COUNCIL DECISION

Motion                                   Moved: Mayor Waller           Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council write to the family of Pastor John Keane, and Mrs Jo-Anne Margaret McIntosh expressing our condolences for their loss.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 27 October 2020 be confirmed as a true record of that meeting.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Notes the Gateway determination for Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 (Amendment 85) and the results of public exhibition and community consultation; and

2.    Proceeds with Amendment 85 and delegates authority to the A/CEO (or his delegate) to liaise with the NSW Parliamentary Counsel’s Office and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to finalise the amendment.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Vote for:             Mayor Waller, Clr Ayyad, Clr Balloot, Clr Hadchiti, Deputy Mayor Hadid, Clr Hagarty, Clr Harle, Clr Kaliyanda, Clr Karnib and Clr Rhodes.

Vote against:     Clr Shelton.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Notes the Gateway determination for Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 (Amendment 69) and the results of the public authority consultation and community consultation;

2.    Proceeds with Amendment 69 to the LEP and delegates authority to the A/CEO (or his delegate) to liaise with the Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment and the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office to finalise the amendment;

3.    Adopts Liverpool Development Control Plan 2008 (Amendment 36); and

4.    Notifies submitters of Council’s decision.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Vote for:             Mayor Waller, Clr Ayyad, Clr Balloot, Clr Hadchiti, Deputy Mayor Hadid, Clr Hagarty, Clr Harle, Clr Kaliyanda, Clr Karnib and Clr Rhodes.

Vote against:     Clr Shelton.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Harle                  Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council:

1.    Supports the renaming of Gournay Street to Beuk Street, Austral;

2.    Forwards the name to the Geographical Names Board, seeking formal approval;

3.    Publicly exhibit the name in accordance with Council’s Naming Convention Policy, for a period of 28 days, following formal approval from the GNB; and

4.    Authorises the Acting Chief Executive Officer to undertake the process of gazettal, if there are no submissions received during public exhibition.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda          Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Approves the Trade and Civic delegation to Auckland, New Zealand in March 2021, (or as soon as practicable following the easing of Covid restrictions) and notes the A/CEO will facilitate the necessary arrangements;

2.    Determine which Councillors will attend as members of the delegation;

3.    Endorse expenditure for this delegation of up to $20,000 from the City Economy budget; and

4.    Receive a future report on the outcomes of the visit.

Clr Ayyad, Clr Hadchiti and Clr Hadid requested that they be recorded as voting against the motion.

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Harle                  Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That the Mayor, Clr Harle, Clr Kaliyanda, Clr Rhodes and any other councillor who is willing to self-fund the trip attend as members of the delegation.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Clr Ayyad requested that she be recorded as voting against the motion.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Ayyad                Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council endorses the recommendation of $15,850 (GST exclusive) under the Sustainable Environment Grants Program for the following project:

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadchiti             Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council:

1.      Receives and notes the report;

2.      Adopts the revised Draft Carnes Hill Recreation Precinct Stage Two Masterplan, inclusive of the Public Exhibition feedback; and

3.      Subject to Council adoption of the Masterplan, commission a detail design process to include a feasibility study and a funding strategy for the delivery of the project through a staging process.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Shelton              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council receives and notes this report.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Shelton              Seconded: Clr Ayyad

That Council:

1.      Confirms the Council meeting time as 6.00pm and Council meeting dates for the 2021 calendar year as follows:

·      3 February 2021

·      24 February 2021

·      31 March 2021

·      28 April 2021

·      26 May 2021

·      30 June 2021

·      28 July 2021

·      25 August 2021

·      20 October 2021

·      17 November 2021

·      15 December 2021

2.      Advertises the Council meeting dates and commencing times of Council meetings for the 2021 calendar year. 

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council adopt the Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy with the following amendments:

·           Include another item in section 4.10.2h Investigation Systems for Whistle Blower Protection; and

·           External audit of Council’s contracts to be included in Council’s strategic audit plan.

.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council approves the identified budget variations in accordance with this report.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty              Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council:

1.      Approves in principle to borrow funds to accelerate the delivery of s7.11 infrastructure;

2.      Delegates authority to the A/CEO to make an application to NSW TCorp to borrow $4.7m as a contribution to the Basin 14 Edmondson Park Project;

3.      Notes that the loan principal and interest repayments will be made from interest earnings on funds held in s7.11 reserve;

4.      Delegates authority to the A/CEO and Council’s nominated Power of Attorney holder to execute any required documentation to give effect to this resolution; and

5.      Delegates authority to the A/CEO to apply for interest subsidy in the next round of NSW Government’s Low Cost Loan Initiative.

6.      Investigate ways and means of preventing the shortfall in funds to address the shortfall of funding to provide infrastructure in new areas.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hagarty

That Council note and endorse the Mayoral Direction dated 5 November 2020 attached to the report.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Endorses the minor amendments to the Environment Advisory Committee Charter; and

2.      Calls for expressions of interest for the next term of the Environment Advisory Committee membership.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadchiti             Seconded: Clr Hagarty

That Council receives and notes this report.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved:Clr Rhodes               Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council receives and notes the minutes of the Liverpool Heritage Advisory Committee meeting held on 18 August 2020.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council receives and notes the Minutes of the Liverpool Access Committee Meeting held on 8 October 2020.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council receive and note the Minutes of the Strategic Panel Meeting held on 12 October 2020.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council receives and notes the Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 23 October 2020.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council receive and notes the Minutes of the Civic Advisory Committee Meeting held on 30 October 2020.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee meeting held on 20 October 2020; and

2.    Endorse the recommendations in the minutes.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

2020 has been an extremely stressful year for many; fire, floods and now COVID.

Many in our community continue to suffer with mental health issues.

Adolescence and young individuals are particularly vulnerable to external pressures of every life.

Please address the following:

With the added unprecedented pressures:

1.   What initiatives/programs has Council supported to assist the community and particularly adolescence and young person’s when dealing with mental health issues?

2.   Has Council conducted a review of services available to the local community?

3.   What initiatives has Council implemented to support the mental health of staff during this unprecedented time?

Responses

1.   What initiatives/programs has council supported to assist the community and particularly adolescence and young person’s when dealing with mental health issues?

Primary responsibility for mental health rests with Federal and State agencies. However, Council plays an important role in support of statutory services through advocacy, representation and the provision of preventive and supportive programs and projects, some of which are highlighted below.

Council is committed to supporting community members experiencing mental health concerns. In a broader sense, the work of Council’s Community Development team addresses mental health concerns by all community groups through supporting the delivery of programs and initiatives that aim to increase social cohesion, reduce isolation and build community capacity. To support residents to access programs and activities, Council advocates and makes representation on mental health issues with and on behalf of the community to relevant government agencies, including SWSLHD, Headspace, and NSW Refugee Health Services directly or indirectly at forums and networks .

Council’s Community and Culture directorate supports a number of community-based initiatives which work to address mental health, raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the community. These include:

Community Development

·    Supporting the delivery of the 2018 “Mental Health in CALD Communities” Symposium, which discussed mental health, wellbeing and recovery for CALD communities in partnership with a number of South West/Western Sydney Councils and Local Health Districts;

·    Participating in the planning and delivery of “Tackling the Challenge: Talking Men’s Health” in partnership with SWSLHD. This project aims to identify the factors and experiences influencing men’s mental wellbeing across South West Sydney by interviewing men who have experienced trauma, addiction, homelessness or other life-changing circumstances and exploring how they successfully navigated their issues by seeking support from appropriate services. This project will raise awareness of men’s health issues and works to reduce the stigma associated with mental health particularly in young men;

·    Council is a leading partner, alongside Fairfield City Council, in convening the Fairfield/Liverpool Homelessness Interagency, which brings together government and non-government organisations who work to support people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, including providing access and connection to mental health services;

·    Council is a leading partner, alongside Fairfield, Campbelltown and Canterbury-Bankstown City Councils, Macarthur Disability Services and The Multicultural Network in convening the Sydney South West Aged and Disability Forum, which brings together government and non-government organisations who work with community members living with disability, including mental health issues;  

·    Supporting Community STaR, an outreach service of the Centre for Health Equity, Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE). This program focusses on a range of community issues including men’s mental health and gambling in locational disadvantage areas;

·    Taking a convening role in the Liverpool Community Kitchen and Hub (LCK&H) Strategic Committee, which provides direction and support to the LCK&H, particularly regarding access to services and supports for community members experiencing or at risk of homelessness, food insecurity and financial disadvantage as a result of mental health issues, substance use or other social concerns;

·    Providing information through networks and interagencies on mental health programs and projects throughout the LGA;

·    Council is supporting the Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic at the University of Sydney – establishment of a clinic in SWS to provide counselling services; and

·    Providing essential funding through the Grants, Donations and Corporate Sponsorship program to mental health focussed activities. Examples of recent funded programs include:

o  “Junior Top Blokes” by Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections (LNC), funded in March 2019. This project designed and delivered social education and mentoring programs to boys and young men between 10-24 years old. It aimed to improve mental health and social wellbeing for at-risk young men by fostering inclusion and building resilience; and

o  “Youth Clicks” by The Junction Works, funded in July 2020. This project delivers online workshops to young people aged 12 -18 years on topics such as bullying, mental health, drugs and alcohol and leadership. Workshops are focussed on reducing isolation and disengagement by addressing productive ways to manage mental health concerns in young people.

The Liverpool Youth Council recently participated in a session called “Burning Issues for Liverpool” which aimed to identify the key concerns and issues for young people in Liverpool. The Youth Councillors consulted with their families, friends and peers to determine their top three priorities to be the focus of their work during the Youth Council’s current term (2020 – 2023). These priorities are:

·    Mental Health / Loneliness;

·    Youth Unemployment/ Career Pathways; and

·    Making Mental Health Support Services Known.

All Youth Council events, activities and projects will have these priorities at the forefront of planning and implementation to support positive mental wellbeing and connectedness for young people in Liverpool.

Library

·    Participating in the planning and delivery of the Mental Health Month “Living Library” project, a collaborative project delivered in partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Unit and local service providers including Neami National, STARTTS, SSI and Headspace. The project sought stories from communities members whose lives have been touched by mental health concerns. This resulted in four live events across October of community members telling their stories and answering questions to help others, raise awareness of mental health issues and highlight service providers. The stories included lived experience of Bipolar, caring for a loved one with Schizoaffective Disorder and PTSD, lived experience of mental health recovery and stigma and a clinician’s perspective. The Living Library was delivered across the SWS Wellbeing Facebook page and shared to Liverpool City Library Facebook page to increase access to the stories and reach a youth demographic. Past videos are also available through the Library website and have been used in the tertiary education sector to give students real life insight and value to their learning; and

·    Liverpool City Library is a registered venue as part of the Welcome Here project https://www.welcomehere.org.au/. Finding acceptance and safe spaces within the community contribute to positive mental health, particularly of adolescents. To support this initiative Library staff also undertook PRIDE awareness eLearning between March and May 2020 to develop a better understanding of diversity in the community. The Welcome Here pinpoint can be seen in the Youth space in the library and acts as a marker to young people that the library is a safe space.

Recreation

·    Youth Take Charge – a free 60-day mental health and wellbeing program for people who have been referred by a medical or allied health professional. This program supports people experiencing mental health concerns by providing additional social and wellness support through fitness programs at Council’s Leisure Centres. This program includes both youth and adult specific program streams.

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre

·    Creative Spark Access Incursions;

·    Forever Young Seniors Street Art Class;

·    Creative Connection Art class;

·    International People with Disability Day including an online exhibition;

·    Bravery Unmasked;

·    Creativity Packs for Seniors in Isolation; and

·    Creativity Packs for Young Migrants and Refugees.

South Western Sydney Health and Arts Coordinator (partnership project with SWSLHD)

·    Domestic Violence Survivors Wellbeing Workshops;

·    The Healing Hospital Arts Project – Creating Wellbeing Environments. This project aims to reduce social isolation, increased self-esteem, resilience, relaxation and self-expression; and

·    Art at the Heart of Healthcare – creating better healing environments by providing innovative arts programs that address mental health and wellbeing at Liverpool Hospital.  

It has been reported that instances of suicide are predicted to increase in Australia in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Of particular concern is young people aged 12-25, many of whom are facing the additional pressure of end of school exams, increased social isolation and loss of employment and income, particularly for those engaged in part-time and casual work. Council is committed to pursuing further opportunities for implementing mental health recovery and wellbeing initiatives in Liverpool, including supporting local suicide prevention initiatives through various means. This support could include the provision of funding for programs and activities and the sharing of information and resources with various networks. Furthermore, Council will continue to act as an advocate to relevant state and federal government bodies to raise awareness and encourage funding and resources be allocated to the provision of mental health and suicide prevention services in Liverpool and South Western Sydney.  

2.   Has Council conducted a review of services available to the local community?

Council’s convening role in the community services sector includes the ongoing collection of accurate and up to date information on relevant community services and initiatives in the Liverpool area, including mental health services. Council takes a lead role in the facilitation of the following networks and interagenices:

·     The Liverpool Youth Workers Network;

·     The Liverpool Refugee and Migrant Interagency;

·     Fairfield/Liverpool Homelessness Interagency;

·     The South West Sydney Ageing and Disability Forum; and

·     The Liverpool Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee.

These networks, comprised of service providers and community organisations in the relevant sector, provide an opportunity for services and organisations to network and connect, facilitate partnerships for specific projects and initiatives and provide up to date and relevant information regarding programs, training opportunities and partnership projects.

As part of Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Development team undertook a service mapping project whereby information was gathered on the community services sector, including their responses to COVID-19, changes to service provision as result of the pandemic and challenges to service delivery presented by COVID-19. This exercise supported Council’s understanding of the provision of services to vulnerable community groups during COVID-19 and presented opportunities for Council to offer assistance through funding or other in-kind support activities. The information gained through this project has also allowed Council to identify gaps in service provision. The Community Development team are reviewing these findings in more detail to pursue opportunities to advocate for adequate services in a particular area.

3.   What initiatives has Council implemented to support the mental health of staff during this unprecedented time?

Council’s People and Organisational Development (POD), Risk Management and Work Health and Safety departments have been instrumental in ensuring the ongoing mental wellbeing of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of initiatives were implemented during the pandemic. These include:

·    Weekly CEO updates to provides updates to staff on Council’s response to the pandemic, working remotely and mental health;

·    Inviting a psychologist to participate in one of these weekly conferences to discuss mental health and wellbeing with staff;

·    Actively encouraging teams to stay connected and engaged with one another through regular catch ups via Microsoft Teams;

·    Reminding staff of their ability to access the services of Council’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselling Service;

·    Developing of “Working from Home” resources to assist staff to access the necessary programs and functions remotely. These resources included tips on wellbeing and self-care when working remotely;

·    Providing staff with details of “Mental Health Check Ins” and meetings with Council’s EAP provider;

·    Periodically posting information on Yammer, Council’s internal social media tool, including tips and reminders on looking after one’s own mental health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation during social distancing restrictions, and sharing experiences of working remotely amongst staff; and

·    As part of Mental Health Month (October), Council has been sharing additional information regarding general mental wellbeing and supporting mental health during COVID-19.

Background

Since it recently opened, Schoeffel Park has been a big success. Many families are using the park and enjoying its facilities.

The demand has placed increased pressure on the surrounding road network.

There has been at least one accident and a number of near misses involving both cars and pedestrians.

Questions

Please address the following:

1.    Do subsequent phases of the development of Schoeffel Park include car parking?

2.    If so, how many spots and where will they be located?

3.    What traffic treatments are being considered to the surrounding road network, in particular Strzlecki Drive?

4.    When are these traffic treatments expected to be delivered?

5.    What consideration is given to the impact of the surrounding road and path networks when planning and funding work to parks?

Response

The development of Schoeffel Park into a multi-purpose recreational facility and open space will ultimately cost an estimated $2.5M. In view of the available annual funding levels, the Project was originally staged over 3 years, with Stage 1 to be completed in 2019/20 (this is now complete), Stage 2 planned for completion in 2020/21 followed by Stage 3 in 2021/22.

In May 2020, the Australian Government announced a $500M Road and Community Infrastructure Program with $1.4M allocated to Liverpool. This additional funding enabled Council to call tenders for Stages 2 and 3 as a single package enabling entire works to be brought forward and completed by June 2021.

1.   Schoeffel Park - staging and scope of works

Stages 2 and 3 of the Schoeffel Park Project will commence in early 2021 and will include the provision of:

·           solar lighting along the internal pathways;

·           a bike pump track;

·           outdoor gym;

·           amenities building;

·           children’s playground; and

·           indented parking bays along Strzlecki Drive and Singleton Street providing 50 car spaces.

It is anticipated that these works will be completed by the end of June 2021.

2.       Proposed Traffic Treatments and Delivery Timeframe

The road network close to the park includes Strzlecki Drive, Schoeffel Grove, Singleton Street and Rosedale Circuit. These streets are all local residential streets with the default urban residential speed limit of 50km/h. A speed classification carried out along Strzlecki Drive indicated that the 85^th percentile speed was 58km/h.

Council recently inspected the road network close to the park and identified the need for pedestrian crossing facilities at the Strzlecki Drive/Schoeffel Grove and Rosedale Circuit/Strzlecki Drive intersections.

Council is also investigating appropriate traffic calming devices to address the identified traffic and pedestrian safety issues. The traffic calming devices would include speed humps whilst the pedestrian facilities would include road narrowing or a pedestrian refuge at Strzlecki Drive /Schoeffel Grove and Strzlecki Drive / Singleton Street intersections.

A design layout of these facilities will be presented to the November 2020 meeting of the Liverpool Pedestrian, Active Transport and Traffic Committee for consideration.

The proposed traffic calming device and pedestrian crossing facilities will be installed during construction of the indented car parking bays.

3.   Planning for broader impacts arising from open space development works

Council’s infrastructure development activities are driven by the Delivery Program and the long-term Capital Works Program. The scope of identified open space development projects are first determined using Council’s relevant strategies, relevant standards and guidelines, which are translated into preliminary concept designs. Relevant areas of Council also provide input into the design to ensure broader connectivity and access issues are properly considered. These designs are then presented to the community as part of a broader community consultation process, which seeks to obtain community feedback and input into the preliminary designs.

With regards to Schoeffel Park, the community consultation process identified the following issues:

·           the current traffic speeding issues along Strzlecki Drive and the potential for this issue to be exacerbated following completion of the Park;

·           the need for off-street car parking; and

·           amenities.

While Council’s original plan was to progressively deliver the various elements of the Project over a 3-year program, the program is now being accelerated to enable full completion by June 2021.

Please address the following:

1.   Can an update please be provided on the delivery of the board walk / bank stabilisation which formed part of a VPA in the Shepherd Street precinct?

Response

A Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) has been executed between Council and the following parties:

·    Shepherd Street Developments Pty Ltd

·    Coronation (33 Shepherd St) Pty Ltd

·    Coronation (28 Shepherd St) Pty Ltd

·    Coronation (26 Shepherd St) Pty Ltd

·    Shepherd Property Nominee Pty Limited

The purpose of the VPA is to deliver infrastructure and for the payment of financial contributions to support the redevelopment of the Shepherd Street precinct in Liverpool.

Council currently holds a bank guarantee in excess of $12m for the works identified in the VPA.

Council has been working with Coronation in relation to the delivery of the infrastructure items identified in the VPA. To date, a number of items have been delivered, however the riverbank works (bank stabilisation and shared path) have not been completed.

On 25 February 2020, Coronation submitted design drawings for the riverbank works for Council’s review. Following a review of the design drawings, Council identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed in the design, with advice being provided to Coronation to that effect on 17 March 2020.

In September 2020, Council received revised engineering plans for the riverbank works. As of 3 November 2020, Council has accepted the design as complete, subject to an independent peer review (as required by the VPA). Agreement on the design does not represent an approval to undertake the works.

Now that the design is agreed, Council has commenced assessment of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) submitted by Coronation. The REF forms the basis for Council assessment and approval of the works under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. Council has requested Coronation update the REF to reflect the updated design drawings and other matters within 28 days. This will enable council to finalise assessment and issue the approval this year.

Council will continue to work with Coronation to ensure the earliest delivery timeframe for the works identified in the VPA.

Background

Amazon has now been operating in Liverpool for several years.

In late 2018, I asked the following questions on notice.

Two years on from those questions, Amazon has been one of the few businesses to benefit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hopefully Liverpool Amazon’s employees and its subcontracted employees are also benefiting.

Questions

Please address the following:

What percentage of workers based at the Amazon Moorebank fulfilment centre are:

·      from the Liverpool LGA?

·      directly employed by Amazon?

·      employed by a labour hire company?

·      in insecure casual employment?

Response

No direct response to the above questions were provided by Amazon but the following statement has been issued by the company in response:

With reference to Council report EGROW 01 Draft Western Sydney Aerotropolis Joint Contributions Plan 2020 from the Council meeting of 27 October 2020, please address the following:

The statement below is an extract from the report:

“Penrith and Liverpool Councils have engaged with both DPIE and the WSPP throughout the preparation of the background report and contributions plan. The Councils have liaised with consultants working on behalf of the WSPP on feasibility testing within the Aerotropolis in order to understand land values.”

1.  With reference to the above statement, has Council used an assumed land value in order to determine the value of the land necessary for Council to acquire for community provisions included in the contributions plan?

2.  The rates for the land affected by the new Airport have increased based on averaged sales in the area. If sales in the area were recorded at approximately $1m per acre similar to the price paid for the Leppington Triangle being approximately 30 acres and other known sales of similar price and considering the controversy surrounding claiming that price paid for the Leppington Triangle was way above the Governments perceived real value of the land and that the reported revised more realistic value of the triangle was more likely $3million:

a)   How was the $3m re-evaluation figure derived? Was that figure based on recent sales within the area?

b)   Did the Valuer General’s Department average the sales that included properties sold at $1m per acre in their figures to increase the rates in the area?

c)   And, if the averaged sales for the area that included the $1m per acre price tag is now considered by the Federal Government to be unreasonable are our constituents in the affected areas of the Aerotropolis being charged too much in rates?

3.   What land value per acre will or has Council considered in order to acquire the land it needs to be able to provide community facilities that it includes in the Contributions Plan and has that value taken into consideration the market price of $1m per acre that more than just the Leppington Triangle have been sold for?

Response

1.   Land values listed in the draft Aerotropolis Contributions Plan are generic estimates based on anticipated land use. They are not intended to be specific to any site. The schedule of generic land values is prepared from research of superlot development sites in Western Sydney. Generic rates are developed from analysed sale rates of development sites by their proposed use. They are intended to represent developable land that is not flood affected.

2.   a)    There are many factors that the NSW Valuer General uses in determining the       value of land. It is not clear from the information available what specific factors       were used in deriving the value of this property.

b)    The values that are currently being used to assess Council rates are as at 1          July 2019 and would reflect conditions, zonings and comparable sales data for          the years 2016 to 2019. Only the Valuer General could advise how the impact of one sale amongst many would affect the surrounding areas or whether it was     viewed as an exception to the overall data used to value the area as a whole.

c)    Council must use the values as supplied by the Valuer General to determine         rates. If landowners believe that the land value of their property is not correct or     inflated due to any particular sale or exceptional circumstance, they have the        ability to lodge an objection with the Valuer General.

3.   The Aerotropolis Contributions Plan Background Report (Table 29) identifies acquisition rates for community infrastructure. These values have been factored into the total acquisition cost for land in the Contributions Plan.

Can Council please address the concerns of members of the Public that might be outlined in Council’s intended methodology to progress the delivery of a Multicultural Park as moved at the September Council meeting including questions below:

1.    Will the Park will be an equal and inclusive opportunity for all diverse nationalities that make up Liverpool’s multicultural community?

2.    Will all initiatives be in accordance with Council’s Multicultural Policies, and Procedures?

3.    How do all interested nationalities make application for expressions of interest?

4.    Will there be Community consultation?

5.    What will be the likely time frame for the expressions of interest and delivery process to follow?

6.    Will there be open and transparent communication with the Public as the plans for the Park develop on Council Website and through Social Media?

Background

There has been considerable public Interest in the Motion moved at the September Council meeting 2020 that will deliver a Multicultural Park in Liverpool.

Many constituents have expressed their confusion in regards to the motion.

Some community members who may be unaware of Council’s Policies, Procedures and Regulations governing Multiculturalism may be taking the opportunity to unnecessarily spread fear and anxiety in the Liverpool LGA.

In the interest of quelling any further unnecessary fear and anxiety in the Community the above questions have been submitted to me for Council to address.

Response

1.   Will the Park be an equal and inclusive opportunity for all diverse nationalities that make up Liverpool’s multicultural community?

Liverpool is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse cities and this diversity is our strength. Residents from 150 nationalities, speaking 140 languages, call Liverpool home. This means over 40% of Liverpool residents are born overseas, and about 60% speak a language other than English.

The development of the Liverpool Multicultural Park is to celebrate and reflect this significant cultural diversity, and the social cohesion and community harmony enjoyed by our community. The Park will be an inclusive space for all residents to celebrate the many cultures and contributions they make to Liverpool. 

2.   Will all initiatives be in accordance with Council’s Multicultural Policies, and Procedures?

Yes. The development of the Park will be informed and guided by various policies and strategies of Council. They will include, but not limited to:

·    Recreation, Open Space and Sports Strategy;

·    Community Facilities Strategy;

·    Cultural Strategy;

·    Reconciliation Action Plan;

·    Disability Inclusion Action Plan;

·    Economic Development Strategy;

·    City Activation Plan;

·    Communications Strategy;

·    Destination Management Plan; and

·    Relevant environmental, planning and control plans. 

3.   How do all interested nationalities make application for expressions of interest?

Planning for this project will commence soon. Council staff are currently investigating the feasibility of suitable sites. A Project Plan is being developed; and it will be inclusive of a Comprehensive Community Consultation Plan; and methodologies to submit expressions of interests and ideas by community. The process for participation and opportunities for contribution will be promoted widely to all residents of Liverpool, using the many communication channels of Council. The interpretation and incorporation process of ideas will be analysed and further consultation with community will be facilitated.

4.   Will there be Community consultation?

Yes, as stated above, the Project Plan will be inclusive of a Comprehensive Community Consultation Plan. The community consultation will commence at the planning stage and will continue throughout the project.

5.   What will be the likely time frame for the expressions of interest and delivery process to follow?

The timeframes for community participation will be built into the Project Plan and they will be promoted through Council’s diverse communication channels. The delivery timeframe will be investigated through the planning process.  Preliminary discussion with key internal stakeholders has commenced and will inform future public consultation.

6.   Will there be open and transparent communication with the Public as the plans for the Park develop on Council Website and through Social Media?

The success of the Multicultural Park is dependent on inclusive and active participation of all community groups. To achieve this, a communication strategy will form part of the Comprehensive Community Consultation Plan, which will detail the process for community participation and to ensure all residents can have a say.

How many people were in favour of Civic Place following our last round of community consultation?

How many people were against Civic Place following our last round of community consultation?

What does that equate to in percentages?

New information regarding Liverpool Civic Place has now been placed on Council’s website since its last meeting. In the section titled ‘Response to Community Consultation’, Council makes the following comment on its graph (see graph below):

“A Facebook post with factual errors about Liverpool Civic Place was posted (25 June).”

Please answer the following questions:

-      What was said in that Facebook post?

-      What are the ‘factual errors’ contained in that post?

-      Who posted it?

-      Please provide a copy of that post.

A response to these questions will be provided in the 16 December 2020 Council meeting business papers.

Please address the following:

1.    What is the current status of the Liverpool Bike Plan 2018-2023? What measures or aspects of the Bike Plan have been implemented to date?

2.    What impact has COVID-19 had on the usage of the existing bike network/infrastructure?

3.    How have we engaged with the State or Federal Governments to acquire available data in relation to this?

4.    A core element of the Bike Plan was the development and implementation of wayfinding signage in relation to the bike paths and infrastructure. What is the status of the implementation of this? What discussions have taken place with other organisations, i.e. Western Sydney Parklands, in relation to this?

5.    How has Council sought partnerships and worked with other organisations in order to address this issue?

A response to these questions will be provided in the 16 December 2020 Council meeting business papers.

Please address the following:

1.    Given the significant changes to the benchmarks used to determine Green Star Ratings, how do current and future council buildings perform against the new benchmarks?

2.    What impact will this have on other significant developments in the Liverpool LGA?

3.    How will this impact the assessment process of such developments, especially when they are considered by the Design Excellence Panel (DEP)?

4.    What other impacts will the changes to these benchmarks have in the Liverpool LGA?

A response to these questions will be provided in the 16 December 2020 Council meeting business papers.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Ayyad                Seconded: Clr Balloot

That Council:

1.    Notes the advice of the Liverpool Local Planning Panel;

2.    Endorses in principle the planning proposal request with the following amendments:

a)   an additional 1.5 hectares of open space marked as ‘Open Space Investigation’ adjacent to Haigh Park;

b)   a minimum 40m RE1 – Public Recreation zone is provided along Lake Moore;

3.    Endorses the Urban Design Study and Structure Plan for the George’s River North precinct, with the above amendments, to guide the assessment of future planning proposals in this area;

4.    Notes that further detailed studies, including site contamination, acoustic, flood, flood evacuation and transport impact assessment will be completed post Gateway determination;

5.    Notes the offer from the proponent to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement and/or the preparation of a Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan to ensure there is appropriate funding for local infrastructure to support development in the precinct;

6.    Delegates to the A/CEO authority to negotiate a planning agreement with the proponent, agree the terms of offer with the proponent and report back to Council the details of any planning agreement, consistent with Council’s Planning Agreements Policy;

7.    Delegates to the A/CEO authority to prepare the formal planning proposal including any typographical or other editing amendments if required;

8.    Forwards a planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, pursuant to Section 3.34 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, seeking a Gateway determination with a recommendation that completion of relevant studies be included as a condition of any Gateway determination and that the Department play an active role in the planning process given the strategic significance of this proposal to Liverpool and Greater Sydney; and

9.    Receives a further report on the outcomes of public exhibition and community consultation.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Vote for:           Mayor Waller, Clr Ayyad, Clr Balloot, Clr Hadchiti, Deputy Mayor Hadid, Clr Hagarty, Clr Kaliyanda, Clr Karnib and Clr Shelton.

Vote against:   Clr Harle and Clr Rhodes.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Receives and endorses the 2019/20 audited financial reports;

2.    Authorises the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Acting Chief Executive Officer and the Responsible Accounting Officer (CFO) to sign the prescribed statement that will form part of the financial reports;

3.    Authorises the Acting Chief Executive Officer to:

a.    forward a copy of the financial reports together with the auditor’s report to the Office of Local Government in accordance with Section 417(5) of the Local Government Act 1993;

b.    issue a public notice containing a summary of financial results and put the financial statements on exhibition for 7 days to seek public submissions;

4.      Note that the financial statements and a summary of public submissions received will be presented to Council at its next meeting for consideration and adoption.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Ayyad)

That Council create a policy that enables Councillors to access independent professional advice and that policy be reported to the next meeting of council.

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Ayyad                Seconded: Clr Balloot

That Council seek advice from the Office of Local Government to create a policy, including a budget limit, that enables Councillors in good faith to access independent professional advice and that policy be reported to Council.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Mayor Waller, Clr Shelton and Clr Harle requested that they be recorded as voting against the motion.

Mayor Waller called for a recess of Council at 8.06pm.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Trial an after-hours on-call compliance service utilising an on-call roster 24 hours a day, at an estimated cost of $115,465 per annum;

2.    Promote the new service to Liverpool residents including the contact details on Council’s website and social media platforms; and

3.      Monitor and review the service after six months and report back to Council at the end of the trial period.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hagarty

That Council:

1.    Approves a Deed of Settlement and Release associated with dedication of Lots 25 and 26 in DP 1220035, Somme Avenue, Edmondson Park on the terms outlined in this confidential report;

2.    Authorises the Acting CEO or their delegated officer to execute a Deed of Settlement and Release or any other document, under Power of Attorney, necessary to give effect to the decision in item 1 above, and

3.    Keeps confidential this report pursuant to the provisions of Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993 as this information would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council:

1.    Endorse the recommended award recipients as proposed in the report; and

2.      Keep the report and nominations containing the recommended award recipients confidential, pursuant to the provision of Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1993.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadchiti             Seconded: Clr Karnib

That Council:

1.    Endorses the further investigation and sale of the following properties:

·      75-77 Hill Road, Lurnea (comprising Lot 1 DP 513777, Lot 2 DP 513777, Lot 3 DP 513777 and Lot 4 DP51377)

·      22 First Avenue, Hoxton Park (comprising Lot 1 DP 1220807, Lot 2 DP 1220807 and Lot 3 DP 1220807)

·      9 McLean St, Liverpool (Lot 7 DP 238364)

2.    Receive a further report upon completion of investigations and for a decision on the reserve price prior to sale.

Foreshadowed motion:       Moved: Clr Hagarty    Seconded: Clr Hadchiti

That Council:

1.    Endorses the further investigation into the suitable uses of the following properties:

·      75-77 Hill Road, Lurnea (comprising Lot 1 DP 513777, Lot 2 DP 513777, Lot 3 DP 513777 and Lot 4 DP51377)

·      22 First Avenue, Hoxton Park (comprising Lot 1 DP 1220807, Lot 2 DP 1220807 and Lot 3 DP 1220807)

·      9 McLean St, Liverpool (Lot 7 DP 238364)

2.    Receive a further report upon completion of investigations.

On being put to the meeting the motion (moved by Clr Hadchiti) was declared LOST. The Foreshadowed motion (moved by Clr Hagarty) then became the motion and on being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Vote for (the Foreshadowed motion moved by Clr Hagarty): Mayor Waller, Clr Balloot, Clr Hadchiti, Clr Hadid, Clr Hagarty, Clr Harle, Clr Kaliyanda, Clr Karnib, Clr Rhodes, Clr Shelton.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty              Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council maintains the current Fees and Charges relating to Telecommunications Infrastructure Facilities on Council owned/managed land per provider for 2020/2021 in line with resolution CEO 03 of the Council meeting on 29 July 2020.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Approve an exemption from the tender requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, pursuant to Section 55(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993 for the extension of the interim arrangements with Rossmore Vet for a further period as outlined in this report;

2.      Notes that alternatives to house impounded animals within the LGA on an interim basis have previously been investigated and that there are no suitable alternatives, other than Rossmore Vet; and

3.      Delegates authority to the A/CEO to enter into an agreement with Rossmore Vet for a further period as outlined in this report.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.

Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.

On 24 June 2020, Council resolved to appoint Local Government Management Solutions (LGMS) to assist scoping, advertising and assessing applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer. 

LGMS advertised the position across various online recruitment websites from Friday, 14 August 2020, and applications closed on Monday, 7 September 2020. 

The Recruitment Panel interviewed five candidates on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October 2020. The LGMS report and a probity report from O’Connor Marsden & Associates Pty Limited (OCM) on the recruitment process have been circulated under separate confidential cover to Councillors. 

The Recruitment Panel agreed unanimously to recommend one candidate to Council in closed session at the Ordinary Meeting on 25 November 2020.

It is proposed that Mark Anderson, Manager, Local Government Management Solutions, who sat on the Recruitment Panel, attend the closed session to answer any questions Council may have. 

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Waller

1.      That the recommended successful candidate be offered the position of Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool City Council and the Mayor be authorised, with advice from the Recruitment Consultant to finalise negotiations based on the following:

a)    A five (5) year performance-based Contract, as advertised.

b)    An annual total remuneration package to be kept confidential.

c)    The contract of employment being in accordance with the standard contract required by the Office of Local Government.

d)    Adoption of the Council Policies in Schedule A of the contract relating to entitlements provided to the Chief Executive Officer. 

e)    Commencement of the contract on a date to be negotiated, and in any event, as soon as practicable.

2.      That no public announcement of the name of the successful candidate be made until the Mayor has obtained a written acceptance of the offer from the preferred candidate.

3.      That the Employment Contract between the appointee and the Council be executed under the Common Seal of the Council.

4.      That Council nominates the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three other Councillors as members of the Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Review Panel in accordance with the Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers issued by the Office of Local Government.

5.      That the Chief Executive Officer be invited to nominate a Councillor of their choice as a representative on the Performance Review Panel.

6.      That the Council delegates to the Performance Review Panel the performance management process including the signing, within three months of commencement of the Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Agreement from date of commencement, in accordance with the contract of employment.

7.      That the Council appoints an independent facilitator for a period of six months for professional services up to the value of $10,000, to assist in the performance management and review process and to provide advice and support to the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer.

8.      That the Council seeks two quotations for the subsequent role as an independent facilitator to assist in the performance management and review process and to provide advice and support during the year for the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer, and delegates the appointment of the ongoing independent facilitator to the Performance Review Panel. 

9.      That the Council undertakes a performance review against the agreed criteria following the completion of the first six months in the role and every six months thereafter.

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda          Seconded: Clr Harle

That the Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Review Panel referred to in Point 4 of the above Mayoral Minute consist of the Mayor Waller, Deputy Mayor Hadid, Clr Hagarty, Clr Rhodes and Clr Balloot.

On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED.