ITEM NO:

cond 01

FILE NO:

2021/5254

SUBJECT:

Condolence Motion - Ms Alison Megarrity (read by Mayor Mannoun)

Today, we pause to honour the memory of Alison Megarrity, who passed away on 15 November 2022 at the age of 61.

Alison was a former Councillor of Liverpool City Council serving one term from 1994 – 1999, before being elected to the new seat of Menai in 1999.

During that period, she advocated strongly for the area and is credited with helping to have several major infrastructure projects delivered.

They included the high-level Woronora Bridge, Bangor Bypass (stages one and two) and the Alfords Point Bridge duplication.

Along with the multi-million-dollar road and bridge projects she helped deliver, her other achievements included successful lobbying for upgrades to local schools and the redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital.

She would hold the seat of Menai for the next 12 years until she retired at the 2011 election to care for her husband Robert during a period of ill health.

To echo the thoughts of one of her Parliamentary colleagues Barry Collier, Alison was "the epitome of the very best local MP- always putting her constituents ahead of personal ambition and serving her community with a vigour, an energy and a passion few could match".

In her 1999 inaugural speech, Alison promised to represent her constituents without fear or favour. She touched the lives of many people and will be remembered as a very special, selfless person who gave so much of herself.

In her final speech to the House in 2011, Alison said, "I know in my own heart, I could not have worked any harder".

Alison was very well liked and very well respected by colleagues on both sides of Parliament and truly made a difference to the community she represented.

After she left Parliament, Alison worked tirelessly as president and secretary of the Former Members' Association, a voluntary, non-partisan organisation, which raises issues of concern with current members and donates annually to a NSW children's charity.

Alison is survived by her husband Robert and her sons Liam and Glyn. On behalf of Liverpool City Council, I humbly express my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Alison’s loved ones during this difficult time.

May she rest in peace.

ITEM NO:

COND 02

FILE NO:

2021/5254

SUBJECT:

Condolence Motion - Mr William James Masterton OAM (read by Mayor Mannoun)

Today, we pause to honour the memory of William James Masterton OAM, known as Jim Masterton, who passed away peacefully at home on 16 November 2022, just short of his 93^rd birthday.

60 years ago in 1962, Jim founded the Masterton building company and worked tirelessly to create a building empire that has delivered 60,000 homes to Australian families across NSW.

Jim was an innovator at heart, and a true pioneer of the Australian building industry. He transformed the home building market with the introduction of pre-assembled trusses and frames as well as pioneering the use of concrete slabs and introducing the concept of Knock Down Rebuild (KDR). All these innovations are now standard in the housing industry.

One of his biggest achievements was to open the Warwick Farm “Field of Dreams” Display Village in 1983, with the then NSW Premier Neville Wran in attendance.

In 2005, Jim received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, in recognition of his significant contribution to the housing industry. He was also presented with a Life Member Status by the HIA. Jim also became the most awarded builder in Australia, something he was immensely proud of.

‘I'm Jim Masterton and I wouldn't have it any other way.’

It is the iconic slogan that summed up Jim’s life-long values of quality home building. He was a true icon and achieved more in his lifetime than most would over dozens of lifetimes. He provided incomes and business opportunities for thousands of people in the building industry and was highly regarded by anyone who knew him.

Today The Masterton Group employs hundreds of full-time staff and contractors.

Jim was also one of Liverpool’s most generous corporate citizens who supported many local charitable institutions. For many here in Liverpool, Jim built much more than homes, he built a better quality of life.

On behalf of Liverpool City Council, I humbly express my deepest condolences to Jim’s wife Marjorie, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his extended family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s loved ones during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

ITEM NO:

COND 03

FILE NO:

2021/5254

SUBJECT:

Condolence Motion - Ms Ellen Whittingstall (read by Mayor Mannoun)

Today, we pause to honour the memory of Ellen Whittingstall, who passed away last month.

Ellen joined Council in 2017 as the Coordinator of Governance and in 2020 she moved into the role of Internal Ombudsman.

Ellen was a valued member of our organisation who was dedicated, hard-working and committed to helping everyone, whilst embedding good governance.

Anyone that worked with her would agree that she was an expert in her field who was respected by many. 

Ellen will be remembered for her loving, and caring nature, but most of all for putting others’ needs before her own. She will be dearly missed by her colleagues, family and friends.

On behalf of Liverpool City Council, I humbly express my deepest condolences to Ellen’s husband, family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.

May she rest in peace.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                 Moved: Clr Kaliyanda           Seconded: Mayor Mannoun

That Council writes to the families of Ms Alison Megarrity, Mr William James Masterton OAM and Ms Ellen Whittingstall to express our condolences for their loss.

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

One minute silence was then observed for Ms Alison Megarrity, Mr William James Masterton OAM and Ms Ellen Whittingstall.

That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 16 November 2022 and Extraordinary Meeting held on 6 December 2022 be confirmed as a true record of that meeting.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Notes LOGOS preferred option to install above ground transmission lines along Junction Road, as part of the power supply upgrade; and

2.    Advises LOGOS and Endeavour Energy that Council’s preference is for the undergrounding of the transmission lines for approximately 1000m of the 1400m required along Junction Road to maintain the existing visual character along the street.

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 ‘Treasure Hunt’ public artwork option and the 20 historic milestones identified through consultation, to inform the narratives of the artworks; and

2.    Direct the CEO to procure an artist to develop the design for the artworks, in consultation with Council staff and Councillors, and on the delivery and the placement of the artwork as part of the Lighthorse Park upgrade.

Foreshadowed motion:       Moved: Clr Hagarty              Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council:

1.    Endorse the ‘Treasure Hunt’ public artwork option and the 20 historic milestones identified through consultation, to inform the narratives of the artworks; and

2.    Direct the CEO to procure an artist to develop the design for the artworks, in consultation with Council staff and Councillors, and deliver the artwork as part of the Lighthorse Park upgrade.

On being put to the meeting the motion (moved by Clr Rhodes) was declared CARRIED and the Foreshadowed Motion (moved by Clr Hagarty) therefore lapsed.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council receives and notes this report and the actions undertaken during the last year on implementing the Urban Cat Management Plan.    

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Harle

That Council:

1.    Supports the various Girl Guide theme names including Campfire Street, Horseshoe Street, Kumbaya Street, Woggle Street, Salute Street and Thoughtful Avenue;

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

3.    Publicly exhibits the names 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 Harle                            Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council:

1.    Endorses the funding recommendation of $13,093.60 (GST exclusive) under the Sustainable Environment Grant Program for the following projects:

2.    Endorses the funding recommendation of $11,200 (GST exclusive) under the Community Grant Program for the following projects; and

3.    Endorses the funding recommendation of $15,000 (GST exclusive) under the Matching Grant for the following project:

4.    Approves the donation of $5000 to the Luddenham 2023 Show commensurate with their ‘supreme’ sponsorship package;

5.    Supports the event through Council’s advertising and media channels including but not limited to social media and Council’s website; and

6.    Writes to the President of the Luddenham AH&I Society Inc. thanking them for considering us as potential sponsors and notifying them of our intention to sponsor.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Mannoun               Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes this report; and

2.   Adopt Revised Masterplan of the Carnes Hills Recreation Precinct Stage 2.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                           Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council receive and note this report.  

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                           Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Thank Council staff for their work and reaffirm its support for a Lobbying Policy similar to point 1 to the previous motion from the 25^th May 2022 Council meeting, item NOM 03 – Improving the Accountability and Transparency of Council (as shown below):

       Principle 1. Any person or organisation seeking to lobby Liverpool Council’s          employees or officer – with respect to a significant development application, a        planning proposal, or a significant Council tender, shall be listed on a public        register, including the date of the approach, the purpose of the lobbying, the                               person undertaking the lobbying, and the details of any meeting between Council                               and the person.

2.    Defer development of a Lobbying Policy until the Office of the Local Government issue their model policy (anticipated in 2023).

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Green

That Council:

1.    Endorse the Community Engagement Strategy 2022 and Community Participation Plan 2022;

2.    Note submissions received during the public exhibition periods and associated recommendations;

3.    Forward the endorsed Community Participation Plan 2022 to the Department of Planning and Environment for uploading to the NSW Planning Portal; and

4.    Place the Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan on Council’s Website and promote through social media particularly through the different Facebook groups in the LGA.

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.    Endorses the recommendations in the report including to install destination website QR codes signs and posters across the LGA rather than information kiosks;

3.    Invite collaborative discussions through the Tourism and CBD Committee and deliver Councillor workshops including in the development of the dedicated QR website process, so that Councillors can have input into how the QR website process operates and what it will have in it; and  

4.    Promote on Council’s website and through social media including all Liverpool LGA Facebook groups the availability of the Heritage Publication Grants which are new.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council receives and notes the Minutes of the Environment Advisory Committee meeting held on 10 October 2022.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council adopts the following Committee recommendations:

Item 1 – Brickmakers Drive, Moorebank – Proposed Pedestrian Bridge

·        Approves the proposed pedestrian bridge north of Brickmakers Drive and the link road intersection. Detailed design to be submitted to TfNSW and the Police for their comments prior to installation.

·        Community notification/s to be issued during construction.

Item 2 – Campbell Street, Bigge Street to Forbes Street, Liverpool – Proposed Road Closure by Liverpool Hospital

·        A meeting be arranged inviting representatives of TfNSW, the Hospital and its traffic consultants to discuss a method to carry out a revised traffic impact assessment including appropriate redistribution of traffic flows after the road closure.

·        Undertake community consultation to seek community feedback and be resubmitted to the Liverpool Local Traffic Committee for further consideration.

Item 3 – Traffic Speeding on Local Roads – Requests for Traffic Calming Devices

              Approves installation of edge line markings in South Liverpool Road and Wonga Road.

Item 4 – Roads for Consideration of Indented/Verge Parking Bays

Approves the streets as indicated in the minutes for designs to be carried out and for installation of indented parking bays subject to funding allocation. 

Item 5 – Regentville Drive, Elizabeth Hills – Request for Traffic Management Changes

Undertake community consultation on the three traffic management options as outlined in the minutes to seek community feedback and be resubmitted to the Liverpool Local Traffic Committee for further consideration.

Item 6 - Aviation Road/Airfield Drive/Regentville Drive, Elizabeth Hills – Proposed Modification for Blackspot

·        Approves upgrade of the existing roundabout at the Aviation Road, Airfield Drive and Regentville Drive intersection with the road configuration as outlined in the minutes.

Item 7 – Fourth Avenue Intersections with Eleventh Avenue and Tenth Avenue, Austral – Proposed Roundabouts

Approves installation of dual lane roundabouts at the Fourth Avenue/Tenth Avenue and Fourth Avenue/Eleventh Avenue intersections with minor changes as indicated in the minutes.

Item 8 – Fourth Avenue and Gurner Road Intersection, Austral – Proposed Roundabout

·        Approves in-principle installation of traffic management works including a roundabout at the Fourth Avenue/Gurner Road intersection, pedestrian crossing and bus bays at the college frontage.

·        Detailed design including kerb and guttering along the southern side of Gurner Road, up to the pedestrian crossing and appropriate street lighting to be referred to TfNSW and the Police for review, prior to installation

Item 9 - Railway Street, Liverpool - Shared Space Project

·        Approves installation of three parklets and associated sign posting changes as part of the first stage installation of a six-month trial revitalisation works.

·        Detailed design of pavement markings with examples of other uses to be reviewed and approved by TfNSW and the Police prior to installation.

Item 10 – Grove Street, Casula – Outcome of Community Consultation on Proposed Road Closure at its intersection with Hume Highway

·        Defer and undertake additional consultation with local residents and Ibis Hotel to identify a preferred option for the road closure.

·        Undertake detailed design and present to the next scheduled meeting in February 2023 or at out of session meeting, if required, for further consideration.

Item 11 - Woodbrook Road, Casula – Road Reopening Traffic Facilities

Approves installation of traffic management works associated with Woodbrook Road reopening including four speed humps, one pedestrian refuge, shared path and two height limiters, as indicated in the minutes. 

Item 12 - Approved Items Under Delegated Authority

Notes the approved items under delegated authority.

Item 13 - Dates for Traffic Committee Meetings in 2023

Endorses the Traffic Committee 2023 meeting dates to be included in the Corporate Calendar.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Minutes of the Liverpool Access Committee Meeting held on 10 November 2022; and

2.   Endorse the recommendations in the Minutes:

·   Investigating the issues of speed humps in the Westfields car park and provide recommendations to Westfields on speeds humps that are causing issues.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Receive and note the Minutes of the Civic Advisory Committee meeting held on 8 November 2022;

2.   Endorse the actions in the Minutes:

·   No change be made to Clause 10.9 of the Civic Awards Policy; and

·      The Committee deferred discussion on the issue of encouraging nominations from a more diverse cross section of the community to the next Committee meeting.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council adopts the minutes of the Budget Review Panel meeting held on 10 November 2022.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Receives and notes the Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 14 October 2022; and

2.    Endorse the recommendations in the Minutes.

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

In an article in May 2022, the Roads Minister Natalie Ward was waiting on a formal proposal from Liverpool City Council about abolishing the 30km/h speed limit in the Liverpool CBD.

I understand community consultation has been undertaken and a formal proposal has been submitted.

Please address the following:

1.   When was the proposal submitted?

2.   Has Council received a response from the Minister?

Response (provided by Planning and Compliance)

1.   When was the proposal submitted?

The Mayor moved a Mayoral Minute at the 2 February 2022 Council meeting (MAYOR 02) directing the A/CEO to write to Transport for NSW and the Minister for Metropolitan Roads requesting the 30km/h speed limit be lifted to 40km/h, similar to other city centres, to organise meetings with the Minister and other relevant stakeholders to achieve this and to prioritise this as a matter of urgency.

The council adopted this Mayoral Minute, and the A/CEO wrote to Transport for NSW following Council’s resolution on 16 February 2022 and to the Minister for Metropolitan Roads on 17 February 2022. A copy of this correspondence is included in Attachments 1 and 2.

A meeting was held with the Mayor, A/CEO and the Minister for Metropolitan Roads on 24 May 2022. The Minister requested further details of the Council’s proposal, including community consultation. Council undertook community consultation as requested which overwhelmingly supported a return to the 40km/h speed limit.

The Mayor formally wrote to the Minister for Metropolitan Roads on 20 October 2022 following the completion of community consultation with a proposal for consideration. A copy of that correspondence is included in Attachment 3.  

2.   Has Council received a response from the Minister?

Council was advised on 25 November 2022 that the Minister has directed Transport for NSW to implement the proposal outlined in the mayor’s letter dated 20 October 2022 in early 2023. A copy of that correspondence is included in Attachment 4.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty               Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That Council write to Minister Ward requesting that consideration be given for all fines issued within the 10km per hour range of the 30km/hr speed limit trial at the Bigge Street camera be refunded.

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

Background

Billboards have recently been erected in Liverpool featuring a quote about extra staff, supposedly from Council.

Questions

1.   Who owns this billboard?

2.   How much did the billboard cost?

3.   Who authorised the sign?

4.    Does the billboard comply with Council policy? If so which policy?

Response (Provided by the Office of the CEO – Communications Directorate)

1.    Who owns this billboard?

The Billboard is a council asset. There is no rental cost. Artwork for council owned signs is created in house.

2.    How much did the billboard cost?

$386.17 was incurred for vinyl banner production.

$600 was incurred for installation.

$40 was incurred for freight and shipping costs.

3.    Who authorised the sign?

The sign was requested on the 31 October by Communication Team and approved by the Communications Manager on 1 November through regular approval channels. The A/CEO was appraised of the back-to-basics messaging.

4.    Does the Billboard comply with Council policy? If so which Policy?

The Mayor has a role as spokesperson for the governing body under section 226 of the Local Government Act 1993 which is consistent with the Council’s endorsed Media Policy.

Background

Council encourages public reports of problems that require attention, from maintenance issues to more serious problems that may be considered dangerous and pose a risk to public safety. Footpaths in particular can be a source of injury from trip hazards to broken concrete, holes and depressions that may potentially cause serious harm.

Please address the following:

1.   The process and response when a resident reports a problem with footpaths particularly if the report concerns a potentially high risk of harm/injury?

2.   Is an inspection of the reported issue carried out? And if not, why not.

3.   When an inspection does occur and a risk of injury or harm determined and if so, what steps does Council staff take to ensure public safety in the interim prior to repair?

4.   In the event a public utility such as Endeavour Energy, Telstra etc. is responsible for the section of footpath concerned what steps does Council take to:

a.   Mitigate immediate risk of injury/harm to residents; and

b.   Report the problem to the utility concerned and liaise with that utility for urgent repair.

Response (provided by City Presentation)

1.   The process and response when a resident reports a problem with footpaths particularly if the report concerns a potentially high risk of harm/injury?

Residents are encouraged to report footpath maintenance issues via the Council’s Customer Service Centre. A maintenance request is then allocated to a Field Inspector to assess the footpath to determine the severity of the maintenance required. In conducting the assessment, the Field Inspector will consider additional factors such as frequency of use and pedestrian safety. A priority rating for footpath repairs is then determined and the maintenance is programmed for permanent repair.

A footpath maintenance request that identifies a potentially significant safety risk is escalated for action as soon as possible to make the area safe until permanent repairs can be completed.

When a Field Inspector determines the footpath can remain in a serviceable condition for a significant period without the need for replacement, this maintenance work is given low priority. Footpaths that are likely to deteriorate quickly and are located along busy streets near shopping centers, schools, churches, and transport nodes where pedestrian movements are high, these maintenance works will be given high priority and permanent repairs will be arranged as soon as practicable.

2.   Is an inspection of the reported issue carried out? And if not, why not.

Council’s Field Inspectors inspect all customer requests and assess the severity, frequency of usage and extent of the repairs.

3.   When an inspection does occur and a risk of injury or harm determined and if so, what steps does Council staff take to ensure public safety in the interim prior to repair?

The Field Inspectors responsibility is to ensure the footpath is safe for pedestrians, hence if the footpath requires immediate action, they will arrange to make the area safe by placing an asphalt ramp, cement mortar patching or grinding down the vertical footpath displacement. If the footpath has been severely damaged and it is in an area of high pedestrian activity, then the footpath will be cordoned off and arrangements made for immediate repair.

4.   In the event a public utility such as Endeavour Energy, Telstra etc. is responsible for the section of footpath concerned what steps does Council take to:

a.  Mitigate immediate risk of injury/harm to residents; and

b.  Report the problem to the utility concerned and liaise with that utility for urgent repair.

a.    Mitigate immediate risk of injury/harm to residents.

In the event of a public utility or their contractors being responsible for damaging the footpath, the Council Field Inspectors will assess the damage and make safe the risk of injury/harm to the public. Works will be programmed, and the responsible utility will be billed for make safe works.

b.    Report the problem to the utility concerned and liaise with that utility for urgent repair.

When Council receives a complaint regarding the works carried out by a public utility or their contractors, Council Field Inspectors requests that the public utility or their contractors make the area safe immediately and monitor the footpath until the works have been completed.

If the risk/harm to the public is extreme the Field Inspector will coordinate immediately to make safe repairs and the public utility will be billed for make safe/repairs.

On completion of the works, Field Inspectors carry out a joint inspection with the public utility provider to ensure the footpath has been restored to its previous condition and there are no safety concerns.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Mannoun               Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council approve the existing delegated authority until a further report is brought back to the 2023 Council meeting with a reviewed and updated delegation for the new Chief Executive Officer.

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

RECESS

Mayor Mannoun called at recess at 3.24pm.

RESUMPTION OF MEETING

Mayor Mannoun resumed the meeting at 3.46pm with all Councillors except Clr Goodman present.

Clr Goodman retired from the meeting during the recess.

NOTICE OF MOTION (submitted by Clr Hagarty)

That Council:

1.    Give notice to terminate all community members of the Local Planning Panel;

2.    End the existing panel members tenure upon the appointment of new members;

3.    Thank the community members for their service;

4.    Direct the CEO to publish the reason for their termination, that being: it is the will of elected Council that members be appointed by the elected body;

5.    Proceed with appointing a new set of community members to the Local Planning Panel as per the existing process except that the recommended candidates be brought to a full Council meeting for adoption; and

6.    Update relevant policy and procedures to ensure future panels come before the full Council for endorsement.

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty                       Seconded: Clr Kaliyanda

That the recommendation be adopted.

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

Division Called:

Vote for:           Clr Green

                          Clr Hagarty

                          Clr Harle

                          Clr Kaliyanda

                          Clr Karnib

Vote against:   Mayor Mannoun

                          Clr Ammoun

                          Clr Hadid*

                          Clr Macnaught

                          Clr Rhodes.

The motion was lost on the Mayor’s casting vote.

*Clr Hadid did not vote for or against the motion. Therefore, in accordance with Clause 11.4  of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice (as shown below), he is recorded as voting against the motion:

     “A councillor who is present at a meeting of the council but who fails to vote on a       motion put to the meeting is taken to have voted against the motion.”

Note: Clr Goodman had retired from the meeting.

Foreshadowed motion:       Moved: Clr Macnaught        Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That Council

1.    Leave the Planning Panel as is and continue the function as usual;

2.    In 2023, a workshop be organised to define the process of recommendations to the panel should Councillors reject one or more of the presented recommendations; and

3.    That future appointments be reported to Council.

The Foreshadowed Motion (moved by Clr Macnaught) then became the Motion and 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 April 2023 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, after the 2023 State Election, 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: Mayor Mannoun

That Council:

1.    Thank Council staff for their report and provide a further report back to the April 2023 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;

2.    Hold a number of individual consultation meetings with the community and all schools within the Liverpool LGA where there are reported traffic problems regarding the drop off and pick up of students to investigate ways of addressing issues on our public roads; and

3.    Write to the NSW Department of Planning the State Minister for Education, and Transport NSW, after the 2023 State Election, 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.

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

Background

Mt Omei is a property on Leacocks Lane, Casula, located within Leacock Regional Park.

Wolf Klaphake, a German-born scientist and inventor who emigrated to Australia, was the patriarch of the family. He constructed a laboratory on the land, along with a homestead and outbuildings in 1946.

In 1976, several years after Wolf's passing, his wife, prominent local artist Alice Klaphake, established southwest Sydney's first private modern art gallery in the former laboratory. The gallery attracted a stream of local artists and to this day plays hosts to exhibitions by Australian artists. The property was later transferred to the NSW Government by Alice Klaphake.

In 2016, a heritage assessment commissioned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) found Mt Omei to have local heritage significance and that the property should be retained for community-related purposes.

Despite the findings of the heritage assessment, NPWS have initiated proceedings with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to evict the tenant of the property. With no tenant, the isolated location of the property places it at risk of vandalism and arson. NPWS’ intentions for Mt Omei have not been made clear and there are fears for the future of the gallery. Mt Omei is an important marker of the immense contribution of migrants to the scientific and cultural legacy of Liverpool.

NOTICE OF MOTION (Submitted by Clr Hagarty)

That Council:

1.    Notes the heritage significance of Mt Omei as outlined in a heritage assessment commissioned by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 2016.

2.    Write to NPWS as soon as practical to:

a.   Reiterate the local heritage significance of Mt Omei

b.   Seek clarification on its intentions for the building within Mt Omei

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hagarty                       Seconded: Clr Rhodes

That the recommendation be adopted.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                           Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council defer this item for further information on any future costs implications that may be worn by Council.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Hadid                           Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.    Approves the acquisition of Lot 100 in DP 1282981, Pt 45 Sixteenth Avenue, Austral, within the terms outlined in this confidential report;

2.    Resolves to classify Lot 100 in DP 1282981 as “Operational” land in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993;

3.    Authorises the Acting CEO or her delegated officer to execute any document, under Power of Attorney, necessary to give effect to this decision; and

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.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.      Purchase Lot 1054 DP 2475, 335 Sixth Avenue, Austral for the price and terms as outlined in this report;

2.      Upon settlement classify Lot 1054 DP 2475 as “Operational Land”;

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; and

4.    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 Kaliyanda                    Seconded: Clr Hadid

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 Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Macnaught

That Council:

1.    Approves the acquisition of Lot 78 in DP 657030, 62 Newbridge Road, Chipping Norton under the provisions of the Moorebank Voluntary Acquisition Scheme, for the price and terms outlined in this confidential report;

2.    Upon settlement of the acquisition, classifies Lot 78 in DP 657030, 62 Newbridge Road, Chipping Norton as ‘Community’ land;

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; and

4.    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: Mayor Mannoun               Seconded: Clr Ammoun

That Council:

1.      Receives and notes this report; and 

2.   Receives a further report and briefing on the outcomes of the review once completed. 

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 alternative accommodation strategy consistent with the proposal within the report; and

2.      Endorse the alternative library design incorporating a gallery space/ exhibition space/ museum space into Liverpool Civic Place library consistent with the proposal within the report.

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Clr Rhodes                        Seconded: Clr Hadid

That Council:

1.      Instruct Jones Lang LaSalle, the leasing agents appointed by Council for Liverpool Civic Place, to run an Expression of Interest process for operating an Early Childhood Education and Care service at Liverpool Civic Place; and

2.    A detailed report is brought back to Council following the expression of Interest process containing a comparison of a Council vs a privately operated Early Education and Care Centre.  

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

COUNCIL DECISION

Motion:                                  Moved: Mayor Mannoun               Seconded: Clr Karnib

That Council endorses its updated Long Term Financial Plan with identified variations included in this report.

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