Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Vithoulkas -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the 286 small pocket parks and nearly 100 playgrounds across the Local Government Area;

(ii)        the existing small parks renewal program which is a rolling annual asset renewal program aimed at renewal of parks to ensure they are safe, in good condition, are well presented and meet the needs of the community;

(iii)      parks are prioritised for renewal based on:

(a)       asset condition;

(b)       remaining useful life;

(c)       wear;

(d)       defects; and

(e)       risk;

(iv)      budgets for small park upgrades are developed based on benchmark rates with small park renewals usually delivered over a two- to three-year period covering design, consultation and construction;

(v)       Josephson Street Reserve is located next to the Captain Cook Hotel. The Hotel has approval for footway seating in a 12 square metre area of the reserve;

(vi)      the Paddington-Darlinghurst Community Working Group has expressed its concern with the current lack of community amenity from the Josephson Street Reserve;

(vii)     the City has been vigilant in discarding the waste often illegally dumped in the Josephson Street Reserve;

(viii)    Josephson Street Reserve is often utilised by the Captain Cook Hotel or as an illegal car parking space; and

(ix)      due to its state of disrepair, the Josephson Street Reserve has become unusable for local residents, who are requesting by way of petition, an upgrade of the park into a space suitable for community use; and

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested, in light of changed circumstances and community concern about Josephson Street Reserve, to:

(i)         order an updated assessment be undertaken to effectively consider the need for an amendment to the small parks and playgrounds renewal timeframe to include an upgrade for the Reserve; and

(ii)        engage with residents and owners of the Captain Cook Hotel to discuss usage and maintenance of the Josephson Street Reserve.

Carried unanimously.

S129266