Decision details

The original Notice of Motion was moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Jarrett.

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           the 286 small pocket parks and nearly 100 playgrounds across the local government area;

(ii)          Bakery Park is located at 62B Raglan St, Waterloo in an area characterised by public housing;

(iii)        constituents have been raising concerns since November 2020 about the increasingly problematic situation which poses a threat to resident’s safety and enjoyment of the park;

(iv)        the park has been subject to an increase in anti-social behaviour, drug paraphernalia including used needles, vandalism to the environment including the destruction of the natural environment and illegal dumping; and

(v)         the residents request that Bakery Park be upgraded into a useable play space for young children and residents;

(B)        Council also note:

(i)           in 2021, the City undertook turf and planting work near the Cains Place entry to Bakery Park;

(ii)         City staff are currently installing additional planting with Dianella, Dichondra, native violets and birds nest ferns;

(iii)        Cains Place leading to Wellington Lane is in poor condition and will be placed on the parks renewal program for 2023/24;

(iv)        the City’s lighting team has investigated the existing lighting in Bakery Park and confirms all lights within the park are operational as at 31 August 2022;

(v)         recent asset condition inspections confirm that the lights are approaching end of life. The City met with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation in August 2022 to review the current lighting arrangements and infrastructure in the park. The City has programmed renewal of the park lighting in 2023/24;

(vi)        City staff service Bakery Park twice a week. This service includes removing any illegally dumped rubbish, collection of syringes within the park and general park maintenance; and

(vii)      City staff encourage residents to call the Customer Service Centre on 02 9265 9333 to report any issues. This is recorded in our corporate system and sent to staff to action. It also assists with the accuracy of data collection; and

(C)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)           investigate whether the City’s planned maintenance in and around Bakery Park could be brought forward;

(ii)          consider what other action could be taken to upgrade Bakery Park;

(iii)        appeal to the NSW Land and Housing Corporation to have the private lane access to the park through Wellington Lane opened to avoid the illegal dumping;

(iv)        appeal to Housing NSW to remove the iron gate that blocks access to both sides of Cains Place to Pitt Street stemming from the housing commission; and

(v)         report back to Council via a CEO Update.

Amended motion carried unanimously.

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