Council Meeting summary – 22 October 2024
Published on 28 October 2024
Council held a meeting on Tuesday 22 October 2024. The following is a summary of outcomes from the meeting:
Mayoral Minute – Ryde Central
Council resolved to hold a workshop with Councillors prior to the end of 2024 that explores potential options for the 1 Devlin Street, Ryde site that could provide the required funding source for a new, larger town hall than proposed by the 2017 Council, without selling the site.
Mayoral Minute – critical infrastructure and open space protection and enhancement
Staff will report back to the December 2024 Council Meeting, identifying potential project timelines and funding sources to advance the following critical infrastructure and open space projects within this term of Council:
- Christie Park – Stages 3 and 4
- Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre – multi-deck car park and tennis courts
- ELS Hall expansion – courts and car parking
- Putney Park Masterplan – implementation
- Ryde Park Masterplan – implementation
- Field of Mars Masterplan – implementation
- Brush Farm Park – irrigation and netball courts
- Shrimpton’s Creek Corridor Masterplan – implementation
Mayoral Minute – cage fighting
Council noted that the Minns Labor Government has negotiated a $16 million deal to bring cage fighting to Sydney and joins with Domestic Violence NSW and Full Stop Australia who have both expressed concerns that the move is counterproductive in addressing the rising scourge of domestic violence. Council recommends that the $16 million be instead spent on sporting infrastructure in Ryde. Council further called on the Premier, Minister for Sport and Minister for Women to reallocate this funding to the acquisition of TG Millner Fields, a significant piece of green sporting space in Marsfield. Council will write to the Minister for Local Government recommending that he supports this reallocation, and subsequently reverses his recent decision to block Council’s application to make TG Millner public land.
CEO’s delegation, and day to day oversight of the CEO by the Mayor
In accordance with Section 380 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council confirmed that the delegation be granted to the Chief Executive Officer for the 2024-2028 term of office for the Council. Council also adopted the Interface and Day to Day Oversight of the Chief Executive Officer by the Mayor including Mayor’s Roles and Responsibilities Policy – October 2024.
Annual disclosure of pecuniary interests – 1 July 2023-30 June 2024
The Register of Pecuniary Interest Disclosures was tabled as required under Clause 4.25 of the City of Ryde Code of Conduct.
Minutes of the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, 15 July 2024
The minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting held on 15 July 2024 were noted.
Report on Councillor expenses – 1 January 2024-30 June 2024
Council received and noted the report and Attachment 1 regarding Councillor expenses and facilities for the period 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024.
Conference attendance by Councillor Daniel Han
Council noted Clr Daniel Han’s attendance at the Global Strategy Special Committee Conference in Washington D.C. from 29 October 2024 to 31 October 2024. It also noted that Clr Han advised that he will be attending the Conference as a member of the Australian Chapter of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Committee (PUAC) and not as a City of Ryde Councillor. Council further noted that Councillor Daniel Han will be accepting subsidised accommodation, meals and a partial travel rebate from PUAC and accordingly must complete the necessary Gifts and Benefits Form. Clr Han will provide a report to Council regarding the Conference upon his return.
Request for a leave of absence – Councillor Daniel Han
Clr Han’s Leave of Absence for the period from Saturday, 26 October 2024 to Sunday, 3 November 2024 inclusive was approved.
State of Our City Report – 2021-24
Council noted the tabling of the State of Our City Report 2021-2024.
Installation of infrastructure at Quebec Road, Chatswood West
Council staff will investigate the current conditions on Quebec Road, Chatswood West, and assess the feasibility of constructing kerb & gutter, and accompanying drainage infrastructure to manage surface runoff and mitigate flooding issues. Staff will provide a cost estimate for the proposed infrastructure works and identify suitable funding sources. Staff will also develop a timeline for integrating these works into future capital works programs, with a report to be tabled by the February 2025 Council meeting detailing the findings of the investigation, cost estimates, timeline, and potential funding options.
New Eastwood car park and community facilities
In order to progress this critical project, the Chief Executive Officer will provide a report back to Council by end of March 2025 outlining the following:
- The best use options for the current Glen Street car park land that would enable Council to unlock the funds needed to build the replacement car park and community facilities on the western side of Eastwood while retaining Council's ownership of the site; and
- Recommendations on the best possible location for the new Eastwood car park on the western side of Eastwood (noting that in the short term the existing Glen Street car park must remain operational until a new replacement car park is built).
24/7 Library in the City of Ryde
The Chief Executive Officer will provide a report back to Council by the end of March 2025 detailing the most suitable location within the City of Ryde to conduct a 12-month trial of its first 24/7 library. The report will include the required resourcing and budget needed to conduct such a trial so that it may be included in upcoming Operational and Delivery plans, Halls and Facilities Strategy, and the new Libraries Strategy to be developed in 2025. Feedback on the proposal will be sought from a broad range of community members such as existing users, students, workers, professionals, local businesses, and families on their needs.
Putney Village community initiative
Council approved the community initiative of lighting the Putney Village trees with low voltage lighting. A Christmas tree will be installed annually at a suitable location on public land within the Putney Village. Clr Maggio's discretionary fund will be utilised to carry out the works.
To view the minutes of the meeting, click here