Agenda of Council Meeting - Wednesday, 21 August 2024

Councillor Contact Details

Granville Ward
Clr Steve Christou	0419 651 187	Steve.Christou@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ola Hamed (Deputy Mayor)	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 Suman Saha	0419 546 950	Suman.Saha@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Lisa Lake (Mayor)	0418 669 681	Lisa.Lake@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

21 August 2024

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

C08/24-575 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 07 August 2024....... 5

5 Disclosures of Interest

6 Mayoral Minutes

Nil

7 Public Forum / Presentation of Petitions

8 Items Resolved by Exception

9 Reports to Council

C08/24-576 Legal Report......................................................................................... 23

C08/24-577 Investment Report - July 2024........................................................... 25

C08/24-578 Council Functions and Delegations During the Caretaker and Post Election Period..................................................................................................... 49

C08/24-579 Draft Annual Financial Statements 2023/24.................................... 51

C08/24-580 Draft Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan and Draft Amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre - Post Exhibition............................................................................................. 153

C08/24-581 Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan - Post Exhibition 275

C08/24-582 Response to Notice of Motion - The Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan...................................................................................................... 337

C08/24-583 Response to Notice of Motion - Homelessness in Cumberland City Council 367

10 Reports of Council Committees

C08/24-584 Quarterly Progress Report on Council's Section 355 Committee and Community Advisory Committees........................................................................ 375

11 Motions Pursuant to Notice

C08/24-585 Notice of Motion - Future Public Carparking on the North Side of Lidcombe 433

12 Motions to Alter or Rescind Council Resolution

Nil

13 Questions with Notice

C08/24-586 Questions on Notice - Submitted by Councillor Garrard............. 435

14 Closed Session Reports

Nil

15 Confidential Attachments from Open Reports

C08/24-576 Legal Report

1... Litigation register

Note: Included in Closed Business Paper in accordance with Section 10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act as the information involves advice concerning litigation, or advice as comprises a discussion of this matter, that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.

16 Resolutions passed in Closed Session

17 Other / General Matters

18 Close

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-576

Legal Report

Directorate: General Manager

Responsible Officer: General Counsel

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local 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 the status of litigation for which Council is a party to. It does not include the following types of legal proceedings:

· Proceedings that are managed by Council’s insurers;

· Local Court proceedings involving an appeal against a parking fine; and

· Proceedings for the recovery of debts where those proceedings are being run by Council’s external debt collection agency.

The report is current to 5 August 2024. 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 litigation provided as a confidential attachment.

Attachments

1. Litigation register (confidential)

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-577

Investment Report - July 2024

Directorate: Corporate Performance

Responsible Officer: Director Corporate Performance (Deputy GM)

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure and Services

Summary

This report provides an update on the performance and compliance of Council’s investment portfolio for the month of July 2024.

Recommendation

That Council receive the July 2024 Investment Report.

Report

Included in this report are the following items that highlight Council’s investment portfolio performance for July 2024.

Council Investments as at 31 July 2024

Council’s investment portfolio has a current market value of $239,761,209 and has returned 5.25% in the last 12 months. The following table reflects Council’s holding in various investment categories:

Face Value = capital value to be repaid upon maturity

Purchase Price = capital value +/- premiums or discounts

Current Value = current market value + accrued interest

Investment Portfolio Performance

Council’s investment portfolio returned 0.53% (actual) for the month on a marked-to-market basis versus the bank bill index benchmark’s 0.37% (actual) return. Council's managed fund investments may experience monthly volatility as financial markets undergo changes in outlook. However, such investments are expected to yield a favourable return over the long term. For the past 12 months, the investment portfolio has returned 5.25% versus the benchmark’s 4.37%.

As at 31 July 2024 the cumulative interest earned was $1,178,679. This is $437,429 higher than the year-to-date budget of $741,250.

The performance chart below shows Council’s rolling 12 monthly return versus benchmark over the past 5 years. Each data point is the 12 month return for the stated month end:

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

Preservation of capital is the prime objective of the investment portfolio. Investments are placed in a manner that seeks to ensure security and safeguarding of the investment portfolio. This includes managing credit and interest rate risk within identified thresholds and parameters that is both set in Council’s Investment Policy and guided by the investment advisor.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

CONCLUSION

Council hereby certifies that the investments listed within this report have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and Council’s Investment Policy.

Attachments

1. Investment Report July 2024

2. Investment Commentary July 2024

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-578

Council Functions and Delegations During the Caretaker and Post Election Period

Directorate: Governance and Risk

Responsible Officer: Director Governance and Risk

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

This report outlines the delegations proposed for the Mayor and/or General Manager during the caretaker and post-election periods.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. In accordance with Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993, delegate authority to the Mayor and General Manager or in their absence, to the person(s) acting in these roles, to exercise the powers, authorities, duties and functions of Council which cannot reasonably be deferred to the first Council meeting following the Cumberland Council Local Government Election, noting the limitations on exercising Council functions during the caretaker period as outlined in s.393(b) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. This period:

a) Commencing from midnight immediately following the final Ordinary Council meeting of the Council term being 21 August 2024; and

b) Concluding on 13 September 2024;

Noting that any such decisions made during the Caretaker period are to be unanimous and circulated to Councillors for their information, and be reported to the first Ordinary Council Meeting following the general election.

2. In accordance with Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993, delegate authority to the General Manager or in his absence, to the person acting in that role, to exercise the powers, authorities, duties and functions of Council which cannot reasonably be deferred to the first Council meeting following the Cumberland Council Local Government Election. This period:

a) Commencing on 14 September 2024; and

b) Concluding at the time of commencement of the first Council meeting held following the local government general elections, whereby a Mayor is required to be elected by Council in accordance with s.290 of the Local Government Act 1993;

Noting that any such decisions will be reported to the first Ordinary Council meeting following the general election.

Report

Caretaker and Post-election Periods

From the conclusion of the final Council meeting of this term on 21 August 2024, and noting the limitation on Council decision making as outlined in s.393B of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, there may be matters which require the exercising of Council’s functions prior to the first Council meeting of the new Council term.

It is proposed that during this period the Mayor and the General Manager, or the persons acting in these positions if the incumbents are absent, be delegated with the authority, pursuant to Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993, to jointly exercise the powers, authorities, duties and functions of Council which cannot reasonably be deferred until the commencement of election day being 14 September 2024.

From election day, where all Councillors are no longer elected, the General Manager will continue to exercise such delegations in accordance with the above until the newly elected Council hold their first Council meeting to elect a Mayor, required to be held within 3 weeks of the general election results being formally declared. The General Manager will advise the newly elected Councillors of this date.

Community Engagement

There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report.

Policy Implications

There are no direct policy implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

There are risk implications for Council associated with this report. Should this report not be supported, Council may not be able to exercise its functions during the post election period where this no elected Council.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report.

CONCLUSION

This report ensures that Council has continuity of business during the caretaker and post-election periods. It is now recommended that Council endorse the report recommendations.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-579

Draft Annual Financial Statements 2023/24

Directorate: Corporate Performance

Responsible Officer: Director Corporate Performance (Deputy GM)

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

This report summarises the financial results of Council for the 2023/24 financial year (FY24) and fulfills the requirements for finalisation of the Annual Financial Statements as required by the Local Government Act 1993, Division 2 - Accounting records, financial reports and auditing, and of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021 Division 6 – Annual Financial Reports, as detailed in the recommendations of the report.

Endorsement by Council will enable receipt of the final Independent Auditor’s Report and the Report on Conduct of the Audit once the audit is complete. These reports are required to enable Council to lodge the FY24 Annual Financial Statements to the Office of Local Government. The Financial Statements will be reviewed and discussed at the Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee (ARIC) meeting on 19 August 2024, with the minutes to be circulated to Council prior to this Council meeting.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 413(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993 and Section 215 of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021, note the following in respect to the Annual Financial Statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2024:

a) Have been prepared in accordance with:

• the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended) and the Regulations

made there under;

• the Australian Accounting Standards and other pronouncements

of the Australian Accounting Standards Board;

• the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting

b) Present fairly Council’s operating results and financial position.

c) Accord with Council’s accounting and other records,

d) Signatories are not aware of anything that would make these Statements false or misleading in any way.

2. Pursuant with Section 413(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993, and Section 215(1)(b) of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021, authorise the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, General Manager, and the Responsible Accounting Officer to sign the ‘Statements by Councillors and Management’ for the General Purpose and Special Purpose Financial Statements which must then accompany these Financial Statements.

3. Refer the draft Annual Financial Statements to Audit, per S413(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

4. Receive the Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee held on 19 August 2024.

Report

1. Result

Council is posting a $7.3m surplus for the 2023/24 financial year, compared to a budget of $4m (excluding capital income). Council has also achieved a recurring surplus of $7.9m for 2023/24 ($6.8m in 2022/23).

Income

Original Budget $231.2m, Actual $242.8m

When excluding capital items, Council’s 2023/24 operating income finished $11.6m favourable when compared to the original budget. The 2023/24 total operating income was $16.4m more than 2022/23.

Expenditure

Original Budget $227.2m, Actual $235.5m

Overall Council’s 2023/24 operating expenditure finished $8.3m higher when compared to the original budget. The 2023/24 total operating expenditure was $10.1m higher than the total from 2022/23.

2. Financial Position and Ratios

The total amount of cash and investments was $239.6m in 2023/24, up from $221.8m in 2022/23.

Cash, cash equivalents and investments subject to external restrictions are those which are only available for specific use by Council due to a restriction placed by legislation or third-party contractual agreement. Externally restricted funds at the end of the 2023/24 financial year totalled $165.6m, up $18.9m from 2022/23.

Cash, cash equivalents and investments not subject to external restrictions may be internally allocated by Council resolution or Council policy. At the end of the 2023/24 financial year, internal funds totalled $64m, down $1.1m from 2022/23.

The unrestricted cash remains at $10m (as has been the case in prior years) and is in accordance with Council policy of maintaining an unrestricted balance of $10m and placing excess cash into two internal reserves (infrastructure and community reserves).

Key ratios are used to assess various aspects of Council’s performance. Most ratios have been achieved with the exception of the rates and annual charges outstanding ratio. The infrastructure backlog ratio has not been finalised and is provided to Council by an independent asset management firm. It is noted that this ratio and the special schedule it is based on is not subject to audit. Council continues to invest significant amounts in its capital renewal program to ensure that there is not a deterioration in the overall condition of the asset portfolio.

The operating performance ratio, which is a core measure of Councils financial sustainability, remains positive and above the industry benchmark. The ratio has been consistently above benchmark, as compared to prior 2019/20 where it was consistently negative. The improvement reflects Council’s capacity to meet ongoing operating expenditure requirements.

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

In the 2023/24 financial year Council achieved a recurring surplus of $7.9m excluding capital and one off non-recurring income, compared to $6.8m for the previous year. This is a great result for Council, however continued strong financial management is required to ensure continued financial sustainability for future years.

CONCLUSION

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, General Manager, and the Responsible Accounting Officer sign the General Purpose and Special Purpose Financial Statements for Cumberland City Council which fairly present Council’s operating result and financial position for the financial year ending 30 June 2024 and accord with relevant accounting records. This will enable Audit Office to provide Council with the final Independent Auditor Report and the Report on Conduct of the Audit.

Attachments

1. 2023/24 Draft Annual Financial Statements

2. ARIC Meeting Minutes

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-580

Draft Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan and Draft Amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre - Post Exhibition

Directorate: Environment and Planning

Responsible Officer: Director Environment & Planning

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment

Summary

The Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan and amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre have been developed to guide the delivery of future development and public domain in this area.

The documents were placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days seeking feedback from the community and key stakeholders. This report details the outcomes from submissions received during the public exhibition period and recommends the adoption of the Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan and amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Adopt the Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan, as provided in Attachment 1.

2. Adopt to the amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre, as provided in Attachments 2 and 3.

Report

Draft Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan

The Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan has been prepared to guide the delivery of an enhanced public realm for the Merrylands Town Centre. The Plan will support future work by Council, landowners and developers in achieving the desired public domain outcomes for this area. The Draft Plan supports the broader planning work undertaken for this precinct.

Following Council’s resolution at its meeting of 16 August 2023 (Item No: C08/23-369), the Draft Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan was exhibited for 28 days between Monday 6 November to Wednesday 6 December 2023 and made available on Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ page.

Submissions were received from 4 community respondents and 3 directly from community and public organisations. A summary of all themes from the submissions received, and the Council’s responses are outlined in an attachment to this report.

The majority of responses received from the community were in support of the Public Domain Plan. The final draft revision of the document following the public exhibition period has been prepared to take account of minor errors and text clarifications.

In accordance with the above, Council has now addressed all public feedback and recommends the Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan be adopted by Council, as outlined in Attachment 1 of this report.

Draft Amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre

Minor changes have been identified to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for sites in Merrylands. This will ensure consistency with Council’s position on the closure of Finns Lane, Merrylands, and planning controls for the area east of Merrylands Station.

Following Council’s resolution at its meeting of 16 August 2023 (Item No: C08/23-369), the draft amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre were exhibited for 28 days between Monday 6 November to Wednesday 6 December 2023 and made available on Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ page.

Submissions were received from four community respondents. A summary of all themes from the submissions received, and the Council’s responses are outlined in an attachment to this report.

The final draft revision of the document following the public exhibition period has been prepared to take account of minor errors and text clarifications.

In accordance with the above, Council has now addressed all public feedback and recommends the draft amendments to the Cumberland Development Control Plan for the Merrylands Town Centre be adopted by Council, as outlined in Attachments 2 and 3 of this report.

Community Engagement

Council publicly exhibited the draft documents for 28 days from Monday 6 November to Tuesday 6 December 2023 on Council’s website.

Methods of engagement included:

· Notices published in local newspapers.

· Notices sent to Have Your Say Newsletter participants, community groups and public agencies, and posted on social media.

· Posters were installed at select locations within the town centre.

· One pop up information stall in the town centre.

Council has formally responded to all respondents who made a submission and notified them of the consideration of this item at this Council meeting.

Policy Implications

The Plan will support place-based outcomes identified for Merrylands in Cumberland 2030: Our Local Strategic Planning Statement and is also aligned with Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

Risk Implications

There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.

Financial Implications

Public domain works identified in the Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan will be included for consideration in Council’s capital works program. Development contributions have also been collected and reserved for this purpose. Further grant opportunities to implement the plan will also be explored as they become available. It is noted that Merrylands Civic Square, which is identified in the Plan, is now complete and open for the community to use.

CONCLUSION

Attachments

1. Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan

2. Cumberland DCP Part F2 - Post Exhibition Draft for Council - Amendment of Finns Lane

3. Cumberland DCP Part F2 - Post Exhibition Draft for Council - Amendment to Merrylands Station Precinct East

4. Draft Merrylands Town Centre Public Domain Plan Engagement Report and Response to Submissions

5. Merrylands Town Centre DCP Engagement Report and Response to Submissions

6. Council Report - Planning Proposal for Targeted Sites in Merrylands and Guildford - Update and Next Steps - August 2023

7. Council Minutes - Planning Proposals for Targeted Sites in Merrylands and Guildford - Update and Next Steps - August 2023

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-581

Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan - Post Exhibition

Directorate: Environment and Planning

Responsible Officer: Director Environment & Planning

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment

Summary

The Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan has been developed to guide the delivery of an enhanced public domain realm for the Toongabbie Town Centre. The Plan will support future work by Council, landowners and developers in achieving the desired public domain outcomes for this area. The Draft Plan supports the broader planning work undertaken for this precinct.

The Public Domain Plan was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days seeking feedback from the community and key stakeholders. This report details the outcomes from submissions received during the public exhibition period and recommends the adoption of the Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan as provided in Attachment 1.

Report

Council at its meeting of 17 April 2024 (Item No: C04/24-497) resolved that the Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, with a report provided back to Council following the conclusion of the exhibition period (Min. 716).

The Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan was exhibited for 28 days between Tuesday 30 April 2024 to Tuesday 28 May 2024 and made available on Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ page.

Submissions were received from 12 community respondents and 3 directly from community and public organisations. A summary of all themes from the submissions received, and the Council’s responses are outlined in Attachment 3 to this report.

In accordance with the above, Council has now addressed all public feedback and recommends the Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan be adopted by Council as outlined in Attachment 1 of this report.

Community Engagement

Council publicly exhibited the Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan, for a period of 28 days from Tuesday 30 April to Tuesday 28 May 2024 both on Council’s website and in local newspaper publications.

Council had 1,371 visits to the ‘Have Your Say’ community engagement website during the public exhibition period, with 231 downloading the Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan provided.

Submissions were received from 12 community respondents and 3 directly from community and public organisations. Council has formally responded to all respondents who made a submission and notified them of the consideration of this item at this Council meeting.

Methods of engagement included:

· Notices published in local newspapers.

· Notices sent to Have Your Say Newsletter participants, community groups and public agencies, and posted on social media.

· Flyers were distributed to local businesses.

· Posters were installed at select locations within the town centre.

· Two pop-up stalls in the town centre.

Policy Implications

The Plan will support place-based outcomes identified for Toongabbie in Cumberland 2030: Our Local Strategic Planning Statement and is also aligned with Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

Risk Implications

There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.

Financial Implications

Public domain works identified in the Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan will be included for consideration in Council’s capital works program. Development contributions have also been collected and reserved for this purpose. The first stage of works under the Plan will focus on improvements to Aurelia Street, Portico Park and Girraween Park.

CONCLUSION

The Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan has been developed to guide the delivery of consistently high-quality public realm to reinforce the centre’s role in creating healthy, creative, culturally rich and socially connected communities. It is recommended that Council adopt the Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan as provided in Attachment 1.

Attachments

1. Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan

2. Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan Engagement Report

3. Draft Toongabbie Town Centre Public Domain Plan - Response to Submissions

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-582

Response to Notice of Motion - The Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan

Directorate: Environment and Planning

Responsible Officer: Director Environment & Planning

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment

Summary

This report provides a response to the Notice of Motion – The Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan resolved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 7 August 2024.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

Report

At the Council meeting of 7 August 2024 regarding the Notice of Motion – The Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan, Council resolved to:

1. Receive a report to the next meeting detailing the status and progress of the Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan

2. Consideration be given to car parking supply in the Granville Town Centre and surrounds as part of the report.

3. Investigate the possible transfer of all day parking to time limited parking.

This report provides a response to the Notice of Motion.

Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan

Council has prepared a draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan. The Plan has been developed to guide the delivery of an enhanced public domain realm for the Granville Town Centre. The Plan will support future work by Council, landowners and developers in achieving the desired public domain outcomes for this area. The Draft Plan also supports the broader planning work undertaken for this precinct.

Council endorsed the draft Public Domain Plan for the Granville Town Centre in June 2021, as part of initial planning work for the Granville Town Centre and surrounds. Following Council’s endorsement of the draft Plan, a concept design for the upgrade of the Granville Town Centre was developed. Council officers continue to pursue opportunities for funding to deliver the key elements of the draft Public Domain Plan.

Car Parking in Granville Town Centre and Surrounds

The Granville Town Centre has a number of car parking locations. These include:

• Timed on-street parking on South Street, Mary Street, Russell Street, Diamond Avenue, Enid Avenue, Railway Parade, Carlton Street, William Street and Memorial Drive

• Commuter car parking (39 spaces) located on Mary Street

• Public car parking (117 spaces) located on Mary Street / Enid Avenue

• Public car parking (112 spaces) provided as part of The Granville Centre and Granville Swimming Pool

A map of car parking locations within the Granville Town Centre is provided in Figure 1.

For newer developments in the Granville Town Centre, car parking for commercial, retail and residential uses is provided in accordance with the relevant planning controls at the time of approval.

Council officers are aware of the strong interest in the availability of car parking in the Granville Town Centre and continue to monitor the use of car parking in the area. There are a range of opportunities that can be considered in regarding to the supply of car parking. These include:

• Reviewing the usage and restrictions of on-street parking in the area to ensure that it can continue to cater for short term and long term parking needs.

• Ensuring that car parking for new development in the Granville Town Centre and surrounds is provided in accordance with relevant NSW Government and Council planning guidance.

• Advocating for additional car parking in the Granville Town Centre.

Council’s resolution also identified that Council investigate the possible transfer of all day parking to time limited parking. It is noted that Granville is one of the two train stations in the Cumberland LGA classified as a 'nominated train station' under the ‘Delegation to Councils for the Regulation of Traffic’. In accordance with the delegation to Councils, a Council cannot alter any available unrestricted parking to restricted parking on any road or road related area within a one kilometre radius of a ‘nominated train station’ without obtaining Transport for NSW approval prior to reporting to the Traffic Committee. Further discussions would be required with Transport for NSW on this matter.

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 report provides a response to the Notice of Motion – The Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan resolved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 7 August 2024. It is recommended that Council receive and note the report.

Attachments

1. Draft Granville Town Centre Public Domain Plan

2. Granville Town Centre High Street Concept Plan

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-583

Response to Notice of Motion - Homelessness in Cumberland City Council

Directorate: Community and Culture

Responsible Officer: Director Community and Culture

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

Summary

This report provides a response to the Notice of Motion – Homelessness in Cumberland City Council resolved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 6 March 2024 (Min.677, C03/24-481).

Recommendation

That Council receive and note this report.

Report

At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 6 March 2024, Council considered the Notice of Motion – Homelessness in Cumberland City Council and resolved (Min 677, C03/24-481) that Council be provided with a report regarding the following:

“

1. Outreach services and programs available for the homeless in Cumberland which addresses basic needs such as showering, laundry, crisis food, social interaction, and referral to case work and direct services.

2. Identify how Council can integrate with these services identifying opportunities to improve local outcomes and address abovementioned needs.

3. Explore trial options for the provision of these services as identified by our Homelessness Committee, including collaborations, partnerships, and direct service provision.

4. An estimate of the potential costs involved and the source of funds that may be used to cover these costs.

5. That Council notes and thanks the tremendous efforts of Council staff, volunteers, and Council’s Homelessness advisory committee members.”

Homelessness Outreach Services

There are many services offering support to those at risk of homelessness in and around Cumberland with the level and type of support offered varying, which is dependent on the capacity of the community organisation. This support is summarised as follows:

· Organisations offering bill and financial relief in the form of vouchers and income support.

· Organisations offering hot meals, groceries, and employment support.

· Support services which also offer emergency and temporary accommodation with priority given to those fleeing a domestically violent situation or those with young families.

· A number of local charitable organisations have contacted Council for support to initiate their own regular hot meal service in the area.

There are also existing services offering to meet basic needs such as shower, laundry and kitchen facilities within neighbouring local government areas. There are mobile services also operating within the neighbouring areas. These services include:

· Orange Sky – provide a mobile laundry and shower service as well as social interaction and outreach.

· One Voice – using a model of collaboration they provide mobile showers and social interaction.

Council has fostered relationships with organisations including The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Uniting and The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), who are taking an active role in supporting Cumberland residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These services offer case management for those with complex needs.

A collaborative approach is highly recommended as no single organisation, model, or strategy, regardless of success or capacity could solve the complex issues faced by those experiencing homelessness. It is therefore appropriate that Council coordinates the access to services offered to people within the LGA who are experiencing homelessness. In this regard Council is resourced through the adopted Community Strategic Plan, Operational Plan and related strategies.

In more summary terms, as each organisation expresses an interest in providing these services within the Cumberland LGA, Council is currently well positioned through its current resourcing to coordinate these services in line with Council’s adopted policies, plans and strategies.

Community Engagement

Council has consulted with the sector at various forums and inter-agency meetings, over a period of six months, as well as consultations with the Homelessness Advisory Committee.

Policy Implications

There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

Any potential risks involved will be mitigated with the implementation of a detailed risk assessment before services are coordinated.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report. The minimal funds incurred by coordinating these services would be expended out of the current operational budget.

CONCLUSION

Council has worked to strengthen relationships with homelessness support services to better support homeless community members and those at risk of homelessness. Council’s coordination of the services in the targeted areas of need will assist those who are currently resisting assistance and offer case management for those with complex challenges and needs.

Attachments

1. Community Homelessness Support Services in the Cumberland LGA

Council Meeting

21 August 2024

Item No: C08/24-584

Quarterly Progress Report on Council's Section 355 Committee and Community Advisory Committees

Directorate: Governance and Risk

Responsible Officer: Director Governance and Risk

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

This report provides the Draft Minutes of the quarterly Section 355 Committee and Community Advisory Committee meetings convened since the last quarterly update to Council and provides a term summary of the meetings.

Recommendation

That Council receive the report noting the Draft Minutes of Council’s Section 355 and Community Advisory Committees recently convened.

Report

Council’s Wentworthville Community Garden Section 355 Committee met in June 2024, and the Community Advisory Committees conducted their quarterly meetings from 22 July 2024.

The final draft minutes of all Committee meetings are attached to this report, with the exception of the Community Safety & Crime Prevention, Events, Green Corridor, Library and Youth Advisory Committees who did not hold a meeting due to not achieving quorum.

The Floodplain Risk Management Committee were not required to meet in accordance with the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual 2005.

Summary

Council’s thirteen (13) Advisory Committees commenced quarterly meetings from 1 August 2022. Below is an end of Council term table summarising meeting information for the Council term out of a possible maximum of 9 Committee meetings.

Advisory Committee	Meetings held	No. of Community members
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Consultative (ATSIC)	9	13/15
Access	5	9/10
Arts	7	9/10
Community Safety & Crime Prevention	8	10/10
Companion Animals	9	6/10
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)	8	9/10
Events	6	10/10
Floodplain Risk Management*	2	4/4
Green Corridor	7	9/10
Heritage	9	10/10
Homelessness	8	9/10
Library	8	8/10
Youth	8	10/10

*In accordance with the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual 2005, the Floodplain Risk Management Committee did not routinely meet quarterly as per the other Committees.

It is now recommended that Council receive the report detailing the meeting minutes of the recent Section 355 and Advisory Committee meetings held.

Community Engagement

All Committees undertook their meetings in accordance with their respective Terms of Reference.

Policy Implications

All Committees undertook their meetings in accordance with Council’s Governance Framework.

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 report has been prepared to provide Council the minutes of the quarterly advisory committee meetings held over June, July and August 2024. It is now recommended that Council receive the minutes.

Attachments

1. Wenty S355 Garden Committee Minutes Meeting - 6 June 2024

2. ATSIC Committee Minutes - 25 July 2024

3. Access Committee Minutes - 6 August 2024

4. Arts Advisory Committee Minutes - 23 July 2024

5. Companion Animals Committee Minutes - 23 July 2024

6. CALD Advisory Committee Minutes - 22 July 2024

7. Heritage Committee Minutes - 24 July 2024

8. Homelessness Committee Minutes - 29 July 2024