18 June 2025
Minutes of the Council Meeting 18 June 2025
Councillors
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Ola Hamed (Mayor) |
Councillor |
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Michael Zaiter (Deputy Mayor) |
Councillor |
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Steve Christou |
Councillor |
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Dr Diane Colman |
Councillor |
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Glenn Elmore |
Councillor |
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Paul Garrard |
Councillor |
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Helen Hughes |
Councillor |
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Nadima Kafrouni-Saba |
Councillor |
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Ahmed Ouf |
Councillor (exited 8:58pm) |
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Joseph Rahme |
Councillor (exited 8:02pm) |
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Suman Saha |
Councillor |
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Eddy Sarkis |
Councillor (arrived 6:18pm) (exited 9.03pm) |
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Sujan Selventhiran |
Councillor (via Audio-Visual) |
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Steve Yang |
Councillor |
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Enver Yasar |
Councillor |
Officers
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Peter Fitzgerald |
General Manager |
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Melissa Attia |
Director Corporate Performance (Deputy General Manager) |
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Daniel Cavallo |
Director Environment & Planning |
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Brendan Govers |
Director City Services |
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Nicole Byrn |
Director Community & Culture |
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Charlie Ayoub |
Director Governance & Risk |
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Colin McFadzean |
General Counsel |
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Carol Karaki |
Manager Governance |
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Bianca Mourched |
Coordinator Governance |
The Mayor, Councillor Hamed declared the meeting open at 6:03pm.
Opening Prayer
The opening prayer was read by Reverend Rodney Kerr from Merrylands Anglican Church.
National Anthem
At this point in the meeting the Mayor, Councillor Hamed asked all of those in attendance to stand for the playing of the Australian National Anthem.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Mayor, Councillor Hamed read the following Acknowledgement of Country:
“I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land – the Darug People, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.”
Motion (Zaiter/Yang)
That in accordance with Clause 5.24 of the Code of Meeting Practice, Council approve the attendance of Councillor Selventhiran at this meeting via Audio/Visual Link due to work commitments.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil.
The Mayor, Councillor Hamed advised that the Council meeting was being streamed live on Council's website and all in attendance must ensure their speech to the Council is respectful and use appropriate language.
Confirmation of Minutes
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Min.960 |
C06/25-132 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 28 May 2025 |
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Motion (Garrard/Kafrouni-Saba) That Council confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 28 May 2025.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil.
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There were no declarations of interest.
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Min.961 |
Mayoral Minute - 2025 Local Government Excellence Awards |
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Motion (Hamed) That Council: 1. Note the Mayoral Minute; 2. Congratulate Council’s Arts and Culture Team and Deputy General Manager – Melissa Attia – on their awards received at the 2025 LG Professionals - NSW Local Government Excellence Awards; and 3. Recognise all staff involved in initiatives that were nominated for awards at the event.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter. Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil. |
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Min.962 |
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Motion (Hamed) That Council: 1. Extends its deepest condolences to all those affected by the Air India Flight AI171 tragedy; and 2. Observes a minute of silence in memory of the victims.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter. Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil. Note: Council observed a minute of silence following the consideration of this item. |
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Min.963 |
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Motion (Hamed) That Council: 1. Formally commend Auburn Girls High School for its excellence in STEM education, in reaching the Universal Robotics Challenge World Final – being held on Saturday 20th September 2025, in Osaka, Japan;
2. Donate $15,000 from the Community Reserve to Auburn Girls High School, to help fund costs associated with its representation at the event; and
3. Thank the dedicated staff and students at Auburn Girls High School for their outstanding efforts.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Sarkis, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter. Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil. Councillor Sarkis entered the Meeting at 6:18pm during the consideration of this item. |
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Public Forum
Nil.
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Min.964 |
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Motion (Garrard/Ouf) That Council adopt items C06/25-133, C06/25-134, C06/25-136, C06/25-137 and C06/25-141 on the Council Agenda as per the recommendations in the report.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Sarkis, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter. Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil. |
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That the report be received. |
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That Council receive the May 2025 Investment Report. |
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C06/25-137 Adoption of Draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 - Post Exhibition |
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That Council adopt the Draft Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 as outlined in Attachment 1 of this report. |
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C06/25-141 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Minutes of Meeting held on 19 May 2025 |
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That Council receive the Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee held on 19 May 2025. |
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The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf, Rahme, Saha, Sarkis, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Christou.
During the consideration of this item, due to repeated interjections, the Mayor Councillor Hamed warned a member of the public gallery.
During the consideration of this item, Councillor Christou raised a point of order, citing an alleged breach of Clause 15.11(d) and (e) of the Code of Meeting Practice, stating that Councillor Zaiter misrepresented him. The Mayor, Councillor Hamed did not uphold the Point of Order, and provided Councillor Zaiter the opportunity to clarify his speech.
Councillor Sarkis left the Meeting at 7:08pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:15pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Ouf left the Meeting at 7:11pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:16pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Selventhiran left the Meeting at 7:15pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:17pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Selventhiran left the Meeting at 7:27pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:30pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Selventhiran left the Meeting at 7:32pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:40pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Sarkis left the Meeting at 7:37pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:43pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Rahme left the Meeting at 7:42pm and returned to the Meeting at 7:45pm during the consideration of this item.
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Min.968 |
C06/25-140 Property Committee - Minutes of Meeting held 2 June 2025 |
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That Council: 1. Receive the Minutes of the Cumberland Property Committee meeting held on 2 June 2025, and adopt the recommendations contained therein. 2. Include a copy of the resolutions of Council in the Minutes.
Amendment (Garrard/Hughes) Add to point 1 “with the exception of Item PC017/25 - Request For Removal of Land Acquisition Reservation - 31 Cambridge Street, Lidcombe which is to be referred back to the Property Committee for consideration.
The Amendment moved by Councillor Garrard and seconded by Councillor Hughes on being Put was declared LOST on the casting vote of the Mayor.
Councillor(s) For the Amendment: Christou, Colman, Garrard, Hughes, Ouf, Sarkis and Yasar.
Councillor(s) Against the Amendment: Elmore, Hamed, Kafrouni-Saba, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang and Zaiter.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED on the casting vote of the Mayor.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Colman, Elmore, Hamed, Kafrouni-Saba, Saha, Yang and Zaiter.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Christou, Garrard, Hughes, Ouf, Sarkis, Selventhiran and Yasar. Councillor Rahme left the Meeting at 8:02pm during the consideration of this item and did not return. |
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Min.969 |
C06/25-142 Notice of Motion - Additional Outdoor Staff Resourcing |
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That Council: 1. Receive a report to the next Council meeting to deliver increased staffing for street cleansing and litter cleaning services; and 2. The report include how the additional staffing can be funded from recent increases to rates revenue. The Motion on being Put was declared LOST.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Ouf and Sarkis.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Colman, Elmore, Hamed, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter.
Councillor Garrard left the Meeting at 8:15pm during the consideration of this item. |
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Min.970 |
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That Council: 1. Recognises Hazara Culture Day annually on 19 May; 2. Includes Hazara Culture Day in the Council annual cultural program from 2026, and identifies local Hazara organisations to collaborate with Council to organise activities; 3. Allocates funding from the Community Reserve to fund the program in 2026; 4. Promotes Hazara Culture Day through Council communications channels; and 5. Writes to State and Federal MPs to advocate to make 19 May Hazara Culture Day.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Ouf, Saha, Sarkis, Selventhiran and Yasar.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Kafrouni-Saba, Yang and Zaiter.
Councillor Garrard returned to the Meeting at 8:44pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Selventhiran left the Meeting at 8:48pm and returned to the Meeting at 8:51pm during the consideration of this item. Councillor Selventhiran left the Meeting at 8:52pm and returned to the Meeting at 8:54pm during the consideration of this item. |
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Min.971 |
C06/25-144 Notice of Motion - Commemorative Signage for Regents Park Railway Centenary and Inner West Line Restoration |
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That Council: 1. Endorses the installation of a commemorative sign within the Regents Park Library precinct, adjacent to Regents Park Station, to acknowledge:
a) The centenary of the Lidcombe–Regents Park–Cabramatta railway line, which commenced operations in October 1924; and b) The restoration of the Inner West Line (Liverpool via Regents Park) services in October 2024, reinstating direct train services to the City Circle. 2. Authorises Council officers to liaise with Transport for NSW and other relevant stakeholders to finalise the design, wording, and installation details of the commemorative sign; and 3. Fund the minor costs to implement the sign from Council’s signage operational budget. The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Elmore, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Saha, Sarkis, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil.
Councillor Ouf left the Meeting at 8:58pm during the consideration of this item and did not return.
Councillor Garrard left the Meeting at 8:15pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Selventhiran left the Meeting at 8:58pm and returned to the Meeting at 8:59pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Colman left the Meeting at 8:58pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Christou left the Meeting at 8:58pm and returned to the Meeting at 9:01pm during the consideration of this item. |
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Min.972 |
Closed Session |
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At this stage of the meeting being 9:02pm, the Mayor advised that in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, it is proposed to move into Closed Session to consider the following item:
· C06/25-145 Tender Evaluation Report - Roads Infrastructure Services (RFx942)
as the item contained the following considerations under the Act: (2)(d)(i) – commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. Motion (Elmore/Saha) That in accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council enter into Closed Session to determine Item C06/25-145.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Elmore, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Saha, Sarkis, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter.
Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil.
Councillor Sarkis left the Meeting at 9:03pm during the consideration of this item and did not return. |
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Min.973 |
C06/25-145 Tender Evaluation Report - Roads Infrastructure Services (RFx942) |
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That Council: 1. Accept the Negotiation Panel’s recommendation to award the contract to State Asphalt Services Pty Ltd (ABN 49 001 287 421), for a 5 year contract term with the option to extend for a further total of up to 3 years (2+1 year options) at the sole discretion of the Council, for the unit rate amounts as submitted. 2. Delegate to the General Manager the authority to execute the contract and any associated documents. The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter. Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil. Councillor Colman returned to the Meeting at 9:03pm during the consideration of this item.
Councillor Garrard returned to the Meeting at 9:09pm during the consideration of this item. |
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Min.974 |
Open Session |
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Motion (Elmore/Colman) That Council resume the public meeting.
The Motion on being Put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor(s) For the Motion: Christou, Colman, Elmore, Garrard, Hamed, Hughes, Kafrouni-Saba, Saha, Selventhiran, Yang, Yasar and Zaiter. Councillor(s) Against the Motion: Nil.
On resumption of the public meeting at 9:10pm, the Mayor, Councillor Hamed read out the resolution made in Closed Session. |
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The Mayor, Councillor Hamed closed the meeting at 9:11pm.
Chairperson___________________
Appendix 1 Resolutions of the Council following consideration of the recommendations of the Property Committee Meeting held at Merrylands Administration Building, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands NSW 2160 on Monday 2 June 2025.
Council received the Minutes of the Property Committee held on 2 June 2025 and adopted the recommendations therein. The resolutions of Council are below.
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ITEM PC011/25 - Update on General Property Leases/Transactions |
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That the Property Committee recommends that Council: 1. Receive and note the update. 2. Formally decline the unsolicited offer for the proposed purchase of Vivian Crescent Reserve, Berala. |
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ITEM PC012/25 - Outcome of Negotiations - Former Banksia Babes Childcare Centre |
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That the Property Committee recommend that Council:
2. Ensure that the leasing income is recognised within Council’s education and care unit budget and business plan, consistent with this Committees previous resolution; and
3. Delegate to the General Manager the authority to execute the contract and any associated documents. |
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ITEM PC013/25 - Proposed Granting of Drainage Easement - 197-201 Fairfield Road Guildford West through adjoining Council Land to Foray Street |
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The Property Committee recommend that Council in accordance with Section 46 of the Local Government Act 1993, approve the creation of an easement in favour of the property located at 197-201 Fairfield Road, Guildford West NSW 2161 (Lot 1 in DP 1304736), to permit the legal disposal of stormwater through Council land known as 167 Fairfield Road, Guildford West (Lot 1 in DP 1179149) subject to: (a) an independent valuation report being obtained; (b) the final easement location and design being in accordance with the expert advice of Council’s Engineering Team and Special Projects Manager; (c) completion of the required 28-day public notification period in accordance with Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993; and (d) all associated costs regarding the granting of an easement, including compensation to be paid by the applicant. |
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ITEM PC014/25 - Proposed Granting of Drainage Easement - 107 Toongabbie Road through Greystanes Creek Reserve |
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That the Property Committee recommend that Council in accordance with Section 46 of the Local Government Act 1993, approve the creation of an easement in favour of the property located at 107 Toongabbie Road, Toongabbie NSW 2146 (Lot 25 in DP 837421), to permit the legal disposal of stormwater through Council’s Reserve known as Greystanes Creek Reserve (Lot 58 in DP 837421) subject to: (a) an independent valuation report being obtained; (b) the final easement location and design being in accordance with the expert advice of Council’s Engineering team and Special Projects Manager; (c) completion of the required 28-day public notification period in accordance with Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993; and (d) all associated costs regarding the granting of an easement, including compensation to be paid by the applicant. |
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ITEM PC015/25 - Request to Purchase Council Land - Bangor Street, Guildford |
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The Property Committee: 1. Receive the report; and 2. Note that a further report will be provided in relation to this proposal if supported in principle. |
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ITEM PC016/25 - Response to Notice of Motion - Increased Car Parking - Civic Park Pendle Hill Car Park |
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That the Property Committee recommend to Council to endorse the progression of additional car parking spaces at 18 Billabong Street, Pendle Hill, as outlined in this report. |
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ITEM PC017/25 - Request For Removal of Land Acquisition Reservation - 31 Cambridge Street, Lidcombe |
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That the Property Committee recommend that Council: 1. Note the written request received on behalf of the landowners at 31 Cambridge Street, Lidcombe (Lot 11, Section 11, DP 1483). 2. Progress the preparation of a planning proposal for 31 Cambridge Street, Lidcombe seeking to: · Rezone from RE1 Public Recreation to R2 Low Density Residential, and update associated planning controls for the site, and · Remove the Land Acquisition Reservation (LRA) for purpose of local open space. |
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ITEM PC018/25 - Review of Land Acquisition and Open Space Requirements for Cumberland |
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That the Property Committee recommend that Council prepare a planning proposal that reviews land acquisition and open space requirements across the Cumberland LGA in response to site specific requests and to ensure alignment with current strategies and plans. |
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ITEM PC019/25 - Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Council Land - Licence Proposal |
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That the Property Committee recommend that Council: 1. Endorse the proposal by JOLT for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on Council land as outlined in this report; and 2. Delegate to the General Manager to negotiate and execute the necessary documentation to give effect to an agreement. |
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ITEM PC020/25 - Land Acqusition For Road Widening - Priam Street and Boundary Road Intersection |
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That the Property Committee recommend that Council: 1. Endorse the transfer and subdivision of land identified as Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 225816 for the purpose of road widening. 2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to finalise the Deed of Dedication and Settlement with Sydney Corporation (49 776 225 038) and execute associated documentation. |
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ITEM PC021/25 - Verbal Update on General & Strategic Property Matters |
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That the Property Committee receive the update. |