Council meeting summary - 28 February 2023
Published on 06 March 2023
Donation to assist those affected by earthquake in Central Turkey and Syria
Council held a minute’s silence to acknowledge the tragic loss of life and those injured in the 6 February 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria and will donate $10,000 to the Armenian Relief Society to assist in the humanitarian efforts for those affected.
International relations and delegation visit to Taiwan
Council accepted the invitation from the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office to participate in the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taiwan to help deliver economic and social benefits to the City of Ryde. Costs incurred by the Mayor or Councillor delegates will be at the expense of each delegate and delegates will need to document and report on any offers of gifts or benefits (regardless of whether they were accepted). This report will be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer and included in Council’s gifts and benefits register.
Council also adopted the International Relations Policy – February 2023. The guiding principles of this are investment attraction, strategic outcomes, transparency, cooperation and collaboration, and the delivery of benefits. Council noted that existing Sister City Agreements, Friendship Agreements, and Partnership Agreements are not affected by this policy.
Eastwood Post Office closure
Council will write to Australia Post objecting to the closure of the full-service post office in Eastwood. It will also write to the Federal Member for Bennelong and the Federal Communications Minister seeking their intervention to stop the removal of the Eastwood Post Office.
Celebrating Holi
Council acknowledges the significance of Holi for the growing Indian diaspora in the City of Ryde and will promote this in community media and host a morning tea.
New Deputy Mayor elected
Council elected Clr Shweta Deshpande as Deputy Mayor for the ensuing period until September 2023. Clr Deshpande is a Central Ward Councillor and the first Deputy Mayor of South Asian heritage.
Appointment of external committee delegates
Council appointed Councillor delegates to the Northern Sydney Region of Councils, Sydney North Planning Panel and Parramatta River Catchment Group.
December Quarterly Budget Review and Operational Plan Progress Report
Council endorsed proposed budget variations as detailed in the 2022 December Quarterly Review Report.
Conduct of the 2024 local government election confirmed
Council will engage the Electoral Commissioner to conduct the 14 September 2024 Local Government Election.
Terms of reference for Council Working Groups
Council noted the Terms of Reference for City of Ryde Working Groups.
2023 National General Assembly of Local Government
Council will submit eligible motions received from Councillors to the National General Assembly 2023 for inclusion in the business papers for the conference.
Policies to be exhibited
Council will place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition. The policy ensures that City of Ryde Councillors have access to reasonable facilities and support so they can fulfil their civic duties, while also ensuring accountability, transparency and equity.
Council also endorsed the draft Charitable Donations Policy for public exhibition, after which should no submissions be received, the policy will be adopted. The policy framework permits donations to be made to organisations with charitable purposes operating beyond the City of Ryde Local Government Area.
Sportsground allocation policy review
Council delegated the Chief Executive Officer to facilitate a meeting with Christie Park users to outline the new direction the Council is taking with football at Christie Park in Macquarie Park.
Flag poles at Memorial Park
Council allocated up to $100,000 to the 2023-2024 Operational Plan for the installation of three flag poles at Memorial Park in Meadowbank. Council is seeking expressions of interest from local return service league clubs to partially or fully fund the installation.
Glen Street car park permit system reinstated
Council endorsed the reversion of the Glen Street, Eastwood carpark permit fees to pre-2022 rates. It will refund all permit holders the difference between the revised fee and the fees paid under the former fee for the 2022/23 year.
Exchange or surrender of interests in land
Council authorised the exchange or surrender of interests in land to which Council is the beneficiary under certain conditions and delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documentation on behalf of Council.
Traffic safety investigations in Putney
Council will investigate traffic and road safety at the intersections of Church Street/Simpson Street and Regent Street/Simpson Street/Beacon Avenue in Putney. This will include replacing the existing ‘GIVE WAY’ signs with ‘STOP’ signs on Simpson Street/Beacon Avenue at its intersection with Regent Street. This includes installing regulatory supplementary linemarking to improve visibility and reinforce the ‘STOP’ sign traffic control at this intersection.
Ryde Athletics Summer Season Permit
Council will waive overdue fees for the Ryde Athletics Club due to COVID-19 impacts resulting in financial hardship.
Revolutionising road maintenance
Council will investigate the feasibility of using new artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help identify potholes and other road defects by installing the cameras onto Council’s operational fleet.
Engaging residents in high density homes
Council will develop an engagement strategy focusing on residents living in apartment buildings and work with strata committees to organise regular meet and greet events at or near their buildings to create greater awareness of Council services and representatives.
Investigation into use of land in Eastwood
Council will report on the available options to formalise the use of a parcel of land adjacent to 1A Vimiera Road in Eastwood for Tuffy Auto Centre’s business operations.
Recognising contributions
Council recognised Ryde resident Anna Lao AM’s contribution to badminton locally and nationally and will explore ways to recognise her contribution within the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre.
Council also acknowledged the late John Boyle’s contribution to the protection and maintenance of Ryde’s natural areas as a bushcare volunteer and will install a plaque in his memory at the Field of Mars, East Ryde.
Sydney Water privatisation opposition
Council noted that the Premier of NSW has unequivocally ruled out privatising Sydney Water and the Mayor will write to the Opposition Leader, all Lane Cove, Parramatta and Ryde State Election candidates stating City of Ryde’s opposition to the privatisation of Sydney Water.
Safety handrail proposed for installation in East Ryde
Council will develop a proposal to install a handrail at the accessway between Melba Drive and Sager Place shops in East Ryde.
To view the minutes of the Council meeting, click here.