Download - Council Meeting 2 September 2014 Agenda · 9/2/2014 · COUNCIL MEETING – 2 SEPTEMBER 2014 AGENDA 12. General Business General Managers Reports GM1. Returning Planning Powers to

COUNCIL MEETING

Strathfield Municipal Council

Tuesday 2 September 2014

OPEN FORUM

Open Forum is held prior to each Council Meeting to enable any person to address Council without notice on any matter NOT

included in the Agenda of the meeting.

Speakers must give their name and address and are permitted five minutes to address council.

Members of the public are not permitted to make personal comments

concerning Councillors, staff or other members of the public or engage in disorderly or offensive conduct at a

meeting. Unacceptable conduct may result in rescinding speaking rights or expulsion from the meeting.

All comments made in Open Forum are recorded.

7pm Council Chambers,

65 Homebush Road, Strathfield

COUNCIL MEETING – 2 SEPTEMBER 2014

AGENDA

1. Prayer

2. Recognition of Traditional Custodians

3. Declaration of Pecuniary or Conflict of Interest (nature of interest to be disclosed)

4. Confirmation of Minutes

Ordinary Council Meeting 5 August 2014

5. Apologies

6. Deferred/Outstanding matters awaiting report

7. Planning and Development Matters

8. Mayoral Minute(s) in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice

9. Councillors’ Questions to the Mayor (submitted in writing in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice)

10. Reports from Committees

Traffic Committee Meeting 19 August 2014

11. Motions Pursuant to Notice

A. Notice of Motion signed by Councillors Ok and Bott

1. Strathfield Business Association

B. Notices of Motion signed by Councillor McLucas

1. Proposed Amalgamation

2. Enfield Intermodal

Persons in the gallery are advised that under the Local Government Act, 1993 a person may NOT tape record the proceeding of a meeting of a council or committee without the authority of the council or committee.“Tape record” includes a video camera and an electronic device capable of recording speech. Mobile phones must be turned off so as not to disrupt the meeting. Anyone, including Councillors, found using a mobile phone will be told to leave the meeting immediately and for the duration of the said meeting. An audio recording of this meeting will be taken for minute taking purposes as authorised by the Local Government Act.


AGENDA

12. General Business

General Managers Reports

GM1. Returning Planning Powers to Local Government

GM2. 2014 Sister Cities Australia Conference

Corporate Services Reports

CS1. 2013/2014 Financial Statements

CS2. Investment Report as at 31 July 2014

CS3. Customer Satisfaction Survey

Operations Reports

OP1. Federal and State Funded Black Spot Programs

OP2. WestConnex M4 East Air Quality Monitoring Station

Technical Services Reports

TS1. Strathfield Town Centre Traffic and Parking Taskforce

TS2. WestConnex Stage 1(a) – M4 Widening

13. Matters of Urgency in Accordance with Clause 241 of the Local Government General Regulation, 2005

14. Closed Session

In accordance with Section 10A (2) of the Local Government Act 1993 the following matter will be considered in Closed Session for the reason stated:

1. Outstanding Payment Proposal – Southend Tennis Centre

This matter is being considered in Closed Session as it as it relates to advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the grounds of legal professional privilege.

I endorse the recommendations contained herein.

______________________

Director Corporate Services

MINUTES

Council Meeting

5 August 2014

COUNCIL MEETING – 5 AUGUST 2014

MINUTES

2

Minutes of the Council Meeting of Strathfield Municipal Council held on 5 August 2014, in the Council Chambers, 65 Homebush Road, Strathfield. COMMENCING: 7.14pm

PRESENT: Mayor Councillor D Bott (Chairman) Councillor R Datta Councillor S Kokkolis Councillor H McLucas Councillor S Ok Councillor A Soulos Councillor G Vaccari

STAFF: General Manager Director Corporate Services Director Operations Director Technical Services Communications Coordinator Governance Coordinator Personal Assistant to Director Corporate Services

1. OPENING: The prayer was read.

2. RECOGNITION OF TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS: The Recognition was read.

3. PECUNIARY INTEREST/CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Councillor Vaccari declared a non significant non pecuniary interest in General Business Item CS2. Requests for Financial Assistance as he is a member of Strathfield Rotary and advised that as Rotary is in the nature of a club he will remain in the meeting room during discussion on this matter. Councillor Vaccari also declared a significant non pecuniary interest in the Urgent Business Item 3. Australian Catholic University Legal Proceedings Update as he lives in the vicinity of the University and advised that he will vacate the meeting room and not take part in discussion on this matter. Councillor McLucas declared a significant pecuniary interest in the Urgent Business Item 3. Australian Catholic University Legal Proceedings Update as she is employed by the University and advised that she will vacate the meeting room and not take part in discussion on this matter. Councillor Bott declared a significant pecuniary interest in Notice of Motion 11.D.1. Financial System Inquiry Submission as he has associations with Macquarie Group and he advised that he will vacate the meeting room and not take part in discussion on this matter.


MINUTES

3

4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

166/14

RESOLVED: (McLucas/Kokkolis)

That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 1 July 2014, a copy of which has been furnished to each Councillor, be taken as read and confirmed as a true and correct record of that meeting and that the Chairman and General Manager be authorised to sign such minutes.

For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Nil

5. APOLOGIES

Nil.

6. DEFERRED/OUTSTANDING MATTERS AWAITING REPORT

Nil.

7. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

Nil.

8. MAYORAL MINUTE (S) IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL’S CODE OF MEETING PRACTICE

1. Mayoral Minute 30/14 – Office of Local Government’s Comparative Information for 2012/13

That Council: 1. Note the Office of Local Government's Comparative Information for 2012/13 and Strathfield

Council's favourable position relative to councils. 2. Commit to informing the community about the Office of Local Government's key findings

relating to Strathfield Council.

167/14

RESOLVED: (Bott)

That Council: 1. Note the Office of Local Government's Comparative Information for 2012/13 and Strathfield

Council's favourable position relative to councils. 2. Commit to informing the community about the Office of Local Government's key findings

relating to Strathfield Council.


MINUTES

4



2. Mayoral Minute 31/14 – NSW Ports Enfield ILC “Community Feedback” Request

1. That Council formally request, via the Minister for Roads and Freight, that NSW Ports reopen its "community feedback" process regarding the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (due to close Thursday, 7 August 2014) and publicise it adequately to local residents.

2. That Council encourage residents to respond to the closure of NSW Ports' "community

feedback" by sending their feedback to NSW Ports ([email protected]) the Minister for Roads and Freight, (www.nsw.gov.au/contact-minister-roads-freight) and to Council ([email protected]).

3. That Council inform other adjacent and affected LGAs of its approach regarding green space for

Enfield ILC.

168/14

RESOLVED: (Bott)

1. That Council formally request, via the Minister for Roads and Freight, that NSW Ports reopen its "community feedback" process regarding the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (due to close Thursday, 7 August 2014) and publicise it adequately to local residents.

2. That Council encourage residents to respond to the closure of NSW Ports' "community

feedback" by sending their feedback to NSW Ports ([email protected]) the Minister for Roads and Freight, (www.nsw.gov.au/contact-minister-roads-freight) and to Council ([email protected]).

3. That Council inform other adjacent and affected LGAs of its approach regarding green space for

Enfield ILC.



3. Mayoral Minute 32/14 – Meriden School 2013 NAPLAN Results

That Council commends Meriden School on being ranked first in a table of Top Performing Schools in NSW* based on 2013 NAPLAN results.

169/14

RESOLVED: (Bott)

That Council commends and writes to Meriden School on being ranked first in a table of Top Performing Schools in NSW* based on 2013 NAPLAN results together with Santa Sabina College and St Patricks College that finished in the top 50.




MINUTES

5

4. Mayoral Minute 33/14 – Lighting to the Underside of Centenary Drive Overpass

That Council advocates further for the repair of lighting to the underside of this pedestrian thoroughfare at Centenary Drive Overpass.

170/14

RESOLVED: (Bott)

That Council advocates further for the repair of lighting to the underside of the pedestrian thoroughfare at Centenary Drive Overpass.



9. COUNCILLORS’ QUESTIONS TO THE MAYOR

Nil.

10. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES

Nil.

11. MOTIONS PURSUANT TO NOTICE

A. Notice of Motion signed by Councillors Soulos, Ok and Bott

1. Powells Creek Path

WE MOVE:

That Council investigate the feasibility of creating a walkway/cycleway between Parramatta Road and Elva Street including but not limited to:

1. A pathway alongside the Powell's creek canal. 2. A pathway cantilevered over the Powell's creek canal. 3. A pathway bridging over any obstructions, and 4. A pathway tunnelled alongside the Powell's creek canal below any obstructions.

171/14

RESOLVED: (Soulos/Kokkolis)

That Council investigate and report on the feasibility of creating a walkway/cycleway between Pomeroy Street and Elva Street including but not limited to: 1. A pathway alongside the Powell's creek canal. 2. A pathway cantilevered over the Powell's creek canal. 3. A pathway bridging over any obstructions, and 4. A pathway tunnelled alongside the Powell's creek canal below any obstructions. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari



MINUTES

6

B. Notice of Motion signed by Councillor Vaccari

1. Cage Free Egg

I MOVE:

1. That Strathfield Council use exclusively ‘free range’ eggs and other chicken products in all its catering and other food related activities into the future.

2. That Strathfield Council seek certification from any non Council food contractors that they use exclusively ‘free range’ eggs and other chicken products in the foods they provide to Strathfield Council and its residents.

3. That any non Council food contractors not willing or able to provide such certification be excluded from providing food services to Strathfield Council or its residents.

4. That Strathfield Council write to the Australian Egg Corporation (AEC) advising them of Council’s position on this matter, and encouraging the AEC to have its members move to a 100% ‘cage free’ egg and other chicken products production environment as soon as possible.

5. That Strathfield Council write to the RSPCA to appraise that organisation of its new stance on the ‘cage free’ egg and other chicken products debate.

172/14

RESOLVED: (Vaccari/ Kokkolis)

1. That where practicable Strathfield Council use ‘free range’ eggs and other chicken products in all its catering and other food related activities into the future.

2. That Strathfield Council seek certification from any non Council food contractors that they use

‘free range’ eggs and other chicken products where practicable in the foods they provide to Strathfield Council and its residents.

3. That any non Council food contractors not willing or able to provide such certification, where

possible be excluded from providing food services to Strathfield Council or its residents.

4. That Strathfield Council write to the Australian Egg Corporation (AEC) advising them of Council’s position on this matter, and encouraging the AEC to have its members move to a 100% ‘cage free’ egg and other chicken products production environment as soon as possible.

5. That Strathfield Council write to the RSPCA to appraise that organisation of its new stance on the ‘cage free’ egg and other chicken products debate.

For the Motion: Councillors Datta, Kokkolis, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Councillors Bott and McLucas


MINUTES

7

C. Notice of Motion signed by Councillor McLucas

1. Penalties for Illegal Development

I MOVE:

1. That Council request the Department of Planning & Environment to increase the fines for penalty infringement notices for illegal work commensurate with the cost of the works carried out (eg. at a minimum of 10% of the cost of works.

2. That Council review its Enforcement Policy to consider outlining that all breaches for illegal

building work should attract penalty infringement notices (fines) and/or be subject to the application of the legal orders process.

173/14

RESOLVED: (McLucas/Soulos)

1. That Council request the Department of Planning & Environment to increase the fines for penalty infringement notices for illegal work commensurate with the cost of the works carried out (eg. at a minimum of 10% of the cost of works as determined by Council).

2. That Council review its Enforcement Policy to consider outlining that all breaches for illegal

building work should attract penalty infringement notices (fines) and/or be subject to the application of the legal orders process.



D. Notice of Motion signed by Councillor Soulos

1. Financial System Inquiry Submission

Councillor Bott having declared a conflict of Interest in this matter vacated the meeting room.

Councillor Ok took the Chair.

I MOVE:

1. That Council make a second round submission to the Financial System Inquiry. 2. That Council include in its submission to the Financial System Inquiry its resolution titled 'Bank Deposits' from the 4 February 2014 Ordinary meeting. 174/14

RESOLVED: (Soulos/Vaccari)

1. That Council make a second round submission to the Financial System Inquiry. 2. That Council include in its submission to the Financial System Inquiry its resolution titled 'Bank Deposits' from the 4 February 2014 Ordinary meeting. For the Motion: Councillors Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari



MINUTES

8

Councillor Ok vacated the chair. Councillor Bott returned to the meeting room and took the Chair.

12. GENERAL BUSINESS

GM1. Proposed Funding Changes to Aged Day Care by Department of Social Services

175/14

RESOLVED: (Kokkolis/Vaccari)

1. That Strathfield Council support Local Government NSW (LGNSW) in highlighting the need for ongoing funding by the Department of Social Services of the positions of Ageing and Disability Officers employed by Local Government.

2. That Strathfield Council advocates strongly with State and Federal Members of Parliament for

the retention of this funding and the services it delivers. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Nil GM2. Local Government Financial Assistance Grants

176/14

RESOLVED: (Datta/Kokkolis)

That Council write to the Federal Members for Reid and Watson seeking their support to have the Government reverse its decision to freeze the indexation of the local government Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) for three years until 2017-18.



GM3. Provision of Legal Services Tender

177/14

RESOLVED: (Vaccari/Kokkolis)

That the matter be considered in Closed Session as it relates to commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it and on balance, the public interest in preserving confidentiality of the commercial information outweighs the public interest in openness and transparency in Council decision-making by discussing the matter in open meeting.




MINUTES

9

GM4. Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy

178/14

RESOLVED: (McLucas/Datta)

1. That the amended Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. 2. That the policy be amended to include that free Wireless access be permitted. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari


GM5. ‘No Junk Mail’ Initiatives

179/14

RESOLVED: (Soulos/McLucas)

1. That a Strathfield Council ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker be distributed with an accompanying letter in the next notice to ratepayers.

2. That Council ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker be distributed with an accompanying letter to Strata

Managers of Multi-Unit Dwellings. 3. That a Strathfield Council ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker be available for residents from Council’s

Customer Service Centre, Libraries and at the Strathfield Spring Festival and other relevant community events.

4. That a webpage be created at www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au providing information on ways to

stop junk mail. 5. That Strathfield Council write to the Association for Data Driven Marketing and Advertising

(ADMA), Australian Catalogue Association (ACA) and Australian Retailers Association (ARA) requesting these organisations explore more sustainable ways of distributing advertising.


Against the Motion: Nil The above Resolution was subject to the following Motion which was Lost: MOTION ((Vaccari/Kokkolis) 1. That a Strathfield Council ‘No Junk Mail’ (Community notices excluded) sticker be distributed

with an accompanying letter in the next notice to ratepayers.

2. That Council ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker be distributed with an accompanying letter to Strata Managers of Multi-Unit Dwellings.

3. That a Strathfield Council ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker be available for residents from Council’s Customer Service Centre, Libraries and at the Strathfield Spring Festival and other relevant community events.


MINUTES

10

4. That a webpage be created at www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au providing information on ways to stop junk mail.

5. That Strathfield Council write to the Association for Data Driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA), Australian Catalogue Association (ACA) and Australian Retailers Association (ARA) requesting these organisations explore more sustainable ways of distributing advertising.

For the Motion: Councillors Kokkolis, Ok, and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, McLucas and Soulos

CS1. Investment Report as at 30 June 2014

180/14

RESOLVED: (McLucas/Vaccari)

That the record of cash investments as at 30 June 2014 be noted. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari


CS2. Requests for Financial Assistance

181/14


1. That financial assistance of $200 for the annual Year 10 Citizenship Awards held by Zonta West Sydney be approved.

2. That financial assistance of $250 for the 2014 Police Officer of the Year Awards held by

Strathfield Rotary be approved. 3. That Councillors Bott, Datta and Kokkolis represent Council in attending the 2014 Police Officer

of the Year Awards Night to be held Wednesday 27 August 2014 at Strathfield Golf Club.



CS3. Inner West Domestic Violence Liaison Committee Request for Financial Assistance

182/14

RESOLVED: (Kokkolis/Soulos)

That the request for financial assistance from Inner West Domestic Violence Liaison Committee for funding for a community arts project be supported and that Council provide $500 financial assistance. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Councillor McLucas


MINUTES

11

The above Resolution was subject to the following Motion which was Lost: MOTION: (McLucas/Datta)

That the request for financial assistance from Inner West Domestic Violence Liaison Committee for funding for a community arts project not be supported. For the Motion: Councillor McLucas

For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

CS4. Appointment of Audit Committee Independent Members

183/14

RESOLVED: (Kokkolis/Vaccari)

That the matter be considered in Closed Session as it relates to personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors) and on balance, the public interest in preserving confidentiality of the personnel matters outweighs the public interest in openness and transparency in Council decision-making by discussing the matter in open meeting.



OP1. Evaluation of Tenders for Design, Supply and Install Demountable Building for Council’s Works Depot

184/14


That the tender from Project Design Sales Management Pty Ltd for the Design, Supply and Install Demountable Building at Council’s Works Depot (Tender Number 06/2014) be accepted. . For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari


OP2. Increased Funding for Footpath Repairs

185/14


That Council note a workshop will be scheduled to discuss the outcomes of the investigation in relation to “Increased Funding for Footpath Repairs”. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari



MINUTES

12

TS1. 2013/2014 Food Inspection Program

186/14


That Council note and support the outcomes of the 2013/2014 Food Inspection and Education Program carried out by Council. For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari


13. MATTERS OF URGENCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE 241 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 2005

187/14


That pursuant to Clause 241 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 the following matter be dealt with as it is considered to be of great urgency. 1. Submission to NSW Ports - Enfield ILC For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari


The Chairman ruled that the matter was of great urgency.

1. Urgent Business - Submission to NSW Ports - Enfield ILC 188/14


1. That Council make representation to the Department of Planning & Environment to ensure that full compliance with the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre project approval consent conditions is achieved, prior to NSW Ports and its tenants commencing site operations.

2. That Council prepare a submission, based on the draft issues presented and any further issues

raised by Council (refer Attachment 3), in response to the ‘Request for Community Feedback: Enfield ILC Southern Ecological Area’ and submit this to NSW Ports.

3. That Council prepare a submission, based on the draft issues presented and any further issues

raised by Council (refer Attachment 5), in response to the ‘Enfield ILC Overarching Operational Environmental Management Plan’ and submit this to NSW Ports.

4. To note the City of Canterbury Council’s resolution in support of Strathfield and Bankstown

Council’s request for more contemporary health monitoring, traffic analysis, development cap and in addition to monitoring the impact of freight trains, health impacts etc (refer attachment 4).


MINUTES

13

5. During this period of commencing site operations and post site operations that Council monitors and actively keep residents informed of progress in compliance and any other issues that may impact Strathfield residents.



189/14

RESOLVED: (Bott/McLucas) That pursuant to Clause 241 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 the following matter be dealt with as it is considered to be of great urgency. 2. Order Under Section 438A of the Local Government Act 1993 For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Nil The Chairman ruled that the matter was of great urgency.

2. Urgent Business - Order Under Section 438A of the Local Government Act 1993 The Order was tabled by the Mayor. 190/14


1. That Council notes and tables the receipt of an Order under Section 438A of the Local Government Act 1993.

2. That Council do all things within its power to comply with the terms of the Order and that the

General Manager be delegated authority to take all necessary steps to comply with the Order.

For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari Against the Motion: Nil


MINUTES

14

191/14


That pursuant to Clause 241 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 the following matter be dealt with as it is considered to be of great urgency. 3. Australian Catholic University Legal Proceedings Update For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, McLucas, Ok, Soulos and Vaccari

Against the Motion: Nil The Chairman ruled that the matter was of great urgency.

14. CLOSED SESSION

192/14

RESOLVED: (Soulos/Datta)

That in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 the following matter be considered in CLOSED SESSION for the reason stated:

3. Australian Catholic University Legal Proceedings Update

This matter is being considered in Closed Session as it relates to advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the grounds of legal professional privilege and on balance, the public interest in preserving confidentiality of legal information provided outweighs the public interest in openness and transparency in council decision-making by discussing the matter in open meeting.


Against the Motion: Nil The meeting proceeded into Closed Session with the press and public excluded.

3. Urgent Business – Australian Catholic University Legal Proceedings Update

Councillors McLucas and Vaccari having declared a conflict of interest in the this matter vacated the meeting room.

193/14

RESOLVED: (Kokkolis/Datta) 1. That Council note the update provided regarding the Australian Catholic University Class 1 and

Class 4 legal proceedings.

2. That Council proceed with the ‘proposed further actions’ as outlined in the report.

For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, Kokkolis, Ok and Soulos



MINUTES

15

Councillors McLucas and Vaccari returned to the meeting room. GM3. Provision of Legal Services Tender 194/14


1. That Council appoint the following external legal firms to Council’s Legal Panel for the provision of legal services for a period of one (1) year:

a. Houston Dearn O’Connor b. HWL Ebsworth Lawyers c. Maddocks d. Marsdens Law Group e. Workplace Law Pty Ltd

2. That Council retain the discretion to appoint advisers, or to seek expertise outside the

panel, as and when required or appropriate.

For the Motion: Councillors Bott, Datta, McLucas, and Soulos

Against the Motion: Councillors Kokkolis, Ok and Vaccari

CS4. Appointment of Audit Committee Independent Members

195/14


1. That the Audit Committee Charter be amended as follows:

5.1 Members (Voting)

Councillors (2) Independent external members (3) (not a member of the Council)

An independent member is to be the chairperson.

5.2 Attendance (Non-Voting)

Internal Auditor Chief Financial Officer General Manager Director Corporate Services

2. That the following Independent Members be appointed to the Audit Committee:

Nella Gaughan Brian Hrnjak

Dennis Vaccher


MINUTES

16

3. That the following Councillors be appointed to the Audit Committee:

Councillor Helen McLucas Councillor Gulian Vaccari

4. That Brian Hrnjak be appointed Chairperson of the Audit Committee.



Open Council resumed and the Chairperson advised details of the resolutions made in Closed Session.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.13PM.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The foregoing Minutes were confirmed at the meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Strathfield held on 2 September 2014.

Chairman____________________________ General Manager__________________________

Mayoral Minutes

MINUTESTraffic Committee Meeting

Tuesday 19 August 2014

TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MEETING - 19 AUGUST 2014

MINUTES

2

Minutes of the Strathfield Council Traffic Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 19 August 2014.

COMMENCING: 11.03am

PRESENT

Members: Councillor Helen McLucas Chairperson, SMC Mr. Rob Bourke Director Operations Sgt. Valerie Wagstaff NSW Police Service, Flemington LAC Mr. Peter Whitney Sydney Buses Apologies: Mr. Nicolas Kocoski Roads and Maritime Services Also in Attendance: Mr. Ken Kanagarajan Traffic Engineer, SMC Minutes: Mr Ken Kanagarajan Traffic Engineer, SMC

The meeting opened at 11.03am. 2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Traffic Committee meeting held on 24 June 2014. T52/14 Recommendation: The Minutes of the Traffic Committee meeting held on 24 June 2014 be confirmed.

(Voting on this item was unanimous)

3. Deferred/Outstanding matters awaiting report 3.1 Introduction of a part time “No Stopping” restriction in Kingsland Road, Strathfield. At the meeting of the Traffic Committee held on 15 April 2014, the following recommendation was adopted: 1. The kerb space on the western side of Kingsland Road, Strathfield, between the existing “No

Stopping” zone near Llandilo Avenue and the southern property boundary of 9 Kingsland Road be signposted as “No Stopping 8am - 9am; 2.30-3.30pm School Days” as shown on the attached sketch;

2. Council advise the residents of Kingsland Road between Llandilo Avenue and Agnes Street,

and the Principal of Trinity Grammar School of recommendation 1, above, through a letter box drop; and

3. The area be monitored to identify if the above measure has improved the traffic flow in

Kingsland Avenue.


MINUTES

3

Council’s Traffic Engineer advised that on the basis of representations received by Council, following the letter box notification, the following amended recommendation be adopted: T53/14 Recommendation: 1. The kerb space on the western side of Kingsland Road, Strathfield, between the existing “No

Stopping” zone near Llandilo Avenue and a point six metres north of the southern property boundary of 11 Kingsland Road be signposted as “No Stopping 8 - 9.30am; 2.30 - 4.00pm School Days” as shown on the attached sketch;

2. The area be monitored to identify if the above measure has improved the traffic flow in

Kingsland Avenue. (Voting on this item was unanimous)

No further report is required to Council on the above matter. 3.2 Introduction of a part time “Bus Zone” restriction in Carrington Avenue, Strathfield outside Santa Maria del Monte School At the meeting of the Traffic Committee held on 15 April 2014, the following recommendation was adopted: 1. Council Officers meet with the two residents who provided responses, to discuss their concerns

and outline Council’s position on the implementation of the “Bus Zone”; 2. Council contact the Principal of Santa Maria del Monte School to raise residents concerns and

work with her to inform and educate the school community on responsible driving and parking in Carrington Avenue and the possibility of the Kiss and Ride “No Parking” zone being removed; and

3. The existing “1/4P 8 - 9.30am, 2.30 - 4pm School Days” zone be modified as “Bus Zone 8 -

8.45am, 2.30 - 3.30pm School Days” as previously recommended by the Traffic Committee and subsequently approved by Council on 4 March 2014.

4. A random parking blitz over the next six months be conducted by Council Rangers and the

Police. However the school Principal be advised of the above so that she can advise parents and the school community accordingly.

Council’s Traffic Engineer advised that the two residents who provided the responses reiterated that the main issue is in regard to blocking of their driveway entrances by parents waiting to set down/pick up children during peak hours, which situation makes it extremely difficult for the residents to get in and out of their driveways during those peak hours. T54/14 Recommendation: Additional patrol by Council Rangers and Police Highway Patrol officers be requested to provide general supervision of streets in the vicinity of school ‘Kiss and Ride’ zones.

(Voting on this item was unanimous) No further report to Council is required on the above matter.


MINUTES

4

3.3 Intersection of Howard Street and Barker Road, Strathfield – complaint concerning removal of traffic island At the meeting of the Traffic Committee held on 17 December 2013, the following recommendation was adopted:

1. The existing concrete island at the intersection of Howard Street and Barker Road be removed;

2. A ‘STOP’ control and associated line marking facilities be implemented in Howard Street at its approach to the Barker Road intersection; and

3. Prior to the implementation of the above proposals, residents of Howard Street, Marion Street, Shortland Avenue, Fraser Street and Edgar Street be notified of the above works.

Since the completion of the above works, traffic conditions in the vicinity of the location are considered satisfactory. However, one resident has made repeated representations furnishing photos of vehicles disobeying the ‘STOP’ control and line marking restrictions in Howard Street. He has also requested the provision of a pedestrian refuge in Howard Street at the subject location. Council officers’ view is that the current treatment is appropriate and the intersection operates with a satisfactory level of public safety with the ‘STOP’ control and line marking measures. The provision of a pedestrian refuge, as suggested by the resident, is also considered not warranted. T55/14 Recommendation: The above report be received and noted; and no further report to Council is required.


4. SIGNS AND LINE MARKINGS (Reports by Ken Kanagarajan, Traffic Engineer)

4.1 Gelling Avenue, Strathfield - Representation concerning speeding Council has received a representation from residents of Gelling Avenue, Strathfield concerning vehicles travelling at unsafe speeds along the street. An automatic traffic survey station was established in Gelling Avenue, midway between Homebush Road and Chalmers Road and a for a full week (from 26 July 2014 to 2 August 2014) 24 hours 7 days traffic volume and speed data was gathered, and the results analysed by CFE Information Technologies. The following table shows the summary of the results of the above Traffic Survey: Gelling Avenue, between Homebush Road and Chalmers Road

85th Percentile Speed (km/hour)

5 Day AADT Vehicles/day

Eastbound 58 292 Westbound 59 398 Combined (bidirectional) 59 690


MINUTES

5

Gelling Avenue, between Homebush Road and Chalmers Road, is a two-way street and 10.6 metres wide between kerbs, with 4.8 metres wide footways on either side. ‘50’ Speed Limit Area signs are in place at both entry points from Homebush Road and Chalmers Road. The street is a 310 metres long straight section offering clear visibility of its full length from any point on the street. The kerbside on both sides of Gelling Avenue is unrestricted for parking. A review of the RTA’s accident records available for the most recent five years revealed nil reported accidents in Gelling Avenue. It is considered that the observed 85th percentile speed of 59 km/hour is not significantly high to justify the provision of physical constraints such as speed cushions which are normally considered appropriate at locations where observed speeds exceed the speed limit by 30%.

T56/14 Recommendation:

1. The above report detailing that Gelling Avenue, Strathfield, carries moderate volumes of traffic

and the recorded vehicle speeds are within tolerance level be received and noted;

2. The residents who made the representation concerning unsafe speeding in Gelling Avenue be notified of the above and advised that traffic conditions in the street will be periodically monitored and remedial measures, if warranted, be implemented in consultation with residents.


4.2 Birriwa Avenue, Strathfield South – Request for the introduction of ‘ONE WAY’

restriction.

The Committee at its meeting held on 20 May 2014 considered a representation from residents of Birriwa Avenue, Strathfield South, concerning traffic conditions in the street. It was stated that large trucks entering Madeline Street, from Punchbowl Road, make a U - turn when they find that they cannot proceed through due to the road block; and these trucks then proceed via Birriwa Avenue as a short cut to reach Water Street. Introduction of ‘One Way’ restriction, preferably in a westerly direction, to prevent this external through traffic was therefore proposed.

Introduction of ‘One Way’ traffic restriction requires the preparation of a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which should be submitted for the consideration of RMS. Formal concurrence by RMS is required prior to the introduction of the One Way restriction. The Committee recommended that the request for the introduction of a One Way traffic restriction in Birriwa Avenue, Belfield, be notified by a letterbox drop to the residents in the local precinct and a summary of the local community’s response be brought back to the Committee for consideration. In response to Council's letterbox notification seeking residents’ feedback, a total of six responses were received, three supporting the proposal and three against the proposed ONE-Way restriction. However, Council officers’ view is that a sign should be installed at the entry point to Madeline Street, from Punchbowl Road, to advise motorists of the road block; and a further review be undertaken after a three months trial period.


MINUTES

6

T57/14 Recommendation: A sign be installed at the entry point to Madeline Street, from Punchbowl Road, to advise motorists of the road block resulting in restricted carriageway; and a review be undertaken after a three months trial period to assess traffic conditions in Madeline and Birriwa Streets, Strathfield South.


4.3 Chatfield Avenue, Strathfield South – Request for the introduction of a ’No Parking’ restriction on one side of the street.

In addition to the matter detailed above, the Committee at its meeting held on 20 May 2014 considered a representation for the introduction of a ‘No Parking’ restriction on one side of Chatfield Avenue, Strathfield South, which runs between Water Street and Chisholm Street. The Avenue is 5.8 metres wide and due to the narrow width of the street, the residents park their vehicles in a ‘zig zag’ pattern in such a way to leave just one lane of traffic to pass through at the centre of the road. It has been stated that a few ‘near miss’ accidents have been experienced in recent times by through traffic using Chatfield Avenue as a short cut to reach Water Street/Punchbowl Road. It has therefore been requested that Council consider the introduction of a full time ‘No Parking’ restriction on one side of the street.

The Committee recommended that the request for the introduction of a ‘No Parking’ restriction on one side of Chatfield Avenue, in conjunction with the request for the introduction of a ‘One Way’ traffic restriction in Birriwa Avenue, be notified by a letter box drop to the residents in the local precinct and a summary of the local community’s response be brought back to the Committee for consideration. In response to Council's letterbox notification seeking residents’ feedback, a total of six responses were received, four supporting the proposal and two against the proposal for the introduction of a 'No Parking' restriction on one side of the street.

Council officers’ view is that residents mostly exercise care not to park right across other driveways on both sides; and such practice itself effectively deters speeding of vehicles whilst providing parking for residents outside their properties. T58/14 Recommendation: The residents who made the representation for the introduction of a ‘No Parking’ restriction on one side of Chatfield Avenue, Strathfield South, be advised that: a) Some of the residents have objected to the proposal due to the resultant loss of on - street

parking; b) Recent investigation has revealed that residents mostly exercise care not to park right across

driveways on both sides; and such practice itself effectively deters speeding of vehicles; and c) Traffic conditions in the street will be closely monitored by Council in conjunction with traffic

conditions in Birriwa Avenue. (Voting on this item was unanimous)


MINUTES

7

4.4 Churchill Avenue, Strathfield Square - Police Vehicle Parking Zone

Senior Sergeant Robert Monaghan, Crime Coordinator, Flemington Local Area Command, NSW Police Service has brought to the attention of Council of the need to relocate the existing Police Vehicle Parking zone in the Strathfield Town Centre. At present a small section of kerbspace on the western side of Churchill Avenue, Strathfield Town Centre, is signposted as "No Stopping Police Vehicles Excepted". This zone is at the immediate approach to the loading dock of the Strathfield Plaza, located west of Strathfield Square. The Flemington Local Area Command are of the view that the current position is often concealed by large commercial vehicles accessing the plaza's loading dock and is counterproductive to the principle of providing a direct police presence in the Town Centre. Flemington Local Area Command has also stated that their vehicle has been damaged whilst parked in this location. A joint inspection of the area by Council and Police officers indicated that this police parking zone should be relocated closer to the entrance to the Strathfield Plaza to provide an enhanced visibility of it from much of the Town Centre and facilitate ready emergency access to the plaza. At present, a disability parking space has been provided at the approach to the marked pedestrian crossing outside the entrance to the plaza; and it was suggested that this zone could be reallocated as "No Stopping Police Vehicles Excepted". The police vehicle would block the view of the current pedestrian crossing by traffic in the area and felt to be too dangerous. Two options were presented:

1) The police vehicle remain in its present position 2) Investigation of an alternate position

T59/14 Recommendation:

Sgt. Valerie Wagstaff of the NSW Police Service Flemington LAC liaise with the Flemington Local Area Command to clarify the exact nature of the request to move the Police parking and report back to the Traffic Committee in regard to the matter raised by the Crime Coordinator concerning existing Police Vehicle Parking zone in the Strathfield Town Centre.


4.5 Marlborough Road and Hammersmith Road just south of Austin Avenue (outside the

entrance to Sydney Markets Homebush West - Pedestrian Crossing Facilities

Council, RMS and the Local Members, Mr Charles Casuscelli State Member for Strathfield and Mr John Sidoti State Member for Drummoyne have been concerned for quite some time for the safety of pedestrians crossing Marlborough and Hammersmith Roads, particularly in the vicinity of Austin Park, to reach their destinations of Sydney Markets and Flemington Railway station through the service tunnel under Centenary Drive, Flemington. This issue has been the subject of discussion on a number of various occasions at the Traffic Committee and the following options were explored:


MINUTES

8

In addition, on Council’s representation Mr Charles Casuscelli State Member for Strathfield and Mr John Sidoti State Member for Drummoyne have written to the Minister for Roads. Close the Subway (provide locked gates) - RMS

This is not considered to be reasonable in view of the number of pedestrians using the subway, the increasing population in the precinct to the west and the potential for pedestrians to attempt to cross Centenary Drive (if the subway is not available).

Install Marked Foot crossings - Council

This is not feasible as the RMS criterion is that crossings be limited to two traffic lanes. Marlborough Road West) and Marlborough Road East are each three lanes. Also the volume of pedestrian movements does not meet the warrants for a marked foot crossing and installation of a marked foot crossing could contribute to rear end accidents.

Provide Traffic Signals (RMS funds) - Council RMS would not agree because the volume of pedestrian movements does not satisfy the

“warrants” and signals could contribute to rear end accidents. Provision of Fencing - Council This was not considered practical as experience shows that pedestrians will climb over fencing. Impose a 50 kph Speed Restriction - Council RMS was not supportive of a reduced speed limit on Marlborough Road which is a classified

State road and is part of Route A3. Council recently engaged a consultant to fully assess the traffic and pedestrian issues relating to Marlborough Road. The detailed investigations by the consultant have concluded that the only available measure to provide pedestrians with safe crossings is to provide:

1. A mid block pedestrian signal in Marlborough Road outside the RMS service tunnel; and 2. A mid block pedestrian signal in Hammersmith Road just south of Austin Avenue (outside

the entrance to Sydney Markets). Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) held the view that notwithstanding the speed and volume of vehicles travelling along Marlborough Road there was no evidence of a pedestrian accident at the locations. Council pursued the proposals for pedestrian crossings across Marlborough Road West and Marlborough Road East, through a working party consisting of representatives of RMS, Council, State Member and the Sydney Markets. RMS holds the view that:

The provision of mid block signals in Marlborough Road West and Marlborough Road will result in substantial queuing up the ramp onto Centenary Drive;

Traffic modelling will need to be undertaken to assess the overall impact on the surrounding street network;


MINUTES

9

The modelling should consider that providing the pedestrian crossings will attract more pedestrians and therefore the predicted increase in pedestrian volumes should be considered in the traffic modelling;

A Road Safety Audit should be carried out for the assessment of risks associated with the mid block traffic signals as proposed;

Council should provide information on the impact of closing the pedestrian tunnel under Centenary Drive;

Council should seek the views of the Sydney Markets on the impact of closing the pedestrian tunnel on the Markets operation.

The Sydney Markets have advised: “Obviously pedestrian safety should be of primary concern. The safest route to the station is that of the dedicated footpath from Marlborough Rd (West), South to and over the Marlborough Rd Bridge to The Crescent, under Centenary Drive and East to the Station. The distance is virtually the same as the distance through our site, being approximately 800m’s vs. 700m’s from the East footpath of Austin Park”. The Sydney Markets is also concerned that pedestrians are crossing into the Market’s site as an alternate route to Homebush West Train station and are concerned for pedestrian safety.

Sydney Markets have therefore proposed that the service tunnel be closed and a pedestrian barrier fence be erected at the centre of Centenary Drive to discourage pedestrian walking across Marlborough Road and Centenary Drive.

In the meantime, Council has incorporated several measures to encourage pedestrians to use a dedicated footpath from Marlborough Road West to The Crescent through the footpath on the bridge over the railway line at Marlborough Road, and then through the walkway under Centenary Drive and along the northern side of The Crescent to Flemington Station. Obviously, the use of a dedicated footpath, as detailed above would provide optimum safety for pedestrians from the Courallie Avenue to the Flemington Railway Station. For this reason, it is considered that a pedestrian safety barrier fence should be erected to the full length of the eastern side of Marlborough Road West to eliminate pedestrian access to the service tunnel. T60/14 Recommendation: 1. Council install appropriate ‘caution’ warning signage outside Austin Park directly opposite the

service tunnel advising pedestrians of the danger of crossing Marlborough and Hammersmith Roads at this location and advising them to use the proper signalled pedestrian crossing access on Parramatta Road to the north and /or to Richmond Road bridge and the underpass to the south; and

2. The Traffic Committee Chairperson meet RMS Regional Manager Sydney Network

Management, together with representatives of Council’s Marlborough Road Working Party including the State Members for Strathfield, Drummoyne and Auburn to discuss and finalise strategies on all issues concerning pedestrians and traffic using Marlborough and Hammersmith Roads, Homebush West, keeping in mind the potential for increased residential densities in the Marlborough Road / Courallie Avenue Precinct.



MINUTES

10

5. SPECIAL EVENTS 5.1 Korean Festival 2014 Council has received an application for the conduct of ‘Korean Festival’ on Saturday 4 October 2014 between 10am and 5pm in Bressington Park, Homebush. The festival is being organised by the Korean Society of Sydney as part of their annual event to promote Korean Culture and foster friendship amongst multicultural Australian Community. The Festival will include Korean cultural music and dance performances on a central stage, supplemented by other amusements for children such as horse riding, jumping castle, etc. on the park.

Food and beverages will be on sale at the event. All stalls, stage, marquees and other temporary infrastructure will be erected on the park. The Korean Society has engaged the services of JK Entertainment for the management of the event. It has been stated that $20,000,000 (twenty million dollars) Public Liability insurance will be acquired by the Festival organisers to cover any liability claims. The event organisers will notify local residents of the event by letter box drops and print media. The Event Manager has advised that approximately 20,000 participants are expected to attend the festival over the period of eight hours. No detail has been furnished in regard to proposed traffic & parking restrictions and pedestrian movement around the venue of the event. Similarly no detail is given in regard to deliveries of services and goods to facilitate the event in the park. However, a discussion has occurred on the use of Mason Park for parking for the event.

Underwood Road is a major Regional Road within Strathfield LGA. It provides direct connection between two major State Roads, viz: Parramatta Road and Homebush Drive. The roundabout at the intersection of Underwood Road and Homebush Bay Drive carries large volumes of traffic on all seven days of week. Bressington Park is located on the south eastern corner of this roundabout intersection; and the DFO is located directly opposite on the south western corner. This section of Underwood is very congested on Saturdays with traffic generated by DFO. This event will occur on the long weekend in October. This timing is of concern as there are large increases in traffic volume in the area because of the long weekend at DFO and major events held at Olympic Park. The Police stated they could not support the event at the proposed location of Bressington Park because of Traffic and availability of Police to be present or respond to incidents. Police also stated that in the absence of the RMS representative of the meeting that their opinion was that RMS Traffic Management Centre, which would need to approve the event location, would not support the location of the event due to the large increase in traffic volume in an already congested area. The subject event is classified as a Class 2 event within the event hierarchy as outlined in the RMS document “Guide to Traffic Management for Special Events”. Under the Guide, Class 2 event is described as an event that impacts local traffic and transport systems and there is low scale disruption to the non-event community. The proposed event will impact on local public transport system, traffic flow and road safety on main roads and strategic traffic control signalised intersections at the approaches to the venue.


MINUTES

11

Motorists at all approaches to the event venue will need to be advised in advance (eg: intersection of Underwood Road and Parramatta Road; intersection of Arthur Street and Centenary Drive; intersection of M4 and Centenary Drive, etc), and traffic diversions may need to be in place at certain locations.

Similarly, the issues of large crowd control need to be carefully considered. The following recommendation is therefore made: T61/14 Recommendation: Should the proposed conduct of ‘Korean Festival’ Homebush be supported by Council, the following occur:

1. Council staff contact the event organisers to discuss alternate locations to Bressington Park.

2. Once a suitable location is identified for the Festival the following occur prior to September

10th 2014:

The event organiser shall submit a Traffic Management Plan to facilitate a smooth conduct of the event for consideration by Council;

The Traffic Control Plan (TCP) for implementation in the immediate vicinity of the site

and an overall Traffic Management Plan (TMP) detailing any traffic diversions, partial road closures, etc. shall be submitted to the Traffic Management Centre of RMS for approval prior to the event; and the conditions imposed by the TMC shall be strictly complied with;

All emergency authorities including NSW Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service shall be notified of the details of the event by Strathfield Council. In addition, Council shall, at the cost of the Event Organisers, advise the public of the temporary road closures, traffic diversions, etc. to residents and businesses in the affected area;

RMS accredited Traffic Controllers shall be engaged to regulate traffic movements at all nominated locations detailed in the TCP and TMP;

Approved barricades shall be appropriately signposted and manned at all times, and all traffic regulatory signs shall be in accordance with Australian Standards;

Access to emergency vehicles shall not be restricted at any time;

All measures associated with the Event location’s infrastructure, including erection of Marquees/Stalls and provision of limited parking on a section of the park shall be carefully planned and implemented to ensure the safe conduct of the Korean Festival;

Event organisers shall ensure that horses participating in the Festival shall be restrained and controlled at all times by trained personnel; and horse droppings at any location shall be picked up and shall be removed for disposal. Please note: The 2013 Event did not comply with the agreement reached between Council and the Event Organisers on cleaning i.e. the Event location and adjoining roads be left clean, free of litter and horse droppings. This year, if there is litter or horse droppings that Council has to clean up the Event organisers will receive an invoice to pay costs associated with any Council clean-up, not undertaken by Event organisers;


MINUTES

12

The event organisers shall liaise with Council officers for the provision of a temporary bus parking area in the vicinity for transporting elderly patrons; and for the deliveries associated with the erection of marquees and stalls;

Public Liability insurance to a minimum of $20,000,000 (twenty million dollars) shall be acquired by the Festival organisers to cover any liability claims; and

All costs associated with the conduct of the Festival and including all traffic management measures and cleaning shall be borne by the organisers of the event.

(Voting on this item was unanimous) 6. ROAD SAFETY 6.1 Intersection of Arthur Street and Hornsey Road, Homebush West – proposed road

safety measures

Roads and Maritime Services crash data for the five year period ending December 2012 for the intersection of Arthur Street and Hornsey Road revealed that there were a total of 14 crashes at that location, including 4 injury accidents. Nine crashes were ‘right near’ collisions (RUM Code 13), in which vehicles turning right from a minor street were hit by vehicles travelling straight on the main street. A careful site investigation of the intersection identified that the site distance for vehicles on Hornsey Road looking onto Arthur Street was limited, due to the existence of trees and the general road geometry. Based on the traffic accident data, in which the majority of accidents were RUM Code 13, it is likely that the cause of these accidents was related to drivers not being able to see an approaching vehicle (lack of site distance). Arthur Street functions as a Regional Road and Hornsey Road as a local street under Council’s road functional hierarchy. Both are signposted with a 50 kph speed limit. The intersection is currently controlled by a ‘GIVE WAY’ sign for vehicles exiting from Hornsey Road. In addition, the line marking in Arthur Street needs to be upgraded. As nine crashes were ‘right near’ collisions a ‘No Right Turn’ sign be installed for a trial of six months. This will move right turning vehicles to the traffic lights in the next, parallel street Henley Road. The intersection upgrade program for this location has been included in Council’s 2012 - 2016 Transport Infrastructure Upgrade Delivery Program, and the 2013 – 2014 Operations Plan. Following a submission from Council officers, RMS has approved a 100% project funding of $60,000 under the 2014 - 2015 Federal Black Spot Program subject to the condition that the project be constructed as proposed and billed prior to 30 June 2015. T62/14 Recommendation: Installation of a ‘No Right Turn’ sign for the traffic exiting from Hornsey Road into Arthur Street.



MINUTES

13

7. GENERAL BUSINESS – for discussion 7.1 Drive way Delineation line marking A representation has been received by Council from a resident of Highgate Street wherein there is a section of road, between two driveways, which allows cars to park even though there is not sufficient room for a standard sized car. There have also been instances where the Rangers have been called to penalise the drivers of parked cars but Rangers have not been able to do so, even though the parked cars encroach across the driveways. Council is seeking the views of the Traffic Committee in regard to the driveway delineation line marking or ‘No Parking’ signage (at agreed resident’s expense) to be placed between the two driveways. This would discourage illegal parking and provide the opportunity to PIN offending drivers, while at the same time keeping the driveways clear for the residents to enter/exit their property without difficulty. T63/14 Recommendation: Council implement the best possible solution as a trial by line marking a grid on the road surface which indicates any vehicle standing at this location is parked illegally. (Voting on this item was unanimous)

Meeting closed at 12.15pm.

Next meeting date: 16 September 2014

Notices of Motion


NOTICES OF MOTION

1.1

A. Notice of Motion signed by Councillors Ok and Bott

1. Strathfield Business Association

I MOVE:

That a report be prepared on the feasibility of the formation of a Strathfield Business Association that represents all businesses within the Strathfield Municipality.

B. Notices of Motion signed by Councillor McLucas

1. Proposed Amalgamation

I MOVE:

1. That Council writes, in the strongest terms, to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Peter Toole and state his announcement of proposed amalgamation of Strathfield Council by media release (Inner West Courier Article: Government to make push for bigger Councils 26th August 2014) is totally unacceptable to Strathfield Council and its residents.

2. That Council provides a report to residents on the current media campaign by the

Liberal State Government to ignore their voice and propose an amalgamation agenda. 3. That Council make it clear to the Minister for Local Government, Liberal State

Government and our residents that Strathfield Council will embark on an open and transparent program to engage all stakeholders to ensure the views of Strathfield residents and business are heard and that their views are respected and taken into account during any proposed Council amalgamation debate or other debate on Council reforms by the current State Government.

2. Enfield Intermodal

I MOVE:

1. That Council provides a report on Strathfield Council and NSW State Government initiatives on local area compliance monitoring and benchmarks, pre- and ongoing-operation, for all areas in the Strathfield LGA that have the potential to be affected by the Enfield Intermodal which is due to commence operation mid to late October 2014.

2. That the compliance benchmarking and ongoing monitoring include, but not be limited to:

a. Road safety including traffic volumes in affected streets and local streets likely to be used as rat runs;

b. Community health and wellbeing including noise, dust and air pollution; c. Productivity and Economic Growth Impacts; d. Environmental Impacts.

3. That Council’s costs for any Enfield Intermodal compliance benchmarking and ongoing

monitoring, now and in the future, are billed to the NSW government authority that authorised the construction of Port Enfield in a residential area.


NOTICES OF MOTION

1.2

4. That regular and transparent reporting of compliance monitoring and benchmarks, including all non-compliances is available to residents on request.

5. That emergency and other action plans, in case of non-compliance being detected, be

documented and reported to Council and available to residents. 6. That Traffic Management Plans and Emergency Traffic Management Plans be provided

to Council by the Port Enfield Management authority and be made available to residents prior to the site becoming operational.

General Business

COUNCIL MEETING 2 SEPTEMBER 2014 – GENERAL BUSINESS

ITEM GM1. RETURNING PLANNING POWERS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1.1

Report by David Backhouse, General Manager

RECOMMENDATION

That Council support Canterbury Council’s Motion concerning the “pre gateway” provisions introduced to part 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act in 2012.

PURPOSE OF REPORT To consider Canterbury Council’s request to support their resolution to return planning powers to local government.

REPORT

Canterbury Council has written to Council to advise that at their 26 June 2014 meeting, the following was resolved:

“THAT 1. the following motion be sent to Local Government NSW for inclusion on the agenda of the

upcoming conference:

“We believe that local planning decisions are best determined at the local level by democratically elected local government representatives and accordingly resolve to call on the NSW State government to abolish the “pre-gateway review” provisions introduced in 2012 to part 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that allows property developers to challenge council zoning decisions”.

2. Representations on this matter also be made to local State MPs and to SSROC councils.”

Canterbury Council has submitted this information for our consideration and support.

REFERRAL FROM OTHER DEPARTMENT

No referral was required.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications.


ITEM GM2. 2014 SISTER CITIES AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE

2.1

Report by Kati Angelides, Community Liaison Officer

RECOMMENDATION That Council determine its representation at the 2014 Sister Cities Australia (SCA) Conference to be held in Bunbury, WA from 16-19 November 2014.

PURPOSE OF REPORT 1. To advise Council of the details of the 2014 Sister Cities Australia Annual Conference.

2. That two (2) delegates be nominated to attend.

REPORT Sister Cities Australia Inc. (SCA) is an association of cities, towns, shires, ports and states that have a Sister City relationship. SCA also takes a role in matching cities and towns in Australia with cities and towns both from overseas and within Australia seeking a sister city relationship. SCA is also the link between an Australian sister city or town and the many projects and ideas that have been experienced here and abroad. The objective of SCA is to provide an umbrella of support and to promote these affiliations. SCA also aims to provide a forum for cultural, economic and educational interchange between communities and to encourage friendship, co-operation and understanding to improve peaceful co-existence worldwide. The theme of this year’s Conference is Peaceful Co-existence. The Conference aim is to explore the key elements needed for the Sister City movement to grow, both domestically and internationally. The Conference will also include the AGM. Alongside the adult program, the youth program will focus on creating young leaders of change. The Registration Brochure for the Conference is attached. REFERRAL FROM OTHER DEPARTMENT No referral was required.


ITEM GM2. 2014 SISTER CITIES AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE

2.2

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Proposed approximate expenditure for two (2) Councillors is as follows: Registration $1590 Accommodation $900 Flights $2300 Food and Drink $200 Total $5000 Funding has been provided in the current budget for this purpose as set out below: Program Approved Budget Expenditure to Date Korean Sister City $10,280

$500

Report approved by:

Jason Andrew Group Manager

Organisational Performance

ATTACHMENT 1

2014 National Sister Cities ConferencePeaceful Co-existence

Registration Brochure

Bunbury, Western Australia, November 16 - 19 2014

2014 National Sister Cities Conference

Invitation from the Mayor

On behalf of the City of Bunbury Council and our community I extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to attend the 2014 national conference of Sister Cities Australia to be held in Bunbury Western Australia. The organising committee has been preparing a program that will appeal to all delegates and visitors and I look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful city.

The City of Bunbury has long held sister city and port city relationships with our friends in Setagaya Japan and Jiaxing China. I am particularly impressed with the periodic student exchanges with Setagaya that have been occurring for more than 20 years.

I know relationships started through this opportunity for young people to travel to culturally different countries have resulted in enduring relationships over many years. I am sure exchange of different experiences enriches and motivates delegates to continue support for the aspirations and achievements of Sister Cities Australia. Gary Brennan, Mayor of Bunbury

President’s Message

Fellow Sister Cities members and supporters.

It is my pleasant task to invite you to join with SCA, the Mayor and Councillors of Bunbury, distinguished guests, youth delegates and visitors from near and far for the Sister Cities Australia National Conference.

The organising committee, in conjunction with SCA have brought together an exciting and inspiring program which will include international and local speakers, dynamic workshops and unrivalled fellowship.

From the beautiful scenery, the great weather, wonderful food and wine and exciting entertainment this is a conference that will linger in your mind for many years to come.

Please join with us, working with the conference theme of “Peaceful Co-existence”.

I look forward to sharing with you.

Alderman William P Wilson

Welcome to Peaceful Co-existence

Program Highlights

Conference Highlights

Saturday 15 November • Get to know Bunbury or the surrounding region. Details of the pre-tours are on page 13

Sunday 16 November • Welcome dinner at Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, the South-West’s premiere art gallery housed in a pink former

convent.

Monday 17 November• Welcome breakfast and an opportunity to meet fellow delegates at the Dolphin Discovery Centre.• Keynote address from Tony Wheeler, the founder of Lonely Planet.• Hear from Mary D. Kane, the President and CEO of Sister Cities International who has travelled to Perth from

Washington DC specifically for the National Sister Cities Conference.• Social dinner at Moody Cow Brewery in Dardanup.

Tuesday 18 November• Enjoy the keynote speaker and international affairs

expert Dr Keith Suter.• Engaging panel discussion and sister city

presentations.• Cultural exchange using Instagram.• Sister Cities Australia AGM and popular Gala

Dinner.

Wednesday 19 November (half day)• Tour of Wardandi Memorial Park an ancestral

resting place overlooking Rocky Point. • Hear from the inspirational Khoa Do, filmmaker

and Young Australian of the Year 2005.

Page 3 2014 National Sister Cities Conference

Spotlight on the conference venue: Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

The newly constructed convention centre at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre is the venue for the 2014 National Sister Cities Conference.

Completed in 2014, the state-of-the-art centre is a world class, modern and stylish facility in the heart of Bunbury.

With stunning views of the Leschenault Inlet, versatile spaces and conference rooms, and the all-glass Sky Bar, this venue is sure to impress all delegates.

For more information visitwww.bunburyentertainment.com

Conference InformationThe City of Bunbury is a 90-minute drive south of Perth, and is easily accessible by car, bus or train. TransWA and South West Coachlines run regular services to Bunbury. Service details are available on page 12 of this pack. Hertz, Thrifty, Avis and Budget car rental agents all have depots at both the Perth Domestic Airport and Bunbury.

The weather in November is Bunbury is typically warm, with temperatures between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius. Mobile phone coverage is strong and available on most networks, with particularly good coverage available to those with Telstra or Optus.

Program Highlights - Speakers

Melissa GibbsDeputy Director, Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government

Melissa Gibbs is the Deputy Director of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government, a position she has held since shortly after the Centre was established in late 2009. As part of her role, Melissa manages the Centre’s rural-remote and Indigenous Local Government Program.

Prior to joining the Centre, Melissa assisted local government in a consulting capacity, primarily as an associate of the University of Technology, Sydney’s Centre for Local Government. Melissa gained most of her practical local government experience as executive director of a regional organisation of councils in Sydney.

Mary D. KanePresident and CEO, Sister Cities International

Ms. Kane leads the membership, youth and education, development, and advocacy programs to strengthen the sister city network around the world. Prior to joining Sister Cities International, she was an Executive Director with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she was responsible for identifying and building business partnerships and strategic alliances for the Chamber.

Before joining the Chamber, Ms Kane was the Secretary of State in Maryland and a former Assistant State’s Attorney. She serves on several boards, including Suburban Hospital – a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine and Mount Saint Mary’s University. Ms. Kane is a graduate of the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C. and earned a B.S. in business and finance at Mt. St. Mary’s University.

Dr Keith Suter International Affairs Expert

Dr Keith Suter is a progressive and insightful thinker with many interests, notably in the areas of society and international affairs. He can often be heard discussing politics and international affairs on radio and television. He’s also a member of the prestigious Club of Rome, whose members share a common concern for the future of humanity and the planet.

Dr Suter is a global futurist, thought leader, author and media personality, recognised and highly respected in the areas of social policy and foreign affairs.

One of the world’s great thinkers and exemplary communicators Dr Suter has extensive experience in speaking, lecturing and teaching. A regular on Seven’s Sunrise program, Dr Suter is often asked for comment on ABC, Sky News and Macquarie Live News.


Craig PeacockCommissioner North Asia Agency, Department of Premier and Cabinet

Craig Peacock holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newcastle University, with double majors in Japanese language and Modern Asian History.

In 1993 Craig took up a position at the New South Wales Government Office in Tokyo, rising to the position of Director in 1999 and acting as a conduit for a number of major business investments into the state. In 2002 a desire to work on more resources related projects saw Craig move to the Western Australian Government Office in Tokyo, where he currently holds the position of Commissioner, North Asia Agency. As Commissioner he has overseen a large expansion of trade between WA and Japan and significant increase of Japanese investment into Western Australia.

Craig maintains as strong interest in Japanese linguistics and has been credited as editor of the highly utilised Sanseido Japanese to English dictionaries.

Tony WheelerPlanet Wheeler Foundation

A trek across Asia on the ‘hippie trail’ of the early 1970s led Tony Wheeler to write the first Lonely Planet guide and the New York Times to describe him as ‘the trailblazing patron saint of the world’s backpackers and adventure travellers.’ Perhaps travel has been in Tony’s veins all along, born in Britain he grew up in Pakistan, the Bahamas and the USA before returning to the UK to finish school, go to university and eventually end up in Australia. Exmouth on the North-West Cape was his first landfall, on a shonky sailing boat out of Indonesia just a few days after Whitlam’s election. Since departing Lonely Planet Tony has been involved with the Planet Wheeler Foundation’s work in South-East Asia and East Africa and Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing & Ideas. Tony is also a director of Global Heritage Fund which works to protect and develop archaeological sites in the developing world.

Khoa Do

Khoa Do recently directed Better Man and the Schapelle Corby telemovie. He was awarded the Young Australian of the Year in 2005 for his work with disadvantaged communities, the first time a film-maker has been awarded the accolade. In August 2013, Khoa was appointed to the board of the Australia Council, the most influential arts board in Australia.

Khoa’s story of success and triumph have made him one of the most inspirational public speakers in Australia, and his innate gift for storytelling is just as apparent in his presentations as it is in his films.

Other speakers include:

Conference MC Tony Wilson: TV presenter, broadcaster and winner of ABC’s Race Around the WorldPeter Filmer OAM: Manager, Community Events Unit Blacktown City CouncilMathew Dickerson: Mayor of DubboCharles Jenkinson: Executive Officer, RDA South WestDon Punch: CEO, South West Development Commission


Program Highlights - Speakers

Conference Program

Sunday 16 November

4.30pm Early Registration, Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

6.30pm Welcome Reception at Bunbury Regional Art Galleries

Monday 17 November

Guest speaker program sponsored by the South West Development Commission.

7am - 8.30am Welcome Breakfast at the Dolphin Discovery Centre - Sponsored by VPG Property

8.45am Conference Registrations, Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre

9.15am Tony Wilson, Conference Opening

9.45am Mary Kane, President and CEO of Sister Cities International presents The power of digital diplomacy

10.45am Morning Tea - Sponsored by Augusta Margaret River Shire Council

11.05am Sister City Australia Awards Entrant Presentation

11:30am Tony Wheeler, Founder of Lonely Planet presents Dark Lands

12.30pm Lunch - Sponsored by Simcoa

1.30pm Craig Peacock, Commissioner North Asia Agency Department of the Premier and Cabinet presents: Western Australian and Hyogo: A Model Sister State Relationship Spanning 33 Years

2.30pm Sister City Australia Awards Entrant Presentation

3pm Afternoon Tea - Sponsored by Augusta Margaret River Shire Council

3.20pm Melissa Gibbs, Deputy Director Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government presents: Sister Cities and International Alliances

4pm Mathew Dickerson, Mayor of Dubbo presents Developing a Sister City Relationship

6.30pm Social Dinner at Moody Cow Brewery, Dardanup - Sponsored by Simcoa



Tuesday 18 November

8.50am Tony Wilson, Session Opening and Welcome

9am Dr Keith Suter, International Affairs Expert presents: Foreign affairs

10am Sister City Australia Awards Entrant Presentation

10.15am Morning Tea - Sponsored by Geographe Bay Tourism Association

10.20am Don Punch, CEO South West Development Commission

10:45amPanel Presentation and Discussion - Leveraging Sister Cities for economic development

Presentation and workshop - Sam Harris on Cultural communication through photography

12.10pm Lunch - Sponsored by Regional Development Australia South West

1.00pm National Sister Cities Association Annual General Meeting

1.30pm Sister City Australia Awards Entrant Presentation

1.45pm

Presentation 1 - Peter Filmer OAM, Manager Community Events Unit Blacktown City Council on Blacktown City and Porirua City 30th birthday

Presentation 2 - Commercial Sister City

2.15pm

Presentation 1 - Charles Jenkinson, Executive Officer Regional Development Australia South West on Starting a new relationshipPresentation 2 - Cr Graeme Campbell, Shire of Broome on Taiji/Broome Sister City: Relationship in the face of adversity

3pm Afternoon Tea - Sponsored by Geographe Bay Tourism Association

3.20pm Duncan Anderson, South West Institute of Technology presents: The South West now and in the future - Sister Cities adding value to our community

4pm - 4.20pm Bill Armstrong, Port Stephens Sister Cities Committee presents: The Bellingham Connection

6.30pm Formal Gala Dinner at the Lighthouse Beach Resort

Wednesday 19 November

7.30am Cultural breakfast and tour at Rocky Point - Sponsored by Tourism WA

9.15am Khoa Do presents: Harnessing creativity and cultural differences

10.15am Presentation by the youth conference delegates

10.45am Morning Tea - Sponsored by Lighthouse Beach Resort

11am Presentation from National Sister Cities Conference 2015 hosting city

11.15am Open forum led by Ald Bill Wilson

1pm Closing Statement, Lunch - Sponsored by Lighthouse Beach Resort

Conference Program

Youth Conference Overview

Program HighlightsThe tailored Youth Delegates program features, amongst many others, key note speaker Tony Wheeler from Lonely Planet, world touring photographer Sam Harris and includes a tour of Bunbury’s unique urban art works. Meet Young Australian of the Year, Khoa Do and take part in an international cooking class to create your own special flavours. Youth Delegates will also get a taste of Bunbury’s aboriginal culture with a special Noongar breakfast at Wardandi Memorial Park, an ancestral resting place overlooking beautiful Rocky Point. Delegates will be officially welcomed by the Youth Mayor of Bunbury, and throughout the conference there will be live entertainment, meet and greets and activities.

AccommodationThe venue for the 2014 Youth Program is Discovery Holiday Park, Koombana Bay. The park provides youth delegates with the opportunity to explore the city and the amazing beaches, but also provides an excellent setting to reflect on the issues that matter to them.

Preparation As a youth delegate for the 2014 conference, it is important that you are prepared with knowledge of your own sister cities and what has been achieved in the relationships. Below is a list of information you should know about your sister cities so that when asked you will be fully prepared:• Have you even been a participant in a sister city activity within your city?• Cities• Location• Duration of relationship• Major activities held between cities• Highlights of the relationship• Who runs your sister city program (e.g. Council, community group etc)• Does your local council fund sister city programs with a budget?

In addition to making sure you come prepared why not head over to the Sister Cities Australia Facebook page and hit ‘like’. There you will find up-to-date information regarding the conference and an event has been created where you will be able to contact other youth delegates attending to establish relationships prior to your arrival. www.facebook.com/SisterCitiesAustralia



Youth Conference Speakers

The Evans Sisters - Isabell and Bronte EvansSister City visits, overseas internships and student placements sound exciting, however what does that actually mean when you are on the ground on a day-to-day basis? The reality is, these experiences can be considerably daunting, stressful and with a high risk of home-sickness; if participants aren’t mentally prepared for their trips they may leave from them unsatisfied.

Drawing from their own experiences in South America and Asia, Isabell and Bronte will talk about the realities of these types of trips and what people looking at embarking on them should consider – it’s not just about your passport, travel money card and a years’ worth of Vegemite to keep the home-sickness at bay. Not without a fair lashing of amusing cross-cultural hiccups, they aim to leave their audience with tangible takeaways so that they themselves can maximise the social and cultural outcomes of overseas placements and come away with their wellbeing intact.

Isabell Evans, 24 years of age, is a young professional forging a career in the community development industry. Interested in international community development from a young age (including convincing her parents to use her pocket money to support a sponsor child from age 15), Isabell has a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) and is currently completing an Honours thesis on the securitisation of contemporary asylum politics. In 2011 Isabell spent time in Ecuador, South America working in international refugee resettlement. Based in a small Ecuadorean town, Isabell experienced the whole gamut of emotions an international young professional does and returned to Australia with a renewed career focus and more importantly a strengthened sense of self and drive.

Bronte Evans, Isabell’s younger sister, 18, too shares a passion for world issues and global politics. Currently a first year university student studying a triple major of Asian Studies, Japanese, and Politics and International Studies at Murdoch University, Bronte focuses on involving herself in programs such as Bunbury’s Youth Advisory Council and United Nations Youth WA. Bronte found her passion for Japan through participating on a month long exchange to Tokyo in 2011, where she was chucked into the deep end of culture shock as she spent her time (sometimes struggling!) with a Japanese family who spoke no English, and practising Kanji snap with her 9 year old host brother.

Andrew FrazerAndrew Frazer is a full-time time illustrator, hand letterer, designer and artist who ignites the imagination through his thought provoking characters and narrative-based art. Based in Bunbury, Western Australia, Andrew has previously lived and travelled extensively providing him with an eclectic and inspiring pool of influences that are evident through his art.

With a passion for story-telling, Andrew’s art often engages the audience on a very personal level welcoming the viewer into a conversation that discusses shared human emotions such as pain, hope, despair, redemption and contentment. Andrew’s ever-growing national and international cliental base has seen him work with a variety of individuals and companies such as Corbis, Custard Co, Cider, Machéll Design, The Walkley Foundation, FORM and Magnesium Media. Andrew is also the founder and Creative Director of Six Two Three Zero that runs the annual Bunbury street art project - Re.Discover.

Andrew’s visual presentation will explore public art throughout the years and the importance of public expression. It will look at the beauty of sharing a story without the need for words, and growing community and igniting the imagination through thoughtful conversation. You will also go on a walking tour of Bunbury visiting the various murals created as part of Re.Discover 2014. As part of the walking tour Andrew will speak on behalf of the respective artists in sharing a few insights into their individual process and method in creating each mural.

Pictured left - Andrew Frazer’s mural created as part of Re.Discover

Matt JessopI’ve been the Sister City Coordinator at Bankstown City Council NSW since 2008. This role involves organising international or domestic sister city activities with a primary focus on providing opportunities for young people especially in the field of leadership and cross cultural communications. I’ve also held the position of Secretary to Sister Cities Australia since 2011 which has given me the opportunity to see a wide range of programs and exchanges run by our association members. Sister city programs seek to attract tourism, connect us to local and international markets, increase access to information, empower our youth and provide professional development for us all and it’s a pleasure to work for programs with such inspirational goals.

Matt will discuss the general purpose of sister cities relationships. He will engage the group in a discussion and activity about their expectations of a sister city link and how towns can benefit from such a relationship.



Gold Collar JobsSam Morris graduated in 1972 from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in the Social Sciences and immediately accepted a teaching position in New South Wales. He extensively travelled around the world visiting over 40 countries. He returned to the States to complete two Masters Degrees and returned to Western Australia to continue his teaching career. After teaching for 32 years, Sam decided to make a sea change, opening a successful candy and chocolate factory on the boardwalk here in Bunbury known as Taffys. He has been elected to two terms as a city councillor here in Bunbury and was chairperson of the sister city relationship with Setagaya during his first term as councillor.

With the release of the highly successful movie Toy Story by Pixar Films in 1995, a whole new industry was developed - the computer animation film. But with the explosion of interest in making these films by Pixar, Dreamworks and other major film companies, universities were not producing the number of trained graduates to fill the demand, thus these companies went to the campuses recruiting the students, offering package deals with whatever the graduates were demanding. The term ‘gold collar job’ was coined where the person being recruited was setting up their own salary packages and contracts. National boundaries were eliminated, jobs were now being recruited on the international level. The global economy had arrived.This presentation will take a look at three highly successful individuals, all with different pathways to success and different qualifications; from a person with limited education, university dropout, to a university graduate; yet all found success not only on a national level, but on an international stage as well.

What are the common characteristics of these successful people? How were they able to create industries that allowed them to set their own goals and have other businesses trying to play catch-up on the international scene?


Sam HarrisAs a teenager Sam Harris taught himself photography, turning his London bedroom into a makeshift darkroom. Throughout the 90s Harris photographed portraits and sleeve art for numerous recording artists. He also worked as an editorial portrait and features photographer for publications such as The Sunday Times Magazine, Esquire, Telegraph Magazine and Dazed and Confused. The over commercialisation of the music industry during the late 1990s was the catalyst for a big change in direction, both photographic and personal.

Sam abandoned his London career in favour of quality family time, slowing down and turning his camera inwards. After several nomadic years with his family between India and Australia, Sam settled in the forest of the South West of Western Australia where he now photographs his on-going family diary.

Harris’ self-published photobook Postcards from Home received several awards including the Australian publishing industry’s Galley Club ‘Australian Book of the Year’ 2012.

Sam presents ‘From London to the Bush’, which looks at his journey as a photographer and spans 25 years.

Starting with my early days experimenting in the darkroom, happy accidents and how this led into my first commissions making album cover art and subsequently shooting portraits for the London music and editorial industries. Falling in love with documentary photography and commissions around the world. How certain assignments, most notably one trip to the Amazon rainforest to photograph endangered tribes challenged my perception of photography, my own moral code and my direction as a photographer. The decision to abandon my London career, change direction and lifestyle and buy one-way tickets to India. Travelling and living in India and Australia. Turning my camera inwards and the start of my family diary work. The birth of our second daughter in a small village in south India. Migrating to Australia and my Postcards from Home series (2008-2011). Latest series The Middle of Somewhere (2011-2014) and finally getting into Instagram, a virtual residency for The Photographers’ Gallery London and international communication.

Emma Goodwin A proud Novocastrian, Emma Goodwin studied a Bachelor of Arts (History and Politics)/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Newcastle before graduating with First Class Honours and a University Medal for each degree in 2010 and 2012 respectively. During her studies Emma worked as an electorate officer for a Federal Member of Parliament and joined the graduate program at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in 2013. She is currently rotating through a range of areas within DFAT in preparation for being posted overseas in the next few years. Emma is looking forward to share her thoughts on youth engagement in international relations at the conference.

The language of contemporary international relations is increasingly infused with foundational concepts such as soft diplomacy and people-to-people links. This focus on non-traditional modes of interactions between nations has effectively broadened the scope for youth to build and shape relationships across borders. Looking through the lens of traditional diplomacy, this presentation will consider how innovative initiatives such as the Sister Cities network can be leveraged by young people to have an impact on international relations on a broader scale. The presentation will also consider how the Sister City program offers young people unique social opportunities to engage with other cultures, which is an invaluable way to develop and utilise the kind of personal skills which make up the fundamental tools of diplomacy.



The Lighthouse Beach Resort, 1 Carey Street, BunburyNew refurbished Deluxe City View Rooms: King bed (can be split into 2 King singles) (4 Star Rating). $165 per night (room only) or $180 per night including full buffet breakfast for one person (sleeps 2 persons).

Resort Rooms: Queen bed and 1 single bed (3.5 Star Rating). $150 per night (room only) or $165 per night including full buffet breakfast for one person (sleeps 2 persons).

Quest Bunbury Serviced Apartments, 14 Lyons Cove, BunburyStudio Apartment: Queen bed or 2 single beds. $171 per night (maximum occupancy 2 guests).

One Bedroom Apartment: Queen bed. $217 per night (maximum occupancy 2 guests).

Two Bedroom Apartment: 2 Queen beds, or 1 Queen bed and 2 single beds (subject to availability), $307 per night (maximum occupancy 4 guests).

The Clifton Motel & Grittleton Lodge, 2 Molloy Street, BunburyStandard Rooms: Queen & 1 single bed (Sleeps 1-3). $128 per night. (Extra person $20 per night).

Deluxe Rooms: Queen bed (Sleeps 1-2). $135 per night.

Semi Executives: King bed (Sleeps 1-2). $150 per night.

Executive Rooms with Spa: King or Queen bed (Sleeps 1-2). $150 per night.

Executive Suites with Spa: King bed (sleeps 1-2). $195 per night.

Grittleton Lodge: Adult Retreat with spa, Queen bed (sleeps 1 -2). $220 per night.

Mantra Bunbury Hotel, 1 Holman Street, BunburySuperior Studio Rooms: King bed. $199 per night.

The Comfort Inn Admiral, 56 Spencer Street, BunburyStandard Rooms: Queen bed. $120 per night.

Twin Rooms: x queen and 1 x single. $125 per night.

Standard rooms: including cooked buffet. $137.50 per night.

Twin rooms: including cooked buffet. $142.50 per night.

Standard room: including continental breakfast. $133.50 per night.

Twin rooms: including continental breakfast. $138.50 per night.

Quality Lord Forrest Hotel, 20 Symmons Street, BunburyStandard Rooms: 1x queen. $140 per night. To upgrade option Ocean View add $30

Discovery Park – Koombana, Koombana Drive Bunbury10% discount on accommodation (chalets & park sites) for 2 nights or more (fluctuating daily rates). Please note, these are special conference rates. To book contact the Bunbury Visitors Centre on 9792 7207 or email [email protected]

Conference Accommodation Options

Friday 14 November EVENING option:Relax and dine at the award-winning Mojos Restaurant, Victoria Street, Bunbury and enjoy a delightful two course dinner (entrée and main options). $55 per head, food only.

Saturday 15 November HALF DAY tour option 1:Tour cost (per person): $75

7am: pick up from accommodation and travel to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, Koombana Bay Beach, Bunbury.

7.30am: a chance to swim with the wild bottlenose dolphins in the Swim on the Wild Side guided tour. Bring your bathers, sunscreen, towel, warm change of clothes, and an underwater camera (optional) for a three-hour tour. An experienced guide will accompany you. Mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit supplied. Showers and change rooms available at the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

11.45am: travel to the Marlston Waterfront precinct for lunch.

12noon: indulge in a delicious lunch at Vat 2 Restaurant, while enjoying the waterfront views of the Jetty Baths. Drinks not included.

1.20pm: stroll to Taffys chocolate and candy making shop for some sweet tasting and experience the Taffy sweets being made by hand right before your eyes.

1.50pm: tour concludes, you may wish to linger a little longer at the Marlston Waterfront or take the bus back to your accommodation.


Pre-conference Tours



Saturday 15 November HALF DAY tour option 2:Tour cost (per person): $100

8am: pick up from accommodation and travel to the Bunbury Visitor Centre

8.30am: meet your guide artist Andrew Frazer for a free guided walk of the street-art murals painted by professional artists in January 2014.

10.15am: view a demonstration at Lava Art Glass Studio and Gallery of combing or racking hot molten glass in a professional art glass studio which is the only one of its kind in Western Australia. Take part in a class where you can make four glass shapes that can be made into pendants, key rings or ornaments using a technique called Pate de-verre. This short workshop uses glass powders and melds, no experience necessary. Class duration: 1.5hours.

12noon: indulge in a delicious lunch at Vat 2 Restaurant, Marlston Waterfront, while enjoying the views of the Jetty Baths. Drinks not included.

1.20pm: stroll to Taffys chocolate and candy-making shop for some sweet tasting and experience the Taffy sweets being made by hand right before your eyes.

1.50pm: tour concludes, you may wish to linger a little longer at the Marlston Waterfront or take the bus back to your accommodation.

Saturday 15 November NOON/PM tour option 3:Tour cost (per person): $115

11.30am: pick up from accommodation and travel to the Marlston Waterfront, Bonnefoi Blvd

12 noon: indulge in a delicious lunch and meet your fellow delegates at the Vat 2 Restaurant, Marlston Waterfront and, while enjoying the views of the Jetty Baths Beach, make a selection from their lunch menu. Drinks not included.

1.20pm: stroll to Taffys chocolate and candy-making shop for some sweet tasting and experience the Taffy sweets being made by hand right before your eyes.

1.50pm: depart Taffys and board the Royal Gala Tour bus

2pm: depart with Royal Gala Tours from the Marlston Waterfront precinct for a three-hour city sights tour which includes Boulters Heights Lookout, Bunbury Wildlife Park where you can feed the colourful birds in the free flight aviaries, meet and pat the gentle kangaroos, visit the reptile enclosure or say hello to Wombles the wombat, visit King Cottage Museum and immerse yourself in a bygone era with the artefacts on display, travel to the township of Australind and visit the Featured Wood Gallery and Museum with its amazing displays on Australiana, Indigenous tribes and American Indians and then peruse the handcrafted wood products in the large gallery.

5.15pm: travel to the Pelican Point boat ramp to commence a twilight cruise

5.30pm: All aboard the Three Water Cruise vessel, for a relaxing twilight cruise, in a luxury vessel with outdoor viewing area. Canapés supplied and a licensed bar on board. Sit back, relax and enjoy the calm waters of the Collie River while listening to the Captains commentary.

7pm: depart the Twilight Cruise and travel back to the City of Bunbury or your/accommodation by bus.

Saturday 15 November NOON/PM tour option 4:Tour cost (per person): $130

11.30am: pick up from accommodation and travel to the Marlston Waterfront, Bonnefoi Blvd

12 noon: indulge in a delicious lunch and meet your fellow delegates at the Vat 2 Restaurant, Marlston Waterfront and, while enjoying the views of the Jetty Baths Beach, make a selection from their lunch menu. Drinks not included.

1.20pm: stroll to Taffys chocolate and candy-making shop for some sweet tasting and experience the Taffy sweets being made by hand right before your eyes. 1.20pm to 1.50pm.

1.50pm: depart Taffys and board the Bushtucker Tour bus.

2pm: depart from the Marlston Waterfront precinct with Bushtucker Wine Tours and travel to the beautiful Ferguson Valley, just 15 minutes from Bunbury, where you will enjoy wine and beer tastings at two wineries and a brewery. In the rolling hills of the valley you will visit Ferguson Falls Winery (wine and cheese tastings), travel to Gnomesville to visit the popular tourist attraction of over 3000 gnomes, then on to Moody Cow Brewery for beer tastings before wine-tasting at St. Aiden’s Wines or afternoon tea for those who prefer.

5pm: travel from the Ferguson Valley to Pelican Point boat ramp to commence a twilight cruise.

5.30pm: All aboard the Three Water Cruise vessel, for a relaxing twilight cruise, in a luxury vessel with an outdoor viewing area. Canapés served and a licensed bar on board. Sit back, relax and enjoy the calm waters of the Collie River while listening to the captain’s commentary.

7pm: depart the Twilight Cruise and travel back to the City of Bunbury or your/accommodation by bus.



Post-conference Tour


Welcome to Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup & the Margaret River Wine Region Escape to Western Australia’s Natural Playground, Geographe Bay. Voted one of the top 10 places to visit in the world by Lonely Planet, the region is famed for its breathtaking beauty. Here you will experience the extraordinary. Walk on deserted beaches and indulge in feasts made with local produce. Experience the wonder of whales and take in the region’s rugged coastline at its most dramatic. Step into the region’s oldest cave and experience traditional culture.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and join us!

Price per person: $620 all inclusive, accommodation, tours, breakfast two days and evening meal Wednesday, lunch Thursday

Day 1 - Arrival 2pm, Wednesday 19 November 2014Busselton town Centre/Art Geo Cultural Complex: Stroll through town towards the Busselton Jetty to the historic buildings of the cultural precinct Visit the Old Bond Store, which was once used to store goods brought from the jetty by tram. See primitive gaol cells at the Old Courthouse. Across the road meet artists at work in their studios and visit the stylish contemporary gallery.

Busselton Jetty Tour & Underwater Observatory: Extending 1.8 kilometres over stunning Geographe Bay, the heritage listed Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. A must see for any visitor to the Margaret River wine region. Take a train ride along the Busselton Jetty to the Underwater Observatory. Descend 8 meters below and discover some of the 300 marine species beneath the Jetty.

DINNER - The Goose Beach Bar + Kitchen Busselton: Chill out on the deck and take in exceptional views of the historic Busselton Jetty, Geographe Bay and Cape Naturaliste at The Goose Beach Bar and Kitchen. A spectacular place to watch the sunset. The delectable menu is inspired by premium locally sourced produce.

Day 2 - Thursday 20 November 2014Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup/Koomal Dreaming: Venture into the 500,000 year old Ngilgi Cave, where good spirit Ngilgi dwells. Be mesmerised by the didgeridoo and hear the dreamtime legends. Taste native foods and learn about bush medicine.

Canal Rocks, Yallingup: Canal Rocks are an ancient and unusual rock formation, extending from a peninsula south of Smiths Beach on the coastline between the towns of Yallingup and Margaret River. Take in spectacular coastal views and the wild ocean waves, walk along the boardwalk and stand on the bridge as the waves rush underneath you.

Yallingup Galleries: A purpose built gallery, established in a natural bush setting at the gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region. The gallery represents work by over 120 artists, many of whom are local to or inspired by the South West. The diverse range of work includes furniture, sculpture, glass, ceramics, woodwork, paintings, textiles and jewellery.

LUNCH - Aravina Estate: With an emphasis on sourcing local organically sustainable produce, the team of chefs led by Executive Chef Tony Howell - Masterchef guest 2011 - aspires to create a range of memorable dishes which are reflective of the changing seasons. Two course meal, entrée and main - wine-tasting included, two options to choose from.

Vasse Virgin: Luxuriate in texture and smell. Try the beautiful fusions of the finest essential oils blended with the purest olive oil which create the finest natural products. Treat yourself to extra virgin olive oil, infused oils and a scrumptious range of gourmet condiments, tapenades and table olives.

Gabriel Chocolate: From Bean to Bar. Tour behind the scenes, see how the chocolate is made on site using freshly roasted cacao beans from around the world. Meet the chocolatier and sample some of the fine chocolates.

Windows Estate: Get to know this small family-owned winery, which is one of the few remaining wineries that still utilise a manual basket press. Taste the award-winning wines which have helped to elevate Windows Estate to a 5 Red Star Winery by James Halliday.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Enjoy a fully guided tour of the working Lighthouse, share tales of ghosts & ships wrecked off the formidable coastline and the hardships of life as a lighthouse keeper. Just 59 steps but 120m above sea level, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse offers 360 degree viewing and is the perfect place to spot whales migrating up and down the coast throughout November. Walk the short trails and discover the local flora and fauna.

Eagle Bay Brewery: Share the love of handcrafted brewing at this remarkable venue. Sample their tried, tested, debated and appreciated hand-crafted beer or try wine from their vineyard. Served with a stunning view across the paddock to Bunker Bay.

Dinner tonight at your leisure: Free evening to enjoy relaxing or dining at a restaurant or cafe of your choice.

AccommodationBayview Geographe Resort, Busselton. Check-in 19th November, check-out 21st November: Take a stroll through the parkland gardens and onto the sand of beautiful Geographe Bay, without crossing a road! Enjoy the outdoor and indoor heated pool and tennis courts. Accommodation ranges from resort rooms ideally suited to corporate travellers, to standard two and three bedroom villas. The villas are positioned separately and all front onto gardens. Spinnakers Café (located onsite) is fully licensed and overlooks the tennis court, Breakfast is included each morning in the restaurant. Room facilities include: Resort room - double bed, tea and coffee-making facilities, reverse cycle air-condition, ensuite bathroom, TV with six complementary Foxtel Channels.

For an alternative to the above Itinerary, contact us direct at [email protected] or phone 08 9752 5811 and let us help you build your own package and plan your personal itinerary. Whether you would like to cruise Geographe Bay on a Whale Tour, explore the Tuart Forest, meet the distiller or view our region from above – We can help you. www.geographebay.com


Post-conference Tour

Public Transport Between Perth and Bunbury


The City of Bunbury is a 90-minute drive south of Perth, and is easily accessible by car, bus or train. TransWA and South West Coachlines run regular services to Bunbury.

TRANSWA: TRAINDeparts: Perth City, Wellington Street StationArrives: Bunbury Passenger Terminal, Picton Road, Bunbury

To Bunbury:Departs Perth daily at 9.30am Arrive Bunbury 11.55am (connecting shuttle service into city centre)Depart Perth daily at 5.55pm Arrive Bunbury 8.24pm (connecting shuttle service into city centre)

To Perth:Depart Bunbury Passenger Terminal daily at 6am Arrive Perth City at 8.30amDepart Bunbury Passenger Terminal daily at 2.45pm Arrive Perth city at 5.12pm(2pm shuttle from Bunbury CBD to Bunbury passenger terminal)

TRANSWA: BUSTo Bunbury:Sunday to Friday, departs East Perth Rail terminal 9am Arrive Bunbury passenger terminal 11.30am (12 noon shuttle service to CBD)

Monday to Thursday, departs East Perth Rail terminal 12.15pm Arrive Bunbury passenger terminal 2.45pm (no shuttle to city centre for this service)Friday. departs East Perth Rail terminal 4.00pm Arrive Bunbury passenger terminal 7.15pm (Bunbury City Transit service to CBD at 8.49pm)Sunday, departs East Perth Rail Terminal 12.15pm Arrives Bunbury passenger terminal at 2.40pm (no shuttle to city centre for this service)To Perth:Monday to Saturday, departs Bunbury passenger terminal 11.20am Arrives East Perth Rail terminal at 2pm(no shuttle service to the passenger terminal)

Monday to Friday & Sunday, departs Bunbury passenger terminal 6pm Arrives East Perth Rail Terminal at 8.30pm(no shuttle service to the passenger terminal)

For more information on TRANSWA and its services, visit www. transwa.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 662 205

SOUTH WEST COACHLINESBuses travel from the Perth Esplanade Bus Port and the Domestic Airport to Bunbury and return.

To Bunbury: Monday to SundayDepart Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 7.30am Arrive Bunbury city centre at 10.10amDepart Perth Domestic Airport at 7.55am Arrive Bunbury city centre at 10.10am

Depart Perth Domestic airport Terminal 12.55pm Arrive Bunbury city centre at 4.15pmDepart Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 1.30pm Arrive Bunbury city centre at 4.15pm

Depart Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 6.45pm Arrive Bunbury city centre 9.35pmDepart Perth Domestic airport terminal at 7.15pm Arrive Bunbury city centre 9.35pm

To Perth: Monday to SundayDepart Bunbury city centre at 8.45pm Arrive Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 10.45am Arrive Perth Domestic Airport at 11.20am

Depart Bunbury city centre at 2pm Arrive Perth Domestic Airport at 4.55pm Arrive Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 5.45pm

To Perth: Monday to FridayDepart Bunbury city centre at 6.45pm Arrive Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 8.45pm Arrive Perth Domestic Airport at 9.05pm

To Perth: Saturday and SundayDepart Bunbury city centre at 6.30pm Arrive Perth Esplanade Bus Port at 8.30pm Arrive Perth Domestic Airport at 8.50pm

For more information on South West Coachlines and its services, visit www.southwestcoachlines.com.au or phone 08 9261 7600 (Perth Office) or 08 97227800 (Bunbury Office)

CAR HIRE OPTIONS FROM PERTH AIRPORT www.carhireperthairport.com.auAvis 13 63 33Hertz 13 30 39Thrifty 1300 367 227Budget 13 27 27


Public Transport Between Perth and Bunbury

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Conference Sponsors



ITEM CS1. 2013/2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.1

Report by Les O’Donnell, Chief Financial Officer

RECOMMENDATION

That in accordance with Section 413 of the Local Government Act the 2013/2014 Financial Reports be referred to the auditor.

PURPOSE OF REPORT

To authorise referral of the 2013/2014 Financial Statements to the Auditor.

REPORT

Council’s Financial Statements are required under Section 413 (1) of the Local Government Act to be referred to the Auditor by Council. The 2013/2014 Financial Statements are being prepared in accordance with:

The Local Government Act 1993 and the Regulations made thereunder The Australian Accounting Standards The Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting

The Statements will fairly present Council’s operating result and financial position for the year in accordance with Council’s accounting and other records.





Report approved by:

Neale Redman Director Corporate Services


ITEM CS2. INVESTMENT REPORT AS AT 31 JULY 2014

2.1

Report by Les O’Donnell, Chief Financial Officer

RECOMMENDATION That the record of cash investments as at 31 July 2014 be noted.

PURPOSE OF REPORT To submit Council’s record of cash investments as at 31 July 2014 pursuant to Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

REPORT

Investment Portfolio as at 31 July 2014

Term Deposits Rating Term (days) Interest Rate Amount

AMP A-1+ * 273 3.90% 250,000AMP A1 273 3.90% 750,000AMP A1 367 3.80% 1,000,000AMP A1 273 3.80% 1,000,000AMP A1 365 3.80% 1,000,000Bank of Sydney A-1+ * 365 3.95% 250,000Bank of Sydney Not Rated 365 3.95% 1,250,000Bank of Sydney Not Rated 90 3.65% 1,000,000BENDIGO Bank A-1+ * 365 3.70% 250,000BENDIGO Bank A2 365 3.70% 1,250,000Bank of Queensland A-1+ * 365 3.88% 250,000Bank of Queensland A-2 365 3.88% 1,750,000Police Credit Union A-1+ * 367 3.97% 250,000Police Credit Union Not Rated 367 3.46% 1,750,000Macquarie Bank A-1+ * 365 4.00% 250,000Macquarie Bank A-1 365 4.00% 750,000Macquarie Bank A-1 365 4.00% 1,000,000ME Bank A-1+ * 365 3.88% 250,000ME Bank A-2 365 3.88% 750,000ME Bank A-2 365 3.81% 1,000,000NAB A-1 365 3.63% 1,500,000Rabo Direct AAA * 367 3.95% 250,000Rabo Direct A-2 367 3.95% 1,750,000Investec Bank BBB 365 3.98% 2,000,000Investec Bank A-1+ * 365 3.94% 250,000Investec Bank BBB 365 3.94% 750,000

3.87% 22,500,000 Note: The investments indicated (*) are subject to the Federal Government’s deposit guarantee. These investments have an applied rating of A-1+ for short term investments and AAA for long term investments.



2.2

Call Accounts Rating Term Interest Rate AmountCBA General Fund A-1+ At Call 2.10% 255,771CBA Business Online Saver A-1+ At Call 2.65% 2,400,000Perennial Cash Enhanced Trust A-1 At Call 4.00% 5,579,180

3.55% 8,234,951

Total Investments 3.78% 30,734,951 In accordance with Council’s investment policy the following limits apply in relation to the maximum proportion of the total investment portfolio which can be invested for each credit rating category.

Overall Portfolio Credit Limits Long Term Credit

Ratings Short Term Credit

Ratings Direct Securities Maximum

AAA Category A-1+ 100% AA Category A-2 100% A Category A-2 70% BBB Category A-3 30% Unrated Category Unrated 20%

Investments Represented by as at 31 July 2014 as at 30 July 2013

Externally Restricted Reserves

Domestic Waste Management 1,958,442 2,577,129

Unexpended Grants 1,390,860 1,686,776

Section 94 11,391,957 8,477,027

Other Road Contribution 27,089

Total Externally Restricted Reserves 14,768,348 12,740,932

Internally Restricted Reserves

Plant Replacement 1,167,698 1,426,365

ELE 1,282,791 1,241,000

Deposits 5,495,718 5,062,295

Golf Course 94,223 94,223

Adshel 270,000 270,000

Permanent Assets 138,747 150,000

Technology 320,000 320,000

Carry Forwards 666,516 350,406

Future Major Expenditure 2,756,633 4,506,633

Parkscape Improvements 29,000 29,000

Insurance 65,560 20,950

Total Internally Restricted Reserves 12,286,886 13,470,872

Total Restricted Reserves 27,055,234 26,211,804

Unrestricted 3,679,717 1,163,903

Total Investments 30,734,951 27,375,707



2.3

The level of unrestricted funds invested at any time is dependent on movements in the level of other reserves and the cash flow requirements of Council. Interest Revenue The official cash rate remains at 2.50%. Council’s investment portfolio is returning an average of 3.78% as at 31 July 2014 which is 1.13% above the 90 day BBSW benchmark of 2.65%– refer attachment 1. Council has earned interest revenue totalling $79,801 as at 31 July 2014, being 9.23% of the projected budget. Interest revenue is slightly higher than the phased projected budget – refer attachment 2. Certification – Responsible Accounting Officer The Chief Financial Officer hereby certifies that the investments listed above have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Council’s Investment Policy.

REFERRAL FROM OTHER DEPARTMENT No referral was required.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications.

ATTACHMENTS 1. Investment performance – July 2014 2. Investment income earned versus budget – July 2014 Report approved by:

Neale Redman Director Corporate Services

ATTACHMENT 1

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

Ret

urn

Investment Performance for Past 12 months

-

1.0

Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14

Month - Year

BBSW Benchmark Managed Funds (%) Term Deposits (%) Overall

ATTACHMENT 2

100%900,000

Interest Earned versus Budget as at 30 July 2014

60%

70%

80%

90%

600,000

700,000

800,000

30%

40%

50%

60%

300,000

400,000

500,000$

Cumulative Interest

Phased Budget

0%

10%

20%

0

100,000

200,000

Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14

Months

Page 1


ITEM CS3. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

3.1

Report by Neale Redman, Director Corporate Services

RECOMMENDATION

That the report concerning the results of the Customer Service Survey be noted.

PURPOSE OF REPORT

To advise Council of the completion of a Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted over a period of three weeks ending on 13 June 2014.

REPORT

Council conducted a customer satisfaction feedback survey over a period of three weeks ending on 13 June 2014. In total 102 responses were received from customers. The key outcomes of the survey were:

81% of customers rated there experience as most satisfied. 96% of customers rated their experience as satisfied or better.

Set out below is a summary of the main findings of the survey:

Type of Contact Customer Service 71% Telephone 26% Library 1% Email 2%

Type of Enquiry Development Application 37% Service Request 26% General Information 17% Other 20%

Handling of Enquiry Customer Service 76% Transferred 24%

Satisfaction

Most Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied

Satisfied Most Satisfied

Courteousness and friendliness

1% 0% 2% 12% 85%

Level of knowledge 0% 2% 7% 14% 77% Willingness to help 0% 0% 3% 18% 79% Time/speed of handling your enquiry

0% 0% 3% 14.1% 83%

Overall 0.25% 0.5% 3.75% 14.5% 81%


ITEM CS3. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

3.2

Feedback received via the survey has been considered resulting in a number of steps being taken to ensure customers receive the best possible customer service experience when dealing with Council.






ITEM OP1. FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDED BLACK SPOT PROGRAMS

1.1

Report by Epeli Naivalu, Manager Engineering Works and Services

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the process and progress of Federal & State Black Spot Funding Programs as detailed in the report be received and noted.

2. That it also be noted that in conjunction with these programs, significant work has

been done to make the roads in the Strathfield LGA safer and ongoing review and work will be undertaken.

PURPOSE OF REPORT To provide an update to Council on the Federal and State funded Black Spot Projects and Council’s work to improve road safety across the LGA.

REPORT Black Spot and Black Length Sites Black Spot sites are road accident sites, nominated by a Local Government Authority seeking Federal / State funding grants, for carrying out accident remedial measures at locations where injury accidents are occurring or have the potential to occur (identified through a Road Safety Audit). A Black Length site is a section of road along which a number of accidents have been reported. Every year, funds for black spot remedial works are set aside by the Federal and State Governments. These funds are dispersed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to local governments on a priority based on the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of the projects.

A maximum of five sites including black spot lengths can be nominated by each Local Government Authority every year for Federal and/or State funded black spot grants.

Selection Criteria for State funded projects

Under the Auslink (National) Black Spot Program, projects nominated by a Local Government Authority for black spot funding must meet the following selection criteria:

For an individual site, the minimum criteria for applying for black spot grants is at least three casualty crashes in the most recent five years of crash data; however all crashes, including non casualty tow-away accidents, can be used when calculating the safety BCR (Benefit-Cost Ratio).

For a Black Length, the minimum criteria for eligibility are an average of 0.2 casualty crashes per kilometer per annum over the last five years of crash data.

Councils are required to submit the following supporting information: Benefit cost ratio spreadsheet, detailed cost estimate, photos of the site, drawing/sketch of the proposed treatment including where the crashes occurred and any other information that Council would like to submit to support the nomination.



1.2

The RMS selects projects on a Benefit to Cost Ratio basis. A benefit-cost ratio (BCR) is an indicator of the monetary gain realised by completing a project versus the amount it costs to execute the project. The BCR model uses a crash by type methodology to calculate the BCR and is the only one accepted by the RMS for economic analysis. As only a certain amount of road safety funding is allocated by the Government each year, projects all across NSW must contend for the pool of funds available.

State funded projects are based on 50% / 50% co-contribution from the applicant Local Government Authority under this particular program.

Nation Building Black Spot funded projects The funding criteria, assessment process and project nominations for the Nation Building Black Spot Program are set by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Black Lengths are also included in this.

The National Blackspot Program is 100% federally funded and does not rely on or accept co-contribution under this particular program. It is considered that a co-contribution from the Local Government Authority would skew the BCR in favour of their nominated project and this is not encouraged as the program seeks to remove accident Blackspot sites from the state and nation as a whole.

Road Safety Audits Projects can be nominated from sites identified in a Road Safety Audit. The audit is undertaken in accordance with RMS Guidelines for Road Safety Audit Practices or Austroads Guide to Road Safety Audits.

Different treatments can be compared, or a number of treatments combined, to determine the most economically efficient way to target and reduce crashes.

Nomination of projects by Strathfield Council Since 2012, Council has nominated potential sites and successfully obtained the following State and Federal funding grants: For the year 2012/2013: 1. Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Rochester Street and Abbotsford Road,

Homebush: $49,750; (State funded & completed); and 2. Cosgrove Road, Enfield - Black length grant: $485,125 (100% Federal funded & completed). For the Year 2013/2014: 1. Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Abbotsford Road and Meredith Street,

Homebush: $50,000 (State funded & completed); 2. Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Hornsey Road and Tavistock Road: $50,000

(State funded & completed); 3. Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Coventry Road, Rochester Street and

Beresford Road: $50,000 (State funded & completed); and



1.3

4. Water Street, Strathfield South - Black length grant: $100,000 (100%Federal funded and completed).

For the Year 2014/2015 1. Implementation of accident remedial measures and associated road infrastructure Henley Road

and Exeter Road, Homebush West, together with parking lane treatment: $100,000 (100% Federal funded);

2. Implementation of accident remedial measures and associated improved traffic signage and line marking treatment at the intersection of Arthur Street and Hornsey Road, Homebush West –$60,000 (100% Federal funded); and

3. Intersection of Elva Street and Albert Road, Strathfield – Accident remediation treatments including installation of high skid resistance ‘GripPhalt’ at the bend in both directions, together with a ‘Trief’ barrier kerb at the centre of the carriageway: $37,500 (State funded).

The total funding obtained by Strathfield Council over this three year period equates to some $982,250. In June 2011, the RMS accident data indicated that there were 22 black spot locations where at least three casualty crashes occurred in the most recent five years. As part of Council’s 2012 - 2016 Transport Infrastructure Upgrade Delivery Program, Council officers have been carefully studying and monitoring the road accident sites within the Strathfield LGA; and under the upgrade program to date Council has spent a total of $1,220,000 from Section 94 funds towards accident remediation works on various sites that are not funded by Federal and State grants. This extensive work by Council, in conjunction with Federal & State Black Spot Programs, has resulted in works being done to all 22 black spots identified in RMS crash data in June 2011. A perusal of the latest RMS accident data (for the period ending June 30, 2014) reveals that there are now no locations on local roads under Council’s care, control and maintenance that had recorded three or more injury accidents during the most recent five years, which would designate them as black spots, and that have not already been treated. The following five locations have recorded two injury accidents during the most recent five year period: Intersection of Rochester Street and Burlington Road; Intersection of Cross and Long Streets; Intersection of Augusta and Glenarvon Streets; Intersection of High Street and Wallis Avenue; and Intersection of Beresford Road and Duke Street. A funding submission has been made to RMS seeking road safety grants to carry out remedial works at these locations as part of the 2015-2016 RMS funded projects. The BCR calculations for these sites have included non-casualty tow-away accidents at these locations.



1.4

Summary This report details the process and progress of Federal & State Black Spot Programs for the information of Council. In conjunction with these programs, significant work has been done to make the roads in the Strathfield LGA safer. However, ongoing review and work will be undertaken to make the roads even safer.

REFERRAL FROM OTHER DEPARTMENT No referral was required.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Funds required as Council’s share for the accident remediation treatments at the Elva Street and Albert Road intersection of $37,500 has already been included in Operations 2014/2015 budget. Budget Item Approved Budget Expenditure to Date Road Safety Works $400,000 Nil

Report approved by:

Rob Bourke Director Operations


ITEM OP2. WESTCONNEX M4 EAST AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION

2.1

Report by Jocelyn Palmer, Manager Community Lands and Services

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council note a proposal has been received from WestConnex Delivery Authority to install an Air Quality Monitoring Station on RMS land adjoining Bill Boyce Reserve, Homebush.

2. That Council note a Park Access Permit has been issued to WestConnex Delivery Authority for Bill Boyce Reserve.

PURPOSE OF REPORT

1. To notify Council of a proposal from WestConnex Delivery Authority to install an Air Quality Monitoring Station on RMS land adjoining Bill Boyce Reserve, Homebush.

2. To advise Council that a Park Access Permit has been issued to WestConnex Delivery Authority for Bill Boyce Reserve.

REPORT

WDA has contacted Council advising of a proposal to install an air quality monitoring station on RMS land adjoining Bill Boyce Reserve, Homebush as part of the M4 east expansion works. The proposed station will measure 3m wide x 2m deep x 3m in height and is expected to remain on site for a period of 5 to 10 years.

In order to construct the air quality monitoring station, WDA requires access to their site through Council’s Bill Boyce Reserve. WDA have been requested to complete a Park Access Permit application. Council has received the completed Park Access Permit form and proposes to grant WDA access to Bill Boyce Reserve on the condition that WestConnex Delivery Authority agree to a $5,000 bond. This bond will ensure that the access area through Bill Boyce Reserve will be ‘make good”, any damage and return the site to the condition it was in before entry was gained.

WDA will complete an environmental assessment as part of the works and will notify nearby residents. WDA has also set up an information line on 1300 660 248 to address community concerns. An ‘Advisory Committee on Tunnel Air Quality’ has also been appointed to set performance standards for emissions; recommended monitoring and compliance reporting; and provide advice on air quality issues.


Council’s Strategic Planning department are aware of this proposal.


Council will charge the nominal fee in relation to park access permit and will apply a bond of $5,000 to WestConnex Delivery Authority for any restoration works that may be required.


ITEM OP2. WESTCONNEX M4 EAST AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION

2.2

Report approved by:

Rob Bourke Director Operations


ITEM TS1. STRATHFIELD TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC AND PARKING TASKFORCE

1.1

Report by David Hazeldine, Director Technical Services

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council note the report regarding the Strathfield Town Centre Project Traffic and Parking Taskforce.

2. That Council note that Items 1., 2. a. c. d., 3., 4. and 5. of the 4 February 2014 Council resolution have been completed.

PURPOSE OF REPORT

On 4 February 2014 Council resolved as follows (Minute No. 17/14):

1. “That Council form a Taskforce to consider issues of parking and traffic in the Strathfield Town Centre.

2. That the Taskforce addresses any issues it sees fit, but as a minimum:

a. The development history of Strathfield Plaza as a way of clarifying the relationship between Council and Strathfield Plaza with regards parking within Strathfield Plaza.

b. Traffic circulation within Strathfield Town Centre and in particular how this is influenced by the entry and exit points for Strathfield Plaza.

c. The status of public parking within the Regal Court development. d. The extra pressure, if any, which nearby parking meters controlled by Burwood and

Canada Bay councils is placing on parking within Strathfield Town Centre. e. Whether additional kerbside parking opportunities can be identified within Strathfield

Town Centre. f. Whether the various timed parking restrictions within Strathfield Town Centre are

appropriate. g. What level of Council controlled public parking should be incorporated into Council’s

proposed Town Centre development.

3. Taskforce membership comprise: a. Self nominated Councillors b. A representative from Strathfield Plaza c. A representative of Strathfield Chamber of Commerce d. Appropriate technical staff from within and from outside Council, as recommended by the

General Manager e. Members of Council’s Traffic Committee as recommended by the General Manager. f. A representative from Korean Business Association of Strathfield

4. That the inaugural meeting of the Taskforce occur before end February, 2014.

5. That a report be provided within 6 months from the establishment of the Taskforce.”

This report has been prepared in accordance with the above resolution.



1.2

REPORT

Taskforce Members The Strathfield Town Centre Traffic and Parking Taskforce includes the following members:

Clr Daniel Bott (DB) Clr Gulian Vaccari (GV) Clr Helen McLucas (HM) Clr Sang Ok (SO) David Backhouse, General Manager Strathfield Council (GM) David Hazeldine, Director Technical Services Strathfield Council (DH) Jason Andrew, Group Manager Organisational Performance Strathfield Council (JA) Mr Nick Soulos, Strathfield Chamber of Commerce (NS) Mr Paul Kwon, Strathfield Chamber of Commerce (PK) Mr Steven Ding, MemoCorp (SD)

Taskforce Meetings The first Taskforce meeting was held on 28 February 2014. Attendees: DB, GV, HM, SO, GM, DH, JA, NS & D Baird (HWL Ebsworth). Matters discussed at this meeting included:

1. Legal Advice a. Clarification that the legal advice received by the Taskforce is ‘privileged and

confidential’ and cannot be discussed with external parties.

2. Strathfield Plaza Car Park a. Legal advice was outlined on Council powers in regard to the car park. b. Further information was requested on total amount of spaces, reserved spaces and

relationship with office tower. c. Entry and exit points to car park were discussed. It was suggested a traffic study

was required to test various options.

3. Regal Court Car Park a. Legal advice was outlined regarding Councils ability to regulate the public parking

spaces.

4. Strathfield Town Centre Masterplan Project a. It was outlined that additional parking is incorporated in the project scope, with the

details to be determined at the detail design stage. A second Taskforce meeting was held on 23 May 2014. Attendees: GV, HM, DH, JA, PK, NS & SD. Matters discussed at this meeting were:

1. Strathfield Plaza Car Park Legal Advice



1.3

a. The implications of the legal advice outlined at the previous Taskforce meeting, which includes the development history of the site, was further clarified.

2. Regal Court Car Park Legal Advice a. The implications of the legal advice outlined at the February Taskforce meeting were

further clarified.

3. Strathfield Plaza Car Park a. In response to Item 2 b) from the February Taskforce meeting. Memo Corp clarified

there are 499 total car spaces in the car park and 13 are reserved for the two medical centres. The plaza and office tenant car pass usage is variable depending on tenancies.

b. Requests to Memo Corp i. Restrict timing of supermarket deliveries so as not conflict with peak traffic

congestion periods. ii. Extend opening hours until midnight on Thursday & Friday iii. Move Churchill Avenue boom gate up the ramp iv. Can the amount of tenancy passes be clarified

c. Memo Corp requests i. Prefer 2 hour maximum free parking to increase parking turnover as per

proposed new parking charges as presented to Council in December 2013.

The third Taskforce meeting was held on 28 August 2014. Attendees: DB, GV, HM, GM, DH, JA & D Baird (HWL Ebsworth). Matters discussed at this meeting were:

1. Minutes of the 23 May 2014 Taskforce Meeting were confirmed.

2. Outstanding Resolution items from the 4 February Council Resolution Minute No. 17/14 (as

detailed above):

2. a) Completed (at 23 May 2014 taskforce meeting). b) Letter to be sent to Memocorp regarding the entry and exit points for Strathfield Plaza. c) Completed (at 23 May 2014 taskforce meeting). d) Completed (at 28 August 2014 taskforce meeting). e) Traffic Committee to address whether additional kerbside parking opportunities

can be identified within Strathfield Town Centre. f) Traffic Committee to address whether the various timed parking restrictions

within Strathfield Town Centre are appropriate, with an open invitation on this matter.



1.4

g) Letters to be sent to State Member and Transport Minister inviting the State Government to address the commuter parking issue in the Strathfield area, particularly around the Strathfield Town Centre.




Funding has been provided in the current budget for this purpose as set out below:

Budget Item Approved Budget Expenditure to date Strathfield Town Centre Parking Review

$5,000 Nil


ITEM TS2. WESTCONNEX STAGE 1(A) – M4 WIDENING

2.1

Report by Ash Chand, Acting Manager Strategic Planning

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council prepare a submission in response to the WestConnex M4 Widening Environmental Impact Statement Public Exhibition, based on the draft issues presented and any further issues raised by Council.

2. That should Councillors wish to submit any further issues for inclusion in the submission, that these be submitted to the General Manager.

PURPOSE OF REPORT

Council, at its Planning Committee Meeting on 19 August 2014, resolved inter alia: (Minute No. P58/14)

“2. That Council note that the WestConnex M4 Widening Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be on public exhibition from 13 August until 12 September 2014.

3. That a draft Submission on the M4 Widening EIS be prepared for Council’s consideration at a further meeting of Council.”

This report has been prepared in response to the above resolution.

REPORT

Background On 25 October 2012, the long term linear Transport Corridor Project - WestConnex was announced by the State Government. This project includes:

Widening of existing M4 from Parramatta to Homebush Bay Drive – Stage 1(a) M4 East Extension, including tunnel construction – Stage 1(b) M5 East Airport Link (Beverly Hills to St Peters) – Stage 2 A tunnel from Taverners Hill to the St Peter area via Camperdown – Stage 3

On 24 October 2013, Council provided Council’s input to the Director General Requirement for M4 Widening (Stage 1a) of the WestConnex Project in response to the WestConnex – M4 Widening State Significant Infrastructure Application Report. The Council submission seeks to ensure the relevant key issues are to be addressed by Road and Maritime Services (RMS) in the next stage of Project Planning (i.e. at the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement). Note: Council also previously submitted comments on the Director General’s Requirements for M4 East Extension – Stage 1(b) dated 20 December 2013. Environmental Impact Statement – M4 Widening Following the Department’s issue of Director General Requirements in early 2014, RMS commenced the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).



2.2

The EIS is now on public exhibition from 13 August until 12 September, providing opportunities of communities and public authorities to comment.

The key components of the project proposal relevant to the Homebush area in Strathfield’s LGA include:

Widening of the Motorway to provide four (4) lanes in each direction between Homebush Bay Drive and Junction Street Auburn;

Construction of a new westbound G-Loop on-ramp to the M4 Motorway from Homebush Bay Drive, Homebush;

Introduction of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and provision for future infrastructure to support possible ramp metering;

Construction of a new eastbound on-ramp to the M4 Motorway from Hill Road, Lidcombe; and

Re-introduction of tolls on the M4 Motorway through distance based tolling. That is, separate toll gates at off ramps rather than a single point toll that was previously used on the M4. It is worth noting that there is no plan for a ‘cash back’ scheme with the reintroduction of the tolls.

Council draft submission Council has reviewed the EIS and has prepared a draft list of key issues (refer Attachment 1) that is to form the basis of the Council’s submission, subject to any further issues raised by Council.

Some of the key issues include, but not limited to:

Supportive of the overall intent of the M4 Widening Project

Concern that EIS indicates there will not be any improvement to the Parramatta Road traffic volumes in the Homebush section of which the proposed toll will further impact.

Traffic congestion and volume issues in the Parramatta Road Corridor, particularly during the two year period between 2017 and 2019 after the M4 Widening completion and prior to the M4 East Tunnel completion

The existing traffic congestion issues to north-south connections into and out of the LGA are Council’s key traffic concerns i.e. Arthur Street, Underwood Road, Bridge Road, Subway Lane and Leicester Avenue

Concern of the implication of the toll system as it is a disincentive to use M4 and encourages to use alternative routes, e.g. Parramatta Road and rat running local streets.

Next Step of the M4 Widening Project At the completion of the public exhibition stage, RMS will prepare a submission report in response to all submissions received in the consultation process.

The assessment report is to be prepared by the Department of Planning & Environment (DP&E) recommending whether the M4 Widening Project should be approved or not. The Minister of Planning & Environment will determine the outcome of this infrastructure project (i.e. whether or not the project be approved, any modification be made to the application and the conditions attached with the project approval).



2.3

It is expected that the construction of M4 Widening Project will be completed by 2017 following the planning approval.


Various Council sections have been referred to for comment.



ATTACHMENTS

1. Draft list of key issues – WestConnex Stage 1(a) M4 Widening

Report approved by:

David Hazeldine Director Technical Services

ATTACHMENT 1

Draft list of key issues – WestConnex Stage 1(a) M4 Widening

Council’s submission to the M4 Widening will be based on, but not limited to the following key issues:

Supportive of the overall intent of the WestConnex Project and any regional traffic initiatives that will improve traffic movement in the Strathfield Local Government Area and surrounding region.

Concern that the EIS indicates there will not be any improvement to the Parramatta Road traffic volumes in the Homebush / Strathfield precinct, of which the proposed toll will further impact.

Concern of the implications of the toll system being a disincentive to use M4 and will encourage to use alternative routes, e.g. Parramatta Road and rat running local streets.

The traffic congestion and volume issues in the Parramatta Road Corridor, particularly during the two year period between 2017 and 2019 after the M4 Widening completion and prior to the M4 East Tunnel completion

The existing traffic congestion issues to north-south connections into and out of the LGA are Council’s key traffic concerns i.e. Arthur Street, Underwood Road, Bridge Road, Subway Lane and Leicester Avenue and do not appear to be improved by M4 Widening

Traffic congestion issues at Arthur Street / Homebush Bay Drive intersection is one of the main concerns for Strathfield residents. Council is seeking state government assistance to address this matter including through the WestConnex project. The information provided in the EIS does not provide the technical explanation of how or if the G-ramp at Homebush Bay Drive to M4 Motorway will improve the Arthur Street intersection.

Concern that the full details of the Business case is not being released

Concern about the landowners impacted by WestConnex including those being acquired and the adjacent landowners who may not be acquired.

Download - Council Meeting 2 September 2014 Agenda · 9/2/2014 · COUNCIL MEETING – 2 SEPTEMBER 2014 AGENDA 12. General Business General Managers Reports GM1. Returning Planning Powers to

Top Related