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

Clr Steve Christou

(Mayor)

0419 651 187

Steve.Christou@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Joseph Rahme

0418 995 471

Joseph.Rahme@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Ola Hamed

0405 070 007

Ola.Hamed@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Greystanes Ward

Clr Eddy Sarkis

(Deputy Mayor)

0418 306 918

Eddy.Sarkis@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Greg Cummings

0417 612 717

Greg.Cummings@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Vacant

-

-

Regents Park Ward

Clr Ned Attie

0419 583 254

Ned.Attie@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr George Campbell

0409 233 315

George.Campbell@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Kun Huang

0418 911 774

Kun.Huang@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

South Granville Ward

Clr Paul Garrard

0414 504 504

Paul.Garrard@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Tom Zreika

0400 805 303

Tom.Zreika@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Glenn Elmore

0418 459 527

Glenn.Elmore@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Wentworthville Ward

Clr Michael Zaiter

0418 432 797

Michael.Zaiter@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Suman Saha

0419 546 950

Suman.Saha@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Clr Lisa Lake

0418 669 681

Lisa.Lake@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

 

 

 

 

For  information  on  Council  services  and facilities  please  visit   www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au

 


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

 ORDER OF BUSINESS

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

6     Mayoral Minutes

Nil

7     Public Forum / Presentation of Petitions

8     Items Resolved by Exception

9     Reports to Council

       General Manager

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

       Director Finance & Governance

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

11   Motions Pursuant to Notice

Nil

12   Notices of Rescission

Nil

13   Questions on Notice

Nil

14   Closed Session Reports

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.

15   Other / General Matters

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

  

 

 

Recommendation

 

That Council confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 03 February 2021.

 

Attachments

1.      Draft Minutes - 3 February 2020   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-674

Attachment 1

Draft Minutes - 3 February 2020


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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Council Meeting

 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

1.      Legal report (confidential)   

 


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 current budget forecasting sees Council realising a surplus of $4.02m, it is important to note that surplus funds for general reserve is forecast to be a break even position, at best.  This is due to the fact that the surplus will be distributed as follows:  $2m to the external waste reserve and $1m in interest to the external reserve for developer contributions. The $9m in improvements to the unrestricted cash is due to a $9.1m reduction in general funded capital.  The opening balance of unrestricted cash $(3.361)m as at 30 Jun 2020 is now $3.895m due to the significant reduction in capital expenditure. It should be noted that this money will need to be reinvested in the future as the measures which have had to be taken to achieve these results become a permanent saving in the future.

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  

2.      Q2 Financial Analysis  

3.      Q2 Quarterly Budget Review Statement  

4.      Major Project Report - Granville Stadium  

5.      Major Project Report - Merrylands CBD Upgrade  

6.      Major Project Report - Swim Centre Upgrades   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676

Attachment 1

Quarter 2 Performance Report


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676

Attachment 2

Q2 Financial Analysis


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676

Attachment 3

Q2 Quarterly Budget Review Statement


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676

Attachment 4

Major Project Report - Granville Stadium


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676

Attachment 5

Major Project Report - Merrylands CBD Upgrade


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-676

Attachment 6

Major Project Report - Swim Centre Upgrades


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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Council Meeting

 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

1.      Call for Motions Discussion Paper 2021   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-677

Attachment 1

Call for Motions Discussion Paper 2021


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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Council Meeting

 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  

2.      Service Level December YTD Reports   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-678

Attachment 1

Directorate December YTD Reports


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-678

Attachment 2

Service Level December YTD Reports


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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Council Meeting

 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

That Council:

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  

3.      Investment Portfolio Review as at December 2020   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-679

Attachment 1

Investment Report January 2021


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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REPORT C02/21-679

Attachment 2

Investment Portfolio Commentary January 2021


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-679

Attachment 3

Investment Portfolio Review as at December 2020


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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Council Meeting

 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

1.      Planning Circular – Variations to Development Standards   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-680

Attachment 1

Planning Circular – Variations to Development Standards


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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Council Meeting

 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.

 

Diagram

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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.

 

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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.

Diagram

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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.

 

Diagram

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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  

3.      Strategic Planning Work Plan for Westmead South   

 


DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-681

Attachment 1

Draft Westmead 2036 Place Strategy


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-681

Attachment 2

Draft Cumberland City Council Submission on Draft Westmead Place Strategy


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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DOCUMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH
REPORT C02/21-681

Attachment 3

Strategic Planning Work Plan for Westmead South


Council Meeting

 17 February 2021

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