That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 26 October 2022 be confirmed as a true record of that meeting.

Mayoral MINUTES

ITEM NO:       MAYOR 01

SUBJECT:    Austral

FILE NO:       397604.2022

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council direct the CEO to conduct a daily inspection of Austral and provide a report to councillors on a regular basis.

This inspection is to include:

• the state of roads (potholes, road plates etc)
• Any road works being undertaken by developers

·         Overgrown vegetation on private and public land

·         Construction management - including private works or work being done by a public authority/utility

• Illegal dumping 

Outcomes are to be acted upon and rectified immediately 

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Mayor Mannoun

That Council:

1.    Direct the CEO to conduct a daily inspection of Austral and provide a report to councillors on a regular basis.  This inspection is to include:

·            the state of roads (potholes, road plates etc)

·            Any road works being undertaken by developers

·            Overgrown vegetation on private and public land

·            Construction management - including private works or work being done by a         public authority/utility

·            Illegal dumping 

The outcomes are to be acted upon and rectified immediately. 

2.   Write to the Department of Planning and Environment NSW to assist Council in coordinating an Austral delivery unit;

3.   Develop a public register for road closures detailing the location and dates of road closures that is easily accessible via the Council website; and

4.   Publish a monthly post on Council’s social media pages about upcoming road closures.

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

Mayoral Minute

ITEM NO:       MAYOR 02

SUBJECT:     2168 Improvement

FILE NO:        397607.2022

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council:

·           Note that just because you live in housing commission that the house that is provided to you should not be rundown.

·           That housing commission tenants deserve good quality dwellings.

·           Conduct a campaign to start calling for the reconstruction of the housing commission properties so that is a priority in the upcoming state election.

·           Start a petition and other advocacy measures using existing advocacy funding budgets.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Mannoun

That Council:

1.    That public housing tenants deserve good quality dwellings;

2.    Conduct a campaign to start calling for the reconstruction of the public housing properties so that is a priority in the upcoming state election;

3.    Start a petition and other advocacy measures using existing advocacy funding budgets to do this;

4.    Department of Housing to improve the maintenance on properties whilst the renewal is happening; and

5.    Advocate for resources to be put into ACAT that seek maintenance and gardening support.

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

Councillors voted unanimously for the motion.

Mayoral Minute

ITEN NO:       MAYOR 03

SUBJECT:     Fast Train Petition

FILE NO:        397608.2022

The metro extension to Bankstown is transformative infrastructure that will open in 2024. We need that metro extended to the airport via Liverpool, Miller, and Austral to deal with the growth and existing traffic problems we face on a daily basis.

In the meanwhile, we are also calling for an express service from Liverpool to Bankstown (via Cabramatta) on the remainder of the T3 Line when the Metro opens up in 2024. This will cut travel times from Liverpool to Central from 1 hour which it is currently to under 40 minutes.

With this, we will be able to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto public transport.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

• Congratulates the NSW Government on building the new Metro to Bankstown
• Conduct a campaign calling for the above to happen. This is to include petitions etc.

·         Note the successful campaign in 2015, led by Council, that changed the government’s plan and highlighted the Bankstown to Liverpool Metro extension as a future government project.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Mayor Mannoun

That Council:

1.    Congratulates the NSW Government on building the new Metro to Bankstown and conduct a campaign calling for:

i.    The metro to be extended to the airport via Liverpool, Miller, and Austral to deal with the growth and existing traffic problems we face on a daily basis.

ii.   An express service from Liverpool to Bankstown (via Cabramatta) on the remainder of the T3 Line when the Metro opens up in 2024. This will cut travel times from Liverpool to Central from 1 hour which it is currently to under 40 minutes.

This is to include petitions etc and to be funded from the current existing advocacy budget.

2.    Note the successful campaign in 2015, led by Council, that changed the government’s plan and highlighted the Bankstown to Liverpool Metro extension as a future government project

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

Mayoral Minute

ITEN NO:       MAYOR 04

SUBJECT:     Resettlement of ISIS Wives and Children

FILE NO:        397664.2022

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

·         Write to the Federal Government seeking better transparency on this issue

·         Ask the Federal Government to rule out south west Sydney and other areas where refugees have settled 

·         Note that is a bad plan to have ISIS supporters living next door to victims of their abhorrent crimes against humanity

·         Note that the statements issued so far by the ‘ISIS Wives’ have not condemned the actions of ISIS

• Write to all local MP’s seeking their support for Councils position and report back to council  

COUNCIL DECISION

That Council:

·         Write to the Federal Government seeking better transparency and request a confidential briefing on this issue;

·         Ask the Federal Government to rule out south west Sydney and other areas where refugees who may have suffered at the hands of ISIS have settled; 

·         Note that is a bad plan to have ISIS supporters living next door to victims of their abhorrent crimes against humanity;

·         Note that the statements issued so far by the ‘ISIS Wives’ have not condemned the actions of ISIS; and

·         Write to all local MP’s seeking their support for Councils position and report back to council.  

·         Notes it is not against getting the wives and children who live in ISIS territory to Australia. The purpose is for the safety of the wives and children to be in a safe location. Council note that the children are the innocent victims and should be our priority in re-integration.

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

NOTICE OF MOTION OF RESCISSION

That Council rescinds the resolution relating to QWN 05 - Question with Notice - Clr Rhodes - The NSW Anti-Racism Working Group, an initiative of the Local Government Multicultural Workers' Network Campaigns from the Council Meeting 28 September 2022 (as shown below).

That Council cancel their membership and engagement with the NSW Anti-Racism Working Group, an initiative of the Local Government Multicultural Workers’ Network campaigns, so as to avoid being negatively impacted by their agendas that are not in the best interest of Liverpool and outside the Strategic directions of Council.

Should the rescission motion be ADOPTED we given notice that it is our intention to move the following motion:

That Council:

·    Does not proceed to cancel the membership and engagement with the NSW Anti-Racism Working Group, an independent network supported by Local Government NSW.

·    Notes the vital role of NSW Anti-Racism Working Group has in advocacy, policy development and as a significant contributor to developing consistent standards of excellence in services to CALD stakeholders and community members.

·    Avoids the risk of reputational damage and erosion of Council’s commitment to the values of social justice.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Green                 Seonded: Clr Kaliyanda     

That Council rescinds the resolution relating to QWN 05 - Question with Notice - Clr Rhodes - The NSW Anti-Racism Working Group, an initiative of the Local Government Multicultural Workers' Network Campaigns from the Council Meeting 28 September 2022 (as shown below).

That Council cancel their membership and engagement with the NSW Anti-Racism Working Group, an initiative of the Local Government Multicultural Workers’ Network campaigns, so as to avoid being negatively impacted by their agendas that are not in the best interest of Liverpool and outside the Strategic directions of Council.

On being put to the meeting the Rescission Motion was declared LOST.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                 Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council:

1.    Confirms the Council meeting time as 2.00pm and Council meeting dates for the 2023 calendar year as follows:

·    1 February 2023

·    1 March 2023

·    29 March 2023

·    26 April 2023

·    31 May 2023

·    28 June 2023

·    26 July 2023

·    30 August 2023

·    27 September 2023

·    25 October 2023

·    22 November 2023

·    13 December 2023

2.    Advertises the Council meeting dates and commencing times of Council meetings for the 2023 calendar year.   

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Mannoun     Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Approves the identified budget variations in accordance with this report; and

2.    Approves reallocation of $75k from the current CEO’s contingency budget to purchase discounted Aquatopia passes for all Year 6 students in the Liverpool LGA who will be graduating in 2022.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                 Seconded: Clr Rhodes

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 Macnaught

That Council receives and adopts this report.  

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Defer the permit parking policy;

2.    Prepare a report for the February 2023 Council meeting for possible inclusion of parking permits for trucks in industrial areas;

3.    Clearly define too little, nearby, and close by (as shown on page 122 of the Council Agenda in point 7c) that gives greater clarity for all that might read the policy both in commercial and residential areas; and

4.    Brings the Permit Parking Policy to a briefing session prior to the February Council meeting.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council:

1.    Notes the Gateway determination for Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 (Previously Map Amendment No. 4, now Amendment 96) and the results of the public authority and community consultation;

2.    Proceeds with Amendment 96 and delegates authority to the Acting Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) to forward a revised planning proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment and liaise with the Department and NSW Parliamentary Counsel’s Office to finalise Amendment 96; and

3.    Notifies the proponent of Council’s decision.

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

Vote for:           Mayor Mannoun, Clr Ammoun, Clr Goodman, Clr Green, Clr Hagarty, Clr Harle, Clr Kaliyanda, Clr Karnib, Clr Macnaught, Clr Rhodes and Clr Hadid.

Vote against:   Nil.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Harle

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:

1.    Endorse the draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, in conjunction with State Significant Development Application SSD10446 at 275 Adams Road, Luddenham and directs the A/CEO to publicly exhibit the planning agreement and explanatory note for a period of 28 days;

2.    Delegate authority to the A/CEO (or delegate), subject to consideration of any changes following public exhibition, to execute the planning agreement in the form that is publicly exhibited or with minor alterations; and

3.    Advise the proponent and the Department of Planning and Environment of Council’s decision on the draft planning agreement, noting that the assessment of the State Significant Development Application is a matter for the Department of Planning and Environment as consent authority.

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

Councillors voted unanimously for this motion.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Mannoun     Seconded: Clr Rhodes

1.    That Council endorses the funding recommendation of $4,909 (GST exclusive) under the Sustainable Environment Grant for the following project:

2.    That Council endorses the funding recommendation of $30,000 (GST exclusive) under the Matching Grant for the following projects:

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                 Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Endorse the amendments to the Grants, Donations and Community Sponsorships Policy as outlined in this report and places the draft Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days; and

2.    Should no significant feedback be received, authorise the A/CEO to adopt the amended Policy on its behalf.

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 Companion Animals Advisory Committee meeting held on 6 September 2022.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Harle                  Seconded: Clr Hadid  

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Minutes of the Liverpool Access Committee Meeting held on 8 September 2022; and

2.    Endorse actions in the Minutes.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda          Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Meeting Notes of the Liverpool Youth Council meeting held on 13 September 2022 and the Minutes of the Liverpool Youth Council meeting held on 11 October 2022; and

2.   Endorse the recommendations in the Minutes.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Macnaught        Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council receives and notes the Minutes of the Liverpool Sports Committee meeting held on 5 October 2022.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.   Receives and notes the minutes of the Intermodal Precinct Committee;

The Committee also made the following recommendations to Council:

2.    That Council to send a letter to Transport NSW and Department of Planning to request a noise wall along the eastern edge of Moorebank Precinct East;

3.    Mr Rakowski to provide a question on behalf of the committee to Council’s Director Planning and Compliance to clarify if the State Environmental Planning Policy supersedes the instruments of consent and what is operative; and

4.    The committee write to LOGOS (Moorebank Intermodal Precinct owners and managers) to provide the design or façade plans for the noise wall currently under construction for Moorebank Precinct West.

Note: it is proposed that Council staff, rather than Committee members progress recommendations 3 and 4.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Minutes of the Tourism and CBD Committee Meeting held on 18 October 2022;

2.    Endorse the recommendations in the Minutes; and

3.    Investigate and prepare a report to the Strategic Panel meeting in 2023 on the above matters and how they might be affecting the businesses in the Liverpool CBD and what possible actions or strategies Council might implement to support and/or attract businesses in the Liverpool CBD.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Harle                  Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Minutes of the Strategic Panel Meeting held on 10 October 2022; and

2.    Endorse the actions in the Minutes.  

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Harle                  Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) held on 21 October 2022, subject to the following amendment:

·         Correct the starting time for the meeting from 12:30pm to 10:30am.

2.   Endorse the recommendations in the Minutes.

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

Background

The Council meeting of July 27, 2022 Council voted unanimously on the motion in relation to the process for First Nations Naming, Renaming and Co-Naming Places and Spaces in Liverpool. (Minutes 27/07/2022 pg. 43).

The first action of that motion:

That relevant Council staff work in conjunction with the Liverpool Aboriginal Consultative Committee (LACC) to:

·    Undertake a process to give names of Aboriginal origin to unnamed streets, roads, and lanes;

In response to this motion the recent Aboriginal Consultative Committee meeting of 1/9/2022 Committee members endorsed the following action:

·    for Council to pursue opportunities to include the names of the traditional custodians of the land on all entryway signage in Liverpool

Consequently, the minutes of the Aboriginal Consultative Committee noting this action was also endorsed at the October 26 Council meeting.

Please address the following:

1.   Could Council please provide advice of the possible timeframe for this initiative to be completed?

Response (provided by Community and Culture)

Community Development team will consult the Aboriginal Consultative Committee on the wording for the acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land.

The eight gateway signs on display at entry points to the Liverpool LGA are constructed of aluminium and would need to be replaced. The signs sit atop steel poles and would need to be removed and replaced by our staff. Production of the signs would take approximately two weeks, with further time required for their removal and reinstallation by council staff. 

Please note, this timing does not include consultation and design of the signs. 

The consultation, design, production and installation timeframe is estimated at 8-12 weeks.

Please address the following:

1.    Who are the current Community Representatives on the Liverpool Local Planning Panel?

2.    What is the process for selecting Community Representatives to the Planning Panel?

3.    Do Community Representatives on the panel have to reside within the Liverpool LGA?

4.    What skills and experience are Community Representatives required to have?

5.    Are Panel members appointed by the elected Council?

6.    When were each of the current Community Representatives appointed?

Response (provided by Planning and Compliance)

1.   Who are the current Community Representatives on the Liverpool Local Planning Panel?

The current Liverpool Local Planning Panel Community Representatives are:

   Darryl Hawker

   Stephen Dobell-Brown

   Ellie Robertson

   Aaron Colley

2.   What is the process for selecting Community Representatives to the Planning Panel?

The process is as follows:

   A review panel, made of three (3) Council Officers is established, and selection criteria to which Applicants will need to address is prepared and agreed to.

   An Expression of Interest (EOI) is issued for a twenty-eight (28) day period via Council’s website, social media pages and the Sydney Morning Herald.

   Following the above, applications received are reviewed and scored by each panel member against the established selection criteria, and the applications ranked chronologically.

   A memo is prepared which itemises the panel’s recommendations and is issued to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for endorsement.

   Following CEO endorsement, letters of appointment / letters to unsuccessful candidates are prepared and issued accordingly.

3.   Do Community Representatives on the panel have to reside within the Liverpool LGA?

Community representatives are required to reside within the Liverpool LGA.

4.   What skills and experience are Community Representatives required to have?

The selection criteria to which the current community representatives were required to address, and subsequently evaluated against, is as follows:

   Be current residents within the Liverpool Local Government Area (LLGA).

   Have knowledge and awareness of the Liverpool LGA and issues of concern to the local community.

   Be able to represent and communicate the interests of the local community.

   Have an understanding of the planning process and assessment issues (but are not expected to be experts).

   Commit to attending the LPP meetings and contributing constructively to the determination of applications.

   Be willing to adhere to the LPP code of conduct and operational procedures.

5.   Are Panel members appointed by the elected Council?

The appointment of the current LPP Community Representatives was endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO has historically appointed LPP Community Representatives since the inception of the LPP (formerly the Liverpool Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP).

6.   When were each of the current Community Representatives appointed?

The current LPP Community Representatives were appointed on 12 April 2022, for a two (2) year period.

Motion                                   Moved: Clr Hagarty              Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That this matter be moved into Closed Session at the end of the meeting pursuant to Clause s10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act because it contains personal matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

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

This item was discussed in Closed Session later in the meeting.

Please address the following:

1.    What is Council’s current budget on cyber resilience?

2.    How much has Council spent in the last decade, year by year, on cyber resilience?

3.    What cyber assessments and certifications has Council undertaken, e.g. ISO-27001, Essential 8?

4.    Is a cyber incident included in BCP scenario testing?

5.    How often does Council conduct penetration tests?

6.    When did Council last conduct a penetration test?

Response (provided by Corporate Services)

1.    What is Council’s current budget on cyber resilience?

Council’s current 2022/2023 budget on Cyber resilience is approximately $400,000. This is not including any insurances taken out by council.

2.    How much has Council spent in the last decade, year by year, on cyber resilience?

Council has invested in multiple products and services over the past decade. On average Council has incurred a cost of approximately $300,000 per year with the most spent in one financial year (over the past decade) $650,000. The cost is predicted to increase 15% year on year moving forward.  As IT’s budget does not specifically mention Cyber Resilience, the costs are based on Capital and operational expenditure. As new technology emerges and others decrepit, Council adjusts its budget based on the required technology and with consideration to the following years’ projects.

3.    What cyber assessments and certifications has Council undertaken, e.g. ISO-27001, Essential 8 Cyber assessment has been conducted?

Council has had a number of assessments conducted over the past 2 years. They were based on the security posture of the organisation against the Essential 8 and ISO  27001. Council’s policies and procedures are all in line with these standards. A recent internal audit of cyber security was run by council’s Internal Audit team and all recommended improvement initiatives identified in the report have since been remediated.

Council continually use Cyber tools which verify the cyber maturity (in real time) and provides a priority list of actions which require remediation. Council continues to be agile in the enhancement of its Disaster Recovery Plan and testing.

In line with Council’s Enterprise Risk Management process, identified risks are reported on and signed off by respective individuals. 

4.    Is a cyber incident included in BCP scenario testing?

Currently councils BCP (Business Continuity Plan) does not refer to cyber but refers to DRP (Disaster Recovery Plan). Within Council’s DRP, there is a clear reference to Cyber. IT scenario tests its BCP and DRP quarterly in line with IT’s preventative schedule.

5.    How often does Council conduct penetration tests? 

Internal Vulnerability Scanning with remediation is conducted weekly using Security assessment tools. External Vulnerability scanning with remediation is conducted Bi-Annually

6.    When did Council last conduct a penetration test?

Last test August 2022 by Engaged Security partners.

Other Information

LCC IT continue to invest in cyber security technologies, processes and services. This has been scaling in an upward trend over the past 4 years. We have established a foundation by aligning Council to the Essential Eight maturity models (Formally known as ASD Essential Eight) and undergoing what is required to achieve at a minimum level 1 with a strong and progressive move into level 2.

Some of the methods we currently use to prevent cyber-attacks include:

·    Continual Cyber Awareness and Training

·    Artificial and behavioural intelligence

·    Phishing/Vishing/Smishing Campaigns

·    Current and relevant policies and procedures that align with ISO and Essential 8

·    Physical security and Virtual appliances

·    Backup resilience

·    Network resilience

·    Server resilience

·    Internal Vulnerability Scanning with remediation conducted weekly by subscription-based tools.

·    External Vulnerability scanning with remediation up to 2 times a year (Last test August 2022)

·    Extensive Mail filtering tools with DMARC and SPF scanning

·    Network monitoring, detection, and response tools

·    Proactive and reactive security patching

·    Continual Auditing of procedures and systems by internal and external auditors

·    Regular DR Failovers

·    DRP (Disaster Recovery Plan) and BCP (Business Continuity Plan) with scheduled simulated testing

·    End Point protection and Security

·    Relevant subscriptions

·    Response Teams (partners)

·    Auditing of systems and best practice setups

·    Edge Next Generation Firewall

·    Application Control

·    Policy hardening

Councils and business are now investing in insurances to manage risk and ensure appropriate governance. It is become extremely difficult in sourcing insurance cover for cyber security due to the high-risk high impact environment. As Council is self-insured, we were able to secure cover for cyber-criminal attacks. The policy has a claim threshold of an aggregated amount of $5m, with a per loss claim of up to $2.5m. this has been deemed as being sufficient based on council’s risk appetite and audit requirements.

Background

The Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects in the aftermath of COVID-19. In the recent budget, the Australian Government has committed an additional $250 million on top of the previously announced $500 million for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI).

Please address the following:

1.    What projects has Council funded under this program?

2.    What projects does Council plan to deliver with the additional funding?

Response (provided by Infrastructure and Environment)

In 2020, the Australian Government provided $1.5 billion towards a new Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program). The LRCI Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since this initial allocation, the Australian Government has released several rounds of funding under the LRCI Program, with the most recent $750 million Phase 4 announcement bringing the total Australian Government commitment through the program to $3.25 billion.

The intended outcomes of the LRCI Program are to:

§ Provide stimulus to protect and create local short-term employment opportunities through funded projects following the impacts of the COVID-19; and

§ Deliver benefits to communities, such as improved road safety, accessibility and visual amenity.

LRCI Phase 1-3

Through the first 3 phases of this program, Liverpool Council has received a total of $11.2 million, which has been allocated as follows:

1.    Phase 1 - $1.4M - Schoeffel Park upgrade works in Horningsea Park which is now complete.

2.    Phase 2 - $6.9M - A total of 15 infrastructure renewal projects that have been brought forward from Council’s long term priority program of works; these projects are now complete or nearing completion.

3.    Phase 3 - $2.9M - A total of 6 infrastructure renewal projects that have been brought forward from Council’s long term priority program of works. These works are at various stages of the design and construction processes; 3 projects have now been completed with the remainder programmed for completion during the 2022-23 Program Year.

LRCI Phase 4

The Australian Government has recently committed a total of $750 million for Phase 4 of the LRCI Program, with funding for this round to be made available on 1 July 2023 for project completion by 30 June 2024.

A proposed program of works under this allocation will be delivered once allocation is known. The proposed program will be presented to Council in early 2023 as part of formulation of the 2023-24 FY Capital Works Delivery Program.

The primary focus of this grant funding allocation will be to improve Council’s road network condition following the recent heavy rains and flooding across the Liverpool LGA.

Background

A motion was resolved by Council through the Tourism and CBD Committee to investigate the opportunity for Liverpool to engage an RV Park in Liverpool LGA in 2018 and as no action was taken it was again requested this year.

The Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) is a national organisation that establishes RV parks on Local Government land that is not being otherwise used by Council and is predominantly in flood zones.

The Parks are for fully contained RV’s who have no need for electricity, toilet facilities or other such amenities normally associated with camping sites.

The park is developed at no cost to Council, which includes the installation of a single road, Dump Station and Water station. It is supervised by one full time attendant supplied by CMCA who lives in a RV situated at the Park and whose duty is to maintain the park and monitor the visitors who can only access the park for short stay periods.

There is no permanent infrastructure and all vehicles simply drive out of the area and the park is closed if and when there is a threat of flood.

The benefits to Council is that:

·    It does not cost anything;

·    Council receives an income from land that they otherwise would not;

·    The visitor economy is boosted with additional visitor;

·    If situated near the Georges River it helps to activate the River;

·    Deters homeless people from taking up camp during summer and littering the foreshore;

·    It helps to keep the Georges River foreshore well maintained cleaner and safer at no cost to Council.

Please address the following:

1.   Has Council investigated this opportunity as requested?

2.   What possible sites were looked at?

3.   What was the eventual outcome?

4.   What determined that outcome?

5.   Why was there not a report back to the council about the considerations of Council on this matter?

Responses (provided by City Economy and Commercial Development)

1.    Has Council investigated this opportunity as requested?

As per the minutes of the 29 June 2022 Council meeting, Council provided a response to a question with notice requesting an update on the progress of Council’s engagement with establishing an RV Park.

Liverpool City Council commissioned a Destination Holiday Park Assessment by Lucid Economics in August 2020 to determine the feasibility of a holiday park within Liverpool’s LGA ahead of the new Western Sydney Airport as part of the Destination Management Plan. The Study was presented to the Tourism and CBD Committee on 20 October 2020.

Recommendations from the study were that an RV Park is likely to be more feasible near the Georges River while a Holiday Park is more likely to be successful in the Aerotropolis, with proximity to the Western Sydney Parklands and the family activities associated with that area.

Officers engaged with the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), the peak body for RV users in Australia, to understand specific location criteria. Various sites were investigated prior to the visit to determine suitable topography, geographic location, proximity to amenity and size to present to CMCA. Council officers regularly met with CMCA prior to their visit to determine the best sites to showcase.

Any proposed arrangement should be consistent with the Council’s guiding principles under section 8A of the Local Government Act 1993, including fairness (8A(1)h)) and obtaining best value for money (8A(1)(b)). There may be procedural requirements that must be met, depending on the nature of the proposed arrangement (examples include tendering for services, public notice of certain leases or licences, and notification to OLG of public private partnerships).

2.      What possible sites were looked at?

Multiple sites were explored during CMCA’s visit to Liverpool in February 2021 including:

-     Heron Park, Chipping Norton

-     Angle Park, Chipping Norton

-     Casula Parklands, Casula

-     Bringelly Community Centre

-     Barefoot Water Ski, Moorebank

-     Casula Parklands

CMCA was hesitant about exploring opportunities near Western Sydney Airport due to their criteria for access to major transport infrastructure, manoeuvrability and access for RVs, proximity to shopping centres and public transport, public open space and potentially water-based outlook sites.

CMCA identified a potentially suitable location adjacent to the NSW Barefoot Water Ski Club in Helles Park, Moorebank. Negotiations progressed with the Ski Club and CMCA. They both indicated in-principle support for the proposal.

However, because the site is in a high-risk flood area, the Liverpool Development Control Plan 2008 part 1.9 (high flooding risk) prevents development of an RV park on the site.

Council staff explored opportunities for CMCA to co-share land with local sporting groups, but no suitable sites were identified.

3.    What was the eventual outcome?

The preferred land is unsuitable due to flood controls. Council has now introduced CMCA to neighbouring Councils, including Camden and Wollondilly, to ensure the opportunity stays within Southwest Sydney. The City Economy team will continue to monitor local sites for future suitability should a site become available.

Further options are being considered as part of the Georges River Spatial Framework to provide opportunities for Glamping and eco- camping and alternative low impact tourism accommodation above the 1:in 20 flood levels in the Riverside Park and Chipping Norton Lakes.

4.    What determined that outcome?

Because the site is in a high-risk flood area, the Liverpool Development Control Plan 2008 part 1.9 (high flooding risk) prevents development of an RV park on the site. There are also risks in electrical and sewage systems and consideration of evacuation routes for an RV Park.

5.    Why was there not a report back to the council about the considerations of Council on this matter?

Advice was provided at the 29 June 2022 Council meeting that there would be an update to the December 2022 Council Meeting. This response provides the latest information available, therefore no further advice will be provided to the December 2022 meeting.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Supports the investigation of the closure and sale of the subject sections of Croatia Avenue, Edmondson Park as alternative public road access opportunities arise.

2.    Note that the closure is affected by the notice published in the Gazette and that this step cannot be taken until the objections of notifiable authorities have been withdrawn or set aside.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Approves the acquisition of Lot 32 DP 17134, 62 Rickard Road, Chipping Norton under the provisions of the Moorebank Voluntary Acquisition Scheme, for the price and terms outlined in this confidential report;

2.    Delegate authority to the A/CEO or their delegate to negotiate any reduction in price if required as outlined in this report;

3.    Upon settlement of the acquisition, classifies Lot 32 DP 17134, 62 Rickard Road, Chipping Norton as ‘Community’ land;

4.    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; and

5.    Authorises its delegated officer to execute any documents, under Power of Attorney necessary to give effect to this decision.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes this report;

2.    Calls for Tenders for the Management of Council’s three (3) Aquatic and Leisure Centres, which is to commence 31 July 2023; and

3.    That the length of tenure for the management of the aquatic centres be based on three (3) three (3) year terms (3x3) with the option to renew each term to be based on Council’s determination.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Goodman          Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Purchase the property identified in the report for the price and on the terms as outlined in this report;

2.      Notes the intended use of the property is related to discharge of its Domestic Waste Management Function and agrees that the purchase is financed by charges collected for that purpose;

3.      Authorises release of up to $5 million from its current Domestic Waste Management Reserve towards the funding of the purchase and infrastructure works;

4.      Approves borrowing of funds up to $32.7 million on a 20-year fixed term loan;

5.      Resolves to increase its annual Domestic Waste Management levy (effective from 1 July 2023) by an amount required to fully service the loan;

6.      Notes that an updated Long-term Financial Plan is to be submitted to the Council meeting on 14 December 2022 seeking Council endorsement;

7.      Authorises the A/CEO to seek loan funding from NSW Treasury Corporation concurrently with Commercial Banks;

8.      Authorises the A/CEO and Mayor to execute any documentation in relation to the loan application;

9.      Delegates authority to, and directs the A/CEO and her delegates to, enter into negotiations to finalise the terms of the draft contract of sale in accordance with the independent legal review for the price and terms outlined in this report;

10.   Delegates authority to, and directs the A/CEO and her delegates to negotiate the termination of any existing leases if required;

11.   Upon settlement of the purchase classify the land as “Operational” Land;

12.   Authorises its delegated officer to execute any documents to enter into agreement (an exchanged contract or option agreement) up to the amount authorised at this meeting, to take the property off the market, allowing Council to exit out of the agreement should final finance not be approved, subject to the loss of the amount authorised at this meeting;

13.  Authorises its delegated officer to execute any documents, under Power of Attorney necessary to give effect to this decision;

14.   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; and

15. Anticipated settlement subject to satisfying the funding requirements to be end of March 2023.

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

Division:

Vote for:           Mayor Mannoun, Clr Ammoun, Clr Goodman, Clr Hadid, Clr Macnaught and Clr Rhodes.

Vote against:   Clr Green, Clr Hagarty, Clr Harle, Clr Kaliyanda and Clr Karnib.

Clr Macnaught left the Chambers at 5:04pm.

RECESS:

Mayor Mannoun called a recess at 5.05pm

ITEM:         MOU 01

SUBJECT: Planning Investigation

Clr Ammoun requested Mayor Mannoun accept a Motion of Urgency relating to the backlog in development applications.

In accordance with Clause 9.3 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the Chairperson Mayor Mannoun, ruled the above matter as urgent and as such it was dealt with at this meeting in Closed Session pursuant to Clause s10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act because it contains personal matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

The matter is shown below:

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Ammoun           Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council directs the CEO to conduct an independent investigation into the backlog into the development application assessment department. The investigation is to include (but not limited to):

·         The monthly outstanding totals for the last 4 years

·         The staff turnover rates

·         Process

·         What actions have been taken by the CEO (including team development, training, working with universities)

·         The average workload per planner and the impacts on WH&S

·         Workplace culture in that part of Council.  

·         The breakdown of DA’s that are currently outstanding in categories based on CI value

·         A comparison of workload every year over the last 4 years (quantity, type, value of DAs)

·         Information from staff who have left, example exit interviews for the culture.

·         Compliance subject to recent speeches in Parliament.

·         How planners interact with the public in terms of when the question is asked, for example, where a DA is up to and what is the process of that connection with the public.

The reports to come back to Council at the December and February 2023 Council meeting.

The costs to be funded from either the investigations budget with Internal Ombudsman or Internal Audit or the CEO contingency budget.

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

During discussion Clr Hagarty declared a pecuniary interest in the urgency motion listed above as he has a DA currently before Council.

Clr Hagarty left the Chambers at 5.28pm.

Please address the following:

1.    Who are the current Community Representatives on the Liverpool Local Planning Panel?

2.    What is the process for selecting Community Representatives to the Planning Panel?

3.    Do Community Representatives on the panel have to reside within the Liverpool LGA?

4.    What skills and experience are Community Representatives required to have?

5.    Are Panel members appointed by the elected Council?

6.    When were each of the current Community Representatives appointed?

Response (provided by Planning and Compliance)

1.   Who are the current Community Representatives on the Liverpool Local Planning Panel?

The current Liverpool Local Planning Panel Community Representatives are:

   Darryl Hawker

   Stephen Dobell-Brown

   Ellie Robertson

   Aaron Colley

2.   What is the process for selecting Community Representatives to the Planning Panel?

The process is as follows:

   A review panel, made of three (3) Council Officers is established, and selection criteria to which Applicants will need to address is prepared and agreed to.

   An Expression of Interest (EOI) is issued for a twenty-eight (28) day period via Council’s website, social media pages and the Sydney Morning Herald.

   Following the above, applications received are reviewed and scored by each panel member against the established selection criteria, and the applications ranked chronologically.

   A memo is prepared which itemises the panel’s recommendations and is issued to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for endorsement.

   Following CEO endorsement, letters of appointment / letters to unsuccessful candidates are prepared and issued accordingly.

3.   Do Community Representatives on the panel have to reside within the Liverpool LGA?

Community representatives are required to reside within the Liverpool LGA.

4.   What skills and experience are Community Representatives required to have?

The selection criteria to which the current community representatives were required to address, and subsequently evaluated against, is as follows:

   Be current residents within the Liverpool Local Government Area (LLGA).

   Have knowledge and awareness of the Liverpool LGA and issues of concern to the local community.

   Be able to represent and communicate the interests of the local community.

   Have an understanding of the planning process and assessment issues (but are not expected to be experts).

   Commit to attending the LPP meetings and contributing constructively to the determination of applications.

   Be willing to adhere to the LPP code of conduct and operational procedures.

5.   Are Panel members appointed by the elected Council?

The appointment of the current LPP Community Representatives was endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO has historically appointed LPP Community Representatives since the inception of the LPP (formerly the Liverpool Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel (IHAP).

6.   When were each of the current Community Representatives appointed?

The current LPP Community Representatives were appointed on 12 April 2022, for a two (2) year period.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved Clr Hagarty               Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That this matter be deferred until a workshop is held before the 14 December Council meeting.

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

OPEN SESSION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                  Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council move back into Open Session.

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

Council moved into Open Session at 5.51pm. Mayor Mannoun read the resolutions that were resolved during Closed Session for:

·         CONF 03 - Opportunity to Purchase a site for Waste and Resource Recovery Centre;

·         Urgency Motion – Item MOU 01 – Planning Investigation; and

·         QWN 02 - Question with Notice - Clr Hagarty - Liverpool Local Planning Panel

Background

In the 2012-2016 Council term a report was produced on the viability of a stadium in Liverpool.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Hagarty)

That Council make this report available to current Councillors.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty              Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That the recommendation be adopted.

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

Background

Schools have to be accessed by the public at least twice a day for approximately 200 days a year, in order to drop off and pick up students who attend a school.

Buses have sometimes been accommodated in the plans surrounding schools so that they have an access point off the main flow of traffic and parking issues, but even this is not done in all cases.

Parents dropping their kids off in private vehicles are currently not so well accommodated and this is causing havoc on the public roads, illegal parking and creating unacceptable dangerous situations.

The matter is made even worse when schools grow and as a consequence so do student numbers exasperating the situation. The Liverpool LGA is particularly prone because we are one of the most significant growth centres in NSW and our population is continually growing.

We have one example of the public school along Flowerdale Road growing and utilising all available space within the school boundary for building infrastructure to house the increase in students, and what small drop of zone they had within the boundary of the school has now disappeared and the new drop off zone is the surrounding public roads. This is happening or is in threat of happening at all the schools in the Liverpool LGA in brown built areas, whilst new schools in our growth centres are being built without addressing the problems with traffic, parking and safety sufficiently in the submitted DAs.

It is unreasonable that the Department of Education is abusing public roads in this fashion.

It is not acceptable that the needs of the school to ensure safe opportunities for students to be dropped off at schools is not being catered for by the Department of Education.

I ask Council to consider the consequences if a private individual were to disrupt the flow of traffic or utilise parking on a public road for their private needs, every day, twice a day, 200 days a year, would that be tolerated by Council, or by the Police.

When a special event is held that is going to disrupt traffic/parking, there is a process that organisers have to apply for permission and submit a DA for the event, and the police would be engaged to handle the traffic in a safe and efficient manner.

All schools everywhere hold the equivalent of a special event at their school every day twice a day for 200 days a year, and yet no measures are taken to ensure the free flow of traffic, nor the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike apart from putting pedestrian crossings and employing lolly pop controllers, it does not address the traffic flow and parking issues at all.

The safety, traffic and pedestrian issues must be addressed by schools and not ignored. Unless it is addressed it is only going to get worse.

There is a need for future schools to accommodate their delivery needs including drop off and pick up zones for their students on their land and not on public roads and footpaths.

Existing schools with available land within their school boundaries should also have to provide similar on-site Drop-off and Pick-up zones.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Rhodes)

That Council:

1.   Provide a report back to the December Council meeting containing their professional advice on how these issues might be addressed by Council itself including the possibility of a rostered ranger compliance check for parking issues at all schools within the LGA during drop off and pick up times starting with reported problem schools; and

2.   Write to the NSW Department of Planning the State Minister for Education, and Transport NSW urging co-operation and collaboration to deliver possible changes through Planning instruments and Legislation in order to provide safer access to school drop off and pick up zones that are contained inside the school property boundaries and not on public roads and or public footpaths.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That this matter be deferred.

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

Background

The City of Liverpool and District Historical Society Inc. was established in 1959 by a small group of residents who were from old Liverpool families such as Fitzpatrick, Collimore, Rowe, Kelly, Hill and Havard. They were proud of Liverpool’s history and were committed to preserving and promoting its unique story. Their first meeting was held at the old Liverpool Town Hall on Moore Street in 1959 and was presided over by the then Mayor Ron Dunbier who was also a member. Since then, the society has lead a nomadic existence in its search to find a home. From the old Liverpool Hospital/TAFE to the now demolished Colonial Hall to the Old Court House to our once home at the Bi-centennial Museum. In the fourth oldest town in Australia, we are still looking for an appropriate heritage place to call a permanent home. Our collection is currently stored in ’Eber’s Bunker’ under Liverpool Library. We look forward to the day when we will have a home for some of our approximately 10,000 items to be permanently displayed for residents and visitors to Liverpool to enjoy, learn and understand our rich and unique history.

The City of Liverpool and District Historical Society deserves a permanent home with exhibition space, it needs to be a part of Liverpool’s tourism assets. It needs to be visible to visitors. Its space could also be used as an easily recognisable site from which vital visitor information could be made available to the public.

Finding a permanent home for the City of Liverpool and District Historical Society has been an objective of this Council for generations. During last term of Council, I moved the motion for Council to provide a temporary home within the Library for a small permanent public display area.

The Library was always known to be temporary provision and although grateful for Council to have made that possible it falls far short of a permanent solution.

City of Liverpool and District Historical Society has a vital part to play in the delivery of the Liverpool story and the Liverpool visitor experience.

We need a now to address this issue and deliver a permanent home for the City of Liverpool and District Historical Society.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Rhodes)

That Council:

1.   Enter into collaborative discussions with the City of Liverpool and District Historical Society Inc. with view of providing the Society with a permanent home as soon as possible considering the below possibilities:

a.   The School of Arts Building.

b.   Liverpool U3A building.

c.   The Visitation precinct.

d.   Other.

2.   Report back to February Council Meeting 2023 on the agreed location.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Mayor Mannoun

That the recommendation be adopted.

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

Background

One of Liverpool’s greatest tourism asset is its people.

Our vast multicultural population and cultural diversity can be utilised to provide Liverpool with a Tourism attraction that will boost our visitor economy.

Matavai is just one of the cultural bodies that could form part of the opportunity for Liverpool to utilise our cultural diversity and deliver a unique tourist attraction for both national and international visitations.

They, like many of our diverse cultures have very already organised and operating cultural performing arts as just one part of their contributions back into our Community. The performances and cultural activities are already established and already acknowledged for their excellence not only nationally but also internationally.

There is a need for our multicultural communities to have a performance, cultural creative, and museum space, capable of meeting the needs of our growing multi-cultural population here in Liverpool.

There is a proven business case for such a facility when considering number of attendees and number of already operating cultural communities here in Liverpool, who have expressed a desire to be able to participate in a facility in Liverpool if it was available.

There are currently only two other spaces in Western Sydney that have the existing infrastructure to accommodate the performance spaces needed and they are all outside the Liverpool LGA. These spaces are often booked out and not available to service the needs of Liverpool’s own multicultural populations.

There are currently no other facilities that cater for the multicultural community in the one purpose built facility that, meets all their needs.

There is reason to believe that Government Grants would be favourable for facilities in South West Sydney that cater for all the needs of the multi-cultural communities and in particular the South Pacific cultures in order to establish and grow our relationships in view of recent political challenges in that region.

There is great competition between all South West Sydney LGA’s to be able to provide facilities in the multicultural space. Many of our own Liverpool cultural communities are being head hunted to form partnerships to support facilities that might be provided by the other LGA’s.

Our multicultural communities are loyal to Liverpool and are calling out for any opportunity that may be made available for them to remain and perform, and continue support, and grow their communities here in their home of LIVERPOOL.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Rhodes)

That Council:

1.   Make whatever arrangements necessary to provide the space requirements to support Matavai Cultural Arts Centre within CPAC as soon as possible.

2.   Present to Council a report on options to include a Multicultural Living Museum in either:

a.   The Visitation Precinct; or

b.   The upgrade of Lighthorse Park.

3.   Provide a workshop on the delivery of the Visitation Precinct by February 2023.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes              Seconded: Mayor Mannoun

That Council:

1.    Explore opportunities as discussed with Matavai Cultural Arts Centre and Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) to provide the space requirements to support Matavai Cultural Arts Centre within CPAC as soon as possible;

2.    Present to Council a report on options to include a Multicultural Living Museum in either:

a.   The Visitation Precinct; or

b.   The upgrade of Lighthorse Park.

3.    Provide a workshop on the delivery of the Visitation Precinct by February 2023;

4.    Direct the Acting CEO to come back with fees and charges; 

5.    Find an appropriate process for engagement; and

6.    Also identify the benefits for supporting such an organisation as this and the additional benefit to the visitation economy of Liverpool.

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

Councillors voted unanimous for this motion.

Background

It has often been said in this Chamber and at many community and public events that Liverpool is a successful and cohesive multicultural community. As a liberal democratic nation we respect the diversity of culture, religion and the freedom of expression.

We, as community are able to join together in to celebrate significant cultural festivals and religious traditions throughout the year. Indeed, Council supports and pursues funding for events such as Blessed Nights, Starry Sari Night, Christmas and Easter events.

Council has also supported and made practical donations when crises and tragic events have occurred in countries outside the borders of Liverpool LGA, and impact members of our community here such as eruption of volcano in Tonga, the explosion in Lebanon and flooding in India and Pakistan.

And rightly so, because this is what community is, we celebrate with one another, we care for one another in times of sorrow and tragedy. Our sense of community extends beyond the delights of food, culture and tradition.

For over 40 days the streets of Iranian cities and provinces have been filled with women- young women, older women- mothers, sisters, aunts and grandmothers. Many men join the women marching, school and university students have staged sit-ins in protest in response to the death of Mahsa Amini.

Human rights organisations report at least 233 people have been killed in the protests so far.

Iranian women in our community seek our support.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Kaliyanda and Clr Green)

That Council:

1.   Recognises the concerns of the Iranian-Australian and Kurdish-Australian community regarding the deaths, incarceration and brutality of the crackdown currently occurring in Iran. 

2.   Write to local State members, Paul Lynch MP and Melanie Gibbons MP, and Federal members, Dai Le, Jenny Ware and Anne Stanley within the fortnight to urge to the Federal and State Governments to advocate for the Iranian Government to:

-     Cease the killing and brutality against its own people.

-     Release all those unfairly incarcerated as a result of the recent protests. 

-     Return and normalise basic communications for the people of Iran.

-     Recognise the right to free speech, to protest and to seek social reform.

COUNCIL DECISION

Clr Kaliyanda withdrew this item.

Background

The Sydney Statement on Anti-Palestinianism was developed by the Arab Australian Federation in consultation with leading community figures. The statement quotes nonviolent means and international law to achieve a just and lasting peace between the parties.

The Statement consists of eight key principles 

1.   Anti-Palestinianism exists when Palestinian people are denied rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & all other relevant instruments of international law including UN resolutions.

2.   The Palestinian people are entitled to their own state. A Palestinian State is consistent with international law, UN resolutions and over 30 years of international negotiations. This is reflected in the recognition of the state of Palestine by 139 member nations of the UN. Anti-Palestinianism is flagrant when this right is undermined be settlements and acts of annexation, both illegal under international law.

3.   Palestinians who have committed to non-violent means to nationhood are entitled to all legitimate means of protest and advocacy. Palestinian leaders deserve respect and engagement not isolation and boycott.

4.   As part of the international community, the Palestinian people have an inalienable right to membership of international organisations, in line with these organisations’ by laws including but not limited to the International Criminal Court, UNESCO, Interpol, International Court of Justice and others.

5.   Palestinians have the right, in accordance with international law, to engage in resistance against unlawful policies and practices of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. They are entitled to present to the world their case, supported be evidence and legal argument, that Israeli authorities have disposed, confined, forcibly separated evicted and subjugated the Palestinian people.

6.   Noting the UN’s recognition of the State of Israel in 1949 was conditional on Israel’s acceptance of the Right of Return (Resolution 194, article 11), Palestinians are entitled to advocate their right of return as part of a just and lasting peace between the parties.

7.   Palestinians have the right to their history including their right to commemorate Nakba Day and this must never in any way be denied them.

8.   International law brands collective punishment a war crime. When a Palestinian is arrested or convicted of an offence by Israeli authorities, there is no basis for subjecting others to collective punishment.

There is nothing controversial or unreasonable in these eight principles whether examined individually, or in combination. They do not take an extreme position; they are simply a plea for very basic level of fairness and human rights for all.

In many ways they represent the very tenants that underpin our very successful, diverse multi-cultural community in Liverpool of tolerance, respect, justice, a fair-go and the rule of law applied to all.

For this reason, it is very appropriate that our Council endorse The Sydney Statement on Anti-Palestinianism. The greater of Liverpool support this statement and this motion is consistent with the “Safe and Strong” destination within Council’s Community Strategic Plan by promoting harmony and inclusiveness.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Kaliyanda)

That Council endorses The Sydney Statement on Anti-Palestinianism, as outlined in the background.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda          Seconded: Clr Ammoun  

That:

1.    Council commend the decision made by the Federal Government to reverse the previous government’s decision to move the Australian Embassy to East Jerusalem;

2.    Council endorses The Sydney Statement on Anti-Palestinianism as outlined the background;

3.    Council support the two-state solution as a way of moving forward; and

4.    A copy of the Council resolution be sent to the Prime Minister’s department.

Clr Rhodes retired from the meeting at 6.32pm.

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