3706th meeting council - north sydney council - home · 2018-07-26 · council chambers 26 july...
TRANSCRIPT
Council Chambers
26 July 2018
The 3706th MEETING of COUNCIL will be held at the Council Chambers, North Sydney at
7.00pm on Monday, 30 July 2018. The agenda is as follows.
KEN GOULDTHORP
GENERAL MANAGER
North Sydney Council is an Open Government Council. The records
of Council are available for public viewing in accordance with this
policy, with the only exception being made for certain confidential
documents such as legal advice, matters required by legislation not to
be divulged, and staff matters.
APOLOGIES/LEAVE OF ABSENCE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
IDENTIFICATION OF MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD -
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES of the previous Meeting
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
MATTERS REFERRED TO COUNCILLOR INSPECTIONS
MINUTES OF THE MAYOR
DETERMINATION OF MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD -
RESCISSION MOTIONS of which due notice has been given
REPORTS from Officers of the Council
CORRESPONDENCE to be read, and if necessary ordered upon
MOTIONS of which due notice has been given
QUESTIONS of which due notice has been given
QUESTIONS without notice.
COUNCILLORS PLEASE NOTE - ANY PAPERS RELATING TO FUTURE COUNCILLOR INSPECTIONS OR
RESCISSION MOTIONS SHOULD BE KEPT
TO: The Mayor, Jilly Gibson and Councillors Baker, Barbour, Beregi, Brodie, Carr,
Drummond, Gunning, Keen and Mutton.
SUBJECT: 3706th MEETING OF COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, 30 JULY
2018
THAT THE MINUTES of the previous 3705th Council Meeting held on
Monday, 25 June 2018 be taken as read and confirmed.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
MINUTES OF THE MAYOR
1. MM01: Upgrade of Mitchell Street Plaza in St Leonards
Council’s upgrade of the Mitchell Street Plaza in St Leonards includes the
world’s first outdoor “breathing wall” containing more than 6,000 plants. The
wall not only creates a visual and sound barrier between the Pacific Highway
and the plaza, it filters out volatile organic compounds in the air.
The technology, which uses fans, plants and microbial agents in the soil, was
developed by scientists at the University of Technology in Sydney and put into
commercial use by Junglefy. The breathing wall has proved to be powerfully
effective indoors and is expected to perform equally well in outdoor conditions.
It will be tested over the coming months by researchers from UTS.
The plaza includes new seating, lights, trees and a St Leonards place sign on the
breathing wall. The sign developed using a 3D-lenticular technique which
shows the words St Leonards in two different typefaces, creating an optical
illusion with a sense of movement.
The plaza is already being well used by both residents and workers. The
breathing wall has captured the imagination of our community, creating the
largest reach and highest number of video views on Council’s social media
pages. A breathing wall is now being installed in a second site in Sydney and
the walls are expected to become an integral feature of dense urban areas in the
future.
The redesign of the plaza was guided by a working group which included
adjacent land owners and tenants, RMS and design professionals and is a
testament to the excellent results Council can achieve when it works in
partnership with other stakeholders.
I would like to congratulate the EPS project team for incorporating the breathing
wall into the plaza and for creating a modern and comfortable space for residents
and workers to enjoy and thank the Events team for organising such an
enjoyable opening.
I therefore recommend:
1. THAT Council write to the working group who participated in the
development of the design and thank them for their contribution.
2. THAT the technical performance results of the breathing wall be reported
back to Council when they become available and then shared with NSROC.
3. THAT Council identify other public areas that may benefit from a similar
barrier wall.
2. MM02: Vale Sid Londish
North Sydney has lost a visionary and colourful resident. Sidney (Sid) Londish
was one of a handful of entrepreneurs who helped to redefine the real estate
business in Sydney. From the 1980s he was a North Sydney resident with a
substantial portfolio of commercial and residential properties in North Sydney.
His developments had a significant impact on North Sydney.
Like Frank Lowy, Londish pioneered modern retailing with a shopping centre
at St Ives in 1960 - just three years after the landmark Top Ryde centre
introduced car-based shopping to Sydney. Southside Plaza in Rockdale
followed in 1963.
Like Harry Triguboff, Londish made a mark in residential apartment
development, but specialising in blocks of luxury units rather than Meriton’s
large-scale mass market developments.
Coincidentally, he shared Triguboff’s Chinese origins and his Russian heritage.
Londish was born in Tientsin in 1924, to an English-Australian father and a
Russian mother. He came to Australia as an infant. The young man he described
himself as a toolmaker when, in 1942, he enlisted in the Royal Australian
Airforce at the Recruiting Centre in Woolloomooloo where he grew up and his
father’s engineering business was based. When he was discharged in 1946,
Londish was a Leading Aircraftman.
He was quick to see the opportunities that came with unprecedented affluence
in the post-war years and property development was more promising than
engineering. Having succeeded with shopping centres, Londish looked to
redevelop his own neighbourhood of Woolloomooloo.
He bought dozens of run-down terrace houses and proposed to replace them
with large blocks of flats, hotels and shops. While there had been little effective
challenge to replacement of low rise precincts in the 1950s and 1960s, strategies
changed in the 1970s. Union and community-based ‘Green Bans’ in the Rocks
were followed by similar resistance in Woolloomooloo. Londish’s scheme for
‘the Loo’ did not proceed but is often mentioned in histories of Sydney’s
contentious planning record.
He had more success elsewhere, not least in North Sydney. From 1980, Londish
developed Tower Square Village in Miller Street; a low-rise Mediterranean-
style shopping plaza replete with themed clock tower influenced apparently by
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. It sat in an odd juxtaposition with the elegant
Modernist MLC building next door, once the tallest building in Australia. The
unused floor space above the ‘Village’ was transferred to an office block in
Denison Street for $5 million in 1984. Tower Square was the work of architect
Michael Standley with whom Londish would have a longstanding relationship.
As he began designing the continental plaza for Londish, Standley was also
putting the finishing touches to 9 Elamang Ave, a medium density block of
luxury waterfront apartments with a façade distinguished by columns,
balustrades and classical pediments. In 1988, when records for property prices
were being broken across the city, leased apartments at No.9 were priced at an
extraordinary $2000 per week. Also, in the late 80s, Londish developed “The
Big Bear” complex at Neutral Bay.
Following the success of Elamang Avenue and the completion of Tower Square
Londish began developing James Milson Square in lower Alfred Street, a series
of shops and high rise buildings that towered around the mid-19th century
sandstone house Camden Villa – the last remaining colonial dwelling in the
area. The heritage building with its Georgian portico may have appealed to
Londish’s affection for columns and historical pastiche for it was to have been
a focus of the courtyard area.
Further down the road at 70 Alfred Street, Londish and his associates, in
particular Michael Standley, won an appeal against North Sydney Council in
the Land and Environment Court in 1997 and began developing Grandview
Apartments. With its concierge service and gold rococo lobby furniture it
epitomised the developer’s definition of style and quality. Londish himself lived
there for a time in a four-bedroom apartment sold for $4.3 million in 2014.
Londish had a policy of living in his own developments so confident was he of
their style and quality. His daughter, Annette and son-in-law David Bowman
still reside in Grandview.
Sid Londish once told a journalist, ‘What I want to leave is a legacy’. The man
described as ‘a true pioneer of the industry’ died on 26 June 2018 at 94. His
luxury apartments still attract high prices. Tower Square Village was
demolished in 2018 to make way for Sydney Metro’s Victoria Cross
redevelopment. The loss of Tower Square is felt by many residents and CBD
workers who valued it for its human scale and sunny courtyards.
Sid Londish lived in the North Sydney Municipality and was still working in
the industry he loved until his death.
I therefore recommend:
1. THAT Council receives and endorses the obituary.
3. MM03: Bannerman Street Roundabout
Over the past few weeks I have been contacted by numerous residents
concerned about the new Bannerman Street roundabout. The concerns have
ranged from lamenting the loss of the much-loved flowers in the centre of the
roundabout through to lack of line marking and difficulty in manoeuvring
around the new shape. I am sure most Councillors will have received similar
phone calls and emails about this.
The roundabout was redesigned to slow traffic down on Bannerman Street and
to allow for new pedestrian and bike facilities to be installed. The shape was
flattened to make it easier for buses to navigate the roundabout in its new
position. Overall, the intent was to make the area safer for all users.
While safety is important, I believe we need to work harder as a Council to
ensure that our projects recognise the viewpoint of our community. In a densely
populated area such as North Sydney, something as small as a flower bed can
make a significant contribution to the amenity of our suburbs and, ultimately,
to our quality of life.
I am advised that in the coming weeks flowers will be planted in three beds on
the edge of the road in time for Spring. In the meantime, Council staff have put
up some signs and artificial flowers advising that real flowers will be returning
soon.
However, our failure to fully understand the importance of this roundabout to
our community and pre-empt the subsequent community response is cause for
reflection. I believe we need to pause and review our processes for infrastructure
projects to make sure we are considering all the issues.
In this instance, we also need to review how the new roundabout looks and
operates to see whether any modifications need to be done.
I therefore recommend:
1. THAT a hold is put on starting any new traffic and bike construction projects
until Council has been briefed on the processes followed for these projects.
2. THAT the appearance and operation of the roundabout be review as soon
possible.
3. THAT a report be prepared for Council’s August meeting on whether
modifications to the roundabout are needed. The review should include use of
the bike lane and pedestrian crossing, traffic speeds and traffic jams at the
roundabout and community feedback on the new flower beds.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 GMO (6)
RESCISSION MOTIONS OF WHICH
DUE NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
4. NoRM01: Notice of Rescission No. 2/18 by Councillors Beregi,
Baker and Carr
THAT the decision of Council at its meeting of 25 June 2018 regarding NoM02:
Notice of Motion No. 11/18 by Crs Mutton and Barbour - Re: DCP Parking
Provisions:
1. THAT the parking provisions within Council’s Development Control Plan be
urgently reviewed to facilitate an increase in the supply of off-street parking.
be rescinded.
Should the Rescission Motion be successful, it is proposed that the following
Motion be moved:
1. THAT a report be prepared providing options and strategies to increase the
supply of off-street parking, including a review of Council’s DCP provisions in
relation to parking for residential development.
5. NoRM02: Notice of Rescission No. 3/18 by Councillors Beregi,
Baker and Carr
THAT the decision of Council at its meeting of 25 June 2018 regarding CiS07:
Tresillian Private Health Services Facility, Development Application Briefing
Report: DA326/17, 25 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft:
1. THAT Council acknowledges the high number of submissions for this
Development Application.
2. THAT Council forwards the following submission to the Sydney North
Planning Panel prior to its determination:
a. Council supports the application by Tresillian Health Services Facility on
the condition that the concerns raised by the Design Excellence Panel are
addressed;
b. A bond is issued to protect the highly significant oak tree near the northern
boundary of the site;
c. A replacement native tree will be planted in an appropriate position on the
site to compensate for the removal of every tree during the construction
process; and
d. Any references regarding “The Green Travel Plan” be directed towards
staff at the facility, not Tresillian’s clients.
be rescinded.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 GMO (7)
REPORTS
General Manager’s Office
6. GMO01: Matters Outstanding – July 2018
Report of Ken Gouldthorp, General Manager
A report on the current status of matters arising from Council resolutions up to
the meeting of 25 June 2018 is presented.
Recommending:
1. THAT the report be received.
7. GMO02: Proposed Adoption of Model Code of Meeting
Practice
Report of Ken Gouldthorp, General Manager
Amendments made to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) in August last
year by the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act
2016 provide for a model code of meeting practice (Model Meeting Code) to be
prescribed by regulation.
At its meeting on 19 February 2018, Council considered a report on the
consultation draft of the proposed Model Meeting Code prepared by the Office
of Local Government (OLG), in consultation with councils. Council resolved:
1. THAT Council receives the report.
2. THAT Council not make a submission to the Office of Local Government on
the Model Code of Meeting Practice Consultation Draft.
The purpose of this report is to propose adoption of the draft Model Meeting
Code by Council.
Council meeting and associated costs are addressed within the operating budget.
Recommending:
1. THAT the draft Code of Meeting Practice, dated December 2017, be placed
on public exhibition for 28 days.
2. THAT a further report be prepared for Council’s consideration following the
exhibition period.
8. GMO03: Performance and Remuneration Committee
Minutes - 17 July 2018
Report of Ken Gouldthorp, General Manager
This report presents the recommendations of the meeting of the Performance
and Remuneration Committee held on 17 July 2018, for Council adoption. The
minutes are attached for information.
Recommending:
1. THAT the Minutes of the Performance and Remuneration Committee held
on 17 July 2018 be adopted.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 CiS(8)
City Strategy Division
9. CiS01: Sydney North Planning Panel - Membership
Nomination 2018-2019
Report of Vera Xia, Student Strategic Planner
On 20 November 2017, Council considered a report on the nomination of
members to the Sydney North Planning Panel (SNPP) for the 2017-2018 period.
Council resolved:
THAT Council write to former Councillor Marchandeau and Reymond asking
whether they would be interested in taking on the role of Council’s
representatives on the Sydney North Planning Panel for 6 months.
THAT Council call for Expressions of Interest for the role of Council’s
representatives on the Sydney North Planning Panel, commencing in 6 months’
time.
On 29 November 2017 and 6 December 2017, former Councillors Michel
Reymond and Veronique Marchandeau respectively accepted Council’s
invitation and confirmed that they would like to be Council’s representatives to
the SNPP.
The current Council-appointed Panel members are Michel Reymond and
Veronique Marchandeau, with Councillor Barbour as an alternate.
This report asks Council to reconsider the appointment of Councillors to the
SNPP as per previous recommendations, noting that the option of retaining
Council’s currently appointed Planning Panel members for the next 12 months
is still available.
The report introduces the concept of remunerating any non-Councillor
community representatives that are appointed, consistent with that of the North
Sydney Local Planning Panel.
The $750 fee proposed for community representatives on the Panel is equivalent
to a cost of approximately $13,500 per year. This is proposed to be recouped
via the Development Application fee for development that is required to be
referred the Panel for determination at the time of lodgement.
Recommending:
1. THAT Council nominate two (2) Councillors with at least one (1) further
Councillor nominated as an alternative to represent North Sydney Council on
the Sydney North Planning Panel for a period of 12 months, OR
2. THAT in the event that recommendation 1 is not taken up, Council retain its
current nominees being former Councillors Michel Reymond and Veronique
Marchandeau, and alternate Councillor Stephen Barbour, to represent Council
on the Sydney North Planning Panel for the next 12 months.
3. THAT the Panel membership be reviewed in 12 months’ time.
4. THAT community representatives be paid $750 per Panel meeting and that
the appropriate arrangements be made to increase Development Application
fees accordingly as such applications are required to be considered by the
Sydney North Planning Panel.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 CiS(9)
10. CiS02: Crows Nest Integrated Station Development
Report of Emma Booth, Team Leader Design
On 4 July 2018, Sydney Metro, which forms part of Transport for NSW,
commenced an early community engagement process on the over station
development (OSD) proposal for the Crows Nest Metro Station. An 11-page
brochure has been released for public consideration and comment. This
identifies the proposed development of the Metro site with two 27 storey mixed
use towers at the northern end of the site and a 17 storey hotel/commercial
development on the southern side of Hume Street. The fourth building identified
is an eight storey commercial building on Clarke Street fronting Hume Street
Park.
This is the first opportunity the community has had to see, and comment on, the
proposed height, scale and mix of buildings being considered by the NSW
Government OSD at Crows Nest.
The engagement process is expected to close on 29 July 2018 and will be
followed by the lodgement of Secretary’s Environmental Assessment
Requirements (SEARs) with the Department of Planning and Environment
(DPE) which will inform the preparation of a State Significant Development
Application. This is expected to be lodged with the DPE in the fourth quarter
of 2018 and a determination by the DPE by the second quarter of 2019.
This report provides a high level assessment of the OSD identified in the
exhibition brochure. The assessment and critique in this report is prefaced with
an acknowledgment that the proposal represents a concept and is not a fully
refined design or proposal at this stage. This report, however, highlights the
following areas that are potentially problematic with the concept exhibited:
The proposal’s height, scale and use have not been informed by the DPE’s
Planned Precinct for St Leonards/Crows Nest.
The highly valued village feel of Crows Nest and solar access to key spaces
like Willoughby Road and Ernest Place, will be compromised as a result of
the proposals.
The OSD appears to propose limited employment floor space and misses an
opportunity to lead the employment agenda in this precinct.
Contribution of public benefit, particularly community space, does not
appear to be part of this proposal.
The design of the OSD appears to include car parking above ground which
will detract from the architectural merit and interest of the buildings, reduce
capacity to accommodate employment floor space and is a poor transport
planning outcome given that a new Metro representing high levels of public
transport accessibility, underpins the OSD.
Recommending:
1. THAT Council makes a submission to both TfNSW and the Department of
Planning and Environment in response to the pre-Secretary’s Environmental
Assessment Requirements (SEARS) exhibition.
2. THAT in Council’s submission, the following points be included and
elaborated on:
a. The proposal’s height, scale and use have not been informed by the DPE’s
Planned Precinct for St Leonards/Crows Nest.
b. The highly valued village feel of Crows Nest and solar access to key spaces
like Willoughby Road and Ernest Place, may be compromised as a result of
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 CiS(10)
the proposals.
c. The Over Station Development (OSD) appears to propose limited
employment floor space and misses an opportunity to lead the employment
agenda in this precinct.
d. Contribution of public benefit, particularly community space, does not
appear to be part of this proposal.
e. The design of the OSD appears to include car parking above ground which
will detract from the architectural merit and interest of the buildings, reduce
capacity to accommodate employment floor space and is a poor transport
planning outcome given that a new Metro representing high levels of public
transport accessibility, underpins the OSD.
3. THAT the Crows Nest Placemaking & Principles Study (2016) be amended
to state that there should be no additional overshadowing of Ernest Place year
round on the grounds that:
a. Ernest Place is the heart of Crows Nest village and highly used by the
community; and
b. afternoon sunlight to this community space is critical to the vibrancy of
Crows Nest.
4. THAT Council seek any solar analysis undertaken to inform Metro’s
proposal.
5. THAT the provision of commercial floor space and community uses be
recognised as more desirable than above ground car parking in the podium of
any development above a Metro station and that further options be developed
for any necessary car parking.
6. THAT the future development of the OSD prioritise local jobs and
community uses by:
a. Locating any necessary parking under Hume Street Park in return for
community space in the podium of the proposed building; or
b. At a minimum, providing high floor to floor ceiling heights to adaptively
reuse any parking space in the future for employment and community
purposes.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 CoS (11)
Corporate Services Division
11. CoS01: Investments and Loan Borrowings Held as at
30 June 2018
Report of Garry Ross, Manager Financial Services
This report provides details of the performance of Council’s investment
portfolio and borrowing limits for the period ending 30 June 2018.
Investment Portfolio:
The portfolio provided an annualised return of 3.47% for the year to date as at
30 June 2018, 1.61% above the reportable benchmark (BBSW Bank Bill Index).
Interest returns remain consistently above the benchmark. This was attributed
to additional funds being made available for investment and prudent selection
and allocation of these funds to the financial institutions which make up the
investment portfolio.
Borrowing Limits:
Council has commenced a $30 million debt facility and as at the reporting date,
has drawn down $9.5 million for capital works projects. Council continues to
monitor interest rate risk whenever it borrows, regardless of whether the interest
rates are fixed or variable.
Recommending:
1. THAT the report on Investments and Loan Borrowings held as at 30 June
2018 be received.
12. CoS02: Loan Borrowing Facility
Report of Garry Ross, Manager Financial Services
The current three-year loan facility expires on 31 July 2018. Council has drawn
down $9.5 million of the $30 million facility and a new loan agreement is now
required.
Consideration must be given to the terms of the agreement as interest rates and
bank fees influence the true cost to Council over the life of the loan. Refinancing
of the existing $9.5 million loan has been necessary due to the expiry of the
existing redraw facility and quotations were sought to provide the most
advantageous terms.
Recommending:
1. THAT the Council note the report and endorse the action taken.
13. CoS03: NYE Ticketing & Community Engagement
Strategy
Report of Justin Sheining, Team Leader Events
At its meeting of 28 May 2018, Council considered a report on ticketing Blues
Point Reserve on New Year’s Eve. Council resolved that a further report be
provided outlining options for cost recovery and revenue generating
opportunities, together with a community engagement strategy.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 CoS (12)
This report examines a range of options for cost recovery and revenue
generating opportunities, including hiring a specialist sponsorship consultant to
revisit venue sponsorship, licensing sections of Council land to external
organisations and selling advertising space on the cyclone fencing used to
manage crowds across the LGA.
The report also includes a detailed community engagement strategy designed to
gather feedback on the principle of ticketing foreshore sites on NYE.
Recommending:
1. THAT Council endorse the NYE Ticketing Community Engagement
Strategy.
14. CoS04: Customer Feedback and Complaints Report:
1 January to 30 June 2018
Report of Ian Curry, Manager Governance and Committee Services
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the complaints, both
justified and partially justified, and compliments received during the period
1 January to 30 June 2018. A comparison is made to the total number of
customer contacts that Council received during the same period.
Recommending:
1. THAT the report be received.
15. CoS05: 2018 LGNSW Conference - Proposed Motions
Report of Ian Curry, Manager Governance and Committee Services
The 2018 Local Government NSW Annual Conference will take place from
Sunday 21 to Tuesday 23 October 2018 at the Entertainment Centre, Albury.
Council is entitled to send 5 voting delegates and submit Motions to the
Conference.
Council considered a report on this matter at its meeting on 25 June 2018
(originally submitted to the 4 June 2018 Governance Committee) and resolved:
THAT Council nominates four voting delegates to attend the 2018 LGNSW
Conference in Sydney, in addition to the Mayor (voting delegate) and General
Manager.
THAT Councillors be invited to submit proposed Motions for consideration at
the 2018 LGNSW Conference.
THAT the Precinct Committees and local business community be invited to
submit suggested issues for Council’s consideration.
THAT a further report be submitted to Council in July 2018 regarding any
proposed Motions for the LGNSW Conference.
A copy of the draft Conference program, as of 13 July 2018, is attached to this
report.
Recommending:
1. THAT the proposed 2018 “issues” Conference motions received from
Councillors and Precinct Committees be submitted to LGNSW.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 CoS (13)
16. CoS06: Audit and Risk Committee Minutes – 29 June 2018
Report of Peita Rose, Governance Officer
This report presents the recommendations of the last meeting of the Audit and
Risk Committee held on 29 June 2018 for Council adoption. The Minutes are
attached for information.
Recommending:
1. THAT the Enterprise Risk Management report be received.
2. THAT the Internal Audit Report of Complaint Management be received and
noted.
3. THAT the Internal Audit Report of Records Capture be received and noted.
4. THAT Council formally adopt the requirements of the State Records Act
1998 as the benchmark for records capture.
5. THAT the Internal Audit Report of Asset Management be received and
noted.
6. THAT Council should move towards a single integrated Assessment
Management System and formally adopt the National Assessment Framework
for Local Government Asset Management and Financial Planning (NAF) issued
by the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia as the benchmark
framework for asset management.
7. THAT the Implementation Schedule of Approved Audit Recommendations
be received and noted.
8. THAT the Internal Audit Status Report with the attached Internal Audit
Calendar and Audit Committee Agenda be received and noted.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 EPS (14)
Engineering & Property Services Division
17. EPS01: Council Owned/Leased Properties: Leasing
Transactions
Report of Risha Joseph, Property Officer
A report is submitted regarding the leasing transactions for Council’s owned
and leased properties for the period ending 13 July 2018.
Rental income to Council will be received in the Property Budget.
Recommending: 1. THAT Council notes the leasing transactions which are detailed in
‘Attachment A’ of this report.
2. THAT Council hereby authorises its Official Seal to be affixed to the legal
instruments necessary to implement the proposed leasing transactions which are
noted in ‘Attachment A’ of this report, under the signature of the Mayor and the
General Manager.
18. EPS02: 101-111 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest – Release of
Easements within Lot 20 Deposited Plan 1208836 (Previously
known as part Zig Zag Lane)
Report of Risha Joseph, Property Officer
The report relates to the release of easements within Lot 20 in Deposited Plan
1208836 (previously known as part Zig Zag Lane). Following the approval of
a Planning Proposal and Voluntary Planning Agreement lodged by Coles Group
Property Development Ltd for 101-111 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest in 2012,
Council approved both the closure of Zig Zag Lane and its subsequent sale to
Coles Group Property Development Ltd.
Voluntary Planning Agreement AK661081F was registered on 16 August 2016
against the Title of the land and the sale of Zig Zag Lane to Coles Group
Property Development Ltd settled on 24 November 2016.
As the Voluntary Planning Agreement required Coles to substantially redevelop
Zig Zag Lane, it is unlikely that the laneway could accommodate the easements
which Council created upon the closure of Zig Zag Lane within Deposited Plan
20/1208836.
It is therefore necessary to release these easements against the Title of the land
and create new easements upon registration of the Plan of Subdivision and
Consolidation as approved under Development Application 126/18.
Recommending:
1. THAT Council grant consent to release the existing easements within Lot 20
Deposited Plan 1208836.
2. THAT all easements cited in Figure 7 be created and registered against the
Title of the Land.
3. THAT Council hereby authorises its Official Seal to be affixed to the Plan of
Subdivision and Consolidation, as well as all other legal instruments necessary
to effect the registration of the easements.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 EPS (15)
19. EPS03: North Sydney Olympic Pool (NSOP)
Redevelopment Update and Project Governance
Report of Duncan Mitchell, Director of Engineering and Property Services
This report provides a status update on the redevelopment of the North Sydney
Olympic Pool, following appointment of the Design Services team and Project
Management Services team during the month of July 2018. Specifically, the
report outlines the following:
1. The establishment of a Project Steering Group (PSG) for the redevelopment
of the pool and the proposed members of the PSG and draft Terms of
Reference;
2. The establishment of a Project Control Group (PCG) for the redevelopment
of the pool and the proposed members of the PCG and draft Terms of
Reference;
3. The establishment of a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) for the
redevelopment of the pool and the proposed members of the SRG and draft
Terms of Reference;
4. A proposed Study Tour of recently completed Aquatic / Recreation
Facilities in Melbourne, a proposed agenda and attendees;
5. A Value Management Workshop (VM), proposed dates and attendees; and
6. The Progress Reporting framework to be undertaken by the Project Manager
on the redevelopment of the pool.
The cost for the Design and Project Management Services for the
redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool have been budgeted for in
the Draft 2018/19 budget and were reported to Council at the Council meeting
on 25 June 2018. Forward estimates for the redevelopment of the pool have
been outlined in the current draft three-year delivery program that was adopted
by Council in June 2018.
Opportunities associated with revenue and cost efficiencies will be reviewed
and tested through the Value Management Workshop process, prior to further
design development of Option 2 as resolved by Council in December 2017.
The estimated cost for the Study tour for Melbourne for two Councillors, the
General Manager, Specialist Consultants and two Project Control Group
members is $8,000 excluding GST all inclusive (flights, accommodation and
bus hire).
Recommending: 1. THAT Council notes the status of the redevelopment of the North Sydney
Olympic Pool, regarding Program and appointment of key consultants.
2. THAT Council endorses the proposed governance structure for the project
including the establishment of:
Steering Control Group;
Project Control Group; and
Stakeholder Group
as outlined within the report.
3. THAT Council appoint a Councillor representative on the Project Steering
Group.
4. THAT the two external specialist/commercial representatives on the Project
Steering Group be appointed by the Mayor, General Manager and Councillor
representative as outlined in the Confidential Memorandum.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 EPS (16)
5. THAT Council support the proposed study tour of recently completed
Pool/Aquatic facilities in Melbourne.
20. EPS04: Supply of Renewable Energy and Large Market
Retail Electricity - SSROC 2017-13 Tender Report
Report of Albert Lo, Property Asset Manager
Tenders were called by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
(SSROC) and received until 4.00pm on 9 April 2018 for Renewable Energy and
Large Market Retail Supply of Electricity for participating Councils.
In order for Councillors to discuss the confidential memorandum attached to
this report, it will be necessary to close the Council meeting to the public.
Recommending:
1. THAT Council accept the tender of the highest ranked tenderer for the
SSROC tender 2017-13 for Renewable Energy and Large Market Retail Supply
of Electricity for North Sydney Council.
2. THAT the General Manager be authorised to take any necessary action to
implement the decision including entering associated contracts.
3. THAT once Council has executed the Contract, information relating to the
successful tender be published in Council’s Register of Contracts as required by
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 - Part 3 Division 5 -
Government Contracts With Private Sector.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 OSES (17)
Open Space & Environmental Services Division
21. OSE01: Unfunded Capital Works – Euroka Street
Playground (Asbestos)
Report of Peter Massey, Environmental Services Manager
This report details an unfunded and unforeseen Capital Works Project at Euroka
Street playground that is required to be carried out as a matter of urgency. There
has been asbestos found in close vicinity to the playground necessitating its
closure since March 2018. Works need to be undertaken in order to remove the
asbestos and isolate the community from any physical access to the affected
soil.
Recommending:
1. THAT Council allocate $95,000 from the 2017/2018 Environmental Levy
expenditure program to allow for the asbestos removal and soil remediation of
Euroka Street playground and surrounds.
2. THAT Council inform local residents and user groups of the playground of
Council’s actions in rendering the playground and surrounds safe to enjoy.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 NoM (18)
MOTIONS OF WHICH DUE NOTICE
HAS BEEN GIVEN
22. NoM01: Notice of Motion No. 12/18 by Crs Baker, Beregi and
Carr
Re: Western Harbour Tunnel and Northern Beaches Link
1. THAT Council prepare an urgent report detailing the impacts of construction
of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Northern Beaches Link with reference to
the recently published May 2018 documents (as detailed in the Sydney Morning
Herald on 24 July 2018) will have or are likely to have on the North Sydney
LGA.
2. THAT the report address any further relevant information on the project
affecting our community.
3. THAT the report be placed on Council’s website and provided to all
Precincts.
23. NoM02: Notice of Motion No. 13/18 by Crs Baker, Beregi and
Carr
Re: Public Libraries Funding
1. THAT Council endorse the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local
Government NSW library funding advocacy initiative, Renew Our Libraries.
2. THAT Council make representation to the local State Member(s), the
Premier and Felicity Wilson, in relation to the need for additional funding from
the NSW State Government for the provision of public library services.
3. THAT Council write to the Hon. Don Harwin, Minister for the Arts and the
Hon. Walt Secord, Shadow Minister for the Arts, calling for bi-partisan support
for the provision of a significant increase in state funding for NSW public
libraries, supported by a sustainable future funding model.
4. THAT Council take a leading role in activating the campaign locally.
5. THAT Council endorse the distribution of the NSW Public Libraries
Association and Local Government NSW library funding advocacy initiative
information in Council libraries, as well as involvement in any actions arising
from the initiative.
6. THAT Council formally advise the NSW Public Libraries Association and
Local Government NSW that Council has endorsed the library funding
advocacy initiative.
Background: North Sydney Council has invested significantly in library services over the past
decade. Our library services are one of the most-used and highly valued services
that Council provides to its community.
Whilst Council receives some funding from State Government, these funds have
gradually declined. In 2015/16, State funding for Public Libraries covered only
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 NoM (19)
7.5% of the total costs of operating the 368 libraries across NSW. The level of
State Government funding for NSW public libraries has reached crisis point.
This is an historic issue that has been ignored by successive NSW governments.
The key issues are that:
NSW public libraries receive the lowest per-capita funding from their State
Government compared to all other states in Australia.
NSW councils are currently paying 92.5% of the costs to operate public
libraries, up from 77% in 1980.
In 2015-16, NSW State Government funding for public libraries was only
$26.5M compared to a contribution of $341.1M from Local Government.
NSW councils are paying 12 times more than the State Government to
provide library services to their communities.
The total funding available through the NSW Public Library Funding
Strategy is not indexed to population growth or consumer price index (CPI),
thereby contributing to the ongoing attrition of State Government funding.
The 2018-2019 State Budget delivered a 5% cut to current funding and cut
access to all infrastructure funding for metropolitan areas.
Physical and virtual visitation, library borrowing and participation in library
programs continue to increase year on year.
Libraries play a major part in supporting the achievement of government
literacy targets.
Libraries provide collections, programs and spaces for marginalised groups
including older people, refugee and multicultural communities, and people
who are digitally disadvantaged.
In 2011, the NSW State Government made a pre-election commitment to
comprehensively review the level and allocation of funding for NSW public
libraries. The Library Council of NSW worked with the NSW Public Libraries
Association and the State Library of NSW to develop an evidence-based
submission.
The resulting submission, Reforming Public Library Funding, recommending a
fairer, simpler and more transparent method for the distribution of funds, was
presented to the State Government in October 2012. Despite the undertaking of
the State Government to comprehensively review funding for its public
libraries, the recommendations of Reforming Public Library Funding were
ignored and the funding model was neither reviewed nor improved.
In 2016, the then Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Troy Grant, undertook to
review the matter of State Government funding for NSW libraries at the
conclusion of the Fit for the Future program. It can be reasonably assumed that
Fit for the Future has concluded, yet there has been no review of library funding
nor any mention of libraries in the Government’s pre-election undertakings. At
the 2016 LGNSW Conference, the Premier Mike Baird committed to reviewing
library funding.
The NSW Public Libraries Association has joined forces with Local
Government NSW to establish a library funding advocacy initiative in the lead
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 NoM (20)
up to the 2019 NSW State election. The Renew Our Libraries strategy will be
rolled out over the next 8 months to persuade the Government that its network
of 368 public libraries has reached a funding flashpoint that, without
significantly increased and sustainable funding, is at risk of imminent service
reduction. The success of this approach relies heavily on the support of NSW
councils, their libraries and their communities.
It should be noted that the following motion (submitted by the Blue Mountains
City Council) was unanimously endorsed at the Local Government NSW 2017
Conference:
That Local Government NSW works with the NSW Public Libraries Association
(NSWPLA) to develop a strategic partnership to:
a) increase public awareness of the multiple roles that Local Government
Public Libraries play in supporting the educational, social, cultural and
economic outcomes in local communities
b) advocate, in the lead up to the March 2019 State election, for improved State
Government funding for Local Government Public Libraries in NSW to
enable public libraries to meet the growing needs of our local communities.
This is not a party-political issue as every government since 1980 shares the
blame for the current funding situation. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the
NSW Opposition released its Library Funding Policy on 26 March 2018 with
an undertaking to increase overall funding to all suburban and regional NSW
public libraries by $50 million in the first term of government. This is a very
significant pledge insofar as it is the first policy from any political party in recent
history that undertakes to provide a significant and specified increase in state
funding for public libraries.
NSW public libraries are governed by the Library Act 1939, a legislative
instrument that was initially introduced to ensure the provision and ongoing
sustainability of libraries through State Government and Local Government
collaboration, and providing up to 50% of the funding required to establish and
operate libraries. Since then local government has increasingly carried the
funding burden with the situation deteriorating significantly since the 1980s. As
a result, there are examples of attrition in library staffing, opening hours,
collections, services and programs in a number of councils across the state.
Disappointingly, the 2018-19 NSW state budget delivered a 5% cut to current
library funding and cut access to all infrastructure funding for metropolitan
areas. The State Government has completely ignored the recommendation of its
own expert panel, the Library Council of NSW which, in consultation with the
State Library of NSW and the NSW Public Libraries Consultative Committee,
recommended an increase in public library funding to $30M in 2018-19. The
public library grant funding component, which has been a budget inclusion for
many years, has been scrapped entirely. This component financed a competitive
grant project which has part-funded countless library infrastructure and service
projects over many years.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 NoM (21)
The NSW public library network is at serious risk. Neither this Council nor the
broader NSW Local Government sector can continue with the high degree of
uncertainty about the level of ongoing State Government funding for public
libraries.
We recommend that Council support urgent action from the NSW local
government sector and NSW Public Libraries Association/Local Government
NSW, to reverse the ongoing deterioration of state funding for public libraries
to ensure that local councils will not be forced to continue meeting the funding
shortfall.
24. NoM03: Notice of Motion No. 14/18 by Crs Baker, Beregi and
Carr
Re: Plastic-Free North Sydney
1. THAT Council prepare a report as to how it is leading the way in the
transition to a plastic-free North Sydney LGA and where appropriate
recommend measures and actions that the Council can adopt so as to ensure
Council is not just talking the talk but walking the walk.
2. THAT Council aim to ensure that all businesses in the North Sydney LGA
phase out plastic straws and one-use plastic bags by the end of 2018.
3. THAT Council develop an app to identify the location of all bubblers, water
filling stations etc. in the LGA to encourage reduction in reliance on single use
plastic water bottles and to protect our harbour.
4. THAT Council invite the Better Business Partnership to conduct an
assessment of Council’s practices with Councillors being invite to submit
suggestions.
Background: Council is currently promoting the elimination of all single-use plastic in North
Sydney. Council is encouraging partnerships with local residents, businesses
and community organisations to raise awareness and reduce the use of single-
use plastic.
https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Waste_Environment/Get_Involved/Plast
ic_Free_North_Sydney
Council should therefore be leading the way as a model citizen in this transition
by not only advising and promoting a plastic-free North Sydney LGA but
actually taking action within its own structure to reduce and become a plastic-
free North Sydney. The report should include possible initiatives to support and
encourage staff to reduce the use of single-use plastic by providing keep-cups
and re-usable bags, and more recycling stations.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 NoM (22)
25. NoM04: Notice of Motion No. 15/18 by Crs Baker, Beregi and
Carr
Re: War on Waste
1. THAT Council join the War on Waste in relation to food waste by:
i. ensuring that any catering supplied and paid for by Council is only
provided based on confirmed attendees to any meeting, function or event
where the attendee has indicated that catering will be required;
ii. ensuring that any catering or beverages provided by Council both for
internal and external meetings, functions, events etc. is served in/on re-
usable catering equipment that does not require plastic wrap, plastic straws
and cups and the like; and
iii. ensuring that any excess food is provided to food harvesting initiatives or
disposed of in a sustainable way so as not to enter landfill.
Background: The waste and leftover catering clearly demonstrates that Council is over-
ordering and over-catering as per the pictures of left-over food attached from
meetings held on 26 March, 30 April and 25 June). Whilst the cost of the left-
over, uneaten and untouched food might be regarded as insignificant by some,
cumulatively it adds up to thousands of wasted ratepayer dollars and wasted
food which does not reflect well on Council and its spending of ratepayers’
money.
Such waste of food and money could easily be managed by requiring in advance
notification of attendance at a meeting and a desire for catering to be provided.
Given that many people attend meetings but do not require catering, this then
provides a further opportunity to reduce wasteful expenditure and redirect it
towards deserving community initiatives and grant requests.
26. NoM05: Notice of Motion No. 16/18 by Crs Baker, Beregi and
Carr
Re: Moratorium on New Residential Planning Proposals
1. THAT, consistent with the recent Ryde City Council resolution on 26 June
2018, Council resolves as the planning proposal authority for the North Sydney
LGA not to accept any new planning proposals involving a residential use as
per the Minister’s initiative, until the earlier of 1 July 2020 or the completion
of any gazetted amendments to the North Sydney LEP in respect of any Land
Use and Infrastructure Plan produced by the Department of Planning’s Priority
Precinct planning process and with the exception of any Planning Proposal
submitted consistent with and in relation to a Precinct Planning Study already
adopted by Council.
2. THAT Council writes to the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Anthony
Roberts, seeking an amendment to the state policy for rezoning reviews to
exclude its operation for the North Sydney LGA in respect of new residential
planning proposals until 1 July 2020 or the completion of any gazetted
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 NoM (23)
amendments to the North Sydney LEP in respect of any Land Use and
Infrastructure Plan produced by the Department of Planning’s Priority Precinct
planning process and with the exception of any Planning Proposal submitted
consistent with and in relation to a Precinct Planning Study already adopted by
Council.
Background: On 14 May 2018, the Minister for Planning responded to Ryde City Council’s
concerns regarding overdevelopment in the City of Ryde and advised Ryde City
Council that instruction was to be provided to relevant planning authorities that
new planning proposals for residential developments would not be assessed
until such time as an appropriate strategy was in place to ensure local
infrastructure (schools, open space, transport, and community facilities), is
sufficient to manage any increase in population arising from additional
residential development.
On 26 June 2018 Ryde Council resolved that Council:
(a) not to accept any new planning proposals involving a residential use until
the earlier of 1 July 2020 or the completion of the new city-wide housing
and infrastructure strategy through the LEP review process; and
(b) writes to the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Anthony Roberts, seeking an
amendment to the state policy for rezoning reviews to exclude its operation
for Ryde LGA in respect of new residential planning proposals until 1 July
2020 or completion of the new city-wide housing and infrastructure strategy
through the LEP review process.
This resolution confirms the implementation of the moratorium on planning
proposals in accordance with the Minister’s initiative of 14 May 2018.
North Sydney Council is currently meeting and exceeding the State mandated
residential targets and is on track to meet the new targets set by the Greater
Sydney Commission’s District Plan North. However, like Ryde and other
metropolitan local government areas, the State has yet to deliver on the essential
social and community infrastructure such as schools, hospital beds, open space,
active recreational space, libraries etc., to meet existing and future demand.
Accordingly, there ought to be a moratorium on any new residential Planning
Proposals that are not the subject of an already adopted Precinct Planning Study
(which provides for public benefits to address this infrastructure shortfall) until
such time as the provision of essential local social and community infrastructure
has been addressed.
COUNCIL – 30/07/18 Questions (24)
QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
27. Q01: Kurraba Point Reserve Kayak Storage – Crs Baker,
Beregi and Carr
1. When were the temporary kayak/ski racks at Kurraba Point Reserve
installed and how was the structure approved for installation? Please
provide reference to any relevant Council policy informing the decision.
2. Was any consultation undertaken prior to the installation of the structure?
3. Have the immediately impacted residents been consulted/advised?
4. Are these racks intended to take the overflow of removal of kayak storage
from Hayes Street Wharf Beach?
5. Why was Kurraba Point chosen for increased storage provision on a
temporary basis?
6. Were the current and future parking provision, generation and requirements
taken into account prior to the installation of the structure?
7. There appear to be racks for both dinghy and kayak storage – is it intended
to provide both in any permanent structure at Kurraba Point?
8. Are there any single boat/kayak storage structures within the LGA that will
hold the quantum of kayaks/water craft that are proposed for Kurraba Point
in any single location?
9. Will these racks become a permanent structure? If so, when will residents
be consulted on any permanent fixture?
10. How much did the temporary structure and associated works cost to
install? How much is Council paying for the structure to remain in place?
28. Q02: Western Harbour Tunnel and Northern Beaches Link –
Crs Baker, Beregi and Carr
Have the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor met with the Minister for Roads,
Minister for Transport, any State MPs or representatives of any Ministers or
relevant project personnel in relation to the Western Harbour Tunnel and
Northern Beaches Link? If so, please provide details of the meeting dates,
attendees, copies of any meeting agenda/e, minutes or notes and advise any
outcomes that have been or are being negotiated for the benefit of the residents
of the North Sydney LGA.
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE