Moved by Councillor Forster, seconded by Councillor Chung –
It is resolved that:
(A) Council note:
(i) the City of Sydney’s 46 water features are significant in terms of their cultural value, heritage status, and contribution to the amenity of the City’s public domain;
(ii) it is important that these and any future water features are maintained to the highest standard of presentation and operation, and that they are managed to ensure efficient use of power and water to contribute to the City’s emissions and water targets as part of Sustainable Sydney 2030;
(iii) all of the City's water features are regularly serviced by the contractor, with most of them being serviced at least three times a week to meet required contract outcomes;
(iv) Taylor Square is the cultural and historic heart of Sydney's LGBTI community and an iconic destination for both local residents and visitors to the City;
(v) the Taylor Square water feature was officially opened in 2003 by South Sydney Council following a $5.25 million investment that also included lighting and the grass terrace known as 'Gilligan's Island';
(vi) the Taylor Square water feature was turned off in mid-December 2019 to align with the Sydney metropolitan level 2 water restrictions and then recently turned back on following the reintroduction of level 1 water restrictions in late February 2020;
(vii) the Taylor Square water feature and surrounds are now extensively damaged, with multiple broken light fittings and pavers, and significant build-up of litter and grime throughout the feature; and
(viii) the existing water feature lights are scheduled to be replaced in the 20/21 financial year and the related tender will include a new dynamic light installation; and
(B) the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:
(i) arrange for the Taylor Square water feature and surrounds to be inspected and maintained at the earliest opportunity and ensure that the water feature is extensively cleaned prior to future Mardi Gras Parades; and
(ii) review the current cleaning and maintenance schedules for all of the City's 46 water features to:
(a) ensure that these significant cultural and heritage assets are maintained to the highest standard of presentation and operation;
(b) identify any water feature, such as the one located in Taylor Square, that require more than the current number of scheduled maintenance visits and adjust the schedule accordingly; and
(c) report back to Councillors via a CEO Update on the results of this review as soon as practicable.
Carried unanimously.
S129260