Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 October 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 October 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Supporting alfresco outdoor dining in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that the NSW Government has announced a new policy, and grant funding, to support local businesses to expand their footprint to new outdoor spaces through the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, was unanimously supported by Councillors.
City of Newcastle will notify local businesses about its support for the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, including facilitating the implementation of the expanded alfresco outdoor dining policy. Information will be provided to local businesses so they can take full advantage of the initiative as they recover from the affects of the pandemic.
Basketball Courts at National Park
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that a key principle of the current 2012 National Park Plan of Management (PoM) is to provide sporting, recreation, and leisure facilities to meet the current and future needs of the community, was supported by Councillors.
The Minute also noted that the former tennis courts site is categorised as ‘sportsground’ under the current PoM, with the objective of sportsground land being to ‘encourage, promote and facilitate organised and informal sporting activities and games’.
Council endorsed the provision of four new basketball courts, currently under construction, following the success of the construction of two basketball courts in September 2020, noting that a Review of Environmental Factors has stated that the project aligns with the intention of the National Park Plan of Management 2012.
The Minute acknowledged that since the adoption of the 2012 PoM, the conversion of the former Life Without Barriers site has provided an additional 9750m2 of green space not previously accessible to the public, which has been rehabilitated for passive recreation.
The Minute also recognised that the provision of four new basketball courts returns this space back to the public and aligns with the 2012 PoM, while providing an additional 1250m2 of green space surrounding the new courts, and significantly updating public amenity including the provision of new shelters, seating, a drinking water station and brand-new playing surfaces.
Councillors noted that the exhibition of an updated National Park Plan of Management will occur in 2022.
Ordinary Business
Suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott
Councillors noted the Office of Local Government suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott from civic office for six weeks from 18 October until 29 November 2021.
NSW Land and Housing Corporation – Memorandum of Understanding Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, to formalise a shared vision in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing in Newcastle.
Quarterly Budget Review – September 2021
The September Quarterly Budget Review Statement was adopted by Council.
Adoption of the Housing Policy
Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Housing Policy, which outlines City of Newcastle’s commitments and priorities to facilitate more affordable housing in strategic growth areas and provide direction for the provision of affordable housing in new development.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Councillors unanimously voted to place the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025 on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The draft DIAP outlines strategies and actions to ensure people in the community with a disability can access services and facilities.
Special Flood Considerations Clause – Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Council unanimously supported the inclusion of the ‘special flood considerations’ clause within the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
City of Newcastle will confirm to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that is wishes to have the ‘special flood considerations’ clause included.
Endorsement of Planning Proposal and Development Control Plan for Community Infrastructure Incentives at Wickham
Councillors unanimously voted to lay this item on the table.
Request for Interim Heritage Order – St Columban’s Church Mayfield
Council endorsed a request to the Heritage Council of NSW to place an Interim Heritage Order over St Columban’s Church in Mayfield.
Adoption of Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plans Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Section 7.11 Development Contribution Plan and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plan. The Plans will come into force on 1 January 2022.
Adoption of the 2021/21 Annual Financial Statements
Councillors received and adopted City of Newcastle’s audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021.
More information about the Annual Financial Statements can be found here.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – Annual Report
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 2020/21 in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Alcohol Regulated Areas
Councillors endorsed the placement of proposed amendments to Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
Temporary Suspension of Alcohol Free Zones
Councillors approved the temporary suspension of Alcohol Free Zones in the Newcastle Foreshore area for the purpose of two events in December 2021.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender Report – Biennial Civil Construction and Maintenance Heavy Patching
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the provision of heavy patching to deliver road pavement repairs throughout Newcastle.
Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1.
Notices of Motion
Development Control Plan Review
A Notice of Motion relating to the scheduled review of City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plan (DCP) was adopted by Council.
As part of the review, City of Newcastle will consider issues including car stackers, sustainability of buildings, access and service stations.
Charter of Commitment Honesty
A Notice of Motion was introduced that called for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Election to ensure any election commitment are properly costed, budgeted, or any new expenditure is offset by savings or additional revenue.
City of Newcastle will establish a Charter of Budget Honesty for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections.
SIEV-X Memorial Plaque
A Notice of Motion which acknowledged the 20th anniversary of the SIEV-X tragedy, which saw the SIEV-X sink on the way to Australia, resulting in the drowning of 146 children, 142 women and 65 men on 19 October 2001, was adopted.
City of Newcastle will refer the Motion to the Community and Culture Community to consider a commemorative plaque in remembrance of the SIEV-X at Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore.
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