Council meeting summary – 23 July 2024
Published on 29 July 2024
Council held a meeting on Tuesday 23 July. The following is a summary of outcomes from the meeting:
Mayoral Minute – TG Millner update
Council resolved that the CEO write to The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government, asking him to reconsider the decision to deny issuing the City of Ryde with the Proposed Acquisition Notice (PAN) for TG Millner Fields. Council also noted that the Mayor has already written to the NSW Premier, the Minister for Sport, the Minister for Local Government, and the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces encouraging them to provide the necessary funding for the purchase of TG Millner as previously promised by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Mayoral Minute – Macquarie Park Innovation District Rezoning
Council resolved that the CEO write to the Secretary for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure seeking an extension for City of Ryde’s submission to the NSW Government’s exhibition of the Macquarie Park Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Rezoning Proposal until Friday 30 August 2024. Council will publicise the Macquarie Park TOD (Stage 2) Rezoning proposal to ensure that the community is well informed of the changes proposed for the precinct. It will also encourage public submissions to the proposal. Further, the Mayor will write to NSW Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns MP, and the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, The Hon. Paul Scully MP, seeking a meeting and collaboration between the NSW Government and Council to ensure the right balance is struck between housing, employment opportunities and appropriate infrastructure.
Mayoral Minute – installation of solar systems on Council assets
Council staff will undertake an assessment of the Christie Park amenity facility roof to determine whether a solar system can be installed that complies with Council’s criteria, with an update on the findings, including potential funding sources, to be provided at a future Council Meeting.
Rockend Cottage
Council resolved to comply with Section 356 of the Local Government Act which requires Council to provide 28 days prior public notice of a proposal to grant financial assistance to the lessee of Rockend Cottage (noting that a significant rent-free period has already been provided and works were undertaken to the premises prior to the tenant taking occupation). The financial assistance must be for the purpose of exercising Council’s functions (such as maintaining and protecting its property). Council granted the CEO delegated authority to negotiate any such additional financial assistance and to take all necessary actions to comply with the statutory requirements of the Local Government Act.
Argyle Centre – youth arts recreation proposal
Council noted that refurbishment of the Argyle Centre would cost at least $5 million, whilst recent investment in youth performing arts programs including the new facility at Lachlan’s Line and upgraded facilities at North Ryde School of Arts already provide good community space and enhance opportunities for a range of activities for young people. It was also noted that since 2011 an Aboriginal Land Claim has impacted plans to redevelop the Argyle Centre and neighbouring bowling club. Council will write to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs NSW requesting a determination of this matter without further delay. Council will also investigate and pursue funding opportunities from State Government grants, private sector partnerships, and other relevant sources to proceed with the redevelopment of the Argyle Centre and adjacent bowling club, which presents an excellent opportunity to enhance community facilities. A workshop on the matter will be conducted after the September Local Government Elections.
Local Government Elections 2024
Council noted and endorsed the actions detailed in the Office of Local Government Pre-Election Guide for Councils - April 2024 relating to the use of Council resources and the publishing of “Electoral Matter” during the regulated period commencing on 5 August 2024. Council further noted the caretaker provisions as prescribed in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and endorsed 27 August 2024 as the last Council meeting prior to the 2024 Local Government Elections, noting that the caretaker provisions commence on 16 August 2024.
Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Councillors will notify the Helpdesk if they are interested in attending this conference, to be held in Tamworth on 17-19 November 2024. If those Councillors are subsequently elected, they will then confirm their attendance. The CEO will determine which staff attend the conference. This matter will be brought back to the October 2024 Council Meeting for confirmation of attendance.
Dog Off-Leash Feasibility – Charity Creek Cascades
Council declared the public area (by issue of an order) at 55 Linton Avenue, West Ryde, is to be an off-leash area (unfenced) pursuant to Section 13(6) of the Companion Animals Act 1988.
Meadowbank netball courts upgrade
Council will continue to conduct an annual audit and repairs of the netball courts at a cost of up to $50,000 per annum, funded from the Sportsground Maintenance Base Budget, until the Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) transitions to the West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility. The Mayor will write to NSW Education Minister Prue Car and reconfirm the State Government’s commitment to delivering the Netball Facility at 22 Winbourne Street and an update on the timeline of the project.
Kayaks, Dinghies and Watercraft in City of Ryde
Council staff will prepare a City of Ryde Watercraft Policy during the 2024/2025 financial year.
Eastwood Masterplan
Council noted the methodology and findings of the Eastwood Masterplan’s Early Engagement activities and endorsed the proposed Vision of the Eastwood Masterplan. Council further endorsed the next phases of the Eastwood Masterplan, being the Technical Studies and Masterplan Drafting.
Adoption of the Ryde Economic Development Strategy and Night-Time Economy Strategy
Council adopted the Economic Development Strategy and the Night-Time Economy Strategy, noting the Stakeholder Engagement Insights Report. Council noted that the 2024-25 Economic Action Plan will be published on Council’s website in the first week of August 2024.
City of Ryde Local Infrastructure Strategy
Council noted the public submissions received as per the Stakeholder Engagement Insights Report and adopted the Local Infrastructure Strategy, as considered by Council in May 2024, with minor amendments.
Land classification at Denistone
Pursuant to Section 31(2) of the Local Government Act, the land described as Lot 580 in Deposited Plan 340013, Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 435180 and Lot 12 in Deposited Plan 867700 will be classified as Operational Land.
Olive Street footpath
Council will defer funds from three identified footpath expansion projects in the current 2024/25 Operational Plan totalling $320,000 and allocate those funds for the investigation, design, and construction of a footpath on Olive Street, Ryde. Council will undertake the construction of the footpath on Olive Street from Ronald Avenue to Bridge Road within the 2024/25 financial year.
Social Plan 2025-2030
Council noted the Social Plan 2025-2030: Engagement Outcomes Report and endorsed staff progressing the development of the Social Plan 2025-2030.
Creativity Strategy 2025-2030
Council noted the Creativity Strategy 2025-2030: Engagement Outcomes Report and endorsed staff progressing the development of the Creativity Strategy 2025-2030.
Traffic and Parking matters
The following recommendations on traffic, transport and/or parking improvements were deliberated by the Ryde Local Traffic Committee at its meeting on 27 June 2024:
- Jarvis Circuit, Macquarie Park: Staff will undertake further investigation and come back to Council with a report of the cleaning schedule of the Lachlan’s Line toilet block and the Council vehicle parking space. Nine “2P 8AM-6PM MON-WED FRI-SUN 8AM-9PM THU” spaces will be converted to “4P 8AM - 6PM” on the southern side of Jarvis Circuit outside the play area on Lachlan’s Line Park, Macquarie Park.
- Salter Crescent, Denistone East: Consideration will be given to a 10m long “NO PARKING” zone being installed on both sides of Salter Crescent across the driveways of property nos. 13 and 20.
- Hyundai Drive, Macquarie Park: Consideration will be given to the following: an at-grade pedestrian crossing and supplementary signage being installed on Hyundai Drive and Lane Cove Road in accordance with Transport for NSW’s Technical Directions and other relevant standards. Signage on Lane Cove Road is to be installed by Transport for NSW only. An “ALL TRAFFIC (LEFT ONLY)” sign being installed on the northern side of Hyundai Drive, opposite the development’s driveway. The existing “TRUCK PROHIBITED – 7.0M AND OVER” sign on Hyundai Drive at its intersection with Lane Cove Road being replaced with a “TRUCKS PROHIBITED - 9.9M AND OVER” sign.
- Mellor Street, West Ryde: Consideration will be given to a “2P 8AM-6PM MON-FRI AUTHORISED PERMIT HOLDERS EXCEPTED - ZONE 8” resident parking scheme being installed on the eastern side of Mellor Street, West Ryde. Residents will be advised of the number of permits that they will be eligible for and invited to apply for permits.
- 6-8 Western Crescent, Gladesville: Consideration will be given to a 12.5m long “NO STOPPING - WASTE VEHICLES EXCEPTED” zone being installed on the northern side of Coulter Street at the property frontage of 6-8 Western Crescent, Gladesville; and a statutory “NO STOPPING” sign being installed on the eastern side of Ross Street, 10m north of Coulter Street.
- Coxs Road, North Ryde/East Ryde: Consideration will be given to “NO STOPPING” restrictions being installed on both sides of Coxs Road, North Ryde/East Ryde (outside property numbers 46 to 57) along the existing double centreline; statutory 10m "NO STOPPING" restrictions being installed at the intersections of Shaw Street and Wolfe Road with Coxs Road, North Ryde/East Ryde; and “NO STOPPING” restrictions being installed outside 40 Cox’s Road North Ryde/East Ryde.
- Morrison Road, Putney: Consideration will be given to a 6m long “NO STOPPING” zone being converted to unrestricted parking on the southern side of Morrison Road outside property no. 210.
- Buena Vista Avenue, Denistone: Council noted the long-standing garbage collection arrangements on Buena Vista Avenue and will further consult with residents in order to explore alternative solutions that will enable waste to be collected without loss of street parking.
Precis of Correspondence
Correspondence was noted and received from the following:
The Office of Local Government regarding Council’s financial sustainability; The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP regarding TG Millner Field; and a letter from the Partnerships and Programs Division of the Housing Support Branch regarding the Outcome of Applications for the Housing Support Program Stream 1.
Online meeting with representatives from local clubs and associations
Council will facilitate an online meeting within 14 days with representatives from all local clubs and associations affected by the inclement weather this winter season. The purpose of the meeting is to gather feedback on how to improve the experiences and outcomes for local clubs during adverse weather conditions in future winter seasons. Staff will compile a report based on the feedback and present this with recommendations to a Council meeting as soon as possible.
Code of Meeting Practice
Council acknowledged its statutory obligation to review the Code of Meeting Practice at the commencement of the new electoral term in October 2024. Council will review its Code of Meeting Practice in relation to allowing members of the public to speak on items being considered at Council meetings, with a workshop to be convened with Councillors to discuss a streamlined approach to public participation. As part of the process to formulate guidelines, Council will review the practices of other councils.
Pedestrian lighting
Council will conduct an audit of the lighting levels on pathways within the following parks, emphasising pedestrian and passive park user safety:
- Santa Rosa Park path
- Crimea Road access to Epping Road
- The Cascades from Top Ryde to West Ryde
- Anderson Park play area
- Temporary lighting for Blenheim Park until its masterplan is delivered
- Meadowbank Playground
Council will explore funding sources for the necessary improvements in lighting levels on pathways with the aforementioned parks, with the investigation to include both internal funding and potential external funding sources. Staff will take into consideration lighting that is acceptable for nocturnal fauna where possible. A report will be presented to Council detailing the findings of the audit and funding investigations as soon as practicable.
Court tour
City of Ryde will extend an invitation to NSW Police and the Ryde Hunters Hill Domestic and Family Violence (RHHDFV) Committee to partner in the provision of a ‘police station to court’ tour for domestic and family violence service providers and the community. The RHHDFV Committee will be encouraged to apply for a City of Ryde community grant to cover the costs of the bus and morning tea.
To view the minutes of the meeting, click here