Council Meeting Summary - 24 October 2023
Published on 30 October 2023
Council held a meeting on 24 October 2023. The following is a summary of the outcomes from the meeting:
Condolences – Passing of Ursula Carlile
Council observed a one minute silence for the passing of Ursula Carlile, the first female to be head coach of an Australian Olympic swimming team and was a pioneer of sports science.
Matter of Urgency – Meadowbank netball courts
Council will undertake a condition audit on the current state of netball courts in Meadowbank and will investigate options for repairing the existing courts to ensure the facility is fit for purpose. It will also provide an update on the status of the new netball courts at the former Marsden High school site and provide a report as soon as practicable.
Matter of Urgency – fox attacks
Council acknowledged the sudden increase in fox sightings and attacks on pets and local wildlife over recent months and will prepare a report on current fox numbers and management program as well as a submission for the NSW Invasive Species Management review before 31 October.
Mayoral Minute – relocation of Ryde Fire Station
Following the opening of the new Ryde Fire and Rescue NSW station on Coxs Road, North Ryde, the Mayor will write to the station chief and thank him for the dedication and professionalism displayed by all personnel based at the old station in Blaxland Road, Ryde, and wish them all the best in their new headquarters. The Mayor will provide a BBQ at the new station with present and former firefighters and neighbours to be invited.
Annual disclosure of pecuniary interests
The Register of Pecuniary Interest Disclosure was tabled as required under Clause 4.25 of the City of Ryde Code of Conduct – Standards of Conduct.
Report on Councillor expenses
Council received and noted the report regarding Councillor expenses and facilities for the period 1 January 2023-30 June 2023.
Draft City of Ryde Sponsorship Policy
Council endorsed the public exhibition of the revised Sponsorship Policy for a period of at least 28 days. A further report will be brought to Council if there are any substantive submissions requiring further considerations, otherwise the revised Policy will be adopted after the public exhibition period has ended.
Ryde Resource Efficiency Policy
Council will adopt the revised ‘Target’ (formerly Resource Efficiency Target 2020 within the Renewable Energy Target) as a new Council policy, to be known as the Ryde Resource Efficiency Policy (2023).
Review of social media advertising
Council endorsed the current practice of prudent use of social media channels to supplement traditional media channels.
Capital works urgent project budget adjustments
Council adopted proposed variations to the Capital Works Budgets for the following projects: Kissing Point Park foreshore protection works; construction of speed cushions on Morrison Road; Morrison Bay field works; and Conservation Management Plan Program (The Parsonage).
Community Grants Program review
Council will adopt a number of proposed changes to its Community Grants Program while maintaining the total annual funding of $415,000.
Reducing organic and non-organic matter in our waterways
Council resolved that the proposed amendments to the servicing frequencies of waste from Council’s Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) network be noted as at optimal frequency. It further resolved that the current street sweeping, and stormwater pit servicing frequencies are noted to be at optimal frequency and for this servicing to continue in accordance with current practice.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hsinchu Science Park Bureau
Council approved the City of Ryde entering an MoU with Taiwan’s Hsinchu Science Park Bureau and for the Mayor to sign the MoU on behalf of Council, as per its International Relations Policy. An invitation will also be extended to any Councillors wishing to attend the signing. Additional information will be provided to Councillors in a workshop on implementing this motion.
Traffic and parking matters
Council will adopt the following recommendations from the 21 September 2023 Ryde Local Traffic Committee meeting:
- Argyle Avenue, Ryde: A raised pedestrian crossing will be installed.
- Robinson Street, Ryde: A ‘NO STOPPING’ zone will be installed at the property frontage of 1-2 Robinson Street.
- See Street and Macpherson Street, Meadowbank: The ‘GIVE WAY’ holding line will be repositioned and 2.5m wide painted islands will be installed at the intersection.
- 33-35 Edgar Street, Eastwood: A 13m long ‘NO PARKING 5AM-11AM THU – WASTE VEHICLES EXCEPTED’ zone will be installed.
- 92 Herring Road, Marsfield: A raised median island will be constructed. A ‘KEEP LEFT’ sign will be installed at the beginning of the extended central median (north-eastern end). An ‘ALL TRAFFIC LEFT’ sign will be installed at the middle of the central median. ‘NO STOPPING’ signs will be installed on both sides of driveway servicing 92 Herring Road.
- Arras Parade, Ryde: The 5.5m long disabled parking zone will be removed and converted to unrestricted parking.
Establishing a modern Eastwood Chinatown
Council will partner with the Eastwood business community, residents, and other appropriate stakeholders to establish a working party to identify appropriate boundaries to demarcate a proposed Chinese cultural precinct on the western side of the shopping area in Eastwood. A masterplan for appropriate and inclusive signage, decorations and other public art will then be developed to create an identifiable precinct, to be known as ‘145 CT’. Community consultation will be sought, and a budget will be brought back to Council for consideration by February 2024.
Extending Library hours during extreme temperatures
Council will consider extending hours of operation in some or all local libraries on days of extreme temperatures so that these facilities may be used by the local community seeking relief.
Glades Bay Road Reserve
Council will investigate the condition of Glades Bay Road Reserve, with a report to be prepared for the March 2024 Council Meeting detailing the findings of both the investigation and a supporting community consultation process. Any proposal to remove the wildlife refuge in the Ross Street Road Reserve will be done in consultation with Birdlife Australia, the Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society and the Parramatta River Catchment Group.
Putney village traffic and parking
Council will investigate opportunities to increase parking through changes to existing parking conditions on Charles Street, Morrison Road, Delange Road, and Douglas Street. Community consultation will be undertaken on any recommended changes which will then be raised at the Ryde Local Traffic Committee and Council meetings for formal approval.
Eastwood Cultural Centre
The Mayor will write to NSW Premier Chris Minns to provide the budget and plans to build the proposed cultural community centre during this term of the Labor State Government. Council will ensure that within six months of receiving the funds for the planning and development phase, a planning proposal be prepared to amend the RLEP to increase the allowable height in this part of Eastwood as required for the construction of a community centre. It will also prepare and lodge a Development Application to accommodate all the services and inclusions needed to enable the cultural community centre to function on top of a multi-level car park. Staff will provide a report to Council regarding the quantum of funds required from the State Government for them to fulfil their pre-election commitment to build the cultural centre. Council will also include the cultural centre in the master planning of Eastwood town centre.
Waste education campaign
Council will undertake research for a specific education campaign in waste management that involves the use of bin stickers to inform users of the appropriate waste for each bin. A report will be brought back to Council, at the earliest, with recommendations for this campaign.
Children’s safety at Heatley Reserve
Council will investigate the provision of a suitable barrier/deterrent (wooden fence or thick native hedge) along Heatley Reserve, East Ryde at Moncrieff Drive and Sager Place, to deter small children running directly into traffic and the bus interchange area. A report will be prepared detailing the findings of the investigation, including identification of different options and funding sources to provide a visually appealing deterrent that enhances the new design of the reserve.
Housing affordability strategy
Council acknowledged the suffering of all Ryde residents during the housing crisis and welcomed more perspectives on how to ease this burden. Council staff will engage with the Reconciliation Action Working Group on how City of Ryde can respectfully ease the pressure for First Nations people living in Ryde.
Staircase safety – 1 Pope Street, Ryde
Staff will undertake an investigation regarding the staircase that links the City of Ryde Customer Service area with the library at 1 Pope Street, Top Ryde and provide a report to Council outlining the safety of the staircase and compliance with building codes.
To view the minutes of the Council Meeting, click here(PDF, 433KB)