Late Items Agenda of Council - Monday, 9 September 2024

Council 9 September 2024 Item 8.1

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT Vale Uncle Wes Marne

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09519051

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Welcoming

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to acknowledge the death of Uncle Wes Marne AM, a First Nations storyteller and community leader, and express Council’s sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council acknowledge the death of Uncle Westley (Wes) Marne AM, a First Nations storyteller, Bigambul man, HMAS Murchison navy serviceman, centenarian and community leader, on 31 August 2024.

(b) That Council express its sincere condolences to Uncle Wes’ family and friends at this sad time.

BACKGROUND

1. Uncle Westley (Wes) Marne AM, a First Nations storyteller, centenarian and community leader, left a remarkable legacy in Western Sydney, with an outstanding impact on Blacktown in particular. In 2022 at 100 years of age, Bill was given the Key to the City of Blacktown and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for his service to the First Nations community in Western Sydney.

2. Western Sydney University made him an Honorary Fellow in recognition of his contribution as a cultural leader, an advocate, educator, and mentor to the communities of Western Sydney. Uncle Wes was also an Elder on the Western Sydney University Campus. He was also recognised with the inaugural NSW Department of Education, Nanga Mai Love of Learning Award, recognising innovation, excellence and achievement in Aboriginal education.

3. Born on 25 April 1922, Uncle Wes lived in Mount Druitt, on Dharug Country, for over 50 years of his 102 years. Uncle Wes was a deeply respected Bigambul man and Elder, advocate for Country, educator and storyteller. He shared his love of First Nations culture and worked tirelessly to share stories and knowledge in schools, universities, gaols, and yarning circles across Australia. He was also particularly connected to Lake Parramatta and First Nations communities across Parramatta.

4. He served in in the Korean War on the HMAS Murchison, serving at a time before First Nations people were counted in the population.

5. Uncle Wes was part of the weekly Elders in Residence Program at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. He was a founding member of the Mount Druitt and District Reconciliation Group who, for the past 22 years, have organised an annual Reconciliation Walk and Concert in Mount Druitt. In 2022 Uncle Wes advocated for the establishment of the Murray-Toola Damana preschool for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Mount Druitt, keeping local children connected to culture.

6. Uncle Wes published his book of poems “Through Old Eyes” in 2022, and his show Fire Bucket premiered at the 2016 Sydney Festival, playing to sell out audiences, touring to Melbourne and throughout regional NSW.

7. He summarised his life’s work as a storyteller in an interview with Happy Magazine in 2022: “This is my Dreaming. It’s what I was meant to do. I was passed on the stories to become a storyteller. But I didn’t know at the time. What I do know now though is we are all here to do something, to contribute. To make something of ourselves for those who did before us. And that takes work and never giving up. To keep going, keep moving. Leave your mark and be something someone else can look up to.”

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 9 September 2024 Item 8.2

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT Recognising Councillor Lorraine Wearne's Service

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09518850

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to recognise Councillor Lorraine Wearne, the first female Lord Mayor in Sydney, for her 29 years of service to the City of Parramatta as Councillor, and her range of achievements.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council recognise Lorraine Wearne, the first female Lord Mayor in Sydney, for her considered, passionate advocacy, longstanding service of 29 years of service as a Councillor, including two terms as Lord Mayor (2000/01 and 2011/12), and outstanding legacy to the people of City of Parramatta;

(b) host a farewell event for Councillors with more than 20 years’ service, who are not running for re-election in the September 2024 Local Government Election, to commemorate their service to the City of Parramatta; and

(c) endorse Boronia Park Community Centre in Epping as the location of a commemorative plaque in honour of Councillor Wearne’s significant contributions to the history and evolution of the City of Parramatta, and Epping Ward in particular.

BACKGROUND

1. Since September 1995, Councillor Lorraine Wearne, the first female Lord Mayor in Sydney, has served the people of the City of Parramatta as Councillor for 29 years as an elected representative of Epping Ward (previously named Lachlan Macquarie), including two terms as Lord Mayor (2000/01 and 2011/12).

2. Her numerous achievements in office have spanned nearly three decades, including the creation of conservation zones in Epping, the construction of appropriate development, the acquisition of the Boronia Grove Community Centre and the retention of free parking in Epping. At a recent Council meeting on 12 August 2024, Councillor Wearne successfully advocated for the future plans for the Epping Town Centre to feature a community civic space and carpark, as one of her final acts in her outstanding legacy to her local community.

3. During her two terms as Lord Mayor, she enacted her vision for Parramatta to become a global City and positioned Parramatta as a gateway to the world. During the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Councillor Wearne welcomed the Olympic Torch into Parramatta at Parramatta Park and assisted Council staff to be ambassadors of the City of Parramatta to the many local and international visitors to Sydney Olympic Park. She was subsequently invited to be a delegate to a Conference in Athens to assist with their preparation for the next Olympic Games.

4. As Lord Mayor she also headed Council’s Business Exhibition to a Business Expo in Singapore where she discussed the future of Parramatta with the late Lang Walker whose subsequent interest in Parramatta led to the completion and success of Parramatta Square, featuring City of Parramatta’s iconic, world-class library and civic building PHIVE.

5. She built consensus with Councillors to share her vision for the City, securing a vote to invest what was possibly the first million dollars towards a feasibility study for light rail transport in Parramatta. She demonstrated her courage, leadership and heart for community service when she abseiled from the roof top to the ground of the Park Royal Hotel in Phillip Street to raise funds for charity.

6. The City of Parramatta owes a great debt to Councillor Lorraine Wearne for her considered, passionate advocacy, longstanding service over nearly three decades and outstanding legacy to the people of City of Parramatta.

7. This Lord Mayoral Minute seeks Council’s endorsement to appropriately pay tribute to her enormous, sustained contribution by hosting a farewell event and dedicating a commemorative plaque to be located in Boronia Park Community Centre in Epping.

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

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

9. All costs associated with the plaques, ceremonies and events will be sourced from the 2024/25 Lord Mayoral Civic Functions Budget (current balance on 9 September 2024: $6,800).

10. Staff have obtained quotes to host a farewell event for Councillors not running for re-election to Council, with more than 20 years of service, to be held at Parramatta Town Hall, and estimate the cost of this event to be approximately $20,000. The costs associated with a farewell event are unbudgeted and would need to be funded from General Reserves.

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 9 September 2024 Item 8.3

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.3

SUBJECT Thank You to City of Parramatta Staff

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09519002

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Fair, Thriving

workshop/briefing date: NIl

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayoral Minute is to recognise the significant effort and hard work of staff during the 2021-2024 term of Council.

Recommendation:

That Council formally recognise and thank the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Team and all staff of the City of Parramatta for the exceptional work they do every day in delivering services to the community and for their commitment to helping Councillors achieve the goals and outcomes identified in the Community Strategic Plan.

BACKGROUND

1. The City of Parramatta is one of the fastest growing local government areas in New South Wales, and this growth is expected to continue over the next decade and beyond.

2. In the 20 years until 2041 an additional 189,300 residents are estimated to be located within the Local Government Area. This extraordinary growth will be both rewarding and challenging. To meet the challenges and capitalise on opportunities, we must have the right workforce in place with the required skills and capabilities.

3. Council currently employs over 1,500 staff and I am pleased to see that since mid-2023, Council’s staff turnover rate has significantly reduced from around 18% down, to just over 12% - and well below the local government average of 15%.

4. This reduction in turnover and level of commitment to the City of Parramatta is good news for our businesses and residents and also for our Councillors. We have hard working and committed staff who provide exceptional service. We have also attracted high quality staff from the private sector, councils and other levels of government who want to work in Western Sydney’s only global city – Parramatta!

5. I would particularly like to thank the team involved in working on Parramatta 2050, and all Council staff involved across the organisation. Parramatta 2050’s success is a direct result of their commitment and extraordinary efforts, and their contributions have been instrumental in bringing this shared vision for our City’s future to life.

6. On behalf of all Councillors, I wish to thank all staff for their service to Council and the community during the 2021-2024 term of Council and wish the CEO and senior leadership team every success for the future. I know the City is in safe hands.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

7. There are no financial implications arising from the Lord Mayoral Minute.

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 9 September 2024 Item 8.4

MINUTE OF THE LORD MAYOR

ITEM NUMBER 8.4

SUBJECT End of Lord Mayoral Term Report

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09519052

REPORT OF Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

CSP THEME: Thriving

workshop/briefing date: Nil

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Lord Mayor Minute is to thank Council for its commitment and leadership, and the community for their support during my time as Lord Mayor, as well as note some of the key achievements and milestones of Council during this period.

Recommendation:

(a) That Council note I thank Council, the community, Council staff, and my family for their support during my term as Lord Mayor; and

(b) Further, that Council note the significant achievements and milestones of Council during this period, some of which are outlined in this Minute.

BACKGROUND

1. I have been honoured to serve as Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta since my election on 25 September 2023, and I would like to thank my colleagues for placing their confidence in me.

2. I’ve served over 25 years on Council and lived more than 60 years in Parramatta. Since being first elected to the former Parramatta City Council in 1999, I have served many Chambers, including a stint as Deputy Lord Mayor from September 2001 to 2002. I am immensely proud to have played a part in the ongoing transformation of our City, particularly in a time where we experienced incredible investment and delivered community infrastructure that has been in planning stages for years.

3. Under my leadership, Parramatta has cemented its position as the leader of Western Sydney and is attracting global attention for its diversity, vibrant nightlife and commitment to our community. Council is committed to making it the best place to live and raise a family, to work and build a business and a magnet for our smartest minds, most brilliant creatives and promising sporting talent.

4. One of my key achievements as Lord Mayor has been successfully advocating for Council to adopt Parramatta 2050, Council’s bold, long-term vision to be a global City by 2050. This has been shaped by our community, for our community and has been unanimously endorsed by Council. It charts a course for Parramatta’s transformation and advocacy with governments, with seven gamechangers to make us a global City:

· Become an epicentre of creativity

· Become home of festivals, sports and entertainment

· Make the City a world leader in First Nations partnerships

· Become Asia Pacific’s centre for research and education

· Build an unrivalled river city with a continuous green corridor between Lake Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park

· Seamlessly connected to the world through transport

5. Some of the key achievements and milestones marked by Council during my time as Lord Mayor include:

· Acknowledging our civic leaders through commemorative events:

i. $3.2 million JJ Brown AO Pavilion in Carlingford’s Peggy Womersley Reserve

ii. Paul Barber Pavilion in John Curtin Reserve in Winston Hills

iii. Lang Walker Plaque in Parramatta Square

· Advocating for Western Sydney Airport connections

· Opening the $17 million upgraded F.S. Garside Park in North Granville

· Record-breaking Parramatta Lanes in 2023, with more than 180,000 people over four nights, including 70,000 on Saturday night alone (equivalent of 2022’s total festival attendance)

· National recognition for numerous public infrastructure projects, including:

i. Parramatta Square winning 2024 Urban Renewal project of the year at the Urban Development Institute of Australia New South Wales (UDIA NSW) & Urban Property Group Awards for Excellence in Sydney

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

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

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

· Supporting the NSW Government’s housing reforms

· Successful Community Ward workshops

· Enabling the ABC to move to Parramatta

· Revealing the winning design for $188 million Riverside Theatres redevelopment by design consortium led by COX Architecture with 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio and Bangawarra

· Shirley Wehbe’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

· Maronite Youth Organisation Night Markets

· Opening of Oatlands Memorial Garden

· Hambledon Cottage bicentenary hosted by Parramatta and District Historical Society with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW.

6. I would like to thank the people of the City of Parramatta. Our City is filled with ambitious, hard-working, good people, and it has been my pleasure to serve as their Lord Mayor.

7. I also thank Council’s tremendous staff, who have supported me through this time, and who continue to work hard to deliver exceptional services, programs, and projects for the people of Parramatta. They are one of the best workforces in local government and it’s been a privilege to witness what they do, day in and day out for the good of our community.

8. Council’s hard-working staff continue to do an extraordinary job delivering Council’s services, leveraging the growth of our City for the benefit of our communities. Many of Council’s projects have been nominated for or won international and national awards over my term, a testament to the dedication and skill of our teams.

9. A special thank you to the CEO, Executive Team and the staff of the Offices of the Lord Mayor and Councillor Support, for their advice, professionalism, and support throughout this time.

10. To the Deputy Lord Mayor and my fellow Councillors, thank you all for your commitment to our City and its people. We have had tough decisions to make this term, and we have not always seen eye to eye, but we have always served with the community’s best interests at heart, and I thank you for that.

11. Finally, I would like to thank my family, my wife Sabah, our children and grandchildren, and my parents, for their encouragement and support, not just in my time as Lord Mayor but throughout all my time as a Councillor. Without their backing, I would not have had the opportunity to serve as a Councillor or Lord Mayor and for this I am grateful.

12. After 25 years in local government, I’d like to offer up a few things I’ve learnt along the way for those present and those who come after me.

13. It’s important to bring people together, build consensus and put the City’s best interests before your own interests. I’ve done that, building productive working relationships with State and Federal Ministers and Members from across the political aisle, always advocating in the best interests of Parramatta to the State and Federal Government.

14. However the reality is that bridging divides. True leadership is being willing to make a decision and stick with it. “When you decide you divide”. As leaders of a growing, global City, you too will need to make difficult decisions and risk criticism. What I would say is that true leadership is about sticking your neck out and expecting some people to be offside. The other option is just to do nothing and not make hard decisions because you fear upsetting a few people. But if you do that, you will never get progress. So everything you see in Parramatta is a result of decisions that were made. Often difficult decisions at the time, but at the end of the day, you don’t make an omelette without cracking eggs, and you don’t build a great City by just talking the talk. You don’t have to agree with those decisions but you must uphold them.

15. We are a city for leaders, yes people and ‘doers.’ A place where people can gather to share their ideas and collaborate, create firsts, and enjoy everything this global City has to offer.

16. The next 25 years will shape the future of this great City and we want to make every day count. It has been a privilege to lead this Council during this period where we have created a legacy for future Councils to build on. I can rest assured knowing I’ve done everything I can to leave it in good shape for the next person who steps into the office of Lord Mayor.

17. I leave you with the wise words of JFK, one of my personal political heroes: “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” May you all achieve great things in service of our great City of Parramatta.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 9 September 2024 Item 15.1

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

ITEM NUMBER 15.1

SUBJECT Questions Taken on Notice at the 26 August 2024 Council Meeting

REFERENCE F2024/00282 - D09519003

REPORT OF Governance Manager

QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE

Councillor Pandey asked a question in relation to Item 12.4 Status Report: Entrepreneur Grants Program

· Could staff provide in the next Council meeting an itemised list of every unbudgeted item that has come out of general reserve in this term of Council?

Executive Director Finance and Information response:

Officers have attempted to obtain the answer for the period 2021-2024, being the current term of Council. However, it is not possible in the time available and without diverting significant resources to determine an accurate list of every unbudgeted item. A response to this Question Without Notice will be provided after officers have completed the audited Financial Statements for October 2024.

Councillor Bradley asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.3 NSW Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill 2024

· Could staff clarify whether the new legislation will double the fines for tree removal and damage?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Neither of the two abovementioned activities is captured under the relevant legislation (POEO Act). Tree removal or tree damage falls under the EPA Act 1979.

Councillor Bradley asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.3 NSW Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill 2024

· Could staff clarify what tier 1 and Schedule 6 of General Regulation involve? This information will assist with the education program.

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Tier 1 offence refers to a classification of offences pursuant to s114 of the POEO Act

o Tier 1 offences are those captured under Part 5.2 of the POEO Act and are considered the most serious type of offences.

Examples of a Tier 1 include:

Disposal of waste—harm to environment

(1) Offence If a person wilfully or negligently disposes of waste in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment—

(a) the person, and

(b) if the person is not the owner of the waste, the owner, are each guilty of an offence.

Schedule 6 of POEO (General) Regulation 2022 has the following roles:

a. determines which offences in connection with Section 224 of the POEO Act can be dealt with by way of issuing a Penalty Notice

b. sets rules on how and/or for which offences can penalty notices be issued as well as specific restrictions related to those offences

c. sets the amount applicable for each offence depending on the offence and the type of offender i.e. individual or corporation

d. identifies the different classes of enforcement officers

e. identifies what offences can be issued by each class of enforcement officers.

Councillor Valjak asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.3 NSW Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill 2024

· There was a recent spillage of lithium batteries and potential for hot load. What other legislation deals with these types of waste and the penalties?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

1. Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act): This legislation deals with the regulation of waste management, including the handling of contaminated waste. It outlines the responsibilities for waste producers and handlers and provides the framework for environmental protection.

2. Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014: This regulation provides specific guidelines and requirements for waste classification, tracking, and disposal.

3. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act): This Act governs land use planning and development in NSW, including the approval of facilities that handle or treat contaminated waste.

4. Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001: This Act encourages waste minimisation and promotes recycling, reuse, and the proper disposal of waste. It sets targets for reducing waste and promotes the development of sustainable waste management practices.

5. Public Health Act 2010: This Act also plays a role in managing domestic waste by ensuring that waste disposal practices do not pose a risk to public health.

Councillor Wang asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

· Paragraph 18 of the report identifies 70% reduction in the number of abandoned shopping trolleys. Could staff provide the number of trolleys which represents the 70%?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Over the last 5 years the number of requests that included abandoned trolleys received by Council reduced from 513 to 154. Some of these requests included multiple abandoned trolleys per location.

Councillor Wang asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

· Could staff organise and train community volunteers to collect abandoned trolleys?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Council staff will workshop this idea with major supermarkets as they have the responsibility for trolley collection and they also have the necessary public liability and workers compensation insurances which would protect persons who may become injured when collecting abandoned trolleys on behalf of supermarkets.

Councillor Wang asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

· Could staff investigate a reward program for people to collect abandoned trolleys?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

This may not be the most effective program for the following reasons:

1. Liability Concerns: Encouraging residents to collect abandoned trolleys could expose Council to injury and liability issues. There are safety risks associated with handling trolleys, particularly in areas with high traffic or difficult terrain. If a participant were to be injured while collecting a trolley, the responsibility could rest with Council.

2. Resource Allocation: Administering a reward program would require additional resources, both in terms of staffing and financial management. These resources might be better directed toward more sustainable and long-term solutions, such as working with local retailers to improve trolley management and retrieval processes.

3. Potential for Misuse: A reward system could inadvertently encourage misuse, such as individuals intentionally moving trolleys to later claim rewards for their retrieval. This could exacerbate the problem rather than solve it.

4. Some supermarkets already offer trolley tracker incentive programs which include cash prizes/rewards.

Councillor Garrard asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys.

· Could the Lord Mayor provide Councillors the letter dated September 2023, to the Minister for Local Government and to the Shadow Minister for Local Government?

Group Manager Lord Mayor and CEO Office response:

A copy of the letters has been provided on the Councillor Portal (refer Council Resolutions/Correspondence page, dated 12 October 2023).

Councillor Garrard asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

· Could staff consult with Councillor Wang before the report is provided back to Council?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Yes.

Councillor Garrard asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys.

· Please provide the locations of the signage installed in the hot spots.

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

· Sorrell and Lamont St Parramatta

· Smith St Parramatta – between the Sydney Water building and the University

· Market and Church St Parramatta – in front of the Riverside Theatre

· Marsden St – near the building at 146 Marsden St

· Morton St Parramatta – near the building at 1A Morton St

· Rangihou St Parramatta – Near No. 12 adjacent to the laneway connecting Morton St

Councillor Garrard asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.4 Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

· When did Council last collect shopping trolleys?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Council stopped impounding trolleys in 2016. However, when necessary, staff still remove trolleys that pose a significant risk to public safety and/or the environment.

Councillor Darley asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.5 Q4 Progress Report – Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/24

· The Tree Canopy Plan is an interim action plan to set the target, but it has been ticked off as being completed, could the CEO review the KPI?

Executive Director City Planning and Design response:

Council adopted the Tree Canopy Interim Action Plan 2024 on 8 July 2024. The KPI was marked as complete as Council adopted the Plan.

The Plan includes actions to:

(a) finalise a canopy plan and funding strategy in 2025; and

(b) report on canopy targets for individual town centres.

Councillor Darley asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.5 Q4 Progress Report – Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/24

· Could the CEO consider reinstating the Councillor Workshop on the Quarterly Progress Reports, prior to them being reported to Council? This will provide Councillors an opportunity to ask questions.

Chief Executive Officer response:

Yes – quarterly updates (in addition to the 6 monthly updates) can be considered for inclusion on the workshop calendar during the next term of Council.

Councillor Pandey asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.5 Q4 Progress Report – Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/24

· Could staff update the next term of Council the accuracy and costs involved in getting the technology that detects potholes?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

TfNSW in partnership with the IPWEA Roads and Transport Directorate and Canterbury-Bankstown Council are currently undertaking a trial of a new digital platform "Asset AI". This technology attempts to detect road asset defects (like potholes and cracks) using advanced AI analysis of footage captured from cameras mounted on Council vehicles.

The accuracy of the defect data obtained is still under review as part of the current trial with Canterbury-Bankstown Council. Staff will assess the results from the outcome of the trial prior to determining whether to participate in the scheme.

Councillor Pandey asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.5 Q4 Progress Report – Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2023/24

· Could staff also consider having trials of the technology?

Executive Director City Assets and Operations response:

Refer answer above.

Councillor Garrard asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.7 Preparation of the Comprehensive Heritage Review (Scope)

· Could staff provide Councillors regular updates on the Comprehensive Heritage Review?

Executive Director City Planning and Design response:

Council staff will provide Councillors with updates at key project milestones via briefing notes, workshops, reports, etc.

Councillor Bradley asked a question on notice in relation to Item 13.7 Preparation of the Comprehensive Heritage Review (Scope)

· Is there a heritage grant program that may refer to natural heritage?

Executive Director City Planning and Design response:

There may be opportunities throughout the life of the Review to apply for funding as grants programs are announced. The most likely source of grant funding will be through the NSW Heritage Grants Program administered by Heritage NSW. Grant funding would allow consideration of both built and natural heritage issues.

Attachments:

REFERENCE MATERIAL