth Street) Council officers from the Community and Culture directorate have been developing a new public expression of interest (EOI) process to enable donations to local not-for profit registered community service organisations.

3. Council officers have identified approximately 650 devices that are potentially suitable for donation to registered community service organisations, following the relocation of Council’s administration to 9 Wentworth Street, Parramatta.

4. The devices are scheduled to be securely wiped and formally disposed of (written off) within Council's system. The devices will be tested to confirm that they are fully functional prior to being made available for the EOI process. This work is scheduled to be undertaken in late 2024 after the ICT team has completed the transition and implementation of corporate systems and infrastructure at 9 Wentworth Street.

15.2

Update on Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) and PHIVE

(Councillor Sameer Pandey)

4821

Question with notice:

1. That an update on any challenges related to PHIVE and PAC post opening, including construction matters, planning, customer service, etc be provided.

Executive Director Community and Culture Response:

A Councillor Workshop has been scheduled for August 2024 to update Councillors on post-opening results, including feedback from all relevant business units of Council.

15.3

Questions Taken on Notice at 8 July 2024, Council Meeting

(Governance Manager)

4822

QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE

Councillor Garrard asked a question in relation to the Matter of Urgency – Hambledon Cottage to be included in nomination for National and Commonwealth Heritage List:

Is there any development (current or future) at Hambledon Cottage that I don’t know about?

Executive Director City Planning & Design Response:

There are no current development applications relating to Hambledon Cottage. However, there are various development proposals in proximity to the site and a briefing note has been provided to Councillors with a map of their locations.

Councillor Pandey asked three (3) questions in relation to 13.7 - Canopy Plan - Targets and Interim Action Plan:

What is our tree canopy target (percentage) in the Parramatta CBD?

Executive Director City Planning & Design Response:

Council does not currently have a canopy target for the Parramatta CBD.

How much did we receive from State Grants in the last financial year 2023/24 towards tree plantation?

Executive Director City Planning & Design Response:

Parramatta Light Rail tree offset planting project – TNSW funded $1.982 million to deliver 2,525 trees over three financial years (FY21/22-FY23/24). $655,000 of this funding was spent in the 23/24FY.

Council also secured an additional $433,000 from TNSW to extend the project and deliver another tranche of planting in FY24/25.

Better Neighbourhood Program – Included a total project value of $2,795,233 with $1,145,000 contributed by the NSW Government to deliver trees across the local centres of Epping, Granville, Northmead and Ermington.

How many trees did we plant in the last financial year?

Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response:

Council planted a total of 1,952 established trees in:

· Parks and Open Spaces 762 trees

· PLR offsets 937 trees

· Capital Projects 253 Trees

In addition, approximately 8500 tube stock trees were planted in natural areas and bushland with a further 10,500 trees planted as part of National Tree Day.

A further 176 trees were received by the community as part of the Council’s free plant giveaway program.

_________________________________________________________

Councillor Pandey asked a question in relation to 14.5 - Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta:

What other sports can be played on synthetic surfaces?

Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response:

The range of sports which can use synthetic surfaces includes, but is not limited to:

· AFL

· Cricket

· Hockey

· Lawn Bowls

· Rugby League

· Rugby Union

· Soccer/futsal (including five-a-side and mini/modified)

· Tennis

· Archery

· Ultimate frisbee

· American football

· Crossfit, personal fitness trainers, bootcamps, etc

PROCEDURAL MOTION

Move to closed session

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor MacLean

That at this time of the meeting, being 8.54pm, 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:Project D

Item 16.1: Commercial Partnership Agreement - Parramatta NRL Club Pty Limited and City of Parramatta Council. - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

Item 16.2: Code of Conduct Investigation Report - Councillor Kellie Darley. - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (i) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains alleged contraventions of any code of conduct requirements applicable under section 440.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

Note: The Meeting moved to closed session at 8.55pm

16. CLOSED SESSION

16.1

Commercial Partnership Agreement - Parramatta NRL Club Pty Limited and City of Parramatta Council

(Councillor Darley)

4823

QUESTION WITH NOTICE:

The question and staff response was provided in a confidential supplementary agenda to the Councillors.

Note: Councillors Noack and Valjak left the meeting at 8.56pm, Councillor Noack did not rejoin the meeting.

Note: Councillor Valjak rejoined the meeting at 8.57pm and left the meeting at 8.57pm, she did not rejoin the meeting.

Note: At 8.58pm, Councillor Darley was given an opportunity to address the Council in respect to the following Item (Item 16.2: Code of Conduct Investigation Report – Councillor Kellie Darley).

Note: Councillor Darley left the meeting at 9.04pm.

16.2

Code of Conduct Investigation Report - Councillor Kellie Darley

(Internal Ombudsman)

MOTION: Councillor Wearne and Councillor Wang

(a) That Council adopt the external conduct reviewer’s (investigator’s) recommendation:

1. That Councillor Kellie Darley is formally censured in accordance with clause 7.37 b) of the Procedures which states:

7.37. Where the investigator determines that the conduct investigated constitutes a breach of the Code of Conduct, the investigator may recommend:

b) in the case of a breach of a Councillor, that the Councillor be formally censured for the breach under section 440G of the Local Government Act.

(b) That should Council determine to censure Councillor Kellie Darley, in accordance with Clause 7.59 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW 2020, Council makes public the findings of inappropriate conduct by Councillor Kellie Darley by publishing those findings in the Minutes as:

Allegation 1:

It is alleged that following a Council meeting on 11 December 2023 during which a proposed partnership between the Council and the Eels was discussed in confidential session of the Council meeting, Councillor Darley placed social media posts that disclosed information from that meeting.

FINDING: The external Investigator found that this allegation that Councillor Darley breached Council's Code of Conduct under clause 3.1 of the Code of Conduct IS SUBSTANTIATED - ie:

3.1 You must not conduct yourself in a manner that:

a) is likely to bring the Council or other Council officials into disrepute

c) is improper or unethical.

Allegation 2:

It is alleged that information Councillor Darley placed on social media regarding this disclosed financial information concerning the cost of the Partnership which she allegedly knew or ought to have known was untrue. The information contained in Councillor Darley’s social media post referred to $2.4 million when the actual figure endorsed by Council was $383,000.

FINDING: The external Investigator found that the allegation that the Councillor Darley breached Council's Code of Conduct under clause 3.1 of the Code of Conduct through posting information on social media that she knew or ought to have known to be untrue IS SUBSTANTIATED – ie:

3.1 You must not conduct yourself in a manner that:

a) is likely to bring the Council or other Council officials into disrepute

c) is improper or unethical

2. An information session for Councillors be conducted by the Group Manager Communications and Customer Engagement and/or the Executive Director City Engagement and Experience to address social media posting (and re-posting) of Council information, within the bounds of appropriate discretion and confidentiality.

(d) That Council adopt the external conduct reviewer’s recommendation:

3. Councillors be afforded the opportunity to contribute to future revision of Council’s social media policy, specifically in the manner in which Councillors communicate and interact with the community, as they may be required to do so in their Councillor representational role/s.

AMENDMENT: Councillor Bradley and Councillor MacLean

That this matter be deferred until the Supreme Court case has been determined.

Record of Voting:

For the Amendment: Councillors Bradley and MacLean

Against the Amendment: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors Green, Humphries, Pandey, Wang and Wearne.

On being put to the meeting, voting on the Amendment was two (2) votes FOR and six (6) votes AGAINST. The Amendment was LOST.

4824

RESOLVED: Councillor Wearne and Councillor Wang

(a) That Council adopt the external conduct reviewer’s (investigator’s) recommendation:

1. That Councillor Kellie Darley is formally censured in accordance with clause 7.37 b) of the Procedures which states:

7.37. Where the investigator determines that the conduct investigated constitutes a breach of the Code of Conduct, the investigator may recommend:

b) in the case of a breach of a Councillor, that the Councillor be formally censured for the breach under section 440G of the Local Government Act.

Allegation 1:

FINDING: The external Investigator found that this allegation that Councillor Darley breached Council's Code of Conduct under clause 3.1 of the Code of Conduct IS SUBSTANTIATED - ie:

3.1 You must not conduct yourself in a manner that:

a) is likely to bring the Council or other Council officials into disrepute

c) is improper or unethical.

Allegation 2:

3.1 You must not conduct yourself in a manner that:

a) is likely to bring the Council or other Council officials into disrepute

c) is improper or unethical

(d) That Council adopt the external conduct reviewer’s recommendation:

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber and Councillors Green, Humphries, Pandey, Wang and Wearne.

Against the Motion: Councillors Bradley and MacLean.

On being put to the meeting, voting on the Motion was six (6) votes FOR and two (2) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Note: Council returned to open session at 9.33pm.

17. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Wearne

That the recommendations in relation to the following items be received and noted as resolutions of Council without any alteration and amendment thereto:

· Item 16.1: Commercial Partnership Agreement - Parramatta NRL Club Pty Limited and City of Parramatta Council; and

· Item 16.2: Code of Conduct Investigation Report - Councillor Kellie Darley.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

18. CONCLUSION OF MEETING

The meeting concluded at 9.34pm.

This page and the preceding 23 pages are the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Monday, 22 July 2024 and confirmed on Monday, 12 August 2024.

Chairperson

Council 12 August 2024 Item 12.1

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR NOTATION

ITEM NUMBER 12.1

SUBJECT Investment Report for June 2024

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09386909

REPORT OF Tax and Treasury Accountant

CSP THEME: Fair

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the investment portfolio performance and compliance for the month of June 2024.

RECOMMENDATION

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

BACKGROUND

1. In accordance with clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation), a report setting out details of all money invested must be presented to Council monthly.

2. The report must include a certificate as to whether the investments have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Investment Portfolio Summary

3. The investment portfolio closing balance as of 30 June 2024 was $583.8m. The average portfolio holdings held throughout the month was $587.2m.

4. The majority of Council’s investment portfolio is in term deposits (63%). The portfolio also includes liquid floating rate notes (FRNs), cash, and the TCorp Long Term Growth Fund (LTGF).

5. Approximately 9.3% of the portfolio comprises of less conservative long-term investments with exposure to credit markets and domestic and international shares. The investment portfolio is well diversified and weighted towards higher-rated institutions.

6. The table below lists the diversified range of investments held by Council as at 30 June 2024.

Table 1: Summary of investment portfolio

*COPC Internal Benchmark returns - based on Council’s individual benchmarks across the various asset classes it invests within its own portfolio. The following individual benchmarks are the measurements, used for each asset class.

Cash: RBA Cash Rate
Term Deposits: based on Council’s weighted average duration using multiple ADIs average monthly rate
FRNs: AusBond Credit FRN Index
CFS Global Credit Income Fund: AusBond Credit Index
NSW TCorpIM Long-Term Growth Fund: NSW TCorpIM Internal Benchmark

Investment performance for the month. The investment portfolio reported a monthly actual return of 0.42% for June 2024 (or 5.21% on an annualised basis) outperforming the monthly Ausbond bank bill index by 67 basis points annualised. The TCorp Fund actual return of 1% was the main contributor to performance, as both domestic and international shares provided positive returns to finish off the financial year solidly. Bonds also provided modest returns, contributing to the positive return (AusBond Composite Bond Index added +0.77%).

7. Historical investment performance. The table below provides year-to-date and historical investment performance compared to the Ausbond Bank Bill Index.

Table 2: Historical investment portfolio performance

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8. Investment Revenue: As at the end of June 2024, the cumulative actual interest/income earned, Outperformed the Q3 budget forecast by $1.423m. This outperformance is on the back of strong managed funds returns over the last quarter, and Councils ability to lock in Term Deposit funds at market leading rates.

Going forward for 2024-25 Advisors exercise caution and expect volatility from the TCorp Long-Term given it has exposure to both domestic and international shares. This fund has a long duration view of 7-10 years and cannot be accurately measured for performance in the short term.

Table 3: Cumulative Interest table

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Note: Council values all managed funds, Floating rate notes, and bonds on a mark to market basis each month. Any gain or loss in valuation is capitalised to interest income based on actual monthly statements.

Table 4: Managed Fund Valuations Capitalised

9. During June, unrealised capital valuations on Managed funds rose by approximately $360k. This increase in capital valuation, has been capitalised and is included in the cumulative investment revenue shown in table 3.

10. Maturities and Transactions: Overall, the portfolio remains well diversified from a maturity perspective, with around 24% of assets directed to medium term (2-5 years).

11. Where liquidity permits, Council advisors recommend new surplus funds be directed towards 1–5-year horizons given this is where the most attractive value can be found.

12. The following Investment transactions occurred during June 2024:

Table 5: Investment Maturities

Table 6: New Investment Purchases

13. During the month Council invested $19.5m, in Term Deposits and bonds, of which $7m are categorised as environmentally sustainable fossil fuel free investments.

14. Portfolio Maturity Duration

Table 7: Maturity profile

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15. The portfolio complies with Council’s Investment Policy limits, with ample investment opportunity still available within all institutional rating, duration, and counterparty limits.

Graph 1: Investment Policy rating capacity.

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Description automatically generated with medium confidence

*BBB-/BBB+ limits combined under Council’s investment policy.

16. Counterparty Limits. All individual counterparty limits comply with council’s investment policy, with the following exceptions:

Table 8: Exceptions to counterparty limits

Institution

Policy Limit ($‘000)

Held ($’000)

Overweight ($’000)

Reason

Compliance Date

No Exceptions

17. As at the end of June 2024, Council did not have an overweight position to any single ADI. Overall, the portfolio is well diversified across the entire credit spectrum, including some exposure to unrated ADIs.

18. A full list of counterparty holdings is available on page 9 of the Arlo Advisory comprehensive report (attachment 2).

19. Current Yields Councils Floating Rate Notes are currently yielding around 5.93% FYTD with unrealised capital gains of approximately $528k based on current market valuations.

20. The CFS Global Credit Fund returned ‑0.13% (actual), underperforming the AusBond Bank Bill Index return of +0.35% (actual), and the AusBond Credit Index return of +0.44% (actual). Although it has been a relatively volatile environment for credit over the past few years, it has been one of Council’s best performing assets over the longer-term. With a running yield of 5.25%, Arlo recommends council retain this investment, given the alternative investments in complying fixed interest products are largely earning below this rate of return.

21. Council’s term deposit portfolio (63% of the portfolio) was yielding 4.83% p.a. at month-end, with a weighted average duration of around 444 days or 1.25 years.

In June, financial markets continue to reprice the time of rate cuts across several developed countries. Domestically, the market is now actually forecasting the small chance of a hike in coming months in response to ongoing inflationary pressures. In the deposit market, over June, the average deposit rates offered by the major banks at the short-end (up to 12 months) rose between 8-11bp following the higher-than-expected monthly inflation figure. In the medium-longer term (2-5 years), the average bids from the major banks remained relatively flat, reflective of the market still factoring rate cuts in future years. The deposit curve is largely back to where it was 6 months ago (Dec 2023)

Graph 2: Term Deposit Yields

22. Council engages Arlo Advisory for assistance in all investment matters relating to advice, risk, and portfolio weighting. Arlo monitor the portfolio daily and conduct a monthly health check review. This confirms that Council’s portfolio is being conducted in accordance with the Act, the Regulation, and the Investment Policy.

23. Detailed investment performance commentary in relation to each investment product /type and counterparty, can be found in the Arlo Advisory comprehensive report attached (Attachment 2).

Certification of Investments

24. I hereby certify the investments for the month of June 2024 have been made in compliance with the Act, the Regulations, Council’s Investment Policy, and the adviser’s recommendations.

John Angilley, Executive Director, Finance & Information

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

30 June 2024

Arlo Advisory

All Investments are within Policy guidelines and supported by Councils independent advisor.

Refer Arlo Comprehensive Report

All Investments are within Policy limits and reconcile to the General Ledger as at 30 Jun 2024

John Angilley

Executive Director, Finance & Information

Bruce MacFarlane

Treasury & Tax Accountant

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

27. There are no legal implications resulting from this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

28. As of 30 June 2024, cumulative interest income outperformed the annual forecast budget by approximately $1.423m.

Bruce MacFarlane

Treasury Tax & Accounts Payable Manager

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Investment and Loans Performance Graph June 2024.pdf	1 Page
2 ⇩	Arlo Comprehensive Investment Report - City of Parramatta 30 June 2024.pdf	36 Pages
3 ⇩	List of Council Investments by maturity June 2024.pdf	9 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.2

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.2

SUBJECT 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference - Call for Motions

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518344

REPORT OF Executive Officer

CSP THEME: Fair

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to call for motions from Councillors for inclusion in a future report to Council for endorsement, prior to submission of motions to Local Government NSW for consideration at the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference, being held from 17 to 19 November 2024 in Tamworth.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Councillors submit potential City of Parramatta Local Government NSW Annual Conference motions to Councillor Support by 5pm, Tuesday 20 August 2024.

(b) That a report be presented to the 26 August 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting seeking endorsement of the proposed City of Parramatta motions to be lodged to Local Government NSW for consideration by the Conference.

(c) That Council note the report for the endorsement of City of Parramatta motions will be a Late Report included in Supplementary Agenda A, to be published on Friday, 23 August 2024, to allow Councillors sufficient time to propose motions for consideration.

(d) That Council note a further report will be tabled to the 28 October 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting to determine the ten (10) City of Parramatta voting delegates for the Local Government NSW Annual Conference.

BACKGROUND

1. The Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference (Conference) will take place from Sunday 17 to Tuesday 19 November 2024 at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC).

2. The Conference is the main policy-making event for NSW general purpose councils and associate members where local councillors share ideas, debate motions and help determine the local government sector’s policy directions for the coming year.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. Conference registrations and motions opened on 17 July 2024. Member councils are strongly encouraged to submit their motions by Friday 16 August 2024 to allow for preparation of the Business Paper before the Conference. Under the LGNSW Rules, the latest date motions can be accepted for inclusion in the business paper is Sunday 20 October 2024.

4. Proposed motions must relate to strategic local government issues which affect members state-wide and introduce new or emerging policy issues. They are debated and resolved by Conference delegates, with successful resolutions guiding LGNSW’s advocacy priorities for the year head.

5. It is a requirement of LGNSW that evidence of Council’s support be provided for each motion submitted to the Conference.

6. To be included in the Conference Business Paper, LGNSW has set the following criteria for motions, being proposed motions must:

a. Be consistent with the objects of the LGNSW Rules (Rule 4).

b. Demonstrate that the issue concerns or is likely to concern a substantial number of local governments in NSW.

c. Seek to establish or change a policy position of LGNSW and/or improve governance of the association (noting that the LGNSW Board is responsible for any decisions around resourcing and campaigns or operational activities, and any necessary resource allocations will be subject to the LGNSW budgetary process).

d. Be strategic.

e. Be concise, clearly worded and unambiguous.

f. Not be focussed on just a small specific part of NSW.

g. Not encourage violation of prevailing laws.

h. Not seek to advantage one or several members at the expense of other members.

7. Before submitting motions for the Conference, members are encouraged to review the following items:

a. 2024 LGNSW Annual Conference Motions Submission Guide (Attachment 1),

b. LGNSW Policy Platform,

c. 2023 Conference Action Report, and

d. 2022 Conference Action Report.

8. A copy of the LGNSW Policy Platform, 2023 and 2022 Conference Action Reports will be circulated to Councillors by email, along with the Conference Motions Template (Attachment 2), to assist with the preparation of proposed motions.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
17 July 2024	Local Government NSW	Notification of the opening of Registrations & Motions for the LGNSW Annual Conference.	Circulation of notification to Executive Team, including the invitation to propose motions for Councillor consideration, and preparation of Council Report to seek motions from Councillors.	Office of the Lord Mayor & CEO

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
12 August 2024	All Councillors	Council Report with Conference background to call for proposed motions for inclusion in the further Council Report, proposed for the 26 August 2024 Council Meeting.	Any proposed motions received from Councillors will be included in the further report to Council.	Office of the Lord Mayor & CEO

11. The following Councillor consultation process is being followed regarding the proposal of motions and determination of Council’s voting delegates for Conference:

a. 12 August 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting

A Council Report will be tabled to the above meeting that will call for:

- Councillors to submit potential City of Parramatta LGNSW Annual Conference motions by email to Councillor Support by 5pm, Tuesday 20 August 2024, using the Conference Motions Template.

- Note a report will be tabled to the 26 August 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting to seek endorsement of the proposed motions prior to submission to LGNSW for consideration at the Conference.

- Note the report for the endorsement of City of Parramatta motions will be a Late Report included in Supplementary Agenda A, to be published on Friday, 23 August 2024, to allow Councillors sufficient time to propose motions for consideration.

- Note a further report will be tabled to the 28 October 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting to determine the ten (10) City of Parramatta voting delegates for the LGNSW Annual Conference.

b. 26 August 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting

A Council Report will be tabled to the above meeting that will call for:

- Consideration and endorsement of the proposed motions for submission to LGNSW for consideration at the Conference.

c. 28 October 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting

A Council Report will be tabled to the above meeting, being the second meeting of the new Council, that will call for:

- Council to determine the ten (10) City of Parramatta voting delegates for the LGNSW Annual Conference.

- Council to determine the City of Parramatta Councillor attendees at the LGNSW Annual Conference, noting all Councillors have the option to attend under the provisions of the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

- Council note the motions previously submitted to LGNSW for consideration at the Conference.

12. In recognition of the 2024 Local Government Elections, Council can register Conference delegates without a delegate name, with the ability to update name information once confirmed.

13. Conference dates will be communicated to the new Council as part of onboarding communications, to ensure early awareness and enable the elected Councillors to decide as soon as practicable on their intention to attend.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

15. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the proposed resolution, there are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council’s budget.

16. Costs associated with the registration and participation of Councillors are provided for within the adopted Councillor Support 2024/25 operating budget, in line with the provisions of the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

17. Councillor Support have arranged for a hold on accommodation in anticipation of high interest from newly elected Councillors.

18. Conference registration fees are included in the below table for information.

19. Delegate registration fees include online business papers, the President’s Welcome Reception, two-day business sessions including morning and afternoon tea, lunch and name badge. The cost to attend the Conference is heavily subsidised by LGNSW and sponsors.

Member Conference Registration
Early Bird	Paid by 25 September 2024	$1,115 (incl GST) per person
Standard Registration (Members)	Paid by 23 October 2024	$1,485 (incl GST) per person
Conference Dinner (Members)		$230 (incl GST) per person
Partners and Extra Guests of Members
President’s Welcome Reception		$121 (incl GST) per person
Conference Dinner Ticket		$230 (incl GST) per person
Optional Extras
ALGWA Breakfast	Members Only	$88 per person
Cancellation of Registration	Before 1 November 2024	$350 per person
Non-return of registered voting delegate card		$150

Bronwyn Pullen

Executive Officer

Roxanne Thornton

Group Manager Office of the Lord Mayor and CEO

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	2024 LGNSW Annual Conference Motions Submission Guide	15 Pages
2 ⇩	LGNSW Annual Conference Motions Template	3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.3

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.3

SUBJECT CBD Outdoor Dining Project 2 (Phillips Street, Parramatta)

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09057836

REPORT OF Place Manager

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: 5 November 2021, 16 March 2022 and 18 September 2023. (Refer to the consultation table below for list of Councillor Ward Briefing dates).

PURPOSE:

To update Council on the design investigation undertaken in relation to CBD Outdoor Dining Project 2 (Phillip Street between Phillip Lane / Erby Place and Freemasons Arms Lane).

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council notes the site constraints related to the installation of umbrella structures and crash barriers along Phillip Street between Phillip Lane/Erby Place and Freemasons Arms Lane for kerbside dinning.

(b) That outdoor dining areas along Phillip Street between Phillip Lane/Erby Place and Freemasons Arms Lane adjoin the building line under the existing awning in lieu of the proposed umbrellas.

(c) That Council staff continue to explore opportunities to accommodate outdoor dining space for food and beverage businesses located along the south western side of Phillip Street.

(d) That Council removes the existing concrete barriers and makes good any damage caused by the barriers.

(e) That all remaining funds be reallocated to replace litter bins with the same style to those in Parramatta Square, along Church Street from Centenary Square to Victoria Road, and also repair damaged footpath pavements within the CBD.

BACKGROUND

1. On 22 November 2021, Council approved the allocation of $990,000 from the CBD Infrastructure Special Rate, to fund the delivery of CBD Outdoor Dining Project 2.

2. The endorsed scope included the relocation of outdoor dining areas along Phillip Street (between Freemasons Arms Lane and Phillip Lane / Erby Place) to the kerb side as opposed to the building line, and the installation of permanent vehicle barriers and umbrella structures with blinds, consistent with neighbouring businesses along Church Street, subject to detailed design investigations.

3. Food and beverage retailers have since reinstated outdoor dining along Phillip Street. All businesses are currently occupying space along the building line with the exception of businesses along the southwest corner, between Church Street and Freemasons Arms Lane who have moved to the kerb side. Temporary concrete barriers were installed along all four corners, protecting the diners, whilst Council progressed with detailed design investigations.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. Detailed design investigations have taken place identifying numerous restrictions and site challenges impacting the delivery of the endorsed scope.

5. Phillip Street is a major east-west connector within the CBD, with a speed limit of 40 km/h, primarily used by passenger vehicles such as cars and pick-up trucks. Relocating the outdoor dining area to the kerbside exposes diners to the risk of impact from errant vehicles. An errant vehicle-rated barrier was proposed to mitigate this risk. The previously installed pedestrian barriers did not meet the proposed engineering standards required to protect diners from errant vehicles.

6. Underground services scans have located numerous utility assets along the footpath on both sides of Phillip Street. Relocation of these assets is extremely costly and is not part of the endorsed project scope. The location and depth of these assets limits the placement of umbrella structures due to the placement of their footings. Furthermore, Sydney Water underground services located beneath the kerb of the southern side, limits the type of errant vehicle barriers options to those with no footing requirements (bolted directly to the concrete blind layer).

7. The deflection zone requirements vary, based on the design of the vehicle barrier options. The proposed surface mounted errant vehicle barrier requires a minimum of 800mm deflection zone, set back from the barrier (see Attachment 1 for design details). This will occupy a portion of the proposed outdoor dining space. A low box hedge in soft soil would occupy this space, serving as an additional barrier to the diners. A barrier is not required if the outdoor dining area adjoins the building.

8. The purpose of the umbrella structures and blinds is to shield diners from adverse weather. The proposed location of errant vehicle barriers and deflection zone impacts the positioning of the umbrella structures, resulting in the structures being placed directly under the existing awning. This results in the structures impeding on the 1.8m pedestrian walkway as depicted in Attachment 1.

9. The positioning of existing under awning signs limits the height of the umbrella structures. The total height of the umbrella structures along Church Street is 3m with an approximate 2m under structure clearance. The positioning of existing under awning signs will reduce the height of the umbrella structures further impeding on the hanging signage.

10. The endorsed scope also includes the installation of blinds similar to the Church Street structures. Given the structures will partially obstruct the 1.8m pedestrian walkway, blinds can only be installed along the road side, partially exposing diners sitting along the ends of the structures to inclement weather.

11. In April and May 2024, all impacted businesses were consulted regarding the attached proposal. The majority of businesses prefer to remain against the building line, utilising the existing awning as the shelter for their outdoor dining space and not the proposed umbrella structures. Consequently, two businesses along the southwest corner of Phillip Street (between Church Street and Freemasons Arms Lanes) will not have outdoor dining due to the following reasons:

a. Little Greece requires 3.5m set back from Freemasons Arms Lane kerb, resulting in outdoor dining space located at the restaurant entrance.

b. Mr Phillips shopfront is too narrow to accommodate outdoor dining.

12. The immediately impacted and neighbouring businesses are willing to work with Council to identify alternate solutions that may allow for all food and beverage businesses to have access to outdoor dining space in front of their premises. This would require further negotiations between interested parties.

13. Due to the site restrictions, it is proposed not to install the umbrellas at the proposed locations and maintain the outdoor dining along the building line under the existing building awning. The temporary concrete crash barriers will also be removed and any damage will be repaired.

14. To ensure Council is investing in infrastructure to support local businesses, it is also proposed to reallocate the remaining funds to replacing the existing unhygienic bins along Church Street from Centenary Square to Victoria Road, and carry out repairs to the paved footpaths within the CBD.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Oct – Nov 2021	Internal Subject matter experts including Traffic & Transport, Project Management, Property Assets, Urban Design, PLR team	Feedback provided on barrier options, umbrella structures and location of outdoor dining	Noted and referenced in 22 Nov 2021 council report	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager
Mar - Apr 2022	Phillip Street & Church Street intersection food and beverage business owners	Feedback received on Council initial endorsed scope. Most businesses preferred to remain against the building line	Noted.	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager
May 2022	Great River City Light Rail (GRCLR)	Discussion about work permit requirements along PLR corridor	Council developed an agreement in consultation with GRCLR	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager
Sep 2023	Internal Subject matter experts	Internal Subject matter experts reviewed external traffic engineering advice	Feedback noted and incorporated into design plans	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager
Oct – Nov 2023	Phillip Street & Church Street intersection food and beverage business owners	Proposed concept design plans were provided for feedback	Feedback noted	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager
Apr - May 2024	Phillip Street & Church Street intersection food and beverage business owners	Proposed concept design plans were provided for feedback. Preference to maintain dining along the building line. Concerns about outdoor dining availability along the south western side of Phillip St	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects
Jun 2024	Internal Subject matter experts	Feedback on alternate solutions	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
3 Nov 2021 Councillor Workshop	ALL	Nil received at time of writing report		Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
22 Nov 2021 Council meeting	ALL	Report was endorsed. Following action outstanding: (d) Further, that Council note a report outlining detailed scope, funding and delivery plan for Project 3 and Project 4 as outlined in paragraphs 20(c) and (d) will be submitted to Council for consideration in 2022.	Response provided in this report	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
17 Feb 2022	Parramatta Ward Councillors	Update on concept design plans	Feedback noted	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
16 March 2022 Councillor Workshop	ALL	Updates were noted. Keen on the progression of projects 1 and 2		Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
Aug 2023	Parramatta Ward Councillors	Project delivery updated provided	Feedback noted	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
18 Sep 2023 Councillor Workshop	ALL	Councillors agreed with Council officers recommendations regarding Projects 3 & 4 and Armani structures	Council officers agreed to not proceed with Projects 3, 4 and Armani structures	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
Oct 2023	Parramatta Ward Councillors	Updates on concept design and site investigations provided	Feedback noted	Place Services / Property & Place / Place Manager, Group Manager Place Services
May 2024	Rosehill Ward Councillors	Ward briefing – update on detailed design plans and investigation outcomes	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects / City Assets & Environment / Place Manager, Group Manager Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects
May 2024	Parramatta Ward Councillors	Ward briefing – update on detailed design plans and investigation outcomes	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects / City Assets & Environment / Place Manager, Group Manager Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects
May 2024	Dundas Ward Councillors	Ward briefing – update on detailed design plans and investigation outcomes	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects / City Assets & Environment / Place Manager, Group Manager Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects
May 2024	Epping Ward Councillors	Ward briefing – update on detailed design plans and investigation outcomes	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects / City Assets & Environment / Place Manager, Group Manager Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects
May 2024	North Rocks Ward Councillors	Ward briefing – update on detailed design plans and investigation outcomes	Feedback noted	Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects / City Assets & Environment / Place Manager, Group Manager Infrastructure Grants & Major Projects

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

17. The previously installed pedestrian barriers did not meet the engineering standards required to protect diners from errant vehicles.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

18. On 22 November 2021, Council approved the allocation of $990,000 from the CBD Infrastructure Special Rate to fund the delivery of the CBD Outdoor Dining Project 2. To date, the costs incurred amount to $129,986.80. These costs are associated with planning, heritage and traffic consultants, service checks, and the hiring of concrete barriers.

19. The estimated cost to remove the concrete barriers and restore the impacted area is $30,000.

20. It is proposed to reallocate the remaining $830,013.20 to works associated with CBD infrastructure, specifically the replacement of outdated litter bins along Church Street from Centenary Square to Victoria Road and repairs to paved footpaths within the CBD.

James Smallson

Group Manager Infrastructure Grants and Major Projects

George Bounassif

Executive Director City Assets and Operations

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Phillip Street Outdoor Dining Plan

2 Pages

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.4

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.4

SUBJECT Adoption of Environmental Strategy 2024-2033

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09397492

REPORT OF Project Lead; Strategy Manager

CSP THEME: GREEN, FAIR

workshop/briefing date: 19 September 2022, 25 November 2022, 20

February 2023, 26 April 2023, 31 July 2023 and 6 May 2024

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s adoption of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2024 - 2033.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council adopt the Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2024 - 2033 held at Attachment 1 to this report.

(b) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any administrative and/or non-policy amendments to the Strategy during its finalisation.

SUMMARY OF EXHIBITION

1. Council endorsed the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy (the Strategy) for exhibition at its meeting on 14 August 2023. The draft Strategy was exhibited from 21 August to 16 October 2023, along with three other draft strategies (Social Sustainability Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and Smart City and Innovation Strategy). Public exhibition was extended from six to eight weeks to allow stakeholders additional time to provide submissions.

2. Engagement activities included:

a. Participate Parramatta portal

b. Future Parramatta social media campaign

c. Future Parramatta Luncheon for external delivery partners held on 7 September 2023

d. Four community pop-up sessions held at PHIVE, Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, North Rocks Shopping Centre, and Parramatta Lanes Festival

e. Community engagement competition delivered online and at pop-ups

3. Key engagement statistics from the public exhibition include:

a. 14,600 visits to the Future Parramatta page on Participate Parramatta

b. 539 visits to the Draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy page on Participate Parramatta

c. 197 community members engaged at pop-ups

d. 70+ attendees at the Future Parramatta luncheon

4. See Attachment 2 for an overview of the engagement activities.

EXHIBITION RESPONSE SUMMARY

5. During the public exhibition period, 17 submissions were received on the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy, of which 12 were from community members and five from organisations.

6. All submissions on the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy were supportive of the priorities and actions.

7. Submissions raised a range of matters, some of which were outside of the scope of the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy. Matters outside the scope of this Strategy have been referred to relevant teams within Council for consideration in future review of planning documents or for project implementation.

8. Key themes raised across the submissions and Council officer responses are summarised below:

Theme	Summary of Council officer response
Community empowerment – consistent desire to know how they can get better access to sustainability programs or initiatives.	This is a core function of Council and has been emphasised in the revised document along with the need to educate the community and assist with behaviour change. The following principle has been elevated on page 10 to underpin the strategy: “Community empowerment: we empower the community through education and engagement.” Further explanation is provided on p.35. Further, Objective 1.2 Our community is empowered to make equitable net zero decisions has been added.
Net Zero apartment buildings - assist/advocate for improvements to existing apartments/strata owned buildings including solar panels, electrification, glazing improvements, EV charging.	Priority 2 Future Ready Community includes Action 2.1.2 Identify and promote opportunities to incentivise sustainability focused retrofits, renewable energy, and building upgrades. This action will explore options to facilitate improvements and retrofits to existing buildings.
Swimming in the Parramatta River – strengthen action for swimming as a driver for water quality improvements and consideration of broader river network on waterway health and water quality	The numerous references to a swimmable river are proposed to be strengthened with a revised explanation on page 51 “Water in the Landscape” making clear Council’s existing alignment and commitments with the Parramatta River Catchment Group Master Plan for a swimmable river. This goal elevates the issue of water quality by linking it back to a tangible but aspirational outcome for our community.
Tree canopy – increased tree planting in streets to provide shade, commitment to an overall canopy target, resilient species selection for future climate, investigate micro-forests, aerial bundling of cables to reduce tree trimming.	Priority 3 Blue Green City sets a direction for increasing green infrastructure, including tree canopy, across the local government area. Priority 3 also includes Action 3.1.2 Prepare and implement a Tree Canopy Plan that protects, diversifies and enhances tree canopy across the local government area. Council staff will consider some of the more detailed issues raised by the community as part of the development of the Tree Canopy Plan.
Recycling, waste and circular economy – consider ways in which Council can reduce corporate diversion to landfill and utilise recycled materials in projects and asset upgrades	Priority 5 Circular Economy includes Action 5.3.1 Implement City of Parramatta Circular Economy Report recommendations for embedding sustainability priorities and circular economy principles into Council operations, procurement, investment and business decision-making processes. Council staff will consider ways in which to reduce corporate waste production and increase use of recycled materials in projects and asset management.

9. See Attachment 3 for more detailed Council officer responses to submissions.

KEY CHANGES FOLLOWING EXHIBITION

10. Council officers recommend several post-exhibition amendments to the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which are outlined in further detail in Attachment 4. In summary, changes include the following:

Proposed change	Rationale
Reworded and consolidated content throughout document, including strengthening narrative in response to submissions received	To streamline the document, improve priority of information and clarity of narrative.
Reorganised actions to be included within each priority section, rather than as a standalone action plan at the end of the document	To enable the reader to read the priority and associated actions more easily
Removed "outputs" layer from action plan	The outputs layer was removed from the actions table to improve readability and clarity. Outputs identified expected outcomes from actions that demonstrate success against the strategy objectives, this layer was useful in the drafting of the document but not helpful for the reader. Progress on actions will be monitored annually and the plan will be reviewed after four years to ensure progression of the strategy.
Minor data updates to supporting data for 1 priority	Since exhibition, the tool that Council used to inform the modelling of emissions reduction pathway has been updated to improve accuracy and reflect changes in NSW State Government policy. This does not impact the targets of the ESS.
Increased emphasis on the importance of community engagement and empowerment	This was a reoccurring theme that emerged through the public exhibition and considered a core principle of the document that required greater prominence.
Reduced 50 actions to 31 actions	Adjustments to the action plan were made to - Re-align and assign actions in response to resource availability to ensure that all actions are budgeted and accounted for in 24/25 DPOP and beyond. - Improve sense of priority in actions by streamlining actions which involved consolidation of aligned actions previously separated by horizons. - Increase specificity of actions. Summary of changes - Consolidated 26 actions down to 10 actions - Removed 2 actions - Reworded 4 actions
Adjusted targets and indicators for ‘blue green city’ and ‘nature positive’	Changes to all the targets and indicators were made under two of the priorities to improve specificity, use existing data sources to align with indicators and strengthen the messaging around community empowerment. Summary of changes: - 1 indicator removed and replaced by a new indicator - 3 indicators revised to align with new data sources - 2 indicators revised with minor clarifications

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

Late 2022 –

early 2023

External stakeholders, including Sydney Olympic Park Authority, GoGet Carshare, Resilient Sydney and Sydney Water

Broad support was expressed for the direction of the draft Strategy, and stakeholders offered strategic views on Parramatta’s future.

Feedback was considered while preparing the draft Strategy.

Stakeholders were also invited to provide feedback during public exhibition.

Group Manager City Strategic Planning

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
19 September 2022	Councillor Workshop – Timeline & engagement program	Councillors were supportive of the timeline and engagement program put forward. Councillors made suggestions to enhance the engagement program.	Council Officers ensured each ward and Parramatta CBD were covered by pop-up sessions and organised a half- day workshop to delve into content.	City Strategy
25 November 2022	Half-day Strategy workshop	Councillors provided feedback on trends, challenges, opportunities, and themes identified through research & engagement to date.	Councillor feedback was considered when progressing the draft Strategy.	City Strategy
20 February 2023	Councillor workshop	Councillors provided feedback on priorities and objectives.	Councillor feedback was considered when progressing the draft Strategy.	City Strategy
26 April 2023	Councillor workshop	Councillors provided feedback on proposed actions.	Council staff made minor updates to actions based on Councillor feedback.	City Strategy
31 July 2023	Councillor workshop	Councillors provided feedback on proposed indicators. Councillors asked if baseline data could be included.	Council staff added baseline data alongside the indicators, where available.	City Strategy
17 June 2024	Councillor workshop	Councillors provided feedback on proposed post- exhibition changes.	Council staff considered feedback in final draft.	Group Manager City Strategic Planning

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

13. There are no legal implications for Council associated with the recommendations of this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

14. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the recommendations, there are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council.

15. The various actions outlined in the Strategy are either already accounted for in Council’s existing budgets or able to be executed within Council’s allocated 2024/2025 budget and resources.

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

George Bounassif

Executive Director City Assets and Operations

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Attachment 1 - Environmental Sustainability Strategy	78 Pages
2 ⇩	Attachment 2 - Engagement Summary - Environmental Sustainability Strategy	5 Pages
3 ⇩	Attachment 3 - Submission Report - Draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy	13 Pages
4 ⇩	Attachment 4 - Summary of Proposed Changes	8 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.5

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.5

SUBJECT Approval of Kleins Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor (Scope of Works)

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09431950

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer Transport Planning

CSP THEME: Accessible

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement for the scope of works for the Kleins Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor in Winston Hills, Northmead and North Parramatta.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the staged scope of works to support walking and cycling along the proposed Kleins Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor, as set out below for submission to the Parramatta Traffic Committee:

1. Separated pedestrian and cyclist paths along Kleins Rd from Thomas St to Burlington St, Northmead, and Fleet St from Greenup Dr to Fennell St, North Parramatta.

2. A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Darling Mills Creek at the southern end of Burlington Memorial Reserve.

3. New raised pedestrian crossings, as well as raised pedestrian / cyclist crossings across Kleins Rd and side streets, Northmead.

4. Shared paths along parts of Kleins Rd, Hammers Rd, Moxhams Rd, Whitehaven Rd, Churchill Drive, Ulandi Pl, Windsor Rd, Anderson Rd, Yarrabee Rd, Model Farms Rd and Asquith Ave, Northmead.

5. Change Fleet St between Fennel St and Greenup Dr to one way northbound only, and engage with TfNSW to implement reasonable circulation alternatives for local residents and businesses.

6. Introduce a contra-flow bike lane on Northcott Ln between Fennel St and Eels Pl.

7. Associated parking changes to Kleins Rd and Fleet St to enable the facilities listed above.

8. Extension of timed parking on Kleins Rd from Balmoral Rd to Beamish Rd to support local business.

(b) That subject to approval by the Parramatta Local Traffic Committee, applications be made to external grant bodies to fund design and construction of the project.

BACKGROUND

1. On 13 May 2024, Council considered draft plans for the Kleins Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor. The locations of the proposed works are indicated in Figure 1 below and while a brief summary of the works is provided in the recommendation above, a detailed description of the works can be viewed in the previous report considered by Council using this link. The previous report also includes the community information package which was central to the exhibition of this proposal.

A map of a city

Description automatically generated

Figure 1: Kleins Road main corridor – predominantly separated pedestrian and cyclist paths (RED), connecting paths – shared paths (BLUE).

2. On 13 May 2024 Council resolved:

a) That Council approve the draft Kleins Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor Study at Attachment 1 for public exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days.

b) That the outcomes of public exhibition be reported to Parramatta Traffic Committee and Council.

3. In accordance with Council’s resolution, 13,200 letters were posted to residents and businesses in late May 2024 inviting submissions on the proposal. The consultation area is shown in Figure 2. On 28 May 2024, the proposal was advertised in the local newspaper in accordance with the Roads Act 1993 and on Council’s website. Three community drop-in sessions were staffed by Council officers on 25 May 2024 (North Parramatta Community Open Day), 28 May 2024 (Kleins Road Shops) and 5 June 2024 (Northmead Primary School), as well as coreflute signs placed at key locations throughout the consultation area (see Figure 3 below).

Figure 2: Kleins Road Corridor Study notification area

Figure 3: Example of on-site signage

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. Should the Council endorse the project as recommended, it would be reported to the next available Parramatta Traffic Committee for their review and consideration. The key themes and issues raised by the community in the public exhibition are discussed in the following section.

CONSULTATION

Public Consultation

5. Opportunities to give feedback were provided to the community through targeted emails, newspaper ads, digital advertising, social media, in-person popups and surface mail. This resulted in 6,887 views of the Participate Parramatta project page and 414 points of engagement, including 157 surveys, 217 online map submissions (from 67 contributors) and 40 submissions via the popups, direct mail or email and phone calls. The online map only required a user to nominate support, opposition or comment; whereas the survey collected more detailed demographic data and written feedback. See Attachment 1 – Engagement Evaluation for more detail.

6. A total of 197 responses (excluding online map submissions) were received from the community with 87 in support, 37 supporting to an extent, 6 unsure, 66 against and 1 did not specify a preference. This feedback, including Council Officer responses, is provided in detail in Attachment 2. A breakdown of responses by type and location is provided below:

Table 1: Kleins Road Corridor - Summary of Respondents (survey, phone, mail & email)

Respondent Type	Number	Sentiment
Respondent Type	Number	Yes	Yes to extent	No	Unsure	Not specified
Within Parramatta and North Rocks Wards	183	77	35	65	5	1
Rest of LGA	7	5	1		1
Outside of LGA	7	5	1	1
Total	197	87	37	66	6	1

7. Of the 67 contributors online, the opportunity to make comments on multiple elements led to a mix of views by respondents, in some cases the same respondent had different views on different parts of the proposal (for example some were supportive of the bridge but not other elements of the project). Table 2 provides an overview of the overall sentiment from each respondent (as per their categorisation). Some respondents selected the Objection category, but this appears to be based on a misreading of the map legend (e.g. objecting to riding on Windsor Road when the proposal was a shared path), however these were not changed to ensure the integrity of the data. A full list of all comments (online/in-person/direct) is available on the Participate Parramatta Portal at https://participate.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/kleins-road-corridor. Respondents can look up their comment on a map or on a list and read an officer response that directly addresses their feedback and any subsequent actions using the table on council’s website.

Table 2: Kleins Road Corridor - Summary of online respondents

	Sentiment
	Support	Comment	Object	Support & Comment	Object & Comment	Two or more categories
Contributor	17	22	4	11	2	11

8. Overall, a majority of submissions/responses expressed support for the project, however approximately one quarter of respondents objected. Key themes from all consultation are summarised below in Table 3 with detailed officer responses.

Table 3: Key Consultation Themes

Count	Comment / Theme	Officer Response
45	Large majority support (40 of the comments) for bridge over Darling Mills Creek. Of the comments, 3 objected to the bridge and 2 had concerns regarding the location based on either: low patronage now, alternative locations, impacts on heritage.	Support for the bridge noted. Current low patronage is due to lack of / poor existing connections. The Alfred Street Bridge has averaged 500-600 people per day since opening, a majority of which are pedestrians. The alternative alignments proposed do not have public access both sides and would have greater ecological impacts. They would also require detours from the main alignment and result in a larger, more prominent structure. Appropriate investigation and studies would be undertaken to ensure the bridge was designed and delivered to minimise and mitigate any impacts to heritage and the natural environment.
43	Parking at Kleins Road shops should be retained / increased (42 comments), parking at the shops should be reduced (1).	Parking loss near the shops as a result of the project was kept at a minimum. There are 69 spaces now between the Cumberland Highway and Burlington Street, 66 spaces with the project (both totals include the short section between Kleins and Lizzie Lane at the shops). The proportion of those spaces proposed to be timed to support local businesses was proposed to be increased from 39 to 40 between the Cumberland Hwy and Beamish Rd. However, from video surveys the biggest issue is overstaying, 30% of vehicles parking in excess of one hour on a Wednesday, and 60% on a Friday and Saturday. Therefore the Parking Rangers have been requested to increase patrols. The new pedestrian and cyclist paths will introduce potential new customers, and provide locals with a safe alternative to driving.
42	Parking loss between Moxhams Rd and Cumberland Hwy, particularly at school bell times and church parking.	Video parking audit results (hourly increments) demonstrate a significant number of vacant street parking spaces on Kleins and adjacent streets on weekdays and Sundays. However, on-site observations at school pick up show street parking is filled in close proximity to the school 15 minutes pre and post school bell. Northmead Primary has a 72% drive mode share (approximately 500 students) and there are significant impacts on Kleins Road (parking and congestion). Schools Infrastructure (SI) have a desire to increase walk / ride / scooter to school to decrease local impacts and also support healthier students. SI are targeting 40% walk / ride / scooter and a stretch target of 60%. This change would result in a reduction in 110 / 250 parent driving trips respectively at school time – therefore reducing the peak parking demand and congestion at bell times. The Kleins Road project would support that mode shift and reduce the demand for street parking at the beginning and end of school.
26	The intersection of Kleins Rd and Cumberland Hwy is an issue, the traffic lights need an upgrade, or a new pedestrian / cyclist bridge.	Because the Cumberland Hwy carries 70,000 vehicles per day and Kleins Rd carries 7,000 it is unlikely TfNSW will give additional time to right turn movements from Kleins Rd onto the Cumberland highway, which was the option most commonly requested in submissions. Clearances for a bridge would require substantial ramping, particularly on the south. This would be a significant impediment to movement, particularly pedestrians and is not considered feasible. Localised improvements that do not reduce the capacity of flow on the Cumberland highway could be considered such as a left turn only lane allowing left hand turns from Kliens Road northbound onto the westbound lanes of the Cumberland Highway (see Figure 4 below). *Figure 4:* Example of what a left turn lane could look like. This would allow a number of vehicles turning left to be held for pedestrians crossing without them impeding vehicles wanting to travel northbound through the intersection. However the benefits may not be significant depending on the number of vehicles seeking to turn left, and this would further reduce parking at the shops. Options will be investigated in detail design
15	Residents objected to the proposal to make Fleet St one way northbound. the reason is that because of road network changes by Parramatta Light Rail (PLR), residents of the block bounded by O’Connell St/ Fleet St / Factory St/ Albert St rely on Fleet St southbound for access to the south. Fleet St southbound is also used for convenient access from the north.	This issue could be addressed by making Fleet street one way southbound. However, currently, the unsignalised intersection at O’Connell / Fennell St used by residents for southbound right turns has had 8 crashes in the last 5 years. If Fleet St was made one way southbound for resident access, the volume of traffic would likely require the installation of traffic lights. However, this is unlikely to be supported by TfNSW due to proximity to other signals. Two alternate more feasible options (See Figures 5 and 6 below the table) include: Alt Option 1 - Allowing a right turn on Factory Street at Fleet Street is the preferred, which would require approval by TfNSW and PLR. Alt Option 2 - A turning facility on Fleet Street at Greenup Drive to allow southbound vehicles to legally make a U-turn, and then exit northbound. However, this would create a longer detour and is a less desirable public domain outcome. The ultimate decision on which option is preferred can only be made once consultation is undertaken with TfNSW and PLR on whether Alt Option 1 is supported.

Figure 5: Alternative routes for access to the south: RED – existing route (would also be used if Fleet Street was made one way southbound), BLUE – right turn enabled at Factory / Fleet, PINK – turning facility at Fleet – Greenup.

Figure 6: Alternative access from the north: existing route in RED, alternative route in BLUE.

Stakeholder Consultation

9. Additional stakeholder consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter beyond the Council Committee consultation identified in the Council report endorsing public exhibition, available using this link:

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
5 June 2024	Northmead Public School	1. Student safety is the priority. 2. Overstaying in the kiss and drop is an issue, as well as people waiting to turn in to the kiss and drop to collect their child impeding traffic. 3. Would like clarification on whether private buses can park in a bus zone (as it impedes access and storage for school buses). 4. Kleins / Cumberland intersection is a significant challenge in a vehicle.	1. Council also shares this priority with the school community. 2. This is an ongoing issue at many schools, Council rangers regularly attend the school. 3. Private buses are not permitted to park in bus zones. 4. The Hwy carries ten times the amount of traffic as Kleins, and therefore it is unlikely TfNSW will give additional time in traffic signal phasing to allow more vehicles to exit from Kliens Road.	City Strategic Planning
12 June 2024	Northmead Public School P&C	The P&C advised they would not provide a position, but would distribute the information to the school community.	N/A
13 June 2024	Heritage Advisory Committee	As a quorum was not in attendance, members were invited to make individual submissions as part of Council’s public exhibition	N/A

Councillor Consultation

10. In addition to pre-exhibition Councillor consultation detailed in the previous report, which can be accessed with this link, the following consultation has been undertaken in relation to this matter:

Date

Clr

Councillor Comment

Council Officer Response

10 July 2024

North Rocks and Parramatta Ward Cllrs

1.There should be options for people to walk and ride from the base of the proposed bridge to O’Connell St.

2.Have any issues been raised in the consultation on parking availability at the park on Beamish Rd?

3.What is the total number of trees proposed to be removed / replaced?

4.What is the total parking loss north of the Cumberland Hwy?

5.What are the total number of spaces: Cumberland Hwy to Burlington St before and after the project?

6.Are there alternatives to Kleins Road north of the Cumberland Highway?

7.Can the project be staged?

1.The creek foreshore is partly privately owned, but there are currently no physical restrictions on people moving through now. Current planning envisages pedestrian and cyclist paths along Darling Mills Creek to be delivered with development long term.

2. No issues have been raised about park access during the consultation.

3. Based on the concept plans there will be a net increase in trees. Aside from the bridge location which requires significant detailed design, there are 4 tree removals expected (for raised crossings), 20 tree replacements (to underground power or deliver a shared path) and over 100 new street trees proposed. All totals will be confirmed in detail design.

4. A total of 33 spaces (out of 77 available) are proposed to be re-purposed between Thomas St and Hammers Rd. Thirty-one spaces (out of 59 available) are proposed to be re-purposed between Hammers Rd and Cumberland Hwy.

5.There are 69 spaces now, 66 spaces with the project (both totals include the short section between Kleins Rd and Lizzie Ln at the shops).

6.There are limited alternatives to Kleins Rd, as few streets connect Moxhams Rd to Hammers Rd and the Cumberland Hwy (see Figure 7 below the table): These alternate streets have lower volumes of traffic but are much narrower (8-10m instead of 12.8m), this may pose the similar challenge as Kleins Road in retaining parking. This would require further detailed study and can be investigated in the future and information provided to Council.

7.The project can be staged. Staging options are discussed further below in this report

Figure 7: Alternative routes to Kleins Rd: Allambie Ave in BLUE, Redbank Rd in RED, Hemsworth Ave in GREEN.

RECOMMENDED STAGING

11. Given the need for safer north-south access to Parramatta, the improved walkability and cyclability to the school and adjoining neighbourhoods and the level of community support, it is recommended that the project proceed. However Council officers also recommend it be staged as follows.

- Stage 1 Proposed bridge and connecting paths to Northmead Ave. This will: (a) establish the corridor with the new bridge, (b) allow pedestrians and cyclists to walk and ride in safety and comfort alongside the section of Kleins Rd that has the highest proportion of heavy vehicles, and (c) connect across the Cumberland Hwy at one of the few signalised intersections.

- Stage 2 Fleet St, Fennell St and Northcott Lane upgrades. Proposed second stage which allows time for Council to resolve local traffic circulation in collaboration with TfNSW. Walking and cycling needs can be served in the interim by existing streets which have low traffic volume and (though they are in poor condition) will be rideable and walkable until upgrades are delivered.

- Stage 3 Kleins Rd from Northmead Ave to Moxhams Rd. Can be delivered in response to increased numbers of pedestrians and cyclists on the corridor.

- Stage 4 The connecting shared paths can be delivered independently of the main corridor. The full network is shown in Figure 1 as blue lines.

Figure 8: Proposed staging: Stage 1 in RED, Stage 2 in GREEN, Stage 3 in YELLOW.

ALTERNATE STAGING OPTION

12. The alternate staging option is to proceed with the Stages as described in the previous section except Stage 3 (the Kleins Road Corridor between Northmead Ave and Moxhams Rd in YELLOW in Figure 8 above) does not proceed until Council receives a study into the alternative routes available for a regional pedestrian and cyclist link.

13. If the alternate option is preferred by Council, the current Recommendation (b) of this Council Report needs to be deleted and replaced with the following:

(b) That Council approve the staged scope of works to support walking and cycling from the proposed Kleins Road Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor, as set out below for submission to the Parramatta Traffic Committee:

1 Separated pedestrian and cyclist paths along Kleins Rd from Northmead Ave to Boundary Rd, Northmead, and Fleet St from Greenup Dr to Fennell St, North Parramatta.

2 A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Darling Mills Creek at the southern end of Burlington Memorial Reserve.

3 New raised pedestrian crossings, as well as raised pedestrian / cyclist crossings across Kleins Rd and side streets, Northmead.

4 Shared paths along parts of Kleins Rd, Hammers Rd, Moxhams Rd, Whitehaven Rd, Churchill Drive, Ulandi Pl, Windsor Rd, Anderson Rd, Yarrabee Rd, Model Farms Rd and Asquith Ave, Northmead.

5 Change Fleet St between Fennel St and Greenup Dr to one way northbound only and engage with TfNSW to implement reasonable circulation alternatives for local residents and businesses.

6 Introduce a contra-flow bike lane on Northcott Ln between Fennel St and Eels Pl.

7 Associated parking changes to Kleins Rd and Fleet St to enable the facilities listed above.

8 Extension of timed parking on Kleins Rd from Balmoral Rd to Beamish Rd to support local business.

9 That with further consultation, the footpath from Allambie Ave to Hammers Rd be widened into a shared path, along with a safer crossing facility of Hammers Rd to Hemsworth Ave be investigated.

10 That the separated paths on Kleins Rd between Thomas Street and Northmead Ave, Northmead not proceed until Council has received a report into the alternative routes available for a regional pedestrian and cyclist link.

14. The risk with the alternate option is that it may result in missed opportunities for external funding for design or construction of pedestrian and traffic facilities associated with the project such as raised pedestrian crossings near the school, roundabout at the intersection of Moxhams Rd and Kleins Rd, as well as improvements to the roundabout at the intersection of Kleins Rd and Hammers Rd.

15. Council Officers do not recommend this option given the benefits discussed in the report and the level of support for the project during the consultation process.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

16. There are no legal implications in considering this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

17. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the report recommendation, there are no unbudgeted financial implications.

18. Any funding for future stages of detail design would be subject to Parramatta Traffic Committee approval, future Council budget processes and external grant applications.

Robert Cologna

Group Manager City Strategic Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Kleins Road - Engagement and Key Findings Report	18 Pages
2 ⇩	Kleins Road Corridor - Long form submissions to exhibition	39 Pages
3 ⇩	Kleins Road Corridor - Submissions with Council Officer responses	19 Pages
4 ⇩	Kleins Road Corridor - Online Comments with detailed officer responses	12 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.7

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.7

SUBJECT Request for Gateway Determination - Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Amendment to Parramatta LEP 2023

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09423499

APPLICANT/S City of Parramatta

OWNERS City of Parramatta and multiple owners

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer

CSP THEME: Innovative

Workshop/briefing date: 3 June 2024

PURPOSE

To seek Council’s approval on the Parramatta Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal for the purposes of requesting a Gateway Determination from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council approve the recommended pathways for resolving the outstanding ‘Orange Matters’ arising from the exhibition of the Parramatta Harmonisation Planning Proposal as detailed in Attachment 1.

(b) That Council approve the ‘housekeeping’ and administrative changes to the PLEP 2023 contained in Attachment 2.

(c) That Council approve the Parramatta Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal at Attachment 3, subject to the clause proposed to make sports ground signage complying development being amended to preclude gambling advertising, for the purpose of seeking a Gateway Determination from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

(d) That Council endorse to maintain the prohibition of Places of Public Worship in the R2 Low Density Residential zone and include Places of Public Worship as an Additional Permitted Use on land with an existing Places of Public Worship in the R2 Low Density Residential zone; and update the Planning Proposal at Attachment 4 with the associated amendments prior to forwarding the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

(e) That Council advises the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure that the CEO will be seeking to exercise her plan-making delegations for this Planning Proposal as authorised by Council on 26 November 2012.

(f) That Council delegate authority to the CEO to correct any minor anomalies of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the amendment process.

(g) That Council note the Local Planning Panel’s advice to Council in support of the Planning Proposal (refer to Attachment 5), which is consistent with the Council Officer’s recommendation in the report.

PLANNING PROPOSAL TIMELINE

A timeline of a project

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BACKGROUND

1. Following the Council boundary changes in May 2026, the Parramatta Land Use Planning Harmonisation Framework was established to consolidate the five sets of planning instruments applying to the new City of Parramatta.

2. The Harmonisation Planning Proposal (Harmonisation PP) sought to consolidate the five LEPs applying to the LGA. The Harmonisation PP was placed on public exhibition between August and October 2020. Council received 320 submissions from the community including landholders, state authorities, and other stakeholders.

3. At its meeting of 12 July 2021, Council endorsed the final Harmonisation PP and resolved to further investigate fourteen (14) matters raised from the submissions through a separate planning proposal process referred to in the report as ‘Decision Pathway 3 – Orange Matters’. These included requests that:

· were generally consistent with Council’s policy framework for the Harmonisation project, but were more significant changes, and if integrated into the Harmonisation Planning Proposal in the immediate post-exhibition period would have triggered re-exhibition of the Harmonisation Planning Proposal at that time; and/or

· had some merit on preliminary review, but required further investigation to confirm whether they should be progressed.

4. On 2 March 2023, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) finalised the Harmonisation PP bringing into effect the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (PLEP 2023).

5. Considering the commencement of the PLEP 2023 and the finalisation of the broader Parramatta Land Use Planning Harmonisation Framework with the Parramatta DCP 2023 coming into effect in September 2023, a review of the ‘Orange Matters’ was considered appropriate and timely to inform a new Planning Proposal to address any ‘Orange Matters’ (i.e. supplementary policy items) with strategic merit and relevance. In addition, Council officers also identified several ‘housekeeping’ matters intended to improve the operation and technical accuracy of the LEP.

6. The ‘Parramatta Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal’ (the Planning Proposal) has been prepared to consolidate the ‘Orange Matters’ recommended to progress and the housekeeping requests.

7. Refer to the Local Planning Panel report in Attachment 5 for a more detailed ‘Background’.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION

Review of ‘Orange Matters’ - Harmonisation Supplementary Matters

8. Council officers have reviewed the fourteen (14) ‘Orange Matters’ resolved by Council on 12 July 2021. While fourteen (14) items were resolved, these included forty (40) individual requests (or items) seeking a change to the PLEP 2023. Council officers assessed the relevance and planning merit of these items considering:

· the extent and nature of the requested change,

· strategic merit and consistency with existing state and local policy,

· strategic planning processes that have progressed since Council’s resolution on 12 July 2021, and

· any submitted supporting studies.

9. Following this review, Council officers have recommended each item progress via one of four pathways. Table 1 includes the four pathways. A detailed assessment of the 40 individual requests resulting from the fourteen (14) ‘Orange Matters’ and the recommended pathway is included in Attachment 1.

Table 1 - Pathways for Orange Matters

	Planning Pathway	Total
1	Items supported, or partially supported, and recommended to progress as a part of the Planning Proposal	4 items detailed in Paragraph 10
2	Items that are being considered or are to be considered via separate pathway.	10 items
3	Items that have been superseded or resolved by another planning project	11 items
4	Items that have not been supported due to lack of strategic merit	15 items

10. The items that are considered to have sufficient strategic merit and are progressing into the Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal include:

· Reduction in the extent of the biodiversity map layer on The Kings School to remove the layer from existing buildings given biodiversity values are non-existent or compromised.

· Inclusion of part of 102 Murray Farm Road, Carlingford (North Rocks Fire Brigade) to the Biodiversity Map due to the presence of ecological values.

· Rezoning of land along Terrys Creek Corridor from RE1 Public Recreation to C2 Environmental Conservation due to ecological values of the land.

· Maintaining the prohibition of Places of Public Worship in the R2 Low Density Residential zone but including an Additional Permitted Use to allow for expansion outside of existing use rights. This is further explained below and detailed in Attachment 4.

11. The items not progressing as recommended under Planning Pathway 2, 3 and 4 are detailed within the LPP Report in Attachment 5 and the detailed review of the ‘Orange Matters’ in Attachment 1.

Permissibility of Places of Public Worship in the R2 Low Density Residential zone

12. Council on 12 July 2021 adopted the LPP’s advice from 29 June 2021 to re-examine the permissibility of Places of Public Worship (PoPW) in the R2 zone as part of a future review, and adopted the exhibited Harmonisation Planning Proposal that prohibited PoPW in the R2 zone and rezoned existing PoPW from SP1 to R2.

13. Council officers have conducted a detailed review of the permissibility of PoPW in the R2 zone (see Attachment 4) that has informed the three (3) options in Table 2. The options were also presented at a Councillor Briefing on 3 June 2024.

14. Council officers recommend ‘Option 2’ and have worded part (d) of the Report Recommendation accordingly. Option 2 is recommended as this is considered to balance the operational needs of existing PoPW, because expansion beyond existing use rights will be permitted (subject to development consent), whilst prohibiting any new PoPW from being delivered in low-density neighborhoods. See Attachment 4 for a detailed discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of the options.

Table 2 – Options for the permissibility of PoPW in the R2 zone

Option

Implementation

Option 1:

Maintain Prohibition in R2 zone.

No changes to the PLEP 2023 are required.

If Option 1 is the preferred option of Council, the current Recommendation (d) of this Council Report needs to be deleted and replaced with the following:

(d) That Council endorse Option 1 within Table 2 to maintain the prohibition of Places of Public Worship (PoPW) in the R2 Low Density Residential zone, and the Planning Proposal in Attachment 3 be updated to remove the proposed Additional Permitted Use (APU) for existing PoPW in the R2 zone (i.e. Option 2) to reflect Option 1 prior to the Planning Proposal being forwarded to the DPHI.

Option 2:

Maintain Prohibition in R2 zone and add an Additional Permitted Use (APU) for existing PoPW.

Staff recommendation

An Additional Permitted Use in Schedule 1 of the PLEP 2023 will need to be inserted to permit Places of Public Worship on sites with an existing PoPW in the R2 Zone.

If Option 2 is the preferred option of Council, the current Recommendation (d) of this Council Report does not need to be amended.

Option 3:

Permit PoPW in R2 zone with supporting LEP and/or DCP controls.

The Land Use Table for the R2 Low Density Residential zone within the PLEP 2023 will need to be updated to permit PoPW. Additional design work will be needed to determine principle development standards for PoPW (such as minimum lot size and street frontage) for Part 4 of the PLEP 2023.

A review of the setbacks and other controls within the PDCP 2023 will need to be reviewed to ensure new PoPW development in the R2 zone deliver suitable building envelopes and manage impacts.

If Option 3 is the preferred option of Council, the current Recommendation (d) of this Council Report needs to be deleted and replaced with the following:

(d) That Council:

· endorse Option 3 within Table 2 to permit Places of Public Worship (PoPW) in the R2 Low Density Residential zone with supporting LEP and/or DCP controls; and

· update the Planning Proposal in Attachment 3 to remove the request for PoPW to be an Additional Permitted Use for land where there is an existing PoPW in the R2 zone (i.e. Option 2) prior to forwarding the Planning Proposal to DPHI; and

· progress Option 3 as a stand-alone Planning Proposal with an associated DCP amendment, and not be included in the Parramatta Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal.

15. At the Councillor Briefing held on 3 June 2024 where Council officers presented the review of PoPW and the three (3) options, support for Option 2 was indicated. Should Council adopt Option 2, the Planning Proposal in Attachment 3 will need to be updated to include all existing sites of PoPW for the purposes of including an APU.

HOUSEKEEPING REVIEW

16. Council officers have identified several ‘housekeeping’ matters that are recommended to progress into the Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal. The matters are largely administrative and aim to:

· improve the operation of the LEP through the correction of historic errors, omissions and anomalies;

· clarify the policy intent of clauses to ensure their correct application; and

· address issues arising during the development assessment process.

17. An overview of the Housekeeping amendments can be found in the LPP report in Attachment 5; and further detail is contained in Attachment 2 and in Part 2 of the Planning Proposal in Attachment 3.

18. However, in addition to the administrative housekeeping matters, two new clauses are proposed to address policy omissions within the PLEP 2023. These relate to:

a) The prescription of an apartment dwelling mix in residential flat buildings and shop top housing with 10 or more dwellings; and

b) Permitting sports advertising signage on RE1 Public Recreation land as exempt development.

19. Details on the justification for the controls have been discussed in a Councillor workshop and are discussed in detail in Attachment 5 and Part 2 of the Planning Proposal document included as Attachment 3. A Briefing Note with details of these changes was also loaded to the Councilor Portal on 9 July 2024 to give Councillors more time to consider the issues given the number of different inclusions in the Planning Proposal.

PLANNING PROPOSAL

20. The Planning Proposal in Attachment 3 details the proposed changes to the PLEP 2023 required to progress the ‘orange matters’ (i.e. supplementary matters) and housekeeping matters discussed in the previous sections of this report. A detailed explanation and assessment of each amendment contained in the Planning Proposal can be found in Part 2 – Explanation of Provisions of Attachment 3.

21. The Planning Proposal has been prepared in accordance with:

· Sections 3.31 and 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EPA Act); and

· the NSW DPHI Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline dated August 2023.

22. The proposed amendments are not considered to undermine, contradict, or have an adverse impact on the objectives and actions of both state and local planning policies including the Greater Sydney Region Plan, Central City District Plan, Ministerial Directions and Local Strategic Planning Statement.

PARRAMATTA LOCAL PLANNING PANEL

23. The Local Planning Panel (LPP) considered a report on the draft Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal at its meeting on 16 July 2024 (refer to Attachment 5). The LPP advised that Council support Council Officers recommendations (as per resolution (a) to (f) in this Report), and also advised the following:

(g) In inserting the dwelling mix clause into the LEP, the LPP considers that Council needs to consider:

· whether this will just create a more bureaucratic process whereby developers that seek to vary the provision now in the DCP will now still seek to vary it via Clause 4.6 variations and whether the supporting objectives proposed are adequate to maintain Council’s policy position;

· the adequacy of research undertaken to justify the provision and whether there is likely to be any unintended consequences on housing supply as a result.

(h) With regard to the proposed provision to enable sports ground advertising as ‘exempt’ development, the LPP recommends Council also precluding gambling advertising in addition to the other proposed forms of advertising to which the provision will not apply.

(i) In prohibiting Places of Public Worship in the R2 Low Density Zone, Council should ensure all faiths are currently adequately catered for and/or that sufficient opportunities exist for new Places of Public Worship in other zones in the LGA.

24. A Council Officer response to the matters raised by the LPP are included in Table 3.

Table 3 – Council Officer responses to matters raised by the LPP

LPP matter for consideration

Council officer response

Apartment dwelling mix

- Reliance on Clause 4.6 and suitability of objectives

As explained within Attachment 2 and Part 2 of the Planning Proposal in Attachment 3, the need to elevate the dwelling mix controls from the PDCP 2023 into the PLEP 2023 is to provide greater statutory weighing during the development assessment process.

This is particularly the case for State Significant Development (SSD) applications for Build-to-Rent (BTR) developments where recent approvals have demonstrated minimal consideration for the dwelling mix controls within the PDCP 2023. For example, the SSD for 39-43 Hassall Street, Parramatta was for a BTR development where 49.75% were studio/1-bedroom apartments; 48.2% were 2-bedroom apartments; and only 1.4% were 3-bedroom apartments, which does not provide a balanced dwelling mix. Inserting the controls into the LEP will strengthen the requirement for SSD applications to respond to this control.

Variations under Clause 4.6

As discussed in Attachment 3, the current compliance with the PDCP 2023 is low and more difficult to enforce for both DAs and SSDs. This is due to the flexibility of the application of DCP controls and its statutory weighting in the assessment process compared to the controls within the LEP. It is currently ‘easier’ for applicants to vary a DCP control than it is an LEP control.

The inclusion of LEP controls is considered a suitable approach. Council officers acknowledge that moving the controls into the PLEP 2023 could result in applicants lodging a Clause 4.6 variation. However, this should not be a deterrent from including the control in the LEP as it provides more enforcement and provides a statutory policy position that must be addressed in the application. As such, Council Officers retain the recommendation to progress with this item into the Planning Proposal.

Apartment dwelling mix

- Adequacy of research to justify provision

Council officers reviewed the demographic and housing needs of the current and project population of the LGA; and recent development approvals (particularly Build-to-Rent).

Demographic and housing research

In City of Parramatta, the predominant household type is couples with children, which account for 35.5% of all households. Profile ID shows 32.7% of families living in high density development, which is significantly higher than that in Greater Sydney (14.2%). However, the supply of family-friendly dwellings is dropping due to the prevalence of high density residential development with the number of 3-bedroom dwellings dropping from 36.5% of total dwellings in 2011 to 26.8% in 2021.

Development approval research

Council officers have identified from a review of recent developments that most of the high density residential developments, especially BTR, propose a dwelling mix that does not comply with the PDCP 2023. Developments propose a large portion of studio/1-bedroom units and a small portion of 3-bedroom+ units (or even none).

Six recent BTR developments have delivered 1,900 dwellings in the Parramatta CBD. However, as shown in the table below, there is a significant shortfall of 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units, and an oversupply of studio/1-bedroom units.

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This demonstrates the need to ensure new high density developments promote housing diversity and can cater for larger households, with the dwelling mix clause intending to ensure the adequate provision of three or more-bedroom apartments.

Apartment dwelling mix

- Impact on housing supply

Council officers do not consider that the prescribed dwelling mix in the proposed clause will impact on housing supply. The proposed clause will ensure that the housing delivered responds to the needs of the population and delivers a genuine mix in size to accommodate different households (see above for demographic trends in Parramatta).

Council has a compelling performance record for determining rezoning applications and for dwelling completions. Council exceeded the former State Government housing capacity target of 23,660 by 1,800 dwellings within the first two-and-a-half years of the 2021- 2026 period and was on track to permit another 48,000 dwellings (almost 8,000 above the 2026-2036 target).

Council expects to meet the State Government completed dwelling housing target for the period 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2029 based on average completion data as well as 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.

In summary, Council has evidence of meeting housing targets and the proposed clause will ensure it accommodates for all households.

Sports advertising signage

- Excluding gambling products from signage

Council officers agree with the LPP advice, and therefore recommend amendments to the draft clause to list ‘gambling products’ under the proposed subclause 2 to ensure that ‘gambling signage’ is not permissible at sportsgrounds.

Council officers will ensure that the supporting regulation document is updated to reflect any further changes.

Permissibility of Places of Public Worship

- Ensuring all faiths are accommodated for

- Ensuring that opportunities existing in other zones in the LGA.

Council officers agree that all faiths should have access to a PoPW. Option 2 does not limit any faith or group to provide a PoPW in a permissible zone across the LGA.

As detailed in Attachment 4, the inclusion in the APU schedule of PLEP 2023 will maintain permissibility of PoPW at an existing location within the R2 zone. This will provide an opportunity for the established PoPW to continue to serve the various community groups and expand, subject to DA process.

Should the existing PoPW operator in the R2 land decide to sell or demolish the existing PoPW, the recommended Option 2 provides the opportunity for the operator of any faith to establish a new PoPW on that specific parcel of land within the R2 zone. Therefore, the approach is maintaining the operation of existing PoPWs but also presents the opportunity for an alternate PoPW of any faith to occupy the same site in the future if the existing PoPW cease operation.

There are no changes proposed to the other zones that permit PoPW under PLEP 2023 i.e. R3, R4 and employment zones. All faiths and groups will continue to have opportunities to establish a new PoPW within 8 other zones across the LGA. These areas are shown on a map at Figure 2 of Attachment 4.

As detailed in Attachment 4, these other zones are more compatible for this type of land use and accommodate the operational needs of PoPW to serve the community.

For example, adaptive re-use of existing buildings to a PoPW within a business or industrial zone is trending across the LGA and received less community objections in comparison to land within R2 zone. Refer to DA activity detailed in Appendix 1 of Attachment 4.

25. For the reasons discussed in the table above Council officers consider that the only issues raised by the Panel that warrants amendment to the Planning Proposal is the reference to gambling in the new clause proposed to make sports ground signage exempt development. This change is reflected in the recommendation of this report.

PLAN MAKING DELEGATIONS

26. On 26 November 2012, Council resolved to accept the delegation for plan making functions, and for these functions be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

27. It is recommended that Council request to the DPHI to exercise its plan making delegations for this Planning Proposal. This means that after the Planning Proposal has received a Gateway Determination, complied with any conditions (including any requirements for public exhibition), Council officers can deal directly with the Parliamentary Counsel on the legal drafting and finalisation of the amendment to the LEP facilitated by this Planning Proposal.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

29. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the recommendation, there are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date

Stakeholder

Stakeholder Comment

Council Officer Response

Responsibility

May – July 2024

Council officers have contacted the original submitters who requested Council consider the ‘Orange Matters’, to advise them of this project.

None of the submitters have raised objections to the recommended approach.

Officer assessment of issues provided in detail in Attachment 1.

Further consultation with all affected landowners will occur during the public exhibition of the Planning Proposal.

Strategic Land Use Planning, CP&D

13 June 2024

Heritage Advisory Committee

The Committee noted the proposed updates presented to them at the 13 June 2024 Committee Meeting.

Nil Required

Strategic Land Use Planning, CP&D

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
3 June 2024	Councillor Briefing	Councillors requested information on how it can manage the appropriateness of sportsground signage under the proposed new clause	The proposed clause specifies that signage cannot include product advertising for alcohol, tobacco products, and adult entertainment. Refer to Attachment 5 Clause 28-31 for detailed response.	City Strategic Planning
3 June 2024	Councillor Briefing	Councillors requested additional analysis of the Heritage status of The Kings School before any changes are proposed to Heritage Map for this site.	Further discussions have been held with The Kings School to allow for this analysis to be prepared	City Strategic
9 July 2024	Briefing Note detailing issues and amendments provided on Councillor Portal	No requests for further information were requested	Nil required	City Strategic Planning

32. The Planning Proposal is proposed to proceed on the project timeline detailed in Part 6 of the Planning Proposal in Attachment 3. This timeline is subject to the DPHI issuing of the Gateway and subsequent statutory planning process.

CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS

33. It is recommended that Council adopt the Parramatta Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal in Attachment 3 and forward this to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination.

Robert Cologna

Group Manager City Strategic Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 ⇩	Review and Recommended Pathways for Supplementary (Harmonisation Orange) Matters	35 Pages
2 ⇩	Summary of Housekeeping Amendments to the Parramatta LEP 2023	10 Pages
3 ⇩	Planning Proposal - Parramatta Harmonisation Supplementary Matters and Housekeeping Planning Proposal	84 Pages
4 ⇩	Review of the permissibility of Places of Public Worship in the R2 zone	11 Pages
5 ⇩	Local Planning Panel Report and Advice	11 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.8

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.8

SUBJECT Preparation of the Epping Town Centre Master Plan (Scope)

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09496350

REPORT OF Team Leader City Projects

CSP THEME: Accessible, Green, Thriving and Welcoming

workshop/briefing date: N/A

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement of the high-level scope for the preparation of a Master Plan for the Epping Town Centre.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approves the high-level scope detailed in this report for the preparation of a master plan for the Epping Town Centre.

BACKGROUND

1. At its Meeting on 13 May 2024, Council resolved:

a. That Council note the draft DPOP 2024/25 identifies a project to review the Epping Town Centre laneways.

b. That Council note the Epping Town Centre has undergone significant change since the introduction of new planning controls by the NSW Government in 2014.

c. That the CEO develop a high-level scope for the preparation of a master plan for the Epping Town Centre that considers the following:

i. Laneways, access, and circulation within the precinct, including between Beecroft Road and Rawson Street and consideration of broader connections to public open space and amenity.

ii. Opportunities to address common issues, such as traffic and accessibility and the interplay with built form and public domain interfaces.

iii. The potential future role of Council’s Rawson Street car park site in achieving Council’s objectives and requirements for Epping, such as the provision of affordable housing, commercial uses, community facilities and/or public car parking, and how this sits within the broader town centre context.

iv. That Officers investigate the potential for the Masterplan to inform a review of the existing planning controls with a view to the scope including costs and programming of the planning controls.

d. That the high-level scope, including cost and timeframe, be provided to Council for its consideration by the end of August 2024.

2. Council has existing strategic priorities for the Epping Town Centre, including:

a. Parramatta LSPS 2036 – which identifies Epping as one of the two strategic centres in Parramatta LGA and sets priorities and actions for the precinct.

b. Parramatta DCP 2023 – which defines a vision for Epping Town Centre and establishes a set of design controls that guide all developments to align with this vision.

c. Community Infrastructure Strategy 2020 - identifies Epping as one of the 12 high growth areas and focusses on Epping’s growing population and recommends social infrastructure for the growing precinct.

3. In 2017-18, Council undertook the Epping Planning Review project which addressed community concerns raised about the new planning controls for the Epping Town Centre, implemented by the Department of Planning and Environment in March 2014. These concerns included traffic congestion, reduced commercial space, high-density development near heritage areas, and a lack of open space and community facilities. The Epping Planning Review also identified incompatibility between the height and FSR controls in the LEP.

4. In 2021, Council supported a Council-led planning proposal to facilitate an increased quantum of commercial floor space in Epping. However, the then Department of Planning & Infrastructure did not support the proposal due to traffic impacts from increased floor space.

PROPOSED EPPING TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN

5. A Master Plan for Epping Town Centre will seek to improve pedestrian connections and respond to traffic conditions, create vibrant and accessible laneways, and improve access to public open space and amenity.

6. The proposed boundaries for the Epping Town Centre Master Plan are nominated as the ‘Master Plan Extent’- refer to Figure 1 below. Recommendations in the Master Plan report will be limited to this area, which is characterised by several large landholdings in single ownership and older buildings which have not been developed to their maximum potential. The urban fabric and public domain are degraded in quality and in need of renewal. These characteristics mean that the area is most suitable for impactful master plan initiatives to guide future development.

Figure 1: Master Plan Extent

7. Key components/ deliverables of the Master P lan will include:

a. Community consultation

b. Epping Town Centre Master Plan

c. Epping Town Centre Desktop Transport Review

d. Urban Design principles for the potential future role of Council’s Rawson Street car park site in achieving Council’s objectives and requirements for Epping

e. Review of planning controls and recommendations for any future amendments to the planning framework.

8. This Master plan will clearly define a vision for the Epping Town Centre, along with clear mechanisms to achieve that vision. The Master Plan will also ensure strong integration with the planning controls. This will effectively guide future development, including principles for the Rawson Street car park, focused on achieving Council's desired outcomes.

9. The expected benefits of this Master Plan include achieving:

a. A cohesive Epping Town Centre

b. Improved pedestrian connections

c. Urban design principles for the Rawson Street car park site

10. This Master Plan will draw insights from the previous studies of Epping Town Centre, to ensure that the new plan builds upon the knowledge gained from those studies.

11. The proposed process will engage with the Epping community to understand their aspirations for the town centre. This community input will inform the development of the Master plan's vision and urban design principles.

12. The following indicative program lists the main tasks identified in the scope for the master plan.

High Level Scope - Main Tasks	Indicative Completion
Preparation - Seek technical advice amongst relevant Council officers - Develop a community consultation strategy to incorporate consultation at an early stage of the master planning process.	September 2024
Precinct Analysis - Undertake comprehensive analysis of planning controls and policies, previous master plans and supporting reports and undertake detailed precinct analysis. - Summarise into a precinct analysis study with supporting drawings and images to inform the vision for the precinct.	September – October 2024
Community Engagement Round 1 - Conduct preliminary consultation with the community and Epping Ward Councillors to inform the vision and urban design principles for the Epping Town Centre.	November/December 2024
Vision and Urban Design Principles - Based on the precinct analysis and community and Epping Ward Councillors feedback, develop a draft vision for the precinct, including urban design principles. - Summarise into key urban design principles with supporting drawings and images to engage with the community and inform the master plan.	November 2024 - January 2025
Community Engagement Round 2 - Conduct a second round of consultation with the community and Epping Ward Councillors to test the draft vision and urban design principles for the Epping Town Centre and request feedback.	March 2025
Epping Town Centre Desktop Transport Review - Analysis of existing transport studies. - Consider various transport scenarios in concert with the master plan.	September 2024 – March 2025
Rawson Street Car Park Site - Detailed site analysis and review of planning controls. - Develop urban design principles to establish public domain, connections and interfaces within and around the site. - Embed these principles within the master plan to guide interim adjoining development and inform a future detailed master plan for the site.	February - March 2025
Draft Epping Town Centre Master Plan - Develop the draft master plan including all necessary imagery and diagrams to demonstrate desired future built form and public domain outcomes - Through built form testing, identify any LEP controls which are misaligned (height/FSR), and develop recommendations to calibrate these controls in a potential future stage. - Identify objectives and controls to guide interim development and inform potential future DCP amendments.	February - May 2025
Draft Master Plan Exhibition and Consultation - Consider any changes to the draft Master Plan following exhibition and further community consultation. - Note: Councillors will be briefed prior to seeking Council’s endorsement to place the draft Master Plan on exhibition.	June 2025
Final Master Plan for Council Endorsement	August 2025

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

13. The local community will be consulted at key stages of the master plan and during public exhibition prior to finalisation. No stakeholder consultation is required to be undertaken to date.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

15. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the recommendation, the preparation of the master plan would commence. The proposed community engagement and consultation will be arranged by Council officers and funded from the allocated 2024/25 City Planning and Design budget.

Kelly Van Der Zanden

Group Manager City Design

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 12 August 2024 Item 13.9

REPORTS TO COUNCIL - FOR COUNCIL DECISION

ITEM NUMBER 13.9

SUBJECT Adoption of Parramatta 2050 (Advocacy Strategy)

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09454393

REPORT OF Project Lead; Acting Strategy Manager

CSP THEME: INNOVATIVE

workshop/briefing date: 17 June 2024, 15 July 2024, and 29 July 2024.

PURPOSE:

To report back to Council the exhibition outcome of draft Parramatta 2050 and recommend that Council approve a final vision that incorporates post-exhibition amendments.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council note the outcome of the public exhibition of the draft Parramatta 2050.

(b) That Council adopt Parramatta 2050 as attached to this report.

BACKGROUND

1. Council has made a number of resolutions regarding advocacy and strategic planning for the City of Parramatta. Key resolutions include:

a. That staff provide a summary of draft city ideas that will form the blueprint to address the long term needs of the City of Parramatta for Councillor consideration by the end of 2018." (28 May 2018, Item 14.2)

b. That Council endorses the preparation of an Advocacy Strategy as detailed and recommended in this report. (25 September 2023, Item 13.2)

2. Councillors also showed support at a Councillor Strategy Day in October 2023 for the preparation of a long-term vision for the City with a 25-year horizon, including bold city-shaping initiatives with global and reputational impacts.

3. Council officers undertook a robust research and strategy development process to draft Parramatta 2050. Three critical components of this process (which are covered in more detail in a report to Council’s meeting of 13 May 2024, Item 13.3) were as follows:

a. A Councillor Consultation Program, that included nine hours of Councillor workshops and additional activities including the abovementioned Councillor Strategy Day, a series of four workshops focused on vision development, invitation to provide written feedback on work-in-progress initiatives, and pre-report workshop detailing final draft recommendations.

b. A comprehensive Research and Evidence Base which sought to illuminate challenges & opportunities for Parramatta, clearly understand the City’s profile and strategic context (including existing community consultation results), establish what it means to a “global city”, and learn lessons from comparable visioning pursuits.

c. A pre-public exhibition Engagement Program during which the project team consulted with community, a broad range of external stakeholders, and internal experts.

4. The results of this process – draft Parramatta 2050 – was reported to Council for its consideration on 13 May 2024. At this meeting, Council resolved as follows (Item 13.3):

a. That Council exhibits the draft Parramatta 2050 strategic vision for the City for 60 days and conduct community pop up sessions and surveys

b. That Council authorises the Chief Executive Officer to make editorial amendments of a minor and/or non-policy nature to the draft Parramatta 2050.

c. That Council receives a detailed presentation at a Councillor Workshop prior to any further report detailing the outcomes of the public exhibition to Council.

5. In accordance with Council’s resolution:

a. draft Parramatta 2050 was exhibited for 60 days from Monday, 20 May 2024 to Friday, 19 July 2024 (inclusive),

b. an extensive community and external stakeholder engagement program was implemented (including multiple pop-up sessions, targeted focus groups, surveys for general community, a circle-back to a ward workshop participant and a survey for Council staff), and

c. three Councillor workshops were held since making the above resolution.

6. This report presents the outcomes of the exhibition process as follows:

a. Attachment 1: Engagement Report

b. Attachment 2: Table detailing community and external stakeholder submissions, and Council officers recommended response

7. Following the close of public exhibition, a draft of Parramatta 2050 containing amendments recommended by Council officers following the review of submissions was presented to Point Parramatta 2050 – the panel of external global experts convened by the Lord Mayor to guide Parramatta towards its global city goals. The Panel provided feedback on the amended draft, and this feedback and Council officers’ recommended response is included at Attachment 3.

8. At the time of drafting this report, an amended draft of Parramatta 2050 incorporating recommended responses to both the public exhibition and panel feedback had been circulated to Councillors in order to seek their final input to the draft recommended version. A final recommended version will be circulated as a supplementary report prior to the Council meeting on 12 August 2024.

ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

9. An extensive program of engagement activities to provide community members with opportunities to engage with draft Parramatta 2050. In total, approximately 46.5 hours was provided for the community and external stakeholders to interact with staff to receive information and provide feedback on draft Parramatta 2050.

10. Table 1 enumerates the reach, interactions and surveys and submissions received during exhibition period.

Table 1: Numerical overview - public exhibition community engagement.

*Pop-up and event interactions*	*CALD focus group attendees*	*Activities for children and young people*	*Social media reach*	*Social media interactions*	*Media mentions*	*Community surveys received*	*Community submissions*	*External stakeholder surveys received*	*External stakeholder submissions*
587	22	118	107,708	41,444	173	123	16	8	43

11. Table 2 summarises the engagement activities, and the reach of each component.

Table 2: Summary of public exhibition activities for draft Parramatta 2050.

Consultation activity	Date	Approximate Time	Reach (no. of participants)
Community engagement		Total 41 hours 30 min	Total 785
Community pop-up and events (15 x pop-ups)	Saturday 25 May- Saturday 13 July	28 hours 30 min	587 participants
Community ward workshops & community ward workshop circle-back (1 session).	Thursday 27 June	1 hour	45 participants
Children and young people focused activities (3 activities).	Friday 21 June-Wednesday 3 July	5 hours	118 participants
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) focus groups (2 sessions).	Thursday 20 June - Thursday 25 June	4 hours	22 participants
Advisory Committees (2 sessions).	Thursday 13 June -Tuesday 18 June	3 hours	13 participants
External stakeholder engagement		Total 5 hours	Total 42
External stakeholder webinars (2 sessions).	Wednesday 12 June – Thursday 13 June	2 hours	25 participants
External stakeholders focus groups	Wednesday 5 June – Thursday 6 June	3 hours	10 participants

12. The following subsections of this report address components of the engagement program and results in more detail.

Media and social media engagement

13. Media and social media were used to inform the public about draft Parramatta 2050 and encourage the community to provide feedback during public exhibition. Highlights of these activities and their results included:

a. A project page for draft Parramatta 2050 was hosted on Participate Parramatta, Council’s online community engagement platform.

b. Media engagement that resulted in 173 media mentions, including articles in Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Telegraph, and TimeOut.

c. Social media efforts resulted in a reach of 107,708 people and 41,444 social media interactions on meta platforms and LinkedIn combined.

d. Promotional efforts resulted in the draft Parramatta 2050 project page attracting 20,889 page views from 7,891 unique visitors and 1,142 unique downloads of documents.

Community engagement activities

14. A total of 15 pop-up events were held seeking community feedback on the draft vision, including a program of 10 events spread across the City specific to this consultation program as well as attendance at 5 additional pre-planned community events. A total of 587 community members were engaged across these pop-ups.

15. Engagement activities were also held with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, as well as at activities focused on youth and young people. A total of 140 community members were engaged across these events, comprised of 22 people at CALD groups and 118 people at activities focused on youth and young people.

Survey results

16. An online survey was open on Participate Parramatta during exhibition. In response, Council received 89 responses to the general community survey, of which 8 responses were submitted by external stakeholders.

17. An additional 42 surveys were received from the community members attending the ward workshop circle-back webinar. (This was a follow-up to a series of ward workshops relating to the vision development process.)

Community submissions

18. In response to the exhibition, Council received 16 written submissions from the community and 43 written submissions from external stakeholders and organisations. For a detailed summary of all submissions and Council officers’ recommended response, please refer to Attachment 2.

ANALYSIS OF EXHIBITION RESULTS

19. Council staff analysed all feedback received interactions and written feedback. The overall key themes were as follows (discussed in further detail in Attachment 1):

a. High levels of support overall.

b. Improved and well-connected transport options.

c. City activation and opportunities to gather (events, sports, and entertainment).

d. Caring for the environment (environmental protection and sustainability).

e. Job creation, education, skill development and economic diversification.

f. Creative initiatives, art, culture and infrastructure.

g. Strengthening First Nations partnerships.

h. Elevating Parramatta’s rich history and heritage.

i. Liveability and community infrastructure and amenities.

20. Council officers recommended a number of amendments in response to the public exhibition feedback, and therefore produced an amended draft of the vision document in response. This amended draft version was then reviewed by the Point Parramatta 2050 panel on 29 July 2024.

POINT PARRAMATTA 2050 CONSIDERATION

21. The Point Parramatta 2050 panel met on 29 July 2024 and reviewed the version of draft Parramatta 2050 containing recommended amendments in response to public exhibition feedback. The panel members were supportive and recommended a number of additional matters for consideration. Their feedback is detailed in Attachment 3.

22. Council officers recommend a number of minor final amendments to the draft vision in response to the panel’s feedback. Council officers’ consideration of the panel’s feedback is also detailed at Attachment 3.

COUNCILLOR CONSIDERATION OF AMENDED DRAFT

23. A version of draft Parramatta 2050 containing amendments in response to both the public exhibition and panel feedback was circulated to Councillors under Briefing Note on Wednesday 31 July 2024. At the time of writing this report, Councillors’ final input was being sought. The final recommended version incorporating Councillor feedback is circulated via a supplementary report.

THE NEED FOR A VISION

24. Conversations with external stakeholders during the exhibition process reinforced the need for Council to clearly establish its advocacy positions on several matters, for example critical decisions relating to fast rail and Metro, and also ensuring that opportunities to grow employment options within the City are protected.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Stakeholder Consultation

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

Date	Stakeholder	Stakeholder Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
Various	Community - Various	Discussed in detail in this report and attachments.	Discussed in detail in this report and attachments.	A/Group Manager, City Strategic Planning
Various	External Stakeholder - Various	Discussed in detail in this report and attachments.	Discussed in detail in this report and attachments.	A/Group Manager, City Strategic Planning

Councillor Consultation

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

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
17 June - workshop #6	All Clrs invited	Councillors requested further detail relating to some aspects and outcomes of the engagement program.	The information requested has been circulated via Briefing Note.	A/Group Manager, City Strategic Planning
15 July -workshop #7	All Clrs invited	Councillors requested further detail relating to some aspects and outcomes of the engagement program.	The information requested has been circulated via Briefing Note.	A/Group Manager, City Strategic Planning
29 July - workshop #8	All Clrs invited	Councillors requested further details of the exhibition results and a copy of the work-in-progress vision document	Council officers circulated two additional briefing notes following this workshop which detailed work-in-progress drafts of officers’ consideration of the exhibition results and recommended amendments to the draft vision document.	A/Group Manager, City Strategic Planning

27. Including the workshops listed above, Councillor engagement for draft Parramatta 2050 has included:

a. Eight (8) Councillor workshops/briefing sessions (including Councillor strategy day).

b. Invitation to provide written feedback on work-in-progress initiatives via activity worksheets provided to Councillors to inform draft Parramatta 2050 content (homework).

c. More than 15 hours of detailed discussions with a mix of activities, staff presentations, open forum and Q&A sessions.

d. Weekly Councillor Briefing Notes (x9) provided during public exhibition.

e. Two additional Briefing Notes provided post-exhibition to communicate with Councillors about how officers were considering feedback on the draft vision.

f. Councillor pack of materials provided to support exhibition.

g. Over 330 pages of reports and contents provided on the Councillor portal, including written responses to queries raised during each workshop.

h. Additional opportunities provided for 1:1 meetings/discussions with staff at Councillors’ request.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

28. There are no direct legal implications as a result of the recommendations of this Council report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNCIL

29. If Council resolves to approve this report in accordance with the recommendation, there are no unbudgeted financial implications for Council’s budget.

Robert Cologna

Group Manager City Strategic Planning

Jennifer Concato

Executive Director City Planning and Design

John Angilley

Executive Director Finance & Information

Gail Connolly

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1⇩	Draft Parramatta 2050 public exhibition engagement report	54 Pages
2⇩	Summary of submissions and Council officer response	52 Pages
3⇩	Point Parramatta 2050 panel member feedback and Council officer response	3 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.

Submission Number	Submission Comment	Staff Response
1	Supportive of the draft Policy, but recommended to extend definition of Eligible Pensioner to include individuals of pension age with a Commonwealth Health Care Card.	Provided clarification that the definition of Eligible Pensioner is aligned to the Local Government Act 1993 requirements for pensioner Rates rebates, as defined under section 134 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.
2	Supportive of the draft Policy, but raised concern regarding $250 cap for Mandatory Rebate, as not equating to a 50% rebate on Rates for properties in the LGA.	Provided clarification that the $250 mandatory rebate provision is set by section 575 of the Local Government Act 1993. Council has proposed to continue the additional voluntary rebate provision under the Policy to further offset Rates costs for pensioners, and has further provided feedback to the State Government recommending review of the legislated mandatory rebate amount.
3	Not supportive of the draft Policy. Raised concerns regarding burden on applicants to provide Statutory Declarations or other supporting documentation, in addition to Centrelink card.	Provided clarification that supporting documentation, in addition to a Centrelink card, is not required for standard applications. Under clause 5.1.4 it is only proposed to require additional supporting documentation, such as a Statutory Declaration, in limited circumstances for life tenant applications.
4	Supportive of the draft Policy. No further comments provided.	Noted.
5	Supportive of the draft Policy, as being a straightforward document.	Noted.
6	Supportive of the draft Policy. No further comments provided.	Noted.
7	Generally supportive of the draft Policy, but recommended to extend definition of Eligible Pensioner to include self-funded pensioners without Centrelink concession card.	Provided clarification that the definition of Eligible Pensioner is aligned to the Local Government Act 1993 requirements for pensioner Rates rebates, as defined under section 134 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.
8	Supportive of the draft Policy, and provided praise for project.	Noted.
9	Did not specify position on the draft Policy. Requested clarification regarding if changes to the rebates are proposed as part of the review, and recommended a substantial rebate increase to address increased land valuations.	Provided clarification that no changes were proposed to the rebate amounts. Clarified that the $250 mandatory rebate provision is set by section 575 of the Local Government Act 1993. Council has proposed to continue the additional voluntary rebate provision under the Policy to further offset Rates costs for pensioners, and has further provided feedback to the State Government recommending review of the legislated mandatory rebate amount.
10	Not supportive of the draft Policy. Raised concern with increasing Rates rebate for pensioners, given other types of government rebates already available to pensioners.	Noted feedback. Provided clarification that no changes were proposed to the rebate amounts as part of the required periodic review. Clarified that the $250 mandatory rebate provision is a requirement for councils to provide under section 575 of the Local Government Act 1993.
11	Supportive of the draft Policy, as setting out a clear and simple application process, with sufficient governance checks to mitigate potential for misuse.	Noted.
12	Supportive of the draft Policy, and advocated for additional rebates for pensioners.	Noted.

Date	Councillor	Councillor Comment	Council Officer Response	Responsibility
23 May 2024	Finance Committee	The Committee considered the draft Policy. No amendments were proposed.	Noted	Rates & Receivables
23 May 2024	Policy Review Committee	The Committee considered the draft Policy. No amendments were proposed.	Noted	Rates & Receivables + Governance