Agenda of Council Meeting - Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Councillor Contact Details

Granville Ward
Clr Steve Christou	0419 651 187	Steve.Christou@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Joseph Rahme	0418 995 471	Joseph.Rahme@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ola Hamed (Mayor)	0405 070 007	Ola.Hamed@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Greystanes Ward
Clr Dr Diane Colman	0400 279 200	Diane.Colman@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Eddy Sarkis	0425 348 000	Eddy.Sarkis@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Nadima Kafrouni-Saba	0447 605 158	Nadima.KafrouniSaba@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Regents Park Ward
Clr Enver Yasar	0497 428 929	Enver.Yasar@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Helen Hughes	0400 264 534	Helen.Hughes@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Steve Yang	0448 836 197	Steve.Yang@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
South Granville Ward
Clr Paul Garrard	0414 504 504	Paul.Garrard@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ahmed Ouf	0436 936 553	Ahmed.Ouf@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Glenn Elmore	0418 459 527	Glenn.Elmore@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Wentworthville Ward
Clr Michael Zaiter (Deputy Mayor)	0418 432 797	Michael.Zaiter@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Suman Saha	0419 546 950	Suman.Saha@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Sujan Selventhiran	0427 104 940	Sujan.Selventhiran@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

26 February 2025

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

C02/25-47 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 11 December 2024... 6

5 Disclosures of Interest

6 Mayoral Minutes

Nil

7 Public Forum / Presentation of Petitions

8 Items Resolved by Exception

9 Reports to Council

C02/25-48 Legal Report......................................................................................... 23

C02/25-49 Investment Report - January 2025.................................................... 25

C02/25-50 Quarter 2 2024-25 Budget Review Statement and Financial Update 45

C02/25-51 Sponsorship of the Cumberland City Local Business Awards..... 60

C02/25-52 Councillor Nomination for Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC).............................................................................................. 67

C02/25-53 Community Grants - Round 2 2024/2025 Funding Recommendations 92

C02/25-54 Response to Notice of Motion - Affordable Housing Strategy.... 122

10 Reports of Council Committees

C02/25-55 Cumberland Local Traffic Committee - Minutes of 6 November 2024 Meeting and Items Considered Under Delegated Authority..................................... 127

C02/25-56 Cumberland Local Traffic Committee - 6 November 2024 - Recommendations to Council................................................................................................. 156

C02/25-57 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting held on 17 February 2025 and Chairperson's Annual Report 2023/24........ 259

11 Motions Pursuant to Notice

C02/25-58 Notice of Motion - Acknowledgement of Country......................... 275

C02/25-59 Notice of Motion - Illegal Fireworks on New Years Eve.............. 276

C02/25-60 Notice of Motion - Carnarvon Golf Course.................................... 277

C02/25-61 Notice of Motion - Ray Marshall Reserve Amenities Block Naming 279

C02/25-62 Notice of Motion - Australia Day 2026 - Council Swimming Pool Free Entry 280

C02/25-63 Notice of Motion - 125 Years of Federation................................... 281

C02/25-64 Notice of Motion - Increased Car Parking - Civic Park Pendle Hill Car Park 282

C02/25-65 Notice of Motion - Clean Up Wentworthville Ward....................... 283

C02/25-66 Notice of Motion - Multi-Storey Parking Solutions for Pendle Hill..... 285

C02/25-67 Notice of Motion - Pendle Hill Town Centre Public Domain Plan 287

C02/25-68 Notice of Motion - Oakes Centre Westmead South..................... 288

C02/25-69 Notice of Motion - Toongabbie Bridge............................................ 289

C02/25-70 Notice of Motion - Clean Cumberland Community....................... 290

C02/25-71 Notice of Motion - Korea Town in Lidcombe................................. 291

C02/25-72 Notice of Motion - Installation in Lidcombe Remembrance Park 292

C02/25-73 Notice of Motion - Somali Week in Cumberland........................... 293

12 Motions to Alter or Rescind Council Resolution

Nil

13 Questions with Notice

Nil

14 Closed Session Reports

Nil

15 Confidential Attachments from Open Reports

C02/25-48 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.

C02/25-53 Community Grants - Round 2 2024/2025 Funding Recommendations

1... Community Grants Program 2024/2025 Applications Round 2

Note: Included in Closed Business Paper 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.

C02/25-53 Community Grants - Round 2 2024/2025 Funding Recommendations

2... Community Grants Evaluation Report Round 2

C02/25-53 Community Grants - Round 2 2024/2025 Funding Recommendations

5... Emergency Relief Fund Summary Report

C02/25-57 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting held on 17 February 2025 and Chairperson's Annual Report 2023/24

3... Finalised Internal Audits Financial Year 2023/2024

Note: Included in Closed Business Paper in accordance with Section 10A(2)(f) of the Local Government Act as the information involves details of systems and/or arrangements that have been implemented to protect council, councillors, staff and Council property.

16 Resolutions passed in Closed Session

17 Other / General Matters

18 Close

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-48

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 12 February 2025. 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) (Additional Attachment)

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-49

Investment Report - January 2025

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 January 2025.

Recommendation

That Council receive the January 2025 Investment Report.

Report

Included in this report are the following items that highlight Council’s investment portfolio performance for January 2025.

Council Investments as at 31 January 2025

Council’s investment portfolio has a current market value of $252,872,565 and has returned 5.32% 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 0.46% (actual) for the month on a marked-to-market basis versus the bank bill index benchmark’s 0.38% (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 5.32% versus the benchmark’s 4.48%.

As at 31 January 2025 the cumulative interest earned was $7,758,624. This is $2,569,874 higher than the year-to-date budget of $5,188,750.

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 January 2025

2. Investment Commentary January 2025

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-50

Quarter 2 2024-25 Budget Review Statement and Financial Update

Directorate: Corporate Performance

Responsible Officer: Director Corporate Performance (Deputy GM)

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

The attached Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) refers to the period ended 31 December 2024. The QBRS indicates that Council’s overall financial position has remained sound.

Recommendation

That Council approve the revised estimates of income and expenditure for 2024/25 contained in the Quarterly Budget Review Statement.

Report

Clause 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) requires that Council’s Responsible Accounting Officer prepare and submit a QBRS that shows, by reference to the estimate of income and expenditure set out in the Operational Plan adopted by Council for the relevant year, a revised estimate of the income and expenditure for that year.

The QBRS, compiled for the information of Council and the community, provides a summary of Council’s financial position at the end of each quarter as to its progress against both the original Operational Plan and the last revised budget, as well as any recommended revisions identified as part of the budget review process.

Quarterly Budget Review Statement

As at the end of Quarter 2, Council is forecasting a recurring budget surplus of $3m; this forecast assumes that realised cost savings measures continue, and that remaining income estimates are met.

There continues to be some pressures on Council expenditure due to the current high inflationary environment, particularly relating to asset maintenance costs. Any additional expenditure amounts identified in this report have been through a business case assessment to ensure accurate calculations and value for money.

Council’s accounting surplus as reported in the Operational Plan has remained at a $3m projected surplus, excluding capital income, as per the below table.

Significant material Operational Plan revisions arising in the December 2024 quarter forecast are as follows:

Major movements in the quarter three budget were due to:

· Increase in user charges income of $130k, mainly attributable to an increase in road restoration fee income, offset by a reduction in learn to swim revenue.

· Increase in other revenue of $480k, related to sales of small plant items.

· Increase in operating grants of $299k mainly related to an increased allocation of roads to recovery grant.

· Interest income increased by $255k, due to higher interest rates and a higher invested balance than forecast.

· Decrease in capital grants & contributions totalling $4.8m, mainly related to deferral of Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant projects into the 2025/26 budget.

· Increase in materials and services expenditure totalling $593k mainly attributable to increases in road restoration costs, and allocation of additional resources towards reactive street cleansing.

· Increase in other expenses totalling $247k, additional debt provision expense allocation.

Cash Forecast

The projected Cash and Investments position of Council is forecast to increase to $234.1m. Council’s estimated unallocated cash balance is forecast to finish at $10.9m. The final unrestricted cash amount will be dependent on the movements in Council’s payables and receivables balances at 30 June 2024. Any amount above $10m in unrestricted funds will be allocated to the community and infrastructure reserves per Council’s policy.

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

The current budget maintains Council’s forecast surplus to $3m and an unrestricted cash balance of above $10m. It should be noted that the $3m operational surplus will be distributed to the external waste and stormwater reserves as required under local government regulations.

Whilst budget and cash surpluses have been maintained, external pressures may continue to have ramifications for Council income and expenditure. This will continue to be monitored and any changes to forecast will be reported to Council.

CONCLUSION

As at the end of the second quarter, Council’s net operating result before capital is projected to finish the year at a surplus of $3m. Council is forecast to finish the 2024/25 financial year in a positive cash position. Close monitoring of Council’s income is required to ensure that Council’s financial positioning in the medium to longer term remains on course to be achieved.

Attachments

1. Q2 Quarterly Business Review Statement

2. Q2 2024-25 Budget Review for Merrylands CBD Drainage

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-51

Sponsorship of the Cumberland City Local Business Awards

Directorate: Governance and Risk

Responsible Officer: Director Governance and Risk

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

Councils adopted Sponsorship Policy aims to support the delivery of activities and projects that build a vibrant and sustainable Cumberland by developing partnerships with the corporate and local business sector. This report recommends that Council continue its sponsorship of the Cumberland City Local Business Awards event, an annual event that Council has sponsored since amalgamation.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Approve Council’s ongoing sponsorship of the Cumberland City Local Business Awards.

2. Delegate to the General Manager to finalise the agreement.

Report

Councils Sponsorship Policy aims to support the delivery of activities and projects that build a vibrant and sustainable Cumberland.

Council has since amalgamation, undertaken sponsorship of the Cumberland Local Business Awards, an award and recognition program that seeks to highlight outstanding local business in the Cumberland local government area. The Local Business Awards Program is run across metropolitan NSW Councils and some regional NSW Council areas, as well as some areas interstate.

Council has previously provided this support to ensure that Council is supporting and promoting local businesses and trade. Council has received the same request this year from the event producer, seeking Councils partnership as a Platinum Sponsor for the program, at a cost of $27,500 plus GST.

The financial contribution of Council towards this program offers a more cost effective option when compared to the cost and resourcing involved in Council staging its own Local Business Awards Program.

The presentation evening this year will be held at the Wentworthville Leagues Club on 24 June 2025, and will provide significant exposure and marketing opportunities to Council and local business. Council will be provided with the opportunity to present awards to category winners on the night, with potentially over 500 people anticipated to be in attendance.

Attachment 1 details the proposal received, and the benefits to Council arising out of becoming the Platinum Sponsor for the Program.

This initiative specifically addresses the existing Policy criteria by:

· Providing a range of marketing and publicity opportunities for Council.

· Supporting local businesses to achieve goals detailed in the Community Strategic Plan.

· Promoting Cumberland’s diversity and brand positioning, including economic development outcomes.

· Directly supports Council’s Business Engagement Program by increasing Council’s profile and engagement with local businesses.

On the above basis, this report recommends that Council continue to support this positive Council wide initiative.

Community Engagement

If supported, Council will ensure that local businesses are aware and encouraged to participate in this program through its Business Engagement and Economy function.

Policy Implications

Council’s Sponsorship Policy provides the framework under which outgoing sponsorship from Council is governed. The Policy ensures Council meets legislative requirements prescribed in Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993. The recommended initiative aligns with the requirements of the adopted Policy.

Risk Implications

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

Financial Implications

Council has historically and currently had this proposed sponsorship funding built into the annual Operational Budget. Council’s annual sponsorship contribution of $27,500 plus GST offers a more cost-effective option when compared to the cost and resourcing involved in Council staging its own Local Business Awards Program. The event producer typically sources additional sponsors to cover the remaining expenses associated with the program.

CONCLUSION

The Cumberland Sponsorship Program aims to support the delivery of activities and projects that build a vibrant and sustainable Cumberland. It is now recommended that Council confirm its support to this initiative, and delegate to the General Manager to finalise the agreement moving forward.

Attachments

1. 2025 Cumberland City Local Business Awards Major Partnership

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-52

Councillor Nomination for Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC)

Directorate: Governance and Risk

Responsible Officer: Director Governance and Risk

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Providing Local Leadership

Summary

This report recommends that Council fill a Councillor vacancy created on the Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

Recommendation

That Council nominate a Councillor to fill the vacancy for the position of voting Director on the Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC) board.

Report

At the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 16 October 2024, Council determined its Councillor representation on key external bodies, with its determination on WSROC representation resolved as follows (Min. 816):

Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC) Board Directors:

a) Mayor

b) Councillor Elmore

c) Councillor alternate: Councillor Saha

d) Councillor alternate: Councillor Colman.

Councillor Elmore has recently provided notice of his intention to resign from his position as a voting Director of WSROC.

It is now recommended that Council resolve a new Councillor representative on WSROC in the position of voting Director.

Community Engagement

There are no consultation processes for Council associated with this report. The appropriate notifications to WSROC will be made following the Council meeting.

Policy Implications

There are no policy implications for Council associated with this report. Council is entitled to have 2 voting Directors and 2 alternate Directors for WSROC representing Cumberland City Council under the WSROC Constitution.

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

Councillor Elmore has provided notice of his intention to resign from his position as a voting Director of Western Sydney Region Organisation of Councils (WSROC). It is now recommended that Council resolve a new Councillor representative on WSROC to fill the vacancy created.

Attachments

1. WSROC Constitution

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-53

Community Grants - Round 2 2024/2025 Funding Recommendations

Directorate: Community and Culture

Responsible Officer: Director Community and Culture

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

Summary

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

1. Adopt the 16 applications recommended for funding in Attachment 2 and allocate the $114,752 from the 2024/2025 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 2024/2025 and provide feedback and assistance to applicants that were unsuccessful.

4. Receive and note the submission, assessment and recommendations of Emergency Relief Application ERF0006.

5. Attach a table of the successful applicants to the Minutes.

Report

2024/2025 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 3).

The program was open from 11 November 2024 to 11 December 2024.

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 following opportunities:

· 12 one-on-one sessions with Council’s Grants and Funding Officer.

· 1 online grants information session held on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, attended by 15 participants.

· 1 Grant Writing workshop held on 5 November 2024, attended by 24 participants.

Assessment Process

The Community Grants Program is a competitive process with applications 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. These 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 $166,667 across three funding streams was available in Round 2 2024/2025, Council received a total of 51 applications.

Of the applications received, 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	9	$101,752
Education and Employment Pathways	0	$0
Small Grants	7	$13,000
Total amount available in this round $166,667	16	$114,752

The full list of applications for Round 2, 2024/2025 is included in Attachment 1: ‘Community Grants Program 2024/2025 Applications Round 2’.

A detailed ‘Community Grants Evaluation Report Round 2’ 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.

Emergency Relief Fund Application

The Emergency Relief Fund Guidelines, found in Attachment 6, apply to requests for financial assistance that benefit the Cumberland City community or individuals but do not meet the detailed guidelines of the Cumberland Community Grants Program. This may include consideration of requests where supporting evidence is provided to demonstrate urgency of the application or financial/personal hardship being experienced.

Requests for financial assistance under the Emergency Relief Fund will typically constitute one-off financial assistance for donations to fundraising appeals that respond to crisis or disaster or for new community-led initiatives or individual hardship requests that address an emerging or unexpected community need where action is time critical.

One application was received, and was deemed eligible, however after assessment it was not recommended for funding. The report provided in Attachment 5 provides a summary of the assessment outcome.

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 2024/2025 Community Grants Program Round 3 (March 2025).

Policy Implications

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

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 $166,667 is available in the Community Grants Program 2024/2025 budget for Round 2 to fund the projects as recommended.

Community Grants Program	Annual Budget	Budget Available Round 2	Recommended Round 2 funding in this report
Community Grants Program	$500,000	$166,667	$114,752

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 Local Government Area.

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 Program 2024/2025 Applications Round 2 (confidential) (Additional Attachment)

2. Community Grants Evaluation Report Round 2 (confidential) (Additional Attachment)

3. Community Grants Program Guidelines

4. Cumberland Grants and Donations Policy

5. Emergency Relief Fund Summary Report (confidential) (Additional Attachment)

6. Emergency Relief Fund Guidelines

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-54

Response to Notice of Motion - Affordable Housing Strategy

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 – Affordable Housing Strategy resolved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 7 August 2024 (Min.795 C08/24-562).

Recommendation

That Council receive the information in this report.

Report

Affordable Housing is defined by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as housing for very low, low or moderate income households and encompasses a broad spectrum of housing, providers, tenure, and delivery models. Affordable housing products include social housing, group homes, discount private rental housing, boarding houses, co-living developments, secondary dwellings, dual occupancies and smaller apartments.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 7 August 2024, Council resolved that a future report on the effectiveness of the Affordable Housing Strategy be provided to Council. Five (5) considerations were identified and responses to each consideration are detailed below.

a) Initiatives undertaken by Council and the NSW Government to support affordable housing

The following NSW Government initiatives in relation to affordable housing are identified in the table below.

Initiative	Description of Affordable Housing Initiative
Greater Sydney Commission’s Central City District Plan	The Central City District Plan sets a target of 5% to 10% of new residential floor space to be dedicated to affordable rental housing for people on low or very low incomes.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (SEPP Housing 2021)	SEPP Housing 2021 provides bonuses in density and height for residential development where at least 10% in-fill affordable housing is provided as part of a proposal. The affordable housing component must be used for affordable housing for at least 15 years.
Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program	Under the SEPP Housing 2021 TOD program, developments for residential flat buildings or shop-top housing in a TOD area must dedicate at least 2% of the Gross Floor Area to affordable housing if the development is greater than 2,000m². This requirement applies to Lidcombe and Berala, with the affordable housing component to remain in perpetuity.
Homes NSW and Aboriginal Housing Office	Over 5,400 social and affordable housing dwellings are managed by Homes NSW within Cumberland and over 50 dwellings are managed by the Aboriginal Housing Office within Cumberland.

Table 1: NSW Government Affordable Housing Initiatives

The following Council initiatives in relation to affordable housing are identified in the table below.

Initiative	Description of Affordable Housing Initiative
Affordable Housing Strategy	Council adopted the Cumberland Affordable Housing Strategy in 2020. This strategy provides an overview of the current policy context and identifies key priorities and actions which Council can pursue to continue to facilitate the delivery of affordable housing.
Affordable Housing Policy	Council adopted the Affordable Housing Policy in July 2021 to address housing affordability through the identification of mechanisms available to Council for the provision of affordable housing. The policy provides a Council target to provide 15% of additional residential floor space to be dedicated for very-low, low- and moderate-income households. This applies to strategic locations within Cumberland City undergoing significant urban renewal and where development feasibility can underpin efforts to support the delivery of this affordable housing target.
Planning Agreements Guidelines	The Planning Agreements Guidelines adopted by Council in December 2020 indicates that where a planning proposal includes a residential component, a minimum of 5% of the additional residential floor space is sought to be dedicated to Council as affordable housing for low and very-low-income households.
Deferral on Payment of Development Contributions	In an effort to promote opportunities for the development industry, at its meeting on 1 May 2024, Council endorsed a temporary deferral on the payment of development contributions upon development, subject to a Construction Certificate being issued within two years of the commencement date of the temporary deferral arrangement.
Proposed Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes	Council has resolved to progress Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes as part of planning proposals for the Woodville Road Corridor and Westmead South. Under current market conditions, the schemes seek to provide over 20 additional affordable dwellings for the Woodville Road Corridor and over 70 additional affordable dwellings for Westmead South. The dwelling size used for affordable housing calculations is 50m².

Table 2: Council Affordable Housing Initiatives

b) The number of affordable housing dwellings approved for development in Cumberland since the adoption of the Strategy

Between January 2020 and December 2024, over 1,480 affordable housing dwellings have been approved for development. These include secondary dwellings, boarding homes, group homes, co-living development and other residential infill development, and is aligned with the spectrum of affordable housing types as outlined in Council’s Affordable Housing Strategy. These approved developments are either privately provided or to be provided by or on behalf of community housing providers.

c) The number of affordable housing dwellings built in Cumberland since the adoption of the Strategy, including those built by community housing providers

Between January 2020 and December 2024, over 540 affordable housing dwellings have been built in Cumberland. Of these dwellings, 110 were provided by or on behalf of community housing providers

d) Information on the total number of affordable housing dwellings proposed for the Westmead South Masterplan

Through technical analysis undertaken during the preparation of the Westmead South Master Plan and Planning Proposal, 5 sites were identified as being feasible for the introduction of an affordable housing contribution, shown in the table and figure below.

Site	1% Affordable Housing	5% Affordable Housing GFA
A0	-	1,622m² - 32 dwellings + monetary contribution
A2	-	617m² - 12 dwellings + monetary contribution
A3	-	548m² - 10 dwellings + monetary contribution
B2	757m² – 15 dwellings + monetary contribution	-
B4	204m² – 4 dwellings + monetary contribution	-
Total	19 dwellings + monetary contribution	54 dwellings + monetary contribution

Table 3: Potential Affordable Housing Contributions in Westmead South

Figure 1: Proposed Affordable Housing Contribution Sites in Westmead South

Under the proposed Westmead South Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme, it is estimated over 70 dwellings could be dedicated to Council as affordable housing. This is based on an affordable dwelling being 50m².

e) Information on the total number of affordable housing dwellings proposed for the Berala and Lidcombe Transport Orientated Development (TOD) program

The TOD Program requires at least 2% of the gross floor area of a building to be used as affordable housing where a residential flat building or shop top housing has a gross floor area of at least 2,000m². Calculations show that for a 2,000m² development, at least 40m² will need to be affordable housing, which is equivalent to 1 studio unit, based on the minimum apartment size in the NSW Apartment Design Guide.

As the TOD program has just been introduced and the provision of affordable housing under the scheme is influenced by the gross floor area of a building, Council officers are unable to determine a number of dwellings at this time.

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 – Affordable Housing Strategy resolved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 7 August 2024 (Min.795 C08/24-562).

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-55

Cumberland Local Traffic Committee - Minutes of 6 November 2024 Meeting and Items Considered Under Delegated Authority

Directorate: Environment and Planning

Responsible Officer: Director Environment & Planning

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment

Summary

This report presents the minutes of the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee meeting and items considered under delegated authority.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the items considered under delegated authority by the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee at the 6 November 2024 meeting, as provided in Attachment 1.

2. Receive and note the minutes of the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 6 November 2024, as provided in Attachment 2.

Report

A meeting of the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee was held, and the minutes of the meeting are provided in Attachment 2. The items considered under delegated authority under Part 1 of the Terms of Reference for the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee are provided in Attachment 1.

Community Engagement

Community consultation has been undertaken and has been addressed under each report that was presented to the Local Traffic Committee.

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.

Attachments

1. Items Considered under Delegated Authority at the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee on 6 November 2024

2. Minutes of the Meeting of the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee on 6 November 2024

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-56

Cumberland Local Traffic Committee - 6 November 2024 - Recommendations to Council

Directorate: Environment and Planning

Responsible Officer: Director Environment & Planning

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Enhancing the Natural and Built Environment

Summary

This report presents the recommendations to Council on items considered by the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee.

Recommendation

That Council endorse the recommendations for items considered by the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee at the 6 November 2024 meeting, as provided in this report.

Report

A meeting of the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee was held. The items recommended for endorsement by Council under Part 2 of the Terms of Reference for the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee is provided in this report and attachments.

Community Engagement

Community consultation has been addressed under each item that was presented to the Cumberland Local Traffic Committee.

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

The expenditure of funds associated with implementing the recommendations will be included in the Council’s traffic facility construction program.

Attachments

1. CTC-24-182 - Guildford Road & Robertson Street, Guildford - Towards Zero Safer Roads Program

2. CTC-24-183 - Cambridge Street At Newman Street, Merrylands - Australian Government Black Spot Program

3. CTC-24-184 - Alfred Street at Birmingham Street, Merrylands - Towards Zero Safer Roads Program

4. CTC-24-185 - Salisbury Road at Rhodes Avenue, Guildford - Towards Zero Safer Roads Program

5. CTC-24-186 - Lockwood Street and Leeds Street, Merrylands - Towards Zero Safer Roads Program

6. CTC-24-187 - Church Street, Lidcombe - Proposed Pedestrian Fencing Outside Station

7. CTC-24-188 - Targo Road and Magowar Road, Pendle Hill - Road Safety Concerns

8. CTC-24-189 - Paul Street, Auburn - Road Safety Concerns

9. CTC-24-190 - Dunmore Street & Emert Road, Wentworthville – Intersection Safety Concerns

10. CTC-24-191 - O'Neill Street, Guildford - Proposed Intersection Treatment at Elizabeth Street

11. CTC-24-192 - May Street and Thomas Street, Merrylands – Proposed Median Island and Parking Restrictions

12. CTC-24-193 - Road Safety around Granville South Public School

13. CTC-24-194 - Albert Street at Palmer Street and Tennyson Parade, Guildford – Intersection Safety Concerns

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-57

Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Draft Minutes of Meeting held on 17 February 2025 and Chairperson's Annual Report 2023/24

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 Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) meeting held on 17 February 2025. The report also provides the Chairperson’s report, which is prepared annually and provides Councillors with a summary of the responsibilities, work, operations and deliberations of the ARIC for the 2023/24 period. The report also informs Council of any significant issues and/or matters which were addressed or are currently being addressed by the Committee. This is the second annual report of Chairperson and Independent Member, Mr Mark Sercombe.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Receive the Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee held on 17 February 2025; and

2. Receive the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Chairperson’s Annual Report and presentation.

Report

The Audit Risk and Improvement Committee held its February meeting on Monday, 17 February 2025. The Minutes of this meeting are attached under Attachment 1 for Council to receive.

Further, the Chairperson of the Committee under previous iterations of the Committee Charter has provided an Annual Report to Council on the following key elements:

· Meetings held and member attendance;

· Overview of the internal audit function;

· Overview of the activities of the external auditor;

· Overview of the Enterprise Risk Management function;

· Overview of general corporate governance arrangements;

· Key achievements;

· Areas of future focus; and

· Any other matter deemed to be of sufficient importance.

The 2023/24 ARIC Chairpersons Annual Report is attached under Attachment 2. The ARIC Chairperson, Mr Mark Sercombe, will present his annual report at this meeting.

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 directly associated with this report. The operations of an effective Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee help provide assurance to the ARIC that all foreseeable governance, risk, probity as well as business improvement matters are appropriately identified and addressed.

Financial Implications

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

CONCLUSION

Attachments

1. Draft Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - 17 February 2025

2. Chairperson’s Annual Report

3. Finalised Internal Audits Financial Year 2023/2024 (confidential) (Additional Attachment)

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-59

Notice of Motion - Illegal Fireworks on New Years Eve

Councillor: Steve Christou and Paul Garrard

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillors Christou and Garrard submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council receive a report outlining the following:

1. All Council assets that have been damaged on New Years Eve.

2. The total cost to repair damaged assets and equipment.

3. How long it took council officers to clean up the mess from New Years Eve celebrations in the Cumberland City Council Local Government area.

4. What actions have been initiated either by the Organisation or the Office of the Mayor to co-ordinate a level of preparedness to ensure the protection of Council’s neighbourhoods which are likely to be the subject of anti-social behaviour, vandalism, or possible criminality.

5. The detail associated with any previous meetings with the leadership of the two Local Police Commands within the LGA of Cumberland during the lead up period to the Christmas / New Year period; and

6. Given the identified damages across the LGA of Cumberland, what actions should be instigated to address the damages incurred.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

A report can be prepared utilising existing staff resources.

General Manager Advice

The Mayor along with senior Council officers met with the NSW Police - Auburn Police Area Commander in November 2024 to proactively discuss this matter in advance. Council promptly reported the above matters to the NSW Police upon becoming aware. These incidents are currently subject to an active investigation process. In addition, Council has reported any damage to its facilities to its insurer to seek reimbursement for costs associated with repairs arising out of these incidents. These matters are ongoing and remain subject to an insurance process.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-60

Notice of Motion - Carnarvon Golf Course

Councillor: Enver Yasar and Helen Hughes

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillors Yasar and Hughes submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council:

1. Confirms its strong opposition to any proposal to repurpose the Carnarvon Golf Course for non-recreational use, including its potential conversion into a cemetery or any other uses that diminish its current function. With growing pressure to reduce golf courses in size, as seen with Moore Park, any loss of green space at Carnarvon—whether through partial or full repurposing—would be a significant blow to the community and the local environment.

2. Acknowledges the importance of Carnarvon Golf Course as a vital green space that serves as a sporting and recreational facility critical to the health and well-being of the community, while also providing significant environmental benefits, such as mitigating the urban heat island effect and cooling the surrounding urban environment.

3. Writes to the Hon. Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Lands and Property, and the Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, to express the Council’s opposition to the repurposing of Carnarvon Golf Course and request that it be protected as a key community asset; and

4. Actively supports the campaign to protect Carnarvon Golf Course, in partnership with Auburn MP Lynda Voltz, including:

· Sharing campaign materials and petition details through the Council’s communication channels.

· Encouraging community participation through the Council’s social media platforms, newsletters, and public forums.

· Preparing and installing banners in high-traffic areas near the golf course, including the corner of Amy Street and Joseph Street, to raise awareness and garner community support.

· Engaging with relevant stakeholders, such as Golf Australia, local sporting clubs, and community organisations, to strengthen the campaign by raising awareness of the threats to the course and mobilising community support to ensure its preservation.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

If supported, the above actions can be undertaken using existing resources.

General Manager Advice

Nil.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-65

Notice of Motion - Clean Up Wentworthville Ward

Councillor: Sujan Selventhiran

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillor Selventhiran submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That Council:

1. Implement the following initiatives/actions:

a) A 6-month social media and banner campaign to educate local residents about council clean-up services, utilising a multi-language approach with video content in commonly spoken languages within the community.

b) Utilisation of bus stop advertising spaces to inform residents about council clean-up services and proper waste disposal practices.

c) Issue council warning letters to residents and businesses in areas where repeated illegal dumping occurs.

d) Installation of CCTV cameras in hotspots to monitor and deter illegal dumping activities.

e) Ensuring regular monitoring by council rangers to identify and address issues promptly.

f) Improved awareness of council clean-up services among residents, leading to reduced illegal dumping.

g) Cleaner streets and public spaces, fostering a more liveable environment.

h) Strengthened community pride and engagement in maintaining the area.

2. Include any required budget for these initiatives within the Draft 2025/26 operational budget.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

If supported by Council, the above actions can be undertaken by staff with an additional budget allocation for some items such as additional CCTV cameras.

General Manager Advice

Nil.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-66

Notice of Motion - Multi-Storey Parking Solutions for Pendle Hill

Councillor: Sujan Selventhiran

Summary

Pursuant to Notice, Councillor Selventhiran submitted the following Motion.

Notice of Motion

That:

1. Council receive a comprehensive report exploring the feasibility of constructing a multi-story parking facility in Pendle Hill to alleviate parking shortages and support the economic vitality of the Pendle Town Centre.

2. The report is to include the following:

· Current parking challenges faced by residents, local businesses, and customers in the Pendle Town Centre.

· Potential locations for a multi-story parking facility, including Council-owned and other feasible land.

· An assessment of cost implications and potential funding sources, including state and federal grants, partnerships, and developer contributions.

· Traffic and environmental impacts associated with constructing and operating a multi-story car park.

· Opportunities to incorporate sustainable building practices such as solar power, electric vehicle charging stations, and green design features.

3. Council address the concerns of local businesses regarding the decline in customer traffic due to the closure of Woolworths Metro. Highlight that the majority of customers who visited Woolworths also supported local shops, and that the closure has adversely affected local business revenue. Additionally, acknowledge the impact on local aged care residents who relied on Woolworths for their essential shopping needs.

4. Council explore land acquisition options for the parking facility in partnership with state and federal government support, ensuring long-term viability and strategic alignment with community needs.

5. Council write and advocate to State and Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) to:

· Seek their support in addressing the parking challenges in Pendle Hill.

· Request funding and policy support for land acquisition and construction of a multi-story parking facility.

· Highlight the broader economic and social impacts of Woolworths’ closure and the necessity of collaborative solutions.

6. Council engage with the local community as part of the process, including residents, business owners, and other stakeholders, to gather input and ensure the solution meets their needs.

7. The report come back to the Council by July 2025 with findings, recommendations, and a roadmap for potential implementation.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

If supported, a report can be prepared using existing staff resources.

General Manager Advice

Car parking is currently provided at Pendle Hill Town Centre through on street parking and car parks at Civic Park and Purdie Lane.

Attachments

Nil

Council Meeting

26 February 2025

Item No: C02/25-71

Notice of Motion - Korea Town in Lidcombe

Councillor: Steve Yang

Summary

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

Notice of Motion

That Council receive a report to a Council meeting within the next few months investigating the following:

1. Establishment of ‘Korea Town’ in the Lidcombe Town Centre, to mark the significant Korean population in Lidcombe;

2. Installation of a ‘Korea Town’ gate on Joseph St, Lidcombe;

3. Installation of ‘Korea Town’ signage throughout the Town Centre;

4. Installation of ‘Korea Town’ flags at street lights where appropriate; and

5. Budget considerations for implementation of the above.

Resourcing/FINANCIAL Implications

A report can be prepared using staff existing resources.

General Manager Advice

Census/Profile ID data from 2021 indicates that Korean is the second highest ancestry within the Lidcombe area, with 3,606 or 17.3% of residents with ancestry Korean. 5,503 people have Korean ancestry in Cumberland overall, which represents 2.3% of the population in Cumberland.

The Joseph Street Precinct Upgrade Project, funded by Council and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, provides an opportunity for these elements to be progressed as part of this project if supported.

Attachments

Nil