Agenda of Council Meeting - Wednesday, 15 March 2023

Councillor Contact Details

Granville Ward
Clr Steve Christou	0419 651 187	Steve.Christou@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ola Hamed	0405 070 007	Ola.Hamed@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Joseph Rahme	0418 995 471	Joseph.Rahme@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Greystanes Ward
Clr Diane Colman	0400 279 200	Diane.Colman@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Greg Cummings	0417 612 717	Greg.Cummings@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Eddy Sarkis	0425 348 000	Eddy.Sarkis@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Regents Park Ward
Clr Kun Huang	0418 911 774	Kun.Huang@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Sabrin Farooqui	0400 322 999	Sabrin.Farooqui@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Helen Hughes	0400 264 534	Helen.Hughes@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
South Granville Ward
Clr Glenn Elmore	0418 459 527	Glenn.Elmore@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Paul Garrard	0414 504 504	Paul.Garrard@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Mohamad Hussein	0400 281 726	Mohamad.Hussein@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Wentworthville Ward
Clr Lisa Lake (Mayor)	0418 669 681	Lisa.Lake@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Suman Saha (Deputy Mayor)	0419 546 950	Suman.Saha@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Michael Zaiter	0418 432 797	Michael.Zaiter@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Statement of Ethical Obligations

Oath or Affirmation of Office

In taking the Oath or Affirmation of Office, each Councillor has made a commitment to undertake the duties of the office of councillor in the best interests of the people of Cumberland and Cumberland City Council and that they will faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of their ability and judgment.

Conflicts of Interest

A councillor who has a conflict of interest in any matter with which the council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the council when the matter is being considered, must disclose the interest and the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. Both the disclosure and the nature of the interest must be recorded in the minutes of the Council meeting where the conflict of interest arises. Councillors should ensure that they are familiar with Parts 4 and 5 of the Code of Conduct in relation to their obligations to declare and manage conflicts of interests.

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

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

ORDER OF BUSINESS

All Council Meetings are livestreamed via Council’s website. An audio/visual recording of the meeting is published following the meeting. Recordings remain on Council's website for a period of 12 months and are archived following this.

1 Opening of Meeting

2 Opening Prayer / Acknowledgement of Country / National Anthem

3 Apologies / Requests for Leave of Absence/ Requests for Attendance by Audio-Visual Link

4 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

C03/23-256 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 01 March 2023........ 5

5 Disclosures of Interest

6 Mayoral Minutes

Nil

7 Public Forum / Presentation of Petitions

8 Items Resolved by Exception

9 Reports to Council

C03/23-257 Community Grants - Round 2 2022/2023 Funding Recommendations 19

10 Reports of Council Committees

C03/23-258 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting Held on 20 February 2023...................................................................................... 41

C03/23-259 Property Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting held on 27 February 2023 55

11 Motions Pursuant to Notice

C03/23-260 Notice of Motion - Commemorative Monuments across the Cumberland LGA 65

C03/23-261 Notice of Motion - Offensive Media Coverage................................ 67

C03/23-262 Notice of Motion - Traffic Calming Devices - Lansdowne Street, Merrylands 69

C03/23-263 Notice of Motion - Motions for ALGA Conference 2023................ 87

C03/23-264 Notice of Motion - Mobile Library Facility, Berala Community...... 89

C03/23-265 Notice of Motion - Outdoor Dining Fees During Ramadan and Easter 91

12 Motions to Alter or Rescind Council Resolution

Nil

13 Questions with Notice

C03/23-266 Questions with Notice - Submitted by Councillor Rahme.............. 93

14 Closed Session Reports

C03/23-267 Renewable Energy Retail Power Purchase Agreement

Note: Included in Closed Council in accordance with Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act as the information involves information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

15 Resolutions passed in Closed Session

16 Other / General Matters

17 Close

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-257

Community Grants - Round 2 2022/2023 Funding Recommendations

Responsible Division: Community and Culture

Officer: Acting Director Community and Culture

File Number: DSN 9937657

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Supporting Community Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Summary

Council is committed to building strong and resilient communities in the Cumberland Local Government Area (LGA) and to maximising social wellbeing. Council helps our community to achieve these goals by providing financial support through grants to enhance capacity and resilience, increase participation in community activities, and address identified social issues.

Council adopted a $500,000 annual funding pool for community grants, split into three Rounds in 2022/2023. This report provides Round 2 funding recommendations under the three streams (Community Participation, Employment and Education Pathways and Small Grants) of the Community Grants Program for Council’s consideration.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Adopt the 16 applications recommended for funding in Attachment 1 and allocate the $168,245 from the 2022/2023 Community Grants Program budget.

2. Delegate to the General Manager the authority to execute the grant dispersions and any associated documents.

3. Advise all successful applications of the funding allocations from the Community Grants Program 2022/2023 and provide feedback and assistance to applicants that were unsuccessful.

Report

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 3 August 2022, Council adopted the updated Grants and Donations policy which informs the Community Grants Program Guidelines for 2022/2023.

This report provides Round 2 funding recommendations under the three streams (Community Participation, Employment and Education Pathways, and Small Grants) of the Community Grants Program for Council’s consideration.

2022/2023 Community Grants Program Guidelines and Promotion

In accordance with the Community Grants and Donations Policy, detailed Guidelines for the Community Grants Program were made publicly available (included under Attachment 2).

The program was open from 1 November 2022 to 30 November 2022.

The Grants Program was promoted widely using the following methods:

· The Guidelines and Application form were available on Council’s website.

· Promotion of the Grants Program through Council’s social media channels.

· Emails were sent to community groups and key stakeholders.

Three streams of the Community Grants Program were offered:

· Community Participation

· Employment and Education Pathways

· Small Grants

In accordance with the Policy and the Guidelines, submitted applications were assessed against the published assessment criteria.

Grant Support Program

To assist applicants to develop their grant applications, Council provided the opportunity to book a timeslot to receive tailored one on one advice on their project and grant application, and a total of nine (9) applicants took up this option.

Assessment Process

The Community Grants Program is a competitive process with application assessed against the published criteria. Applications submitted for funding under the Program were assessed in two stages. This included:

Stage 1: Eligibility Assessment

Council’s grant administrators conducted an eligibility assessment of all applications submitted. This included applications being submitted on time, being complete and meeting all eligibility criteria.

Stage 2: Assessment Panel

An internal assessment panel consisting of relevant Council staff were convened to review and rank eligible applications against the assessment criteria. The panel consisted of staff from a cross-section of service areas.

Assessment Outcomes

A total of $170,000 across three funding streams was available in Round 2, 2022/2023. Council received a total of 49 applications.

Of the applications received, sixteen (16) are recommended for funding in this Round. Applications not recommended for this round of funding have either; not met the eligibility criteria, have incomplete or insufficient information, or did not rate as highly against the assessment criteria.

The following table provides a summary of the assessment outcomes:

Funding Stream	Number of Projects recommended	Total $ recommendation
Community Participation	14	$151,245
Education and Employment Pathways	1	$15,000
Small Grants	1	$2,000
Total amount available in this round $170,000	16	$168,245

The full list of applications for Round 2, 2022/2023 is included in Attachment 1 ‘Community Grants Program 2022-2023 Applications Round 2’

A detailed ‘Community Grants Evaluation Report’ is included in Attachment 2. Council staff will provide all unsuccessful applicants with an opportunity to receive tailored feedback on their grant application. This will provide applicants with an opportunity to improve their application and resubmit to future rounds of the Community Grants Program.

COmmunity Engagement

Council will notify all applicants of the outcome of their application. Unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback and supported to reapply for a subsequent round of funding.

Information about the Cumberland Community Grants Program including detailed guidelines will be widely promoted and made available to the community for the Community Grants Program round 3 (March).

Policy Implications

The Community Grants and Donations Policy outlines the framework under which grants and donations made by Council to the community are governed. The Policy ensures Council meets legislative requirements prescribed in Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993.

All applications submitted to the Community Grants Program have been assessed in accordance with this Policy and the published Community Grant Guidelines, Attachment 3.

Risk Implications

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with Council and meet all requirements of project delivery, reporting and acquittal.

Financial Implications

A total of $170,000 is available in the Community Grants Program 2022/2023 budget for Round 2 to fund the projects as recommended.

Community Grants Program	Annual Budget	Budget Available Post Round 1	Round 2 Budget	*Recommended funding in this report*	Remaining
Community Grants Program	$500,000	$330,115	$170,000	$168,245	$161,870

CONCLUSION

The Cumberland Community Grants Program aims to support the delivery of services and programs that build a vibrant and sustainable Cumberland. Funded projects should deliver increased participation in community activities and address identified social issues. The projects recommended aim to deliver significant community benefits across the Cumberland LGA.

Council has put in place appropriate acquittal and accountability measures for recipients of the Community Grants Program to ensure funds are spent in accordance with the Guidelines.

Attachments

1. Community Grants Evaluation Report (confidential)

2. Community Grants Program 2022-2023 Applications Round 2 (confidential)

3. Community Grants Guidelines 2022 2023

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-258

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting Held on 20 February 2023

Responsible Division: Governance and Risk

Officer: Acting Director Governance and Risk

File Number: HC-06-03-28

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

This report presents the Draft Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting held on 20 February 2023 for Council’s information.

Recommendation

That Council receive the Draft Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting held on 20 February 2023.

Report

Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee recently held a meeting on Monday, 20 February 2023.

The minutes of this meeting will be formally adopted at the next Ordinary Committee meeting being held on 22 May 2023.

Minutes of this meeting are attached for Council’s information.

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 direct risks associated with this report. However, the presentation of the meeting minutes to Council provides transparent oversight of Council activities.

Financial Implications

The operations of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee are coordinated by the Governance & Risk Unit within Council utilising existing allocated resources. There are no additional financial implications for Council associated with this report.

CONCLUSION

The minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting are provided to Council for information purposes and to ensure that the review mechanisms of Council operate in an open and transparent manner. It is recommended that Council receive this information.

Attachments

1. Draft ARIC Meeting Minutes - 20 February 2023

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-259

Property Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting held on 27 February 2023

Directorate: Governance and Risk

Responsible Officer: Acting Director Governance and Risk

File Number: 9772864

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

This report presents the Draft Minutes of the Cumberland Property Committee meeting held on 27 February 2023 for Council’s information.

Recommendation

That the minutes of the Cumberland Property Committee meeting held on 27 February 2023 be received and the recommendations contained therein, adopted.

Report

Council’s Property Committee recently held a meeting on Monday, 27 February 2023.

The minutes of this meeting will be formally adopted at the next Ordinary Property Committee meeting being held on 8 May 2023. Minutes of this meeting are attached for Council’s information.

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 direct risks associated with this report. However, the presentation of the meeting minutes to Council provides transparent oversight of Council strategic property related decisions, in accordance with the adopted Terms of Reference.

Financial Implications

The operations of the Property Committee are coordinated by the Governance and Risk Directorate within Council utilising existing allocated resources. There are no additional financial implications for Council associated with this report.

CONCLUSION

The minutes of the Cumberland Property Committee meeting are provided to Council for information purposes and to ensure that the review mechanisms of Council operate in an open and transparent manner. It is recommended that Council receive this information.

Attachments

1. Draft Property Committee Meeting Minutes - 27 February 2023

2. Property Committee Agenda - 27 February 2023 (confidential)

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-260

Notice of Motion - Commemorative Monuments across the Cumberland LGA

Councillor: Joseph Rahme and Michael Zaiter

File Number: SC486

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillors Rahme and Zaiter submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council receive a report outlining the following:

1. Council investigate opportunities for the installation of commemorative monuments across the Cumberland LGA for the contribution to the local area of the Chinese, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, Indian, Korean and Sri Lankan communities.

2. Propose options for the locations of each of these 7 monuments, in areas where these communities are concentrated.

3. Provide information on the costings and possible funding sources.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

If supported, a report can be prepared utilising existing resourcing.

General Manager Advice

If supported, a community consultation process can be undertaken utilising existing internal Council resourcing. The final report to Council will detail the outcome of the process, as well as identify any financial implications and monument installation options for Councils determination, prior to proceeding.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-261

Notice of Motion - Offensive Media Coverage

Councillor: Steve Christou

File Number: SC486

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillor Christou submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council:

1. Express its support to all religious groups and people of faith, recognising their right to practice their beliefs in peace and prosperity without the fear of being mocked, insulted, or subjected to any religious bigotry;

2. Write to Channel 10 Executives expressing our disappointment that this incident occurred on their network, on one of their prime time shows, and to ask them to ensure that this kind of incident is not to be repeated again;

3. Write to the Federal Communications Minister expressing our disappointment and the disappointment of our community, and ask that the Minister investigate this incident and take appropriate action if warranted;

4. Write to the Australian Communications and Media Authority expressing our disappointment and the disappointment of our community, and ask them to investigate this matter and take appropriate action if warranted;

5. Write to Mr Reuben Kaye expressing our disappointment and the disappointment of our local community at his insulting remarks towards Jesus, offending people of faith from all denominations and ask that he reflect on his behaviours and be more considerate, tolerant, and respectful, towards people’s religions in the future.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

If supported by Council, the letters outlined in the Motion will be drafted utilising existing staff resources.

General Manager Advice

Nil.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-262

Notice of Motion - Traffic Calming Devices - Lansdowne Street, Merrylands

Councillor: Steve Christou

File Number: SC488

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillor Christou submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council:

1. Due to considerable resident feedback regarding safety issues and accidents, refer to the Traffic Committee a proposal for a 12 month trial period of semi-permanent traffic calming devices along Lansdowne St, Merrylands.

2. Implement the above trial within the adopted Capital Works budget.

3. At the conclusion of the trial period, refer the matter to the Cumberland Traffic Committee to review the outcome of the trial, with a view to make the solutions implemented permanent if successful.

4. Notify the adjoining residents prior to implementation.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

Subject to endorsement by Council, the report to the Cumberland Traffic Committee can be undertaken using existing resources.

Subject to endorsement by Council and confirmation to proceed by the Cumberland Traffic Committee, the capital works associated with the trial will be included in the 2023/24 Capital Works Program.

General Manager Advice

Issues associated with traffic management for Lansdowne Street, Merrylands, have previously been considered by the Cumberland Traffic Committee in August 2020 and March 2022. These reports are attached to this Notice.

Attachments

1. Lansdowne Street Merrylands - 2020 Minutes and Report to Traffic Committee

2. Lansdowne Street Merrylands - 2022 Minutes and Report to Traffic Committee

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-263

Notice of Motion - Motions for ALGA Conference 2023

Councillor: Suman Saha

File Number: SC486

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillor Saha submitted the following Motion.

The following Motions and supporting information are for the determination of Council with respect to the 2023 Australian Local Government Association Conference:

Motion: Universal Early Education System

The National General Assembly calls on the Federal Government to build an affordable, accessible, high quality, universal early education system.

And the Federal Government undertakes a broad consultation process with the local government organisations.

National Objective:

· Sets children up for a great start in life

· Ensure affordable early childhood education and care for communities

· Helps working families to get ahead, and builds community’s economic prosperity by supporting workforce participation

Key Arguments:

A great Universal Early Education System will remove barriers to workforce participation for parents and provide a foundation for our children’s future wellbeing and success.

Motion: Energy

The National General Assembly congratulates the Federal Government on its progress in achieving emissions reductions, including community focussed initiatives such as community batteries and solar banks.

We call on the Federal Government to work closely with the local government to ensure community led responses to this urgent global crisis.

National Objective:

• Reduce carbon emissions

• Ensure affordable and reliable energy supply for communities

Key Arguments:

With more than 500 councils across Australia, local government organisations have great potential to actively participate in energy transition and help Australia reach its net zero targets. Local councils can actively work with local communities to lower carbon footprint of local communities, sourcing renewable energy, maximise local ownership and help sharing the financial benefits widely, match energy production to local usage, thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change.

Notice of Motion

That Council submit the following Motions for debate at the 2023 Australian Local Government Association Conference:

Motion: Universal Early Education System

The National General Assembly calls on the Federal Government to:

1. Build an affordable, accessible, high quality, universal early education system; and

2. Undertake a broad consultation process with local government organisations in relation to this.

Motion: Energy

The National General Assembly calls on the Federal Government to:

1. Work closely with the local government sector to ensure community led responses for the reduction of carbon emissions and promotion of clean energy sources.

2. Implement measures to improve the affordability of batteries, solar banks, and electric vehicles so they can be adopted at a faster rate within the community.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

Nil.

General Manager Advice

If supported by Council, these Motions for consideration will be lodged by the prescribed deadline of 25^th March 2023.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-265

Notice of Motion - Outdoor Dining Fees During Ramadan and Easter

Councillor: Sabrin Farooqui

File Number: SC486

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillor Farooqui submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council:

1. Support local businesses by reaffirming its established position on the suspension of outdoor dining fees for the trade of food or drink immediately in front of their business premises during the Ramadan and Easter period;

2. Undertake a community awareness campaign and promote this position of Council through Council’s Media and Social Media channels.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

The outdoor dining fee suspension for new applicants for the short term Ramadan/Easter period is an existing budget assumption from prior years.

The community awareness campaign can be undertaken utilising existing staff resourcing, and will include social media posts on Council’s channels, and inclusion in any appropriate publications such as Council’s e-news and Mayoral Column.

There are no foreseen budget implications.

General Manager Advice

This Motion is consistent with previous resolutions of Council.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

15 March 2023

Item No: C03/23-266

Questions with Notice - Submitted by Councillor Rahme

Directorate: General Manager

File Number: SC486

Question/s:

On the 21 July 2022 this motion was moved:

“Motion (Rahme/Christou)

Cumberland Council is disturbed, and many of its constituents offended by the recent offensive image posted on social media by journalist, Miss Lana Murphy, in regards to the Christian Virgin Mother Mary. Ms Murphy’s social media post contained an image which stated Mary should have had an abortion. This is most offensive not only to Christians but the majority of Cumberland City Council residents regardless of religious background. Cumberland City Council acknowledges and respects its residents rights to practice their religion and faith without mockery or discrimination.

In light of this we ask:

That Council make representations to Channel 9 Head office and the Federal

Communications Minister asking that this matter be thoroughly reviewed and

appropriate action be taken to rectify and ease the distress, hurt, and offence, caused to millions of Australians, many of whom reside in the Cumberland LGA”.

At the next meeting on the 15th March 2023 I would like to have the below questions answered;

1. Please provide me with a full copy of the correspondence sent to channel 9 and the Federal Communications Minister and what date this was sent.

2. Please confirm whether these letters were received and when.

3. Please confirm whether we received a reply from channel 9 or the Federal Communications minister.

Answer/s:

The outgoing letters to the CEO of Channel 9 and the Federal Communications Minister were issued on 28 July 2022. A copy of these letters are attached.

One response was received from the Office of the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Federal Minister Communications, dated 28 September 2022, was received by post on 14 October 2022. A copy of this letter is attached.

Attachments

1. Letter to CEO of Nine Entertainment Network - 28 July 2022

2. Letter to Federal Minister for Communications - 28 July 2022

3. Response Letter from Office of the Hon Michelle Rowland MP - 28 September 2022