Council Meeting Summary - 25 July 2023
Published on 01 August 2023
Council Meeting summary – 25 July 2023
Council held a meeting on 25 July 2023. The following is a summary of the outcomes from the meeting:
Mayoral Minute: 146 Bowden Street, Meadowbank
Council resolved to send a letter from the Mayor’s Office to Ryde State Member Jordan Lane, MP, seeking assistance in liaising with the Minister of Water, the Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, for the expediting of required approvals from Sydney Water for City of Ryde’s 146 Bowden Street stormwater works project.
Mayoral Minute: Eastwood town centre
City of Ryde staff will prepare a report for the August 2023 Council Meeting outlining options, funding, and strategies to upgrade infrastructure and encourage tourism, economic and cultural activities in Eastwood. This will include an update on the status of the Eastwood Central project; options, funding, and strategies to replace the remaining zebra crossings in the town centre with traffic lights; options, funding, and strategies to refresh and upgrade Eastwood Library; opportunities to provide additional murals and street decorations on the west side of Eastwood town centre reflecting the history and cultural diversity of the area; and an investigation to identify opportunities to further support the Eastwood night market. Council will also recognise the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Eastwood Tai Chi group with a morning tea and plaque to be installed at Eastwood Plaza.
Mayoral Minute: 2026 Commonwealth Games
Council resolved to condemn the Victorian State Government for cancelling the 2026 Commonwealth Games and to encourage the NSW State Government to urgently consider bidding for the Games. Council further resolved to write to the NSW Premier and several relevant State Ministers, encouraging them to consider the bid and Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre as a suitable venue to host the Commonwealth Water Polo Championships, which have been held in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games since 2002.
Mayoral Minute: Brian Taber
Council noted the passing of former Ryde Alderman and Australian Test cricketer Hedley Brian Taber and resolved to send a letter of condolence and flowers to Brian’s wife, Fran, and family.
Councillor numbers for 2024-28 term*
In accordance with Section 224(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council confirmed the number of Councillors for the 2024-28 term of office will be 13 (one of whom is the Mayor).
Ward boundary review
Council will endorse the Ward boundary change set out in a report prepared by staff. After consultation with the NSW Electoral Commission and the Australian Statistician, the report will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days, with 42 days allowed for submissions to be received. A further report will be provided to Council at the September 2023 meeting.
Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
Council resolved to adopt the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy – April 2023.
Council Meeting dates
Council endorsed a draft schedule of Meeting Dates from September 2023 up to the next Local Government Election in September 2024. The meetings will continue to be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, excluding January, and except for a meeting on 12 December 2023.
Dog off-leash areas
Council resolved that ‘six additional dog off-leash sites study’ be placed on public exhibition for a period of three months with a report due back to council in 2023.
Draft Flood Study
Council endorsed the Draft Flood Study to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 60 days and allow submissions to be received. At the conclusion of the public exhibition period, should no submissions be received, the Draft Flood Study will be adopted as final. Should any relevant submissions be received, a further report shall be presented to Council.
Service NSW partnership
Council will delegate authority to the CEO to enter into a Partnership Agreement with Service NSW for their Service NSW for Business program and, if required, any necessary documents be authorised for execution under the Common Seal of Council.
Traffic issues: Rutledge Street, Eastwood
Council resolved to write to Transport for NSW seeking the installation of red/green arrows at the traffic lights for motorists turning right from East Parade into Rutledge Street and for motorists turning right from Rutledge Street into Shaftsbury Road. Council will further seek the removal of street parking on weekends between Trelawney Street and Shaftsbury Road during peak traffic periods and write to Transport for NSW to consider the need for red light cameras and any traffic calming measures on First Avenue, Eastwood.
Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice
Council organised a flag raising event on 27 July 2023 at Kissing Point Park, Putney, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the Korean War (1950-1953). Invitations will be extended to Korean War veterans and local Korean community leaders to attend a special Mayor’s Morning tea, to be held in July or August 2023. An investigation into the installation of a permanent Korean War Memorial at Meadowbank Memorial Park will also be undertaken, including consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Easing congestion at intersections
Council’s Traffic Committee will investigate the reinstatement of the left hand turn permissible during red lights at the intersections of Charles Street and Victoria Road, Lane Cove Road and Buffalo Road, and Pittwater Road and Ryde Road. If the signs were removed because of safety concerns, the Mayor will write to Transport for NSW and encourage it to improve communication around such changes to reduce inconvenience.
Christmas Gift Guide
Council will investigate the creation and distribution of a Christmas Gift Guide that will showcase the ways to shop within Ryde during the holiday period, with a report to be provided by October 2023.
Business Awards
Council resolved to review the Northern District Local Business Awards and to investigate the establishment of its own City of Ryde Business Awards in conjunction with local businesses and all the Chambers of Commerce in the LGA. A workshop will be conducted with Councillors to provide feedback and a report will be presented to Council in September 2023.
E-Waste disposal
Council will initiate a comprehensive educational campaign that informs residents about the dangers associated with the improper disposal of e-waste and offers guidance on the correct methods for disposing of solar lights.
Diwali Lights
Council will investigate and report back within two months on the feasibility of illuminating City of Ryde Council buildings with decorative lighting during the Diwali period. Council will involve local community and representative groups in the planning and execution of the project to ensure cultural authenticity.
Indian Independence Day
Council resolved to recognise Indian Independence Day with a flag raising event at Kissing Point Wharf on 15 August 2023, with an invitation extended to Consul General of India Sydney, Mr Manish Gupta, to attend the event. In addition, the Mayor will write to Mr Gupta congratulating India for its Independence Day.
Aboriginal recognition in the City of Ryde
Council will present a report with an update on the progress made by the Bennelong Putney Project team on what is recognised as a significant cultural site. It will also recognise the initiative to codify and enhance the use of aboriginal language introduced by former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Victor Dominello, MP, acknowledge the cultural and historical significance of prominent Aboriginal Australians such as Woolooware Bennelong, and make a submission to the Australian Electoral Commission advocating for the name of the seat of Bennelong to be retained and located close to Bennelong’s burial site in Putney.
Uluru Statement from the Heart
Council acknowledges its previously discussed support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It respects the individual decisions of Australian voters and asks that the Mayor write to both local ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ Voice to Parliament Referendum campaigns to notify Council of events so Councillors can share across their networks or attend.
Eastwood town centre west
City of Ryde staff will prepare a report, outlining options, funding and a strategy to encourage infrastructure upgrades, tourism and further night-time activity in and around Rowe Street West.
Sediment runoff
Council will investigate strategies to mitigate damage to natural areas on Quebec Road, West Chatswood, and properties on River Road from excessive stormwater runoff as well as sediment runoff to Lane Cove River from clearing at the InvoCare function centre site at the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium.
To view the minutes of the Council Meeting, click here