Council Meeting summary – 27 May 2025

Published on 30 May 2025

Council held a meeting on Tuesday 27 May 2025. The following is a summary of outcomes from the meeting:

Mayoral Minute – State Emergency Service

Council acknowledged and congratulated the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) on its 70th Anniversary and recognises the vital contribution the organisation and its volunteers have made to the people of NSW. The Chief Executive Officer will prepare a report for Council outlining options to formally and appropriately recognise and honour the NSW SES’s 70th Anniversary, including potential sponsorship opportunities, event or recognition concepts, and associated costs.

Mayoral Minute – Eastwood Croquet Club

Council congratulated the Eastwood Croquet Club on its 90th year Anniversary.

Mayoral Minute – RALC fees and charges

Council acknowledged the feedback received regarding the proposed changes to the 2025/26 Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) fees and charges. It committed to further consultation with the community on the proposal, including more targeted communication and engagement beyond the official period for submissions. It also confirmed that the current provision of free access to the RALC for eligible City of Ryde residents holding a concession (pensioners or health care cardholders with proof of residency) will remain unchanged for the next financial year.

Mayoral Minute – progressing 24-hour library trial

Council will bring forward the Councillor workshop on the 24/7 Library Trial to 17 June 2025. It will request staff to complete the necessary WHS and security assessments and prepare implementation options and a timeline. It notes that a further report will be provided to Council following the workshop to confirm the scope and commencement date of the trial.

Mayoral Minute – passing of Michael (Mick) Smith

Council noted the passing of Michael (Mick) Smith, a valued Plant Operator within Council’s Civil Infrastructure team. He joined Council in June 2015 and was highly regarded not only by his immediate team, but also across the broader Operations and City Infrastructure section and throughout the organisation. Council offered condolences to Mick’s family, friends and work colleagues. A minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect.  

Councillor and Mayoral fees for 2025/26

Council will increase the annual Councillor fee from $31,020 to $31,950 and the Mayoral fee from $90,370 to $101,470, in addition to the Councillor fee, in accordance with the Local Government Renumeration Tribunal determination.

Councillor Discretionary Funds – Vimiera Road footpath and Marsfield Park car park

Council approved the allocation of $40,000 excluding GST from Mayor Trenton Brown’s Councillor Discretionary Fund to the 2024/2025 Capital Works Program and Footpath Expansion Capital Works Program for the completion of the missing footpath on Vimiera Road and installation of sandstone blocks to the car park at Marsfield Park. 

Councillor Discretionary Funds – seating at Morrison Bay Park basketball court

Council approved the allocation of $8,290.00 from Councillor Roy Maggio’s Discretionary Fund to the 2024/2025 Capital Works Program for the purchase and installation of three bench seats adjacent to the basketball court at Morrison Bay Park. 

Councillor Discretionary Funds – Dickson Avenue footpath extension

Council approved the allocation of $30,000 excluding GST from the Councillor Roy Maggio’s Discretionary Fund to the 2025/2026 Footpath Expansion Capital Works Program for the construction of the Dickson Avenue footpath extension. If there is slight shortfall in funds, the balance of the project will be funded from the current Footpath Expansion Capital Works Program.

Councillor Discretionary Funds – water stations at North Ryde Park and Monash Park

Council approved the allocation of $33,000 excluding GST from the Councillor Keanu Arya’s and Councillor Sophie Lara-Watson’s Discretionary Fund ($16,500 each) for the installation of one water station at North Ryde Park and one water station at Monash Park.

Councillor Discretionary Funds – shade shelters at ELS Hall Park

Council approved the allocation of $34,500 excluding GST from Councillor Shweta Deshpande’s and Daniel Han’s Discretionary Fund ($17,250 each) for the installation of shade shelters at ELS Hall Park, North Ryde.

Councillor Discretionary Funds – erosion mitigation at Shrimptons Creek, North Ryde

Council approved the allocation of $50,000 from Councillor Lyndal Howison’s Discretionary Fund for the erosion mitigation and associated works in Shrimptons Creek between Kent Road and Trevitt Road, North Ryde.

Planning Proposal - Dual occupancy housing

Council endorsed an expedited amendment using Section 3.22 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend the Ryde Local Environmental Plan 2014 to apply the existing planning provisions for dual occupancy to all dual occupancy. Council endorsed the amendments for consideration by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Minister for Planning. If the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure advise they do not accept the proposed LEP amendment as a section 3.22 Amendment, Council officers will explore the option to pursue a full planning proposal in response to the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which would be brought back to Council for consideration prior to lodgement.

Tree preservation

A report will be brought back to the next Council Meeting which considers that replacement trees must be an advanced approved species, planted and maintained to maturity, chosen from a list of known species that grows naturally in the area to provide required nutrition and habitat for local wildlife. It will also consider that mandatory inspections be undertaken during and after construction to ensure compliance with approved tree management plans.

Key Workers Affordable Housing Policy

Council endorsed the exhibition of the Draft Key Workers Affordable Housing Police for a period of 42 days. A report will be provided back to Council on the submissions received during the exhibition period and any recommended amendments. Council will amend the criteria to exclude delivery drivers, retail workers, cleaners and public transport workers from the definition of Key Workers within the Draft Policy.

Community Grants 2025 Round 1

Council endorsed funding for 43 grant applications with total funding of $245,449 for the City of Ryde Community Grants, Round 1, 2025.

Off leash dog areas

Council declared Warrawong Reserve (by issue of future order) to be an enclosed dog off-leash area pursuant to Section 13(6) of the Companion Animals Act 1998 once works are completed in the 2026/2027 financial year. Council declared Brereton Park (by issue of a future order) to be an unfenced dog off-leash area pursuant to Section 13(6) of the Companion Animals Act 1998. Council declared Fontenoy Park (by issue of a future order) to be a partially fenced dog off-leash area pursuant to Section 13(6) of the Companion Animals Act 1998 once works are completed in the 2026/2027 financial year and on the condition that the declaration is only in place during times when the Park is not being used for organised sporting activities booked by Council. Funding for the installation of fencing at Warrawong Reserve and Fontenoy Park will be identified in the 2026/2027 Operational Plan.

Installation of bubblers at Council sportsgrounds

Council endorsed the reinstatement of a filtered water station at Christie Park. The estimated cost for this project is $17,250, which can be funded under the 2025/26 Sportsground Maintenance budget, subject to Council’s adoption of the 2025/2026 Operational Plan. Council endorsed the staged installation of water stations at the following sportsgrounds which will be a future capital project for inclusion in the 2026/2027 iteration of the Four-Year Delivery Plan:

2026-2027

Marsfield Park

Magdala Park

Darvall Park

2027-2028

Bremner Park

Meadowbank Park #13 

Pioneer Park 

2028-2029

Westminster Park

Fixed Space Car Share Program 2025-2026

Council acknowledged the 2025-2026 Car Share Expression of Interest program process and community consultation undertaken to date in alignment with Council’s Fixed Car Share Policy. Council endorsed the following six:

Location 1 – Windsor Drive, Corner of Herring Road, Macquarie Park 

Location 2 – 1 Ball Avenue, Eastwood

Location 3 – Opposite 10 East Parade, Eastwood

Location 4 – 14-16 Lakeside Road, Eastwood

Location 5 – 3 Cambridge Street, Gladesville

Location 6 – John Wilson Car Park, Pittwater Road, Gladesville

Buena Vista Avenue waste collection and engagement

Council noted the contents of a report on waste collection concerns and engagement at Buena Vista Avenue, Denistone.

Traffic and parking matters

Council endorsed the following recommendations approved by the Ryde Local Traffic Committee at its meeting on 3 April 2025:

• Monash Road, Gladesville: A pedestrian refuge will be installed on Monash Road, to the south of College Street at the intersection of College Street/ Eltham Street and Monash Road, Gladesville. Vehicles over 6m will be banned from turning left onto Monash Road from Eltham Street, Gladesville.
• Parkes Street, West Ryde: The existing 5.4m long NO STOPPING zone will be replaced with a NO PARKING STRYDER VEHICLES EXCEPTED zone outside property no. 99 Parkes Street, West Ryde.
• Ryedale Road, West Ryde: The existing 1/2P 8:30AM-6PM MON-FRI 8:30AM-12:30PM SAT parking restriction will be changed to 1/2P (at all times) at the frontage of businesses located on the eastern side of Ryedale Road, between Wattle Street and Victoria Road, West Ryde. The parking bay lines will be marked at the parking spaces on the eastern side of Ryedale Road, opposite to the West Ryde train station.
• Wolger Road, Ryde: The existing NO STOPPING zone on the western side will be extended at the property frontages of 30 to 38 Wolger Road, Ryde. The existing NO STOPPING zone will be extended on the eastern side of Wolger Road at the property frontages of 47 to 49A and side frontage of 9 Aeolus Avenue, Ryde.
• Terry Road and Brush Road, Eastwood: A 12.5m long LOADING ZONE 6AM-6PM MON-FRI will be installed on Terry Road at the frontage of property no. 64. The existing BUS ZONE on Terry Road opposite Milton Avenue will be extended to 30m (20m approach and 10m departure). A 26m long 1/2P Parking 8AM-6PM ALL DAYS will be installed on Brush Road along the frontage of property no. 64 Terry Road.
• Angas Street bridge: The Angas Street bridge in Meadowbank will be repurposed to accommodate pedestrian and cyclist traffic only (i.e. vehicular traffic will not be permitted to travel across the bridge). A turnaround facility will be provided at the northern and southern ends of Angas Street bridge to enable vehicles to turnaround. These areas will be signposted “NO STOPPING” to assist with the safety of vehicular manoeuvring.

Urgent parking management measures – Jeanette Street, East Ryde

Council acknowledged receipt of a petition signed by 52 Jeanette Street, East Ryde residents and frequent visitors to the street, requesting urgent parking management changes. It noted that both the Ryde Local Traffic Committee and Council’s Traffic and Transport Department have previously recommended parking changes as necessary and appropriate for Jeanette Street. It will facilitate and convene a meeting in early June 2025 involving all residents of Jeanette Street, together with representatives from Council’s Traffic Services department, ensuring that all residents are notified in writing and given the opportunity to voice their concerns and contribute to the development of fair and effective parking solutions. It will ensure that all concerns, feedback, and preferences expressed by residents during the consultation process are formally documented and incorporated into the decision-making process. The outcomes of the community consultation to the Ryde Local Traffic Committee will be reported for review at the next available meeting. Final recommendations for parking changes will be presented to the full Council no later than August 2025 for consideration and implementation.

Festive decorations across the Ryde Local Government Area

Council will bring back a report on the opportunity to expand the existing festive decorations across the Ryde Local Government Area, in a timeframe that provides for decorations to be sourced and delivered. The report will include a Christmas Decoration Action Plan that invests in new decorations for local shopping town centres for 2025 and beyond. Consideration will be given to creating a festive streetscape (such as decorations on light posts, fairy lights, Christmas tree).

Traffic signals – intersection of Lane Cove Road and Buffalo Road, Ryde

Council will formally call for the reinstatement of the right turn filter on Lane Cove Road, Ryde at the signalised intersection of Lane Cove Road and Buffalo Road to improve traffic flow and reduce safety risks. It will write to the NSW Minister for Roads and the NSW Minister for Transport requesting Transport for NSW (TfNSW) consider the reinstatement of the right turn filter for traffic turning right from Lane Cove Road onto Buffalo Road.

Review of traffic changes to Park Avenue, West Ryde

Council will report on any adverse local traffic impacts since making Park Avenue one way. It will investigate whether traffic flow may improve if Park Avenue was made one way in an easterly direction. It will also investigate any effects on ambulance response times due to the change liaising with NSW Health. It will further investigate ways to improve the safety of the Park Avenue, and Chatham Road generally including the installation of a mirror.

Organisation of a Rivercare Day

Council will review and bring back a report within three months on the feasibility of conducting a Rivercare Day in the City of Ryde. It will work with local and community organisations to help design and find a suitable date every year to host the event. It will also look for funding opportunities from Government Grants, and Corporate Sponsorships.

Review of pre-booked Council clean-ups

Council will conduct a thorough examination of the Council clean-ups provided to the community, ensuring all aspects of service delivery are evaluated. It will provide a detailed breakdown comparing the usage of services by strata properties versus stand-alone homes, highlighting any disparities and patterns. It will also solicit feedback from residents of the effectiveness of current services and explore potential improvements by presenting alternative options.

Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre fees and charges

A report will be prepared for the June Council Meeting addressing the impact of the proposed fee adjustments on accessibility and affordability for pensioners and other vulnerable groups within the community, including an estimate of the number of patrons likely to be affected. It will also look at financial implications of the proposed changes and provide a clear explanation of the underlying financial pressures or capital/operational funding requirements that have led to the proposed changes at the RALC. Analysis of alternative strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of the RALC will also be included.

Support for local running clubs’ community event

Council will liaise with local running clubs to identify suitable dates and venues for the proposed event within one week of this Notice of Motion passing. It will explore potential parks and reserves within the City of Ryde that can accommodate the event without disrupting scheduled sporting activities, such changing the time to the afternoon/evening. It will further investigate the potential of an annual running event, similar to the Ryde Roller Coaster.

Natural verges in Ryde

Council will review its Verge and Nature Strip Policy to provide a positive obligation to approve natural verges, except in relation to significant safety or access matters. It will provide education sessions on conversion to Natural Verges as part of its existing environmental education program. It will build awareness of the benefits of natural verges for local land and aquatic ecosystems in Ryde. It will further promote a revised Verge and Nature Strip Policy through existing community engagement platforms including the Council’s website.

Illegally placed political materials

Council staff will prepare a report that lists the estimated number of illegally placed political materials collected in the six months prior and two weeks after the 2025 federal election noting types (including digital signage trailers), the authorisations and estimated number of these materials attributed to each authorisation. It will calculate the hours (including after-hours) and labour costs to City of Ryde for handling complaints, collection and storage of illegally placed political materials. Where possible, it will note any increase in plastic corflute material being collected post-election and sent to landfill by City of Ryde. It will further calculate costs to Council for the towing of any illegally placed digital signage on public property and provide a list of duties put on hold by rangers, in order to carry out works to remove political signage. The report will also investigate the framework of rules and fines regarding political signage, used by other NSROC LGA’s and the City of Parramatta. It will bring back recommendations on the introduction of fines and an improved signage regulation framework.

EV charging

Council will prepare a report that includes information on an EV strategy mentioned in the report on EV charging at 26 March 2024 Ordinary Meeting. The results of the 2024 staff engagement program supporting the new transition strategy for Council’s fleet will be drafted to guide staged delivery with targets for electric vehicles, and supported charging opportunities. This is aimed at further increasing the transition and bolstering staff support and encouragement for uptake mentioned in the report along with an update on new EV charging that has been delivered and the status of our fleet.

Real time assessment of sports fields after rain

Council staff will prepare a report that explores the feasibility of adding game day field assessments to wet weather procedure. It will contain an evaluation of the current inspection process, including whether resources allocated for Friday 2.00pm assessments could be reallocated to Friday 4.00pm or Saturday mornings for higher risk fields and/or fields with a higher weekend usage. It will also include cost and staffing implications, the logistical challenges of conducting inspections and communicating results in time for 8.00am kick-offs, and a review of the matrix currently used to determine ground closures. There will be consideration of where clubs are formally supported with clear guidelines and education around field closures and engagement with local clubs, associations and weekend field hirers to gather feedback on practical and sustainable solutions.

Appointment of Chairperson – Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Council endorsed the appointment of the nominated independent member, Mr David Pendleton as Chairperson of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, in accordance with the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Regulation.