Council Meeting
Wednesday, 17 February 2021 at 6:30pm
Cumberland City Council Chambers
Merrylands Service Centre, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands
Councillor Contact Details
Granville Ward |
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Clr Steve Christou (Mayor) |
0419 651 187 |
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Clr Joseph Rahme |
0418 995 471 |
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Clr Ola Hamed |
0405 070 007 |
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Greystanes Ward |
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Clr Eddy Sarkis (Deputy Mayor) |
0418 306 918 |
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Clr Greg Cummings |
0417 612 717 |
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Vacant |
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Regents Park Ward |
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Clr Ned Attie |
0419 583 254 |
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Clr George Campbell |
0409 233 315 |
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Clr Kun Huang |
0418 911 774 |
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South Granville Ward |
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Clr Paul Garrard |
0414 504 504 |
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Clr Tom Zreika |
0400 805 303 |
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Clr Glenn Elmore |
0418 459 527 |
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Wentworthville Ward |
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Clr Michael Zaiter |
0418 432 797 |
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Clr Suman Saha |
0419 546 950 |
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Clr Lisa Lake |
0418 669 681 |
For information on Council services and facilities please visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Council Meeting
17 February 2021
1 Opening Prayer / Acknowledgement of Country / National Anthem
2 Notice of Live Streaming of Council meeting
3 Apologies / Requests for Leave of Absence
4 Declarations of Pecuniary & Non Pecuniary Conflicts of Interest
5 Confirmation of Previous Minutes
C02/21-674 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 03 February 2021... 5
Nil
7 Public Forum / Presentation of Petitions
8 Items Resolved by Exception
C02/21-675 Legal Report......................................................................................... 17
Director Community and Organisation Development
C02/21-676 Quarter 2 Performance Report on the Operational Plan 2020-21 and Quarterly Budget Review Statement.................................................................. 19
C02/21-677 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - National General Assembly of Local Government................................................................................ 81
C02/21-678 Monthly Management Accounts December 2020........................... 99
C02/21-679 Investment Report - January 2021................................................. 111
Director Environment & Planning
C02/21-680 Report on Variations to Development Standards Approved under Delegation - October to December Quarter......................................................... 167
C02/21-681 Westmead - Submission on the Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy and Inclusion of Westmead South Precinct in Council's Strategic Planning Work Program............................................................................................... 177
Director Works & Infrastructure
Nil
10 Reports of Council Committees
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
C02/21-682 Local Infrastructure Contributions on Complying Development Certificate for 25 Daniel Street, Granville
Note: Included in Closed Council in accordance with Section 10A(2)(b) of the Local Government Act as the information involves discussion in relation to the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer.
C02/21-683 Proposed New Council Administration Building - Completed Feasibility Study
Note: Included in Closed Council in accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(iii) of the Local Government Act as the information involves information that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.
16 Close
Council Meeting
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-674
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 03 February 2021
Responsible Division: Finance & Governance
Officer: Director Finance & Governance
That Council confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 03 February 2021. |
Attachments
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-674
Attachment 1
Draft Minutes - 3 February 2020
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-675
Legal Report
Responsible Division: General Manager
Officer: General Manager
File Number: 2041456
Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership
Summary
This report provides Council with a summary of legal proceedings in which Council is involved.
Recommendation
That the report be received. |
Report
This report provides Council with a summary of legal proceedings in which Council is involved. It does not include the following types of legal proceedings:
1. Proceedings that are managed by Council’s insurers;
2. Local Court proceedings involving an appeal against a parking fine; and
3. Proceedings for the recovery of debts where those proceedings are being run by Council’s external debt collection agency.
The report is current to 1 February 2021. It does not capture changes that have occurred between that date and the date the report is considered by Council.
Community Engagement
There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.
Policy Implications
There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report.
Risk Implications
There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.
CONCLUSION
This is an information report with the legal register of current cases provided as a confidential attachment.
Attachments
Council Meeting
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-676
Quarter 2 Performance Report on the Operational Plan 2020-21 and Quarterly Budget Review Statement
Responsible Division: Community and Organisation Development
Officer: Director Community and Organisation Development
File Number: S-57-50
Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership
Summary
This report and attachments summarise the results of the Quarterly Budget
Review Statement for Quarter 2, 2020-21. Also outlined in this report is an
update for Council and the community on the progress made in implementing the
activities outlined in the Operational Plan 2020-21.
Quarterly Budget Review Statement
As at the end of Quarter 2, Council is forecasting a recurring budget surplus of $4.015m which after distribution is a break-even position for statutory reporting due to one-off losses in Federal Grants. This forecast assumes that current temporary and permanent savings measures continue and also that income estimates are realised. Should the estimates for either the income or expenditure differ significantly from the forecasts, it is highly likely that the unrestricted cash balance will return another negative result. The increase in the unrestricted cash is solely related to deferred capital investments from general fund which will need to be spent in future years.
In the context of the path of the pandemic and its significant impact on Council’s income remaining largely unknown, there is really little room for movement with respect to the budget at this stage. This is due to the fact that the need to build Council’s unrestricted cash reserves is ever-present but is heightened by the challenges of this crisis and the absence of any certainty about its impact on revenue in the short to medium term.
Considering this, it is imperative that the short- and medium-term measures identified as being necessary to achieve economic recovery continue and that the measures identified to address the budget pressures are implemented as a priority.
Progress Against Operational Plan Projects:
In total, 77% of Operational Plan projects for 2020-21 are running on track or were completed during the quarter. Of all the projects in the Operational Plan, 9 have been placed on hold and 3 have been discontinued, including one additional project recommended to be discontinued this quarter. The number of minor delays needing attention during the quarter was nil.
Recommendation That Council: 1. Receive the report. 2. Approve the revised estimates of income and expenditure for 2019/20 contained in the Quarterly Budget Review Statement. 3. Discontinue 2 projects outlined in the report |
Report
The Operational Plan 2020-21 identifies the key projects and programs planned for delivery throughout the year, as well as the allocated budget. These activities are in direct response to the strategic goals and community vision contained within the Community Strategic Plan 2017-27. The Quarter Two Performance Report highlights progress in implementing the planned activities over the period 1 October to 31 December 2020 and is provided under attachment 1 to this report.
The overall project status as at the end of the first quarter period is shown in Chart 1 below:
During the second quarter, 2 additional projects were completed which are:
· Civic Park and Pendle Hill Wetlands Masterplan and Development.
· Implement relevant actions identified under environmental strategies and plans.
During the second quarter, 2 additional projects were recommended to be discontinued.
The first for administrative reasons – The Completion of Granville Park Pavilion and Playing Surface Renewal Works. The project was repeated in two Service Areas and for greater statistical accuracy in reporting has been removed from one of them. This will not affect reporting on this project as it is still listed as the “Granville Park Pavilion” project in Service Area 2.
The second has resulted from a review of legacy activities in Council’s record of previous plans and Council resolutions. The project “Auburn South Community and Recreation Centre Community Engagement” (Min.606) made at the Council Meeting on 17 July 2019, is recommended to be discontinued due to a lack of funding. This resolution was that Council:
1. Receive and note the outcomes of the community engagement program undertaken to inform the development of the Auburn South Community and Recreation Centre
2. Proceed to the detailed phase for the new community facility
3. Exhibit the detailed design for public comment
While the first point above has been completed, points 2 and 3 are recommended to be discontinued, as there is no longer funding attached and the project does not exist in any current plan of Council. It would be futile to commence detailed plans or invite public comment for a project which Council has no money to fund.
Council has a total of 9 projects placed on hold in response to service impacts with the COVID-19 pandemic and resourcing constraints from the budget and staffing requirements. These projects included:
· Widening of Boundary Road / Wolumba Street Bridge, Regents Park.
· Investigate the widening of bridges over Duck River
· Design and acquisition for Merrylands Ring Road
· Develop Pedestrian Access Management Plan
· Improve customer satisfaction in open space provision and presentation
· Deliver a Play Space Infrastructure Plan
· Develop a plan for the upgrade of all public amenity blocks in Cumberland
· Prospect Hill - Integrated Interpretation Plan
· Development Operations Program (including fire safety and external cladding).
COVID-19 Update
The following activities were undertaken throughout the quarter in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
· The Environmental Health team assisted NSW Health to address COVID-19 related concerns raised by the community.
· In response to the Berala and Wentworthville clusters, Council redirected staff from the Food Inspection Program to assist businesses in the Cumberland area with developing communications to food businesses around face mask use and QR Code requirements.
· Nutrition Services kitchen staff have returned to work at the Guildford Community Centre with new COVID-19 safe practices.
· Council meetings are adhering to the NSW Public Health Orders, and amendments made to maintain COVID safe practices.
· Education and Care Services has continued to provide educational services and programs online for children and their families.
· Council hosted the COVID safe Schools Expo 2020 across 4 schools, with 52 workshops held for 658 students over 4 days.
· Library Services developed and enhanced online programs for the community to enjoy, such as, Online story times and the Zoom Book Club.
· Library Services has created ongoing safe spaces for the dissemination of information and for public access to library spaces.
Highlights this Quarter:
· Over 500 attendees participated in the Christmas in the Gardens event, that was held in December at Auburn Botanic Gardens.
· 75% completion of new footpath construction Capital Works Program.
· Ministerial approval for the Draft Wyatt Park Plan of Management was received.
· Bush School Nature Play and Story Times has been extended to twice monthly due to community feedback and popularity.
· Keep Australia Beautiful Awards 2020, Council received the ‘Highly Commended’ award for ‘Response to Climate Change Award’ category for Benchmarking Urban Heat in Cumberland Study.
· Council hosted the NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards 2020 at The Granville Centre and was presented a Sustainable Cities Overall Finalist Award and a Highly Commended Award in the Response to Climate Change Category.
· Adoption of the Housing Strategy and Planning Agreements Policy.
· Council developed impounding tags for the placement of shopping trolleys that have been abandoned.
· Planning is underway for opening the Wentworthville Swimming Pool, which is 90% completed.
· Community centres are now operating to the pre-COVID levels and revenue targets are more in line with forecasts.
Community Engagement
The Quarter 2 Performance Report will be placed on the website for public viewing.
Policy Implications
There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report.
Risk Implications
There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.
Financial Implications
Whilst the measures being taken present important milestones in the journey towards Council’s goal of achieving financial recovery demonstrated by a minimum $10m unrestricted cash balance, these figures remain forecasts and it is important to note that at this stage, the unrestricted cash position is still volatile.
In view of this, it is critical that Council maintain the financial discipline and rigour which has been implemented over the last 12-18 months. These measures will need to be in place for at least the next 12-18 months and include no funding for new projects/services and a continuing concerted focus on the mid-term strategies outlined in the Long-Term Financial Plan.
The COVID-19 crisis is ongoing and has the potential to place additional pressures on Council’s income which was included in the budget 20/21 and calculated prior to the onset of this crisis. Any further losses of income will significantly impact the financial recovery timeline. The fact that the potential for such losses remains largely unknown means continued vigilance is required to ensure any such losses will not spell disaster for Council due to the work being done now to create some buffer for such circumstances.
CONCLUSION
With respect to project delivery Council has begun the 2020-21 year well with most projects on track. Some projects are on hold, the majority of which have been carried over from the previous Operational Plans and have maintained their status.
Council’s budget situation, however, continues to present challenges and continued scrutiny of expenditure and close monitoring of income is required to ensure that Council’s plan to financial recovery in the medium to longer term remains on course to be achieved.
Attachments
1. Quarter 2 Performance Report
3. Q2 Quarterly Budget Review Statement
4. Major Project Report - Granville Stadium
5. Major Project Report - Merrylands CBD Upgrade
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676
Attachment 1
Quarter 2 Performance Report
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676
Attachment 4
Major Project Report - Granville Stadium
Attachment 5
Major Project Report - Merrylands CBD Upgrade
Attachment 6
Major Project Report - Swim Centre Upgrades
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-677
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - National General Assembly of Local Government
Responsible Division: Finance & Governance
Officer: Director Finance & Governance
File Number: HC-08-02-3/10
Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership
Summary
The National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government is the peak annual event for Local Government, organised by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Councils may develop and submit motions for debate at the 2021 National General Assembly by 11:59pm on Friday, 26 March 2021. The NGA provides Council with a valuable opportunity to influence the national policy agenda.
Recommendation That Council: 1. Confirm its participation in the annual ALGA National General Assembly 2021. 2. Give consideration to nominating the Mayor and/or Councillor(s) to attend the 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government to be held in Canberra from 20 – 23 June 2021; and 3. Give consideration to submitting motion(s) to the 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government. |
Report
The ALGA National General Assembly of Local Government will be held in Canberra from 20 – 23 June 2021. This peak event attracts in excess of 800 mayors and councillors each year, offering an opportunity for local government to engage directly with federal government.
The ALGA has called for councils to submit motions for debate at the annual event. All motions require, among other things, a contact officer, a clear national objective, a summary of the key arguments in support of the motion, and endorsement of Council. Motions should be received no later than 11:59pm on Friday, 26 March 2021.
There are strict guidelines on suitable motions for consideration, detailed in Attachment 1 ‘Call for Motions Discussion Paper 2021’ provided by the ALGA.
If Council is considering proposing a motion to be discussed at the National General Assembly, it should be aware that motions must meet the following criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business Papers and subsequent debate on the floor of the NGA:
1. Be relevant to the work of local government nationally
2. Not be focussed on a specific location or region – unless the project has national implications
3. Be consistent with the themes of the NGA
4. Complement or build on the policy objectives of your state and territory local government association
5. Be submitted by a council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association
6. Propose a clear action and outcome
7. Be a new motion that has not already been debated at an NGA in the preceding two years
8. Not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members, or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government.
The costs associated with the event are as follows:
· Early bird registration (payment received by 7 May 2021) – $989.00
· Standard registration (payment received by 4 June 2021) – $1,099.00
· Late registration (payment received on/after 4 June 2021) – $1,209.00
· General Assembly Dinner – $175.00 per person
Accommodation will be booked in close proximity to the venue in accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy provisions.
Community Engagement
There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.
Policy Implications
Councillor attendance to the ALGA National General Assembly is included under the adopted Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy and is considered as Councillor professional development. Travel arrangements are made in accordance with the above Policy.
Risk Implications
There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.
Financial Implications
Should Council proceed with sending representation to the ALGA National General Assembly, there is an appropriate allocation within the 2020/21 Elected Officials budget to fund this.
CONCLUSION
The ALGA’s National General Assembly 2021 is Australia’s largest gathering for Local Government involving mayors, councillors, chairs and officials.
The event also provides a unique opportunity for Local Government to engage directly with the Federal Government to develop national policy and influence the future direction of councils and communities.
Council is to consider and determine its participation in this event.
Attachments
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-677
Attachment 1
Call for Motions Discussion Paper 2021
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-678
Monthly Management Accounts December 2020
Responsible Division: Finance & Governance
Officer: Director Finance & Governance
File Number: HC-06-13-22
Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership
Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Council regarding Council’s financial performance.
Recommendation That Council receive the information contained in this report. |
Report
The following is the year-to-date (YTD) December 2020 report for Council and attached are the directorate reports and quarterly service reports. The following table provides a summary of the YTD actual against the approved budget. The YTD actual is favourable to the approved Q1 revised budget by $3.9 million as at 31 December 2020.
The budget variances are mainly due to additional salary vacancies in the Community and Organisational Development and General Manger’s budgets. The budget variance is 5.4%, driven by the combination of $2.9m in timing differences in Income $1.9m, Other Expenses $1.01m and net savings $0.9m mainly due to Salary and Wages.
Discussion December Year-to-date
Operating Income YTD $174.6m, $1.98m higher than budget.
Income is higher than the revised budget as at December 2020 and is comprised of $1.5m in timing differences and $0.5m additional income related to rates. These variances are mainly due:
· $0.47m for rates, mainly due to waste income from new properties.
· $0.60m user fees and charges, due to road hoardings $0.4m and additional health inspections $0.2m.
· $0.6m operating grants from LEP $0.4m and Disability $0.3m.
Operating Expenses YTD $100.6m, $1.9m better than budget.
The expenses are $1.9m lower than the budget due to the following:
· Employee Costs $1.128m – There are vacancies of $0.5m in Community and Organisational Development and $0.4m in the General Manger’s budgets.
· Other Expenses $1.02m – There was a timing difference for events costs $0.25m, staff training $0.2m, software $0.15m, postage $0.1m and utilities $0.1m.
Policy Implications
There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report.
Risk Implications
There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report. The revenue and expenses will remain closely monitored.
CONCLUSION
The December year-to-date recurring budget position is 5.4% favourable to the budget. There is an expectation that 4% of this is related to timing differences, which means the savings are still around 1%. Council will recommend that these savings are adopted into the Q2 revised budget.
Attachments
1. Directorate December YTD Reports
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-678
Attachment 1
Directorate December YTD Reports
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-679
Investment Report - January 2021
Responsible Division: Finance & Governance
Officer: Director Finance & Governance
File Number: A-05-01/05
Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership
Summary
This is a report from the Director Finance & Governance providing an update on the performance of Council’s investment portfolio to 31 January 2021.
Recommendation 1. Receive the 31 January Investment Report. 2. Note the recommendation of Prudential Investments to increase the medium term growth fund from 5% of total balance to 10% noting this change is compliant with the Investment Policy. |
Report
Included in this report are the following items that highlight Council’s investment portfolio performance for the month, year-to-date to 31 January 2021 and an update of the investment environment.
Council Investments as at 31 January 2021
Council’s investment portfolio has a current market value of $137,913,852. This represents a premium of $1,392,792 above the face value of the portfolio being $136,521,059 and generates a 0.95% average purchase yield. The following table reflects Council’s holding in various investment categories.
Investment Portfolio Performance
The investment returns for the month, year-to-date of 31 January outperformed the current month benchmark and exceeded the year-to-date benchmark.
Performance – Current Month 31 January 2021
For the month of January, Council ‘s portfolio generated interest earnings of $169,484. This is $17,802 lower than the budget of $133,333 and outperformed the AusBond Bank Bill Index by 0.08%, as detailed below:-
Performance – Year-to-date 31 January 2021
For the year-to- date, Council ‘s portfolio generated interest earnings of $1,424,738. This is $278,092 higher than the budget of $1,146,646 and outperformed the Ausbond Bank Bill Index by 1.22%, as per below:-
Community Engagement
There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.
Policy Implications
The Investment advisors has recommended Council consider addition investments into Short Term Account as per page 11 Investment Portfolio Review. With the long-term projection of RBA cash rate at 0.1% this would be a good Investment in current market which has very low interest rate market. This is also a good Investment as we can realign our long-term Investment Strategy which is does not have enough long-term holdings.
Risk Implications
To manage risk, key criteria are incorporated into Council’s investment making decisions, as detailed below: -
Preservation of Capital
The requirement for preventing losses in an investment portfolio’s total value (considering the time value of money).
Diversification
Setting limits to the amounts invested with a financial institution or government authority to reduce credit risk.
Credit Risk
The risk that an investment of Council fails to pay the interest and/or repay the principal of an investment.
Maturity risk
The longer the term of the investment, the greater the exposure to potential changes in interest rates, market volatility and credit quality of an issuer.
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.
CONCLUSION
Council hereby certifies that the investments listed above have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Council’s Investment Policy.
Attachments
1. Investment Report January 2021
2. Investment Portfolio Commentary January 2021
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-679
Attachment 1
Investment Report January 2021
Attachment 2
Investment Portfolio Commentary January 2021
Attachment 3
Investment Portfolio Review as at December 2020
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-680
Report on Variations to Development Standards Approved under Delegation - October to December Quarter
Responsible Division: Environment & Planning
Officer: Director Environment & Planning
File Number: PS20/002
Community Strategic Plan Goal: A resilient built environment
Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide details of the development applications where a variation to a development standard has been approved under delegation by Council staff in accordance with the reporting requirements of the Planning Circular PS 20-002 issued by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on 5 May 2020.
Recommendation That Council note this report. |
Report
Context
On 5 May 2020, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued Planning Circular PS 20-002 Variations to Development Standards. The purpose of the circular is as follows:
“to advise consent authorities of arrangements for when the Secretary’s concurrence to vary development standards may be assumed (including when council or its Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel are to determine applications when development standards are varied) and clarify requirements around reporting and record keeping where that concurrence has been assumed.”
Scope and purpose of clause 4.6 variations
By way of background, the objective of clause 4.6 of a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is to provide an appropriate degree of flexibility in applying certain development standards so as to achieve better outcomes for and from development. The clause is a mechanism by which a development standard within a planning instrument can be varied, provided that particular requirements are satisfied. A planning instrument includes an LEP or a State Environmental Planning Policy. In the case of Cumberland City Council, the relevant LEPs are the Auburn LEP 2010, Holroyd LEP 2013 and Parramatta LEP 2011.
Clause 4.6 also requires that development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless the concurrence of the Planning Secretary has been obtained. The circular, however, provides that consent authorities can assume the concurrence of the Planning Secretary under clause 4.6 of an LEP (which adopts the Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Order 2006), or any other provision of an environment planning instrument to the same effect, in accordance with Clause 64 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 with the following exceptions of relevance to the purpose of this report:
· A delegate of Council cannot assume the Secretary’s concurrence if the development contravenes a numerical standard by greater than 10%; or the variation is to a non-numerical standard.
This restriction does not apply to decisions made by the Cumberland Local Planning Panel and the Sydney Central City Planning Panel who are not legal delegates of Council.
Clause 4.6 variations during reporting period
In addition to maintaining a publicly available online register of all variations to development standards approved by a consent authority or its delegates and submitting a report of all approved variations (including those made under delegation) through the NSW Planning Portal, the Department is now also requiring that a report of variations approved under delegation by council staff be provided to a meeting of the Council at least once each quarter.
Details of the clause 4.6 variations to development standards approved under delegation by council staff for the reporting period (October – December 2020 quarter) is outlined in the table below.
CLAUSE 4.6 VARIATIONS TO DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATION
|
||||
DA No. & Determination date |
Address |
Description of Development |
Development Standard |
Extent of Variation |
October – December Quarter |
||||
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL
|
Community Engagement
There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.
Policy Implications
There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report.
Risk Implications
There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.
CONCLUSION
The reporting obligations required by Planning Circular PS 20-002 issued by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on 5 May 2020, with regards to variations to development standards approved under delegation have been satisfied. It is recommended that Council note this report.
Attachments
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-680
Attachment 1
Planning Circular – Variations to Development Standards
17 February 2021
Item No: C02/21-681
Westmead - Submission on the Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy and Inclusion of Westmead South Precinct in Council's Strategic Planning Work Program
Responsible Division: Environment & Planning
Officer: Director Environment & Planning
File Number: CS-218
Community Strategic Plan Goal: A great place to live
Summary
In December 2020, the NSW Government released the Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy for stakeholder feedback. This report provides an overview of the Draft Westmead Place Strategy and key considerations for Cumberland City. It is recommended that Council provide a submission on the Draft Westmead Place Strategy, which needs to be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment by 1 March 2021. The report also recommends the formal inclusion of Westmead South precinct in Council’s strategic planning work program, consistent with the approach outlined in the Draft Strategy where Council is the lead in progressing the detailed planning and implementation of land use outcomes in Westmead.
Recommendation That Council: 1. Endorse the draft submission on the Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy in Attachment 2 and forward to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment; 2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to finalise the draft submission, including minor typographical changes; and 3. Endorse that Westmead South precinct be included in Council’s strategic planning work program, as provided in Attachment 3, with the following activities to be undertaken prior to further reports being considered by Council: a. Completion of background analysis b. Early community consultation on the planning proposal c. Preparation of draft planning proposal d. Preparation of draft planning controls associated with the planning proposal e. Consideration of draft planning proposal by the Cumberland Local Planning Panel f. Councillor briefings prior to early community consultation and prior to consideration by the Cumberland Local Planning Panel. |
Report
Context
The Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy (Draft Strategy) (Attachment 1) outlines the vision for Westmead to become a world-class health and innovation district over the next 20 years and will guide the future planning needs of the Precinct. It identifies five key ideas, twelve directions, 47 planning priorities and 45 specific actions for implementation that will enable transformation of the Precinct to meet its 2036 vision. It identifies the further analysis required to support the infrastructure needs of the future population in the Precinct and provides Council, State agencies and the private sector a framework for the delivery of employment and housing.
The Draft Strategy will have relevance during strategic planning processes, and/or planning proposals through a future Ministerial Direction under Section 9.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The Direction will require planning authorities to give effect to the Draft Strategy when finalised by considering the vision, objectives, planning priorities and actions set out in the Strategy.
The Westmead Precinct
The Precinct will have a prominent role within the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Park (GPOP) economic corridor and will make significant contributions to Greater Parramatta, the broader Sydney Region and nationally.
Figure 1: The Westmead Precinct within GPOP (Source: The Draft Westmead Place Strategy) |
The Precinct has been divided into several sub-precincts with the Westmead South Sub-Precinct located within the Cumberland local government area. The Precinct also consists of the Health and Innovation Sub-Precinct, defined in the Draft Strategy as ‘Westmead’s engine room’ and which would consist of world-class health, research, education, and innovation facilities.
Figure 2: The Sub-Precincts within the Westmead Precinct (Source: The Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy) |
Vision for the Westmead Precinct
As outlined in the Draft Strategy, the vision for Westmead is to be Australia’s premier health and innovation district – an ecosystem for new discoveries, economic growth, and global recognition. The Draft Strategy also envisions the delivery of exceptional place outcomes for the Central River City, with enhanced heritage and environmental assets, activated places, connected communities and housing choice.
Westmead Precinct Planning Framework
The Draft Strategy proposes the vision for future land use changes to drive new jobs in health, education, and innovation. A Structure Plan in the Draft Strategy outlines the land use vision for the Precinct.
Figure 3: Structure Plan of the Westmead Precinct (Source: The Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy) |
The South Westmead Sub-Precinct comprises of predominately low-density residential area to the south of the railway, including significant Land and Housing Corporation assets and landholdings with potential for strategic redevelopment focussed around the new Westmead Metro West station.
Figure 4: Structure Plan of the South Westmead Sub-Precinct (Source: The Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy) |
Draft submission
Council officers have reviewed the Draft Strategy. While the contents of the document are consistent with current and future strategic planning work, there are some aspects that require further consideration, as summarised in Table 1. The Draft Strategy also indicates that detailed planning and implementation of land use outcomes for Westmead South, located within Cumberland City, will be undertaken by Council. It is recommended that Council provide a submission on the Draft Strategy as part of the exhibition period for the document, as provided in Attachment 2.
Issue |
Council’s Response |
General |
Council supports, in-principle, the broader future vision of Westmead. This is subject to continued investment by the NSW Government to ensure that growth is aligned with infrastructure delivery and service provision. Council also supports its role as the lead in undertaking the detailed planning and implementation of land use outcomes for Westmead South, which is located in Cumberland City. This work has been formally endorsed by Council for inclusion in the strategic planning work program. |
Provision of Housing and Employment Generating Uses |
The proposed increase in housing diversity at appropriate locations within a ten-minute walk (800 metres) to the south of Westmead Metro Station is supported. |
Council’s vision for high-quality and diverse forms of housing to attract and accommodate the future growing population of the Westmead Precinct (including researchers, academics, students, health and other professionals, key workers) has been articulated in the submission. |
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Mixed uses (retail, commercial and retail) are supported at the Westmead Metro site, the existing retail area between Nolan Crescent and Church Avenue, and along Great Western Highway. |
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Council’s vision for future-oriented start-ups, allied health/professional suite, convenience retail and other similar employment generating uses at the future Westmead Metro site and where suitable, within a ten-minute walk (800 metres) to the south of Westmead Metro Station has been articulated in the submission with a recommendation that this be reflected in the Draft Strategy. |
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Revitalisation of Hawkesbury Road with vibrant activity nodes |
The Draft Strategy’s vision for Hawkesbury Road to form the main activity and movement spine with vibrant activity nodes at the future Metro Station Gateway with its active ground floor uses and at the intersection with the Great Western Highway, and reinforcement of the existing retail area between Nolan Crescent and Church Avenue, is supported. |
Enhanced Connectivity |
The enhancement of existing rail crossings and the development of potential new rail crossings for active transport (such as the proposed rail underpass at Alexander Avenue, to connect to Darcy Road), and to connect to the green grid as outlined in the Draft Strategy is supported. |
The submission advocates for the extension of the light rail or the provision of a wide walkway along Hawkesbury Road into the South Westmead Sub-Precinct. |
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Enhanced Open Spaces and Green Grid Connections |
The Draft Strategy’s vision for amenity-led development that maximises access to waterways, existing open spaces, and places of activity is supported. |
The proposed enhancement of existing open spaces (MJ Bennett Reserve and Sydney Smith Park) through upgrades to their program, functionality, connectivity, and landscape character, and improving the walkability of streets (e.g. tree planting) to connect to these open spaces and to the wider Precinct, is supported. |
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The embellishment and improvement of Sydney Smith Park through site amalgamation of areas around the park, to improve its address and usability is supported. The submission, however, notes that any acquisition of land is not within Council’s capacity without State Government support. |
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Wayfinding and Placemaking |
The Draft Strategy’s approach to protect sightlines along Hawkesbury Road as well as view corridors to heritage sites is supported. |
The submission notes that the introduction of pedestrian cross block links to improve permeability of the precinct by foot is supported, subject to funding availability and the outcomes of detailed planning work. |
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Traffic and Transport |
The submission has requested consideration be given to attenuating for any overlap that would occur with the anticipated durations of the phases/stages of construction of the Sydney Metro West project and the implementation of the Westmead 2036 Place Strategy, and its impact on the local and regional traffic network. |
Commuter Parking |
The submission has requested consideration of the impacts on commuter parking, which could be expected to be exacerbated by proposed precinct development. |
Social Infrastructure |
The submission requests consideration of pressure on the existing social infrastructure such as schools due to population growth resulting from the implementation of the Westmead 2036 Place Strategy. |
Mixed Use along Great Western Highway |
The mixed-use retail identified in the Draft Strategy along the Great Western Highway between Anderson Street and Good Street is supported. |
Strategic planning work program
As outlined in Cumberland 2030: Our Local Strategic Planning Statement, a high level strategic planning work program was identified to progress more detailed planning for Cumberland City’s key centres and strategic corridors (Figure 5). Since the preparation of this high level program, Council officers have further considered the scope and implementation approach for this planning work.
Figure 5: High level strategic planning work program
In July 2020, Council endorsed the strategic planning work program for Cumberland City’s key centres and strategic corridors. The focus of this work is to review the existing planning framework and consider future requirements to ensure that planning controls are appropriate to support development in the area. Site specific requests received as part of the Cumberland LEP process may be further considered as part of this program.
At the time, Westmead South was identified in the program but the timing was not confirmed, subject to work being undertaken by the NSW Government. With the Draft Strategy for Westmead released, it is recommended that Council endorse the formal inclusion of Westmead South in Council’s strategic planning work program. It is proposed that the timing of this work is aligned with planning activities for the T-way Corridor, as this is located at the southern end of the Westmead South precinct and allows Council officers to provide a holistic approach for planning in this area. Further details on the strategic planning work program, including the staging of planning reviews, key activities and milestones, are provided in Attachment 3.
As part of this program, it is also recommended that Council endorse the preparation of a planning proposal for the Westmead South precinct. This will enable planning work to be progressed that is supported by background analysis, early community consultation, feedback from Councillor briefings, and advice from the Cumberland Local Planning Panel. A further report to Council will be provided following the completion of these activities for the precinct.
Community Engagement
The exhibition on the Draft Strategy commenced on 14 December 2020 and ends on 1 March 2021. Community engagement associated with planning work on the precinct is outlined in the main body of the report.
Policy Implications
There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report. Westmead (South) is identified as a Strategic Precinct in Cumberland 2030: Our Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy provides a framework for future land use planning in Westmead South to integrate with significant infrastructure investment such as Sydney Metro West.
Risk Implications
There are minimal risk implications for Council associated with this report. The public exhibition process enables Council to make a submission and to raise any relevant issues that can be addressed.
Financial Implications
The detailed planning for Westmead South to be progressed as part of Council’s strategic planning work program will be undertaken using existing resources and funding allocations.
CONCLUSION
This report provides an overview of the Draft Strategy, and the attached submission outlines key issues identified by Council officers. It is recommended that Council forward the submission to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for consideration as part of the strategic planning process. It is also recommended that the Westmead South precinct is formally included in Council’s strategic planning work program, consistent with the approach outlined in the Draft Strategy where Council is the lead in progressing the detailed planning and implementation of land use outcomes in Westmead.
Attachments
1. Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy
2. Draft Cumberland City Council Submission on Draft Westmead Place Strategy
DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-681
Attachment 1
Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy
Attachment 2
Draft Cumberland City Council Submission on Draft Westmead Place Strategy
Attachment 3
Strategic Planning Work Plan for Westmead South