Decisions

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

Data centres are necessary to store, process, and manage digital information. They are also critical to our financial, professional, education and technology sectors.

By next year, global investment in data centres is expected to reach $1.5 trillion Australian dollars. Goldman Sachs estimates that over the next 5 years, investment will total $7.6 trillion US dollars.

All this investment is being used to build between 3,000 and 5,000 times the current amount of computing power globally to meet growing demand. 

Right now, there are 16 data centres in our area, and about 60 operating in NSW, with another 19 in the pipeline.

However, data centres require a huge amount of electricity and water. The Energy Regulator and Sydney Water project that by 2030, data centres in Sydney will consume 11% of our grid-electricity and 20% of our drinking water. 

We can't allow the rapid, uncoordinated growth to continue, without standards, regulations and a planning framework to stop data centres placing increasing strain on our electricity grid, water supply and scarce inner-city land needed for housing and jobs.

I thank Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jess Miller for bringing this matter to Council’s attention through her December 2025 motion. Since then, I have been advocating on this issue in state, federal and international forums over the past 8 months calling for a nationally consistent approach, a statewide framework and international cooperation.

We must safeguard communities and our environment while we reap the benefits of this booming industry.

A nationally consistent approach

In February 2026, I joined other Capital City Lord Mayors in Canberra to push the case for coordinated national planning and enforceable sustainability requirements, ensuring data centre growth in our cities is considered alongside pressure on water security, electricity prices, grid reliability, renewable energy availability, and local amenity.

Just one month later, in March 2026 the Australian Government responded and released its Expectations of Data Centres and AI Infrastructure Developers. Building on these expectations, in July 2026 the Australian Government announced it will introduce a set of Australian Standards for AI. The new mandatory standards will set out clear rules for large data centres - including a legal obligation to underwrite their own new power supply, pay their full share of connection costs so energy bills are not impacted, reduce power when needed to strengthen the grid, and be as water efficient as possible. 

The Australian Government will also work with States and Territories to ensure large data centres are built in the most appropriate locations, and with input from local communities, and expect to legislate changes by the end of 2026.

We welcome a nationally coordinated approach, which will hopefully prevent an all-out race-to-the-bottom where other states lower standards to attract investment.

A statewide framework

In March 2026, the City of Sydney’s submission to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into data centres called on the NSW Government to develop a statewide planning framework to guide data centre development.

The City’s submission noted that once functional, data centres employ few, and the streets surrounding them become devoid of activity. It does not make sense to sacrifice scarce inner-city land, better allocated to housing or job-rich businesses whose workers contribute economically and socially, if areas outside the Central Sydney can accommodate these facilities just as effectively.

With data centres expecting to make up almost a fifth of Sydney’s energy use by 2050, contributing to e-waste and being highly water-intensive, the submission also called the NSW Government to demand the industry finds ways to be sustainable, ensuring we can hit our net zero targets and so that community resilience and neighbourhood amenity is not compromised.

In August 2026, the NSW Government also acted and introduced the NSW Data Centre Guidelines, which outline a 75-day fast track assessment process for new data centre applications as an incentive for applications that comply with energy and water targets.  However, the targets in the guidelines are not mandatory.

This incentive encourages data centre developers to do the right thing while the NSW Government consults on regulatory changes to make sure that data centres pay for the electricity network upgrades they require, and that the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) conduct a review to consider the full recovery of costs of water provision to data centre customers.

It will be essential that as part of these new regulations and IPART review that the cumulative impacts on the energy network and water supply are considered.

We also need the NSW Government to update the classification of data centres in the standard planning instrument, so they are no longer classified as “light industry” as this automatically allows them in many zones.

C40 Global Urban Data Centres Pact

Cities around the world are concerned about the impacts of data centres. In April 2026, I joined Lord Mayors from around the world to endorse the C40 Global Urban Data Centre Pact.

The pact sets a clear vision and expectations for sustainable urban data centres, grounded in equity and community benefits that meet the local community’s needs. When data centres are delivered in ways that meet these principles, development will then not come at the expense of natural resources, energy prices, or climate targets, but instead drive resource efficiency, equitable access to affordable, clean sources of energy, local development, and better city services.

The pact centres on 4 key pillars:

·                Strategically Integrated into Cities: Prioritising brownfield regeneration and adaptive reuse, respecting local communities by avoiding displacement, they are sited in collaboration with local governments to minimise public health burdens (air quality, noise, temperature) and they align with city planning and climate targets.

·                Sustainable and Resource-Efficient: Meeting energy demand - for both primary and backup power - without building, extending, or reopening decommissioned fossil fuel plants. Committing to not using fossil fuels for on-site power and securing new and additional renewable energy generation and storage to meet, at a minimum, equivalent power demand and consumption. Reducing the environmental impact and reliance on shared resources by achieving best-in-class sustainability standards for emissions and water use (avoiding reliance on non-renewable water resources, including potable water) and actively capturing and using waste heat for community benefits.

·                Accountable and Community-Focused: Publishing measurable benchmark data on sustainability and public health metrics, engaging directly with the local community, and delivering tangible local economic benefits by prioritising procurement from local businesses and supporting the creation of good, green jobs through investment in local programmes.

·                An Engine for Cost-Security and Shared Prosperity: Ensuring fair cost coverage by directly funding any necessary infrastructure upgrades (energy, water and network), utilising fair share pricing tied to sustainability performance, and actively investing in local communities by directing the surplus revenue generated said pricing into dedicated revolving funds to support local sustainability and social infrastructure.

The Australian Government should apply these principles in their upcoming mandatory standards.

the Rt HOn CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor of Sydney

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Miller –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         data centres are necessary to store, process, and manage digital information, and are critical to our financial, professional, education and technology sectors

(ii)        Goldman Sachs estimates that over the next 5 years, investment in data centres will total $7.6 trillion US dollars

(iii)      however, without standards, regulations and a planning framework:

(a)       the Energy Regulator and Sydney Water project that by 2030, data centres in Sydney will consume 11% of our grid-electricity and 20% of our drinking water

(b)       many in the community are concerned that data centres are placing increasing strain on our electricity grid, water supply and scarce inner-city land needed for housing and jobs

(iv)      the City of Sydney's March 2026 submission to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into data centres and the C40 Global Urban Data Centre Pact which was endorsed by the Lord Mayor in April 2026, both argue that we must safeguard communities and our environment while we reap the benefits of this booming industry

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to prepare submissions from the City of Sydney:

(i)         on the proposed reforms to electricity network connection and cost recovery arrangements for data centres in NSW

(ii)        the future Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) review that considers the full recovery of costs of water provision to data centre customers in NSW

(C)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to:

(i)         the Prime Minister acknowledging the Australian Government’s Expectations of Data Centres and AI Infrastructure Developers and calling for them to adopt the principles of the C40 Urban Data Centre Pact into the Australian Government's mandatory standards for AI and data centres

(ii)        the NSW Premier acknowledging recent incentives for renewable energy and water use in the new NSW Data Centre Guidelines in the short term and advocating for the NSW regulatory framework to be strengthened in line with the City’s previous recommendations, in particular calling on the NSW Government to:

(a)       update the classification of data centres in the standard planning instrument so they are no longer classified as "light industry" so they are not automatically allowed in zones that may be inappropriate

(b)       introduce mandatory, enforceable and trackable targets for energy and water usage of all data centres.

The substantive Minute was carried unanimously.

S051491

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

Despite years of commitments to reduce gambling harm, political parties and successive NSW Governments remain hooked on gambling donations and tax revenue from gaming machines, even as those machines continue to exploit our most vulnerable communities.

In 2023/24, NSW Government collected $2.3 billion in gambling tax revenue, with revenue predicted to grow to $3.8 billion in 2025/26. Gambling losses increase alongside revenue.

NSW has almost 90,000 gaming machines - nearly half the nation’s total. Per capita, we only trail Las Vegas and Macau, 2 of the world’s gambling capitals.

In 2025, people in NSW lost almost $9.3 billion on gaming machines - the highest ever loss recorded in our state. The top 5 council areas for losses were Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Cumberland, Sydney (where over $400 million was lost) and Blacktown.

In just the first quarter of 2026, over $104 million was lost in the City of Sydney - forecast to total more than $500 million by the end of the year. Shockingly, this does not include casino losses.

Gaming machines cause significant financial harm and are a serious public health issue. They damage relationships, families and communities, and are strongly linked to suicide, bankruptcy, family violence and other criminal behaviour. They also impact people’s physical health – gaming rooms are the only place in NSW where people can smoke (in outdoor areas), drink alcohol and eat food to ensure they gamble for as long as possible.

Certain venues in NSW seeking more gaming machines are required to complete a Local Impact Assessment to determine the impacts on local communities and explain how the venue will make a positive contribution to the local community. This is governed by the Gaming Machines Act 2001 in NSW which sadly enables gaming machine harm to be mitigated by paying a contribution into the Responsible Gambling Fund or providing grants to community groups. This ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ logic ignores the harm those same machines cause. Rather than relying on individual venues to determine impacts alone, the NSW Government must understand the true impact of gambling harm to properly inform government policy.

City of Sydney action

I have a long history of opposing gambling and gaming machines in NSW, dating back to my opposition to the Casino Control Bill, which established the first casino in Pyrmont in 1992. In 1997, when gaming machines were first allowed in pubs and hotels by the then Labor Government, I vehemently opposed the move, along with the live music industry.

In 2022, Council unanimously supported my Lord Mayoral Minute about the proliferation of gambling in our state which called on the NSW Government to introduce a mandatory cashless gaming card and other harm minimisation initiatives.

Before the 2023 NSW election, Council urged all parties to introduce mandatory cashless gaming and establish a Special Commission of Inquiry into Gambling Harm.

In 2025, Council unanimously supported Councillor Worling’s motion recognising the continued harm caused by gambling and gaming machines. We called on the NSW Government to ban smoking in outdoor gaming areas, give councils greater powers to regulate gaming machines, and introduce mandatory gaming room closing hours to reduce gambling harm. Unfortunately, the NSW Government has not committed to these actions.

NSW Government reforms

NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority oversees approval and regulation of gaming machines, while legislation prevents planning instruments and development consent conditions from prohibiting or restricting gaming machines.

In 2024, the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform released its Roadmap for Gaming Reform. While the NSW Government has implemented some recommendations, progress has been slow and incomplete.

Reforms delivered to date include banning gambling advertising on public transport, prohibiting political donations from clubs with gaming machines, reducing cash input limits on new gaming machines from $5,000 to $500, banning external gambling signage, introducing Responsible Gaming Officers, and strengthening measures to combat money laundering in casinos. A cashless gaming trial was also conducted, but its limited scale found that voluntary cashless gaming systems are ineffective.

Casinos are now subject to strict regulation under the Casino Control Act 1992 after serious compliance failures, but pubs, clubs and hotels are not. Some NSW clubs have more than 700 machines, about half the number at The Star Casino, yet they do not face the same rules.

A 2022 NSW Crime Commission Report into Money Laundering via Electronic Gaming Machines in Hotels and Clubs found gaming machines in pubs and clubs are being used to launder criminal proceeds and AUSTRAC believes this could be the result of tougher casino regulations, which is funnelling crime into other venues.

The Crime Commission recommended mandatory cashless gaming in pubs and clubs, not just casinos, to make transactions traceable and reduce money laundering. Cashless gaming systems should go further by including built-in harm minimisation measures, such as default loss limits and breaks in play. The NSW Government has not implemented cashless gaming and has even delayed cashless gaming at Sydney's casinos until 2027.

Large venues where the operating model relies on the proceeds of gaming machines should be considered a casino and regulated as such under the Casino Control Act 1992. Further, exclusion programs should be managed by venues, not reliant on the voluntary actions of people who are addicted to gambling. Shockingly, it is not an offence for venues to permit patrons back into the very gaming machine rooms they have self-excluded from.

The NSW Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund supports research, education and support services. All casinos must contribute to the fund and some venues must contribute if they are increasing the number of gaming machines or leasing gaming machine entitlements. However, we are concerned it is funded by gambling profits and that it is not being used to reduce harm at the source, rather to move responsibility on to individuals suffering from gambling addiction and harm. While all venues with gaming machines should be made to contribute to the fund, its use must focus on genuine harm minimisation and be reported transparently.

I note that the NSW Labor Party committed to take stronger action on gaming machines to the next election at its conference in July 2026. While the original motion was watered down, the final resolution includes a commitment to a moratorium on licences for new machines, higher taxes for clubs with profits of more than $20 million on machines, and to significantly reduce the number of gaming machines in NSW over the next decade.

But it stops short of 2 of the most effective harm-reduction measures; introducing cashless gaming and a shutdown period for gaming machines. Research clearly shows that these measures would significantly reduce gambling harm by reducing losses. Imagine what people could be enjoying in late-night venues, if the gaming machines were switched off and people, art and music, not pokies, were the focus.

NSW has seen years of inquiries, promises and partial reforms, yet gaming machine numbers and losses continue to rise. We know what works: fewer machines and less access to them. The question is whether the NSW Government has the courage to act. Unfortunately, the NSW Government is reticent to invest money in gambling reform or compensation for venues that have come to rely on gaming machine profits to stay afloat.

Federal Government reforms

In May 2026, the Federal Government responded to the Murphy Report of the inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm – almost 3 years after the committee made its recommendations. Positively, they committed to removing gambling advertisements from stadiums, jerseys and during live sporting event broadcasts from 1 January 2027, among other things, but didn’t commit to progressing all recommendations.

In July 2026, Coalition, Greens and independent senators referred the Government’s draft legislation to a Senate inquiry into Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 and National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026.

At the inquiry hearings, we heard heartbreaking and damning testimonials from people with lived experience of gambling harm and from organisations that respond to gambling harm. Particularly alarming are the incidents of people being offered inducements such as betting credits, hospitality and illicit substances to keep them gambling. The inquiry report made one simple recommendation to the Federal Government – pass the legislation.

Unfortunately, national political parties are also beholden to gambling profits, who collected over $5.5 million in alcohol and gambling industry donations in the 2024/25 financial year.

This is an opportunity for the Federal Government to strengthen its legislation and ensure it responds to the recommendations in the Murphy Report. Legislation introduced last week does attempt to crack down on gambling advertisements and inducements, however, I, along with many others, am concerned it does not go far enough as it tries to appease the gambling industry.

Wesley Mission campaign

Wesley Mission has long provided crisis support to and advocated for people impacted by gambling harm. They see firsthand the consequences of vulnerable people gambling their wage or savings away, which is possible at almost every corner pub.

In June 2026, I met with Wesley Mission to discuss the impact gaming machines are having on the City of Sydney community and their request that the City supports Wesley Mission’s campaign.

Wesley Mission’s Put Pokies in Their Place campaign’s key priorities are to:

·                Introduce universal cashless gambling with harm reduction features such as pre-commitment limits and real time behavioural alerts

·                Power down poker machines after midnight to reduce access during high-risk hours

·                Establish and fund an independent, State-wide Self-Exclusion Register

·                Give communities a say in the placement and density of poker machines

·                Publish venue-level data on machine numbers, losses, and locations.

More than 60 organisations have joined Wesley Mission's Put Pokies in Their Place campaign; bringing councils and community together to tackle gaming machine harm.

In July 2026, Wesley Mission co-hosted the Sydney Summit on Poker Machine Harm with Inner West Council and NSW Council of Social Services. The summit brought together community organisations and support services, researchers, councils, as well as people with lived experience of gambling harm.

It showed us the unacceptable and increasing human and financial cost of gambling. It also showed us we know what action needs to be taken and there is momentum across political lines and across levels of government for real and meaningful reform.

the Rt HOn CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor of Sydney

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council endorse this motion to the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference

(B)      Council note:

(i)         in 2025, people in NSW lost almost $9.3 billion in gaming machines - over $400 million was lost in the City of Sydney

(ii)        in 2023/24, the NSW Government collected $2.3 billion in gambling tax revenue which is predicted to grow to $3.8 billion in 2025/26

(iii)      the City of Sydney strongly supports Wesley Mission's Put Pokies in Their Place Campaign

(iv)      at its July 2026 Conference, the NSW Labor Party unanimously supported taking action on gambling harm to the next election, but the NSW Government must take bolder action more urgently

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate how the City can further contribute to gambling harm minimisation in the City's updated social policy: A city for all - towards a socially just and resilient Sydney

(D)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to:

(i)         the Mayor of Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne, to thank him for co-hosting the Sydney Summit on Poker Machine Harm and provide a copy of Council's position outlined in this Minute

(ii)        the NSW Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Gaming and Racing, Minister for Health, Minister for Finance, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading and the Minister for Families and Communities asking for stronger action now, including to:

(a)       act on the priorities in Wesley Mission's Put Pokies in Their Place Campaign

(b)       regulate large venues whose operating model relies on the proceeds of gaming machines as casinos are under the Casino Control Act 1992

(c)       fund a statewide social impact assessment of gambling to identify the true cost of gambling harm with recommendations to address it

(d)       implement a mandatory cashless gaming scheme across all casinos, pubs, clubs and hotels with gaming machines including built-in harm minimisation measures, such as default loss limits and breaks in play

(e)       mandate a shutdown period for gaming machines after midnight, with no exemptions

(f)        require all pubs, clubs and hotels with gaming machines to contribute to the Responsible Gambling Fund to improve research and support services for people experiencing gambling harm and ensure its use is focused on genuine harm minimisation and reported transparently

(g)       review the rules enabling smoking within outdoor gaming areas

(h)       introduce an offence for venues that permit patrons who are self-excluded.

Carried unanimously.

S051491

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Arkins -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         in August 2026 the NSW Government released the Sydney Plan

(ii)        the Sydney Plan sets out how the NSW Government will manage the estimated population growth for Sydney over the next 20 years. It sets targets, requirements and guidance for future housing, infrastructure, jobs, green and community spaces, including requirements for local councils

(iii)      despite identifying affordability as a top priority, the Sydney Plan includes no targets or specific requirements for any of the future housing to be delivered to be affordable

(iv)      instead, the Sydney Plan includes reannouncements of existing social housing investment, and focuses on increasing supply through ‘fast tracked pathways’

(v)       the Sydney Plan includes a requirement for local councils to deliver an affordable housing contribution scheme, which would collect contributions from private development and put them towards affordable housing, but pushes back the timeline for this requirement to “after 2029”

(vi)      the City of Sydney remains one of a small number of local councils who have implemented an affordable housing contribution scheme. Council’s updated scheme is estimated to collect $2 billion in affordable housing levies over the next 10 years. The main threat to Council’s ability to deliver this affordable housing is the ‘fast tracked’ NSW Government pathways, which bypass most local council planning rules including mandatory inclusionary zoning value capture

(vii)     on affordability of housing, the Sydney Plan represents both a failure of leadership, and a threat to the genuine work to address affordability being undertaken by local councils such as the City of Sydney

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the NSW Minister for Planning and the NSW Premier noting concerns about the lack of specific affordable housing targets in the Sydney Plan.

Carried unanimously.

X113765

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)      the Council note:

(i)         Bidura House is an important former public building at 357 Glebe Point Road  

(ii)        the site is significant to locals, containing the heritage Bidura House at the front of the site, and the former Metropolitan Remand Centre (MRC) and Children’s Court at the rear

(iii)      the local community fought for a long time to protect and keep the site in public hands, led by the Glebe Society and supported by the then local MP, Jamie Parker

(iv)      the site was sold to private developers, in 2014

(v)       since the site closed for redevelopment, there have been many concerns raised with Council about potential ‘heritage by neglect’ at the site, with development delays and concerns about development conditions not being followed

(vi)      in November 2024, the Lord Mayor wrote to the Heritage Council asking them to order Bidura's owners to meet minimum standards of maintenance and repair

(vii)     since the original approval, the developer, Vision Land, has accessed one of the state approval pathways as a State Significant Development assessment, with bonuses for ‘In-Fill Affordable Housing’ for the Metropolitan Remand Centre only. State pathways mean the NSW Government rather than Council is responsible for development conditions and approvals

(viii)    there have been multiple reports of ongoing illegal access to the site at 357 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, including alleged acts of trespassing, break-ins, vandalism, fires, safety incidents, exposure to asbestos, and anti-social behaviour on the site coming from residents who live next to the site

(ix)      the developer, Vision Land, reportedly commissioned a report that advised of the presence of apparently asbestos-bound materials, which has raised additional concerns from residents

(x)       that Police have at times attended to neighbours’ complaints, though neighbours have complained that the Police have denied responsibility for policing these alleged crimes and instead referred residents to the City, and other times have not been able to gain access to the site due to safety concerns

(B)      the Council further note:

(i)         that the City has received and responded to residents’ complaints over the past 7 years and taken appropriate actions to address the situation, but that they have been limited by its powers in relation to a State Significant Development

(ii)        that the current local MP, Kobi Shetty, has made representations to Police, Council and met on site with residents, actively lobbied Minister for Heritage, Climate Change, the Minister for Planning and the NSW Police around the development decisions and the heritage and safety of the site

(iii)      that although Council is limited in what it can do in relation to the illegal behaviour described, including trespassing, property damage and other potential criminal offences, this is an important site and Council should do what it can to ensure safety and heritage is protected

(iv)      in July 2024, the City of Sydney served a fire safety order on the owners requiring them to, among other things, secure the building against unauthorised entry, remove all combustible items from the building, clear exit paths and to provide the building with surveillance cameras, intruder alarms and external sensor lighting

(v)       in July 2026, City staff met on site with some residents and an owner representative to review conditions and attempt to address residents’ concerns

(vi)      in August 2026, the City issued notice of intention to issue an order to address unsafe and unhealthy conditions relating to waste accumulation, stagnant pool water and overgrown vegetation

(vii)     in August 2026, City staff referred the matter to SafeWork NSW to investigate the asbestos concerns as well as the security measures at the Metropolitan Remand Centre

(viii)    the owner has installed external cameras and alarms, carries out site inspections, conducts weekly internal audits and engages contractors who are on site every day to board up access points

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         continue to monitor the site and communicate with the owner and local Police responsible for addressing the criminal activity including trespassing, and note that the City staff will continue further enforcement action, including further Orders, if grounds arise to do so

(ii)        provide an update to Councillors on actions being taken by Council.

Carried unanimously.

X113765

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         food insecurity is a growing issue in our communities, with estimates suggesting that between one in 3 and one in 8 Australian households are unable to regularly or reliably afford or access the food they need

(ii)        food insecurity impacts all parts of the city, and particularly those areas which have a higher proportion of supported and public housing, including Glebe/ Camperdown, Redfern, Waterloo and Woolloomooloo. Local organisations report that demand for access to food support continues to grow, with the cost of living, especially high housing costs, driving more people into financial stress and unable to afford the basics

(iii)      the City of Sydney has committed to supporting the community to address food insecurity. As part of the social and community grant programs, following a Lord Mayoral Minute in 2023, Council launched a specific food support grant program for community-based organisations to deliver sustainable food support projects and programs that increase access to affordable and healthy food, and established a food operations network and working group to help coordinate food relief across the city

(iv)      the City of Sydney’s food support grant programs aim to provide support across the city, focusing particularly on those communities where the need is highest (priority communities)

(B)      Council note:

(i)         2 food support programs that Council had funded or part funded are the Glebe Youth Service Food Circle program (Glebe Youth Service Incorporated) and the Addison Road Community Organisation Camperdown Food Pantry (Addison Road Centre for Arts, Culture, Community and Environment Ltd or Addi Road)

(ii)        according to their website, the Glebe Youth Service Food Circle program began during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Food Circle program provides access to fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, eggs and meat when available for local families, primarily from the Glebe Estate. The program operated for 4 years without financial support from the City of Sydney. In June 2024, Glebe Youth Service were awarded $73,600 per year over 2 years (2024/25 and 2025/26) from the City’s Food support grant program. The Glebe Youth Service reports that in 2025/26:

(a)       an average of 86.4 local families accessed Food Circle each week

(a)       families accessed the program 3,965 times in total

(b)       a minimum of 35 households receive weekly home deliveries due to age, disability, mobility, or other complex circumstances

(c)       approximately 500 kilograms of food is rescued each week, reducing food waste while supporting local families

(d)       the program operates with a paid coordinator, an average of 14 volunteers, and donated food, including food donated from local businesses

(iii)      Addi Road Food Pantry and Kitchen is located in Common Ground Sydney, Camperdown (i.e. supported housing by Mission Australia offering wraparound services). The pantry operates as a low-cost and free grocery store, making use of rescued food, purchased stock and donations. The Cook Up program provides free cooking lessons, food literacy, nutritious meals and social connection. Addi Road reports:

(a)       through their 2 kitchens in Marrickville and Camperdown over 30,000 free, ready-to-eat meals were provided annually to food-insecure residents in 2025/26, in part through Council’s support

(b)       over 15% of Johanna O’Dea Court public housing residents and 80% of Common Ground residents rely on a daily ready-to-eat meal through the Camperdown Pantry and programs

(c)       50 meals and hampers are distributed fortnightly to Waterloo public housing residents

(d)       the Camperdown free monthly cookups support 300 people

(e)       weekly free meals are delivered for 150 people at Newtown Station, delivered in partnership with a local agency

(f)        another key group which accesses the Camperdown pantry are international students

(C)      Council note:

(i)         at its 29 June 2026 Council meeting Council allocated funding for food programs in 2026/27 and beyond. Council received 25 applications from organisations seeking support from the $1,550,000 food support grant funding pool

(ii)        Council received more applications for programs than it could fund

(iii)      the recommended grant recipients totalling $927,816 in cash and $12,402 in kind included organisations based in or operating out of Redfern, Waterloo, Newtown, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills, Erskineville and Marrickville

(iv)      for the Glebe and Camperdown area the funding granted was to Pocket City Farms for $9,000. Also, First Nations Response Limited who received a three year grant provides some homes deliveries in Glebe and 12 to 15 boxes of fresh food per week, which are distributed through the Glebe Youth Service Food Circle program

(v)       the recommendation adopted by Council at its 29 June 2026 meeting did not include further funding for the Glebe Youth Service or the Addison Road Camperdown food programs. These programs had been funded to 30 June 2026, however the Glebe Assistance Program and Glebe Treehouse continue to offer food support in Glebe

(vi)      Glebe Youth Service and Addison Road have reported that the programs in Glebe and Camperdown will now be scaled back or closed, with cuts already being implemented since Council’s decision

(vii)     the City’s Food Operations Working Group plays a vital role in strengthening collaboration across the local food support sector to ensure a more coordinated, demand-driven approach to food relief:

(a)       the group works to ensure everyone who needs food support can access it through collective impact, improved coordination, and stronger referral pathways between food support organisations in the local area

(b)       the Food Operations Working Group is in a unique position to provide the support needed to ensure that Council’s grant decision does not create a gap in support for individuals and families who have been relying on the food programs provided by the Glebe Youth Service and Addison Road Community Centre

(D)      Council reaffirms its commitment to:

(i)         operate a food security program which works with local organisations who are providing food programs to support sustainable, long-term support for food security

(ii)        ensure funding is provided across the city, where there is highest need, and that gaps are not created through Council funding decisions

(E)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to work with the Glebe Youth Service, Addi Road and other local organisations, to ensure the individuals and families who have been relying on the existing Glebe and Camperdown food programs continue to be able to access support in the short term 

(F)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to award ad hoc grants totalling up to $50,000 from the 2026/27 General Contingency Fund to fund measures to address any identified food provision gaps in Glebe and Camperdown. If grants are awarded they will be reported retrospectively in the Quarterly Update to Council

(G)      Council note:

(i)         that the approved funding of up to $50,000 may alternatively be directly spent by the Chief Executive Officer on measures identified as necessary to address any food provision gaps in Glebe and Camperdown

(ii)        that if any grants are made, they will be made to entities which do not operate for private gain in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993

(H)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         work with Glebe Youth Service, Addi Road and local organisations to develop a plan for ensure continued food security support in the Glebe and Camperdown area in the medium to long term

(ii)        provide regular updates and advice to the elected Council about this work, including advice as to whether Council should consider changes or an expansion to the food grants program in the future, in light of the growing level of need.

Carried unanimously.

X113765

Moved by Councillor Maxwell, seconded by Councillor Gannon -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         that Victoria Barracks is an approximately 15-hectare Commonwealth heritage listed sandstone precinct within the City of Sydney, established in the 1840s and one of the most significant intact heritage sites in Australia, presently in active use as an Army facility, and consequently is all-but-inaccessible to the civilian community

(ii)        that, in anticipation of the potential divestment of the site by the Federal Government, Council resolved in November 2024 to undertake a community consultation process and develop Guiding Principles for the future of the site, should it be divested

(iii)      that on 4 February 2026, the Federal Government announced its intention to divest the site, as part of the Defence Estate Review

(iv)      that in March 2025, City of Sydney staff met with Department of Defence staff to discuss the development of the Guiding Principles

(v)       that the City received 1,092 pieces of feedback through that engagement process, and that the Engagement Outcomes Report demonstrates strong community support for maximising public accessibility, enhancing green open space and maintaining the site in public ownership

(vi)      that the Department of Defence has since initiated an ‘Enhanced Civilian Access’ Program, that will allow more civilian use of certain defence sites that are transitioning away from exclusive use by the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Forces, including Victoria Barracks, in order to:

(a)       provide new, high quality public space to the communities in which these facilities are located

(b)       provide new opportunities for residents and communities to gather, celebrate, express themselves and participate in the adaptation of these sites to public and community use

(c)       begin to integrate these facilities and spaces into the fabric of daily life of the communities in which they are located; and, most importantly

(d)       road test actual alternative uses for these sites, particularly those which centre public access, such as markets, concerts, as host sites for artistic work, event activations, festivals and other kinds of public and community gatherings

(vii)     that the Enhanced Civilian Access program aims to increase public access and community use of the Victoria Barracks, and that this aligns with the City’s Guiding Principles for Victoria Barracks, and begins to make real the community's top priorities for the Victoria Barracks site, that is, to ‘maximise its public accessibility’ for the community

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Hon. Peter Khalil MP, Assistant Minister for Defence and the Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, welcoming the roll out of the Enhanced Civilian Access program, and encouraging the Department of Defence to facilitate greater public access and community use of the Victoria Barracks site.

Carried unanimously.

X113762

Moved by Councillor Maxwell, seconded by Councillor Arkins –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         in 1983 Council resolved to begin purchasing buildings for a future Town Hall square, with the first building purchased by the City of Sydney acquired in 1985 being the building leased by Woolworths supermarket

(ii)        Town Hall square will strengthen the civic heart of Sydney, creating necessary open space infrastructure for the growing population visiting and living in the CBD

(iii)      the Town Hall Square project will replace the Woolworths supermarket at 540 George Street, which is located in the Sydney CBD, trading until midnight and located directly above Town Hall Station, one of Sydney's busiest transport interchanges, with approximately 190,000 people moving through the precinct daily

(iv)      the store serves the residents of the Sydney CBD, as well as workers, students and visitors who rely on it for affordable grocery access within walking distance

(v)       Woolworths has known of the City’s plans to build a public square at this site for 43 years and has leased their premises from the City with a demolition clause in its contract

(vi)      that the Woolworths supermarket at Town Hall Square, and the Big W store located above it, employ more than 300 staff, the majority of whom are engaged on an ongoing basis and many of whom have worked at the site for more than a decade

(vii)     commercial vacancy rates in the city centre are currently running at approximately 14%, suggesting that suitable alternative sites for a full-line supermarket may be available within the CBD

(viii)    the City has already taken positive steps in this regard, including showing Woolworths an alternative space nearby that the City owned in mid-2025 and through ongoing direct engagement with Woolworths most recently this month when the Lord Mayor met with senior executives of Woolworths to further discuss the Town Hall Square project scope

(ix)      this month the City also let Woolworths know of other potential development sites on George Street that may be suitable

(x)       the Lord Mayor has publicly expressed confidence that Woolworths, one of Australia’s largest companies, valued at $48 billion and with a profit last year of over $1 billion, far exceeding the City’s annual budget, will find another home nearby given there is 100,000 sqm of vacant retail floorspace in the CBD

(xi)      the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) represents workers employed at the Town Hall store and has a direct interest in ensuring any transition protects their jobs and conditions

(xii)     with demolition not scheduled to commence until early 2028, there remains sufficient time to identify and progress a suitable alternative site before the current store closes

(xiii)    all business were formally notified in mid-2025 that the buildings would be demolished in 2028

(xiv)    to ensure jobs and businesses are retained in the CBD, the City has been actively working with all businesses in the buildings that will be demolished and interested businesses have been shown available spaces in other properties we own, with some small businesses already relocating

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         write to Woolworths Group and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) to affirm Council's willingness to continue to assist in identifying potential alternative sites for a similar sized supermarket within the CBD

(ii)        seek Woolworths’ assurance that, every job presently associated with the Town Hall sites will be protected, through relocating staff to one of their many other outlets across Sydney and that no job losses will occur

(iii)      report back to Council through the CEO Update on the outcome of correspondence with Woolworths.

The motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (9)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Arkins, Ellsmore, Gannon, Kok, Maxwell, Miller, Thompson, and Worling

Noes (1)          Councillor Weldon*.

*Note – Councillor Weldon abstained from voting on this matter. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 10.4 of the Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Weldon is taken to have voted against the motion.

Motion carried.

X113762

Moved by Councillor Maxwell, seconded by Councillor Thompson –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the motion adopted by Council at its April 2026 meeting, concerning the disturbing levels of noise generated by wheeled traffic along the boardwalk located on the Western side of Joynton Avenue in Zetland, and requesting that the Chief Executive Officer provide a report to Council in relation to possible solutions to reduce this noise

(ii)        the report subsequently provided to Council via the CEO Update, outlining the decision to trial noise suppression tape along an exemplary tract of the boardwalk to assess its effectiveness in reducing the level of noise presently created by ordinary use of the boardwalk

(iii)      that this noise suppression tape has now been installed and operative for a period of weeks along a portion of the boardwalk, and that a section of the boardwalk has also been reconstructed in an effort to address concerns regarding excessive noise

(B)      Council further note:

(i)         the thanks of Councillors for the Chief Executive Officer’s timely report, thorough investigations and effective proposals for the resolution of this issue

(ii)        the clear feedback of residents of Joynton Avenue that the noise suppression tape is operating effectively, and has reduced the level of noise created by use of the boardwalk significantly

(iii)      calls by residents of Joynton Avenue to have the noise suppression tape installed along the entire length of the boardwalk

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         investigate installing noise-dampening tape along the entire length of the boardwalk

(ii)        provide an update to Council in relation to this proposal.

Carried unanimously.

X113762

Moved by Councillor Gannon, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         residents have raised concerns about pedestrian safety at the western end of Marian Street (serving the south-eastern access for Redfern Station)

(ii)        this section of Marian Street is classified as a Shared Zone with a maximum speed of 10km/h

(iii)      that this location experiences significant pedestrian activity, particularly during peak commuting periods by people accessing the station and the South Everleigh precinct

(iv)      that the area is heavily used by vehicles creating conflict between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists

(v)       that the combination of high pedestrian volumes, bicycle movements, vehicle traffic and limited pedestrian space creates a safety risk and increases the likelihood of a serious collision occurring at this location

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         undertake an assessment of pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle safety conditions at the western end of Marian Street (serving the south-eastern access for Redfern Station), including observations during peak periods

(ii)        investigate opportunities to improve pedestrian safety at this location, including measures such as additional traffic calming, improved pedestrian delineation, signage, lighting, line marking, or other infrastructure treatments.

Carried unanimously.

X113764

Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health (Jilya) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled not for profit organisation developing the next generation of Indigenous psychologists to address the escalating rates of First Nations child suicides, which are the highest in the world

(ii)        Jilya was created by Dr Tracy Westerman AM as a direct response to the needs of bereaved Indigenous families and communities following 13 deaths of Aboriginal young people in the Kimberley, and decades of government inquiries into suicides, child removals, and incarcerations

(iii)      that lack of access to culturally competent services was a significant driver in these poor outcomes, Dr Tracy Westerman AM commenced and personally funded the first Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program in 2019. The program supports improved access to culturally and clinically complex mental health services to provide measurable outcomes for high-risk communities

(iv)      the Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program now supports 42 students, through fortnightly stipends and access to mentoring, tutoring, networking, research and placement opportunities

(v)       Jilya’s mission is to achieve a future free of generational child suicides, child removals and incarcerations that have plagued Aboriginal communities for too long

(B)      Council further note:

(i)         Aboriginal young people have a suicide rate 4 times higher than non-Aboriginal children

(ii)        only 450 of Australia’s 50,000 registered psychologists are Indigenous

(iii)      for every 700 Aboriginal people in critical mental health need, there is just one Indigenous psychologist

(iv)      since its establishment, Jilya has had a significant impact on the Aboriginal community:

(a)       53% of Jilya students come from the highest risk rural or remote areas

(b)       79 Indigenous Psychology students have been supported through the Dr Tracy Westerman’s Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program in just 5 years

(c)       81% of Indigenous psychology students have completed their undergraduate studies and commenced postgraduate studies, which is four times more than the national average

(d)       70% of students in the program are the first in their family to attend university

(v)       every $10,000 raised by Jilya funds an estimated 40 hours of complex clinical therapy for an at-risk Aboriginal person – equivalent a full course of evidence-based, culturally informed treatment, delivered by an Aboriginal psychologist, at no cost to the person who needs it

(vi)      Jilya has no operational funding from government for their critical services. They are a self-determined, grassroots organisation delivering essential services to vulnerable Aboriginal people

(vii)     on Friday 23 October 2026, Jilya is hosting “The 2026 Westerman Jilya Institute Indigenous Child Suicide Prevention Fundraising Gala” to raise funds needed to establish the Indigenous Psychology Treatment Arm of Jilya, a Sydney base which will deliver clinical care to Aboriginal people across the country, in person and via telehealth

(viii)    the Gala reserves tables for bereaved Indigenous families to attend as part of Jilya’s “Pay it Forward” campaign. The campaign also allows for people and organisations to purchase and donate tickets for bereaved families

(C)      Council further note:

(i)         the City of Sydney Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2028 outlines the following commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities:

(a)       support the aspirations, needs and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

(b)       respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through local programs and services

(c)       support a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector to deliver projects that meet the needs and aspirations of people in the local area

(ii)        the City of Sydney endorsed a First Nations Strategic Framework in June 2026, outlining the following commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities:

(a)       advance First Nations self-determination, economic prosperity and wellbeing

(b)       support First Nations community-led and controlled organisations

(c)       respond to First Nations needs and priorities through social support initiatives

(d)       support the implementation of Closing the Gap priority reforms

(D)      Council approve:

(i)         supporting the Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health by sponsoring “The 2026 Westerman Jilya Institute Indigenous Child Suicide Prevention Fundraising Gala” as a Community Partner at a cost of $10,000 to be funded from the 2026/27 General Contingency Fund

(ii)        donating the table included in the Community Partner sponsorship package to bereaved Indigenous families through the “Pay It Forward” campaign.

Carried unanimously.

X113759

Moved by Councillor Weldon, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         Rabbi Jeffrey B Kamins OAM has recently retired as Senior Rabbi of Emanuel Synagogue, following 37 years of service

(ii)        in his time at Emanuel Synagogue, Rabbi Kamins made significant impact and contribution to the community. He advocated for interfaith relations and social cohesion, fighting against dehumanisation; he encouraged people to speak respectfully, listen attentively and truly hear each other’s perspectives and stories

(iii)      Rabbi Kamins preached putting political difference aside to focus on achieving a better life for all Australians – no matter their faith background. He dedicated countless hours to environmental issues and the importance of caring for the planet for future generations

(iv)      under Rabbi Kamins leadership, Emanuel Synagogue was the site of Australia’s first religious same-sex wedding in May 2018

(v)       from 1 July 2026, Rabbi Kamins has transitioned into the role of Rabbi Emeritus, recognising the unique and enduring contribution he has made to Jewish and broader Australian communities

(vi)      in his role of Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Kamins continues to contribute to the community, through environmental advocacy and continued engagement with interfaith dialogue

(vii)     Rabbi Kamins led with compassion, wisdom and integrity. A great teacher, mentor and friend – his tenure at Emanuel Synagogue will be remembered for his deep commitment to serving the community

(B)      Council further note Rabbi Kamins’ profound impact and service to Sydney’s Jewish community, as well as the broader Australian community

(C)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Rabbi Kamins congratulating him on his retirement and recognising his lasting impact on Sydney’s community.

Carried unanimously.

X113759

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Miller –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council recognise the importance of completing the continuous and safe cycling connection along the entire Oxford Street corridor between the City, Centennial Park and Bondi Junction

(B)      Council note:

(i)         the City completed the Oxford Street West cycleway between Liverpool Street and Taylor Square in July 2025. Since then, it has had over one million trips on it

(ii)        that the NSW Government committed to delivering the Oxford Street East separated cycleway between Taylor Square and Centennial Park, connecting Bondi Junction, Centennial Park and the CBD but has yet to fund the project

(iii)      that Transport for NSW has appointed the Technical Advisor to develop the detailed design for the Oxford Street East project. Transport for NSW refers to this as the Oxford Street Revitalisation project and the project incorporates improvements to footpaths and public domain, as well as a cycleway.  Transport for NSW is engaging with the City of Sydney and holding regular design meetings with relevant City staff

(iv)      the NSW Government has funded the Oxford Street East project up to the detailed design phase but has not yet committed to funding the construction.  Transport for NSW has not provided any commitment to when the cycleway will be constructed

(C)      Council call on the NSW Government to fund and start work on the Oxford Street East Cycleway

(D)      Council note that Waverley Council passed a similar motion to this on 18 August 2026

(E)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to request a briefing from Transport for NSW to be held jointly with Waverley Council staff on the status of the cycling corridor, and to provide information about the ways the project will:

(i)         improve safety for all road users

(ii)        benefit businesses and residents in the City and Paddington

(iii)      integrate with existing transport infrastructure

(iv)      complement future improvements to Oxford Street

(F)      the Lord Mayor be requested to:

(i)         write jointly with Mayor of Waverley Will Nemesh to the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, NSW Minister for Roads, and the Hon. John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for Transport requesting funding be committed to deliver this missing piece of the Oxford Street cycleway connection

(ii)        write jointly with Mayor of Waverley Will Nemesh to Alex Greenwich MP, Member for Sydney and Marjorie O’Neill MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport indicating both Council’s support for the missing link to be completed.

The motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (9)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Arkins, Ellsmore, Gannon, Kok, Maxwell, Miller, Thompson and Worling

Noes (1)          Councillor Weldon*.

 *Note – Councillor Weldon abstained from voting on this matter. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 10.4 of the Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Weldon is taken to have voted against the motion.

Motion carried.

X113758

Moved by Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Arkins –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         on 8 July 2026, Divine Playhouse opened at 420 Kent Street. A grant for $100,000 was awarded by Create NSW for 4 months of programming which would have provided employment for 140 creative industry workers

(ii)        on Thursday 9 July 2026, the venue’s landlord, Revelop terminated Divine Playhouse’s lease on the grounds that it was engaged in "offensive trade”

(iii)      the response to the termination has been:

(a)       ~ 20,288 signatures on an online petition “Help Divine Playhouse Find a New Home and Keep Sydney’s Queer Arts Scene Open”

(b)       $49,172 raised as part of a GoFundMe campaign

(iv)      the support of Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO via a public statement and request that “staff investigate whether another space could be made available if the landlord does not allow this project to proceed”

(v)       on 11 August 2026, at the meeting of the City of Sydney’s Nightlife and Creative Industries Advisory Panel issues and concerns were raised about the closure including:

(a)       the Panel’s formal support for Kat Dopper, proprietor of the Divine Playhouse

(b)       the failure of the property market to provide affordable space and security of tenure for the creative industry

(c)       the challenges associated with the precarious nature of leases for creative use

(d)       the importance of backing creative producers especially for those wanting to try something different

(e)       the need for emergency support for the sector, front door access to services for immediate help and to aid in the navigation of legal complexities

(vi)      the Panel agreed to write to the Office of the 24 Hour Commissioner expressing its concerns

(vii)     Divine Playhouse is one of a many recent closures of cultural and nightlife venues across the Local Government Area (LGA) in the past 6 months including Mary’s Underground, the Stonewall Hotel, Bar Freda’s, Monster Mouse Studios and Mosh Pit

(viii)    the Divine Playhouse experience reveals that landlords could abruptly terminate the leases of other cultural, nightlife or other venues on the grounds of “offensive trade” as Schedule 4 of the Conveyancing Act 1919 sets out that "offensive trade” includes “offensive art, trade, business, occupation or calling”

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the NSW Premier asking the NSW Government to amend Schedule 4 of the Conveyancing Act 1919 to remove the words “includes “offensive art, trade, business, occupation or calling” as their application makes it harder for operators to obtain a secure lease

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         update Council on the possibility of the City providing space to Divine Playhouse

(ii)        explore the options for providing support to the creative, cultural and nightlife sectors as discussed at the Nighttime and Creative Industries Advisory Panel’s meeting on 11 August 2026.

Carried unanimously.

X113761

It is resolved that the Investment Report as at 31 July 2026 be received and noted.

Carried unanimously.

X127618

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council adopt the updated Support for Charities Policy as shown at Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor amendments to the Support for Charities Policy in order to correct any minor drafting errors and finalise design, artwork and accessible formats for publication.

Carried unanimously.

X135350

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the draft Markets Policy, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report, for public exhibition

(B)      Council note the draft Guide to Setting up a Market on Council Land, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report, which will be exhibited together with the draft Markets Policy

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to undertake minor editorial corrections prior to the exhibition of the draft Markets Policy and Guide.

Carried unanimously.

X084995

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve a cash grant to Women's Housing Company Ltd (ABN 38 002 704 056) for the amount stated in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report, to support the purchase and refurbishment of the property described in Confidential Attachment B to the subject report for the provision of crisis and transitional housing to women at risk of or experiencing homelessness subject to the following conditions:

(i)         approval of the cash grant will be withdrawn if:

(a)       the project materially changes from the current proposal as outlined in recommendation (A)

(b)       Women's Housing Company Ltd does not complete its purchase of the property at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report by 30 January 2027

(ii)        a covenant must be registered on the title to the property outlined at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report within 3 months of the transfer of the property to Women's Housing Company Ltd to protect the land use remaining crisis and transitional housing, managed by a registered community housing provider, in perpetuity

(iii)      the grant funds will only be paid in respect of the proposed acquisition and refurbishment of the property outlined at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report, and only after all the following are met to the reasonable satisfaction of Council:

(a)       Women's Housing Company Ltd has provided Council with evidence of a legally binding agreement to purchase the property, at a price consistent with the project budget, as outlined at Confidential Attachment B

(b)       Women's Housing Company Ltd has demonstrated that funding is or will on settlement be available for the cost of the acquisition and works to make the property fit for its intended purpose, noting this could be in the form of other grants, debt finance or partnerships

(c)       Women's Housing Company Ltd has agreed to and signed the covenant required by recommendation A(ii) in a form that will enable the City to lodge the covenant for registration on the title to the property following transfer of ownership

(iv)      the City will require the grant to be repaid in full indexed annually by CPI if:

(a)       Women's Housing Company Ltd does not complete its purchase of the property at Confidential Attachment B to the subject report by 30 January 2027 or

(b)       the covenant as contemplated by recommendation (A)(ii) is not registered on the title to the property in the required timeframe or

(c)       the project materially changes from the current proposal as outlined in recommendation (A) prior to the covenant contemplated by recommendation (A)(ii) being registered on the title to the property

(v)       acquittal of the grant is to be provided by way of evidence of registration of the covenant required by recommendation A(ii)

(B)      Council note that the grant amount is exclusive of GST

(C)      Council note that the cash grant is for an amount higher than 30% of the total estimated project cost

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to:

(i)         finalise negotiations, execute and administer the grant agreement with the Women's Housing Company Ltd in accordance with this report

(ii)        otherwise administer all matters relating to this grant.

Carried unanimously.

S095194.009

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve a cash grant to Bridge Housing Limited for $5 million (excluding GST) to support the construction of a new community facility as part of the Redfern Place development at 600-660 Elizabeth Street, Redfern, subject to the following conditions:

(i)         approval of the cash grant will be withdrawn if:

(a)       the project materially changes from the current proposal as outlined in recommendation (A)

(b)       Bridge Housing does not demonstrate evidence of a construction certificate having been obtained for the project by 1 December 2027

(ii)        the grant funds will only be paid when evidence of a construction certificate for the project is provided

(iii)      a covenant must be registered on the title to the community facility building that limits use of the land to a community facility in perpetuity, on terms required by the City, prior to occupation or commencement of use (whichever occurs first) of the community facility

(iv)      a subdivision certificate for the development will only be issued by the City when evidence of the instrument that will register the covenant on title required by recommendation (A)(iii) is provided

(v)       until the covenant required by recommendation (A)(iii) is registered on title, the City will require the grant to be repaid in full indexed annually by CPI if:

(a)       the project materially changes from the current proposal as outlined in recommendation (A), or

(b)       the community facility at Redfern Place is not fully completed and operational (including fit-out and activation) by 1 September 2030

(vi)      acquittal of the grant is to be provided by way of:

(a)       evidence of registration of the covenant required by recommendation (A)(iii)

(b)       evidence from Bridge Housing of a legally binding lease or agreement with PCYC, or similar organisation, for the activation and operation of the community facility at Redfern Place

(B)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to:

(i)         finalise negotiations, execute and administer the grant agreement with Bridge Housing Limited in accordance with this report

(ii)        otherwise administer all matters relating to this grant.

Carried unanimously.

X006614

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      note the contents of the Fire safety reports summary sheet, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      note the inspection reports by Fire and Rescue NSW, as shown at Attachments B to K to the subject report

(C)      note the contents of Attachment B and exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 244-248 William Street, Potts Point

(D)      note the contents of Attachment C and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 52- 54 Kings Cross Road, Rushcutters Bay as staff have already issued a Fire Safety Order in response to matters identified

(E)      note the contents of Attachment D and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 1-5 Link Road and 132-136 Epsom Road, Zetland at this time

(F)      note the contents of Attachment E and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 31 Charles Street, Forest Lodge at this time

(G)      note the contents of Attachment F and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 16 Queen Street, Glebe at this time

(H)      note the contents of Attachment G and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 332-338 Riley Street, Surry Hills at this time

(I)        note the contents of Attachment H and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 27-39 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale at this time

(J)       note the contents of Attachment I and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 318 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills at this time

(K)      note the contents of Attachment J and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 22 Allen Street, Pyrmont as staff have already issued a Fire Safety Order in response to matters identified

(L)       note the contents of Attachment K and not exercise its power under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to issue a Fire Safety Order at 251 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills as staff have already issued a Fire Safety Order in response to matters identified.

Carried unanimously.

S105001.002

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note the interim financial performance of Council for the 2025/26 year, including an Operating Result (before depreciation, interest income, capital related costs and capital grants and contributions) of $121.7M and Net Operating Result of $130.7M as outlined in the subject report and summarised in Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      Council note the full year Capital Works expenditure of $253.8M, approve the proposed revote of $20.4M and other budget adjustments, including future years forward estimates, to increase the adopted 2026/27 budget to $275.4M, including $8.0M in contingency, to progress the planned capital works program, as shown in Attachment B to the subject report

(C)      Council note the Technology and Digital Services Capital Works expenditure of $27.7M, approve the proposed revote of $0.2M and other budget adjustments, including future years forward estimates, to increase the adopted 2026/27 budget to $29.3M as shown in Attachment B to the subject report

(D)      Council note the full year Plant and Equipment expenditure of $16.5M, net of disposals, and approve the proposed revote of $10.5M and other budget adjustments, to increase the adopted 2026/27 net budget to $28.5M as shown in Attachment B in the subject report

(E)      Council note the full year net Property Divestments of $7.8M

(F)      Council note the operational performance indicators and Quarter 4 and full-year achievements against the Delivery Program 2025-2029 objectives, as detailed in Attachment C to the subject report

(G)      Council note the supplementary reports, which detail fee-waived and discounted community facility hire for 2025/26, the quick response, street banner and venue hire support grants and sponsorship programs, major legal issues and international travel in the fourth quarter, as detailed in Attachment D to the subject report

(H)      Council approve the write-off of commercial property debt totalling $118,683.59 (including GST), for ABC Study Group Pty Ltd.

Carried unanimously.

X115821

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council receive and note the City's membership of the associations outlined in Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      Council note that final membership amounts change from time to time and any significant changes will be reported back to Council via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

S076031

It is resolved that the Investment Report as at 30 June 2026 be received and noted.

Carried unanimously.

X127618

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note the matters raised in response to the public exhibition of Planning Proposal - 150 Day Street, Sydney, the draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 150 Day Street, Sydney, and draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, as shown in Attachment D to the subject report

(B)      Council approve Planning Proposal - 150 Day Street, Sydney as shown at Attachment A to the subject report, to be sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to be made as a local environmental plan

(C)      Council approve the draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 150 Day Street, Sydney, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report, noting the approved Development Control Plan will come into effect on the date of publication of the subject Local Environmental Plan

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments to the Planning Proposal - 150 Day Street, Sydney and draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 150 Day Street, Sydney, to correct any minor errors or omissions prior to finalisation

(E)      Council note the draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, as shown at Attachment C to the subject report, will be executed under delegation of Council in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Carried unanimously.

X090796

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      approve additional contract contingency for the construction contract with Ford Civil Contracting Pty Ltd for construction of the Green Square to Ashmore Connector Road and Associated Works, as outlined in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      note the revised contract value and contingency for the construction contract with Ford Civil Pty Ltd, as outlined in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report

(C)      approve the additional funds sought for the Green Square to Ashmore Connector Road project as detailed in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report.

Carried unanimously.

X010057.001

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve for public exhibition the draft Community Greening Framework, updated draft Footpath and Laneway Gardens Local Approvals Policy, draft Footpath and Laneway Gardens Guidelines, draft Community Gardens Guidelines and draft Community Greening Volunteer Guidelines, as shown in Attachments B, C, D, E and F to the subject report

(B)      Council note that these documents will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days

(C)      Council note that the draft Community Greening Framework, updated draft Footpath and Laneway Gardens Local Approvals Policy, draft Footpath and Laneway Gardens Guidelines, draft Community Gardens Guidelines and draft Community Greening Volunteer Guidelines, including any recommended changes, will be reported to Council for adoption following the exhibition period

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor editorial amendments for clarity or correction of drafting errors prior to exhibition of the draft documents in Attachments B, C, D, E and F to the subject report.

Carried unanimously.

X131907

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve Sydney Development control plan 2012 - Loading and waste collection, shown at Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      Council approve Guidelines for waste management in new developments, shown at Attachment B to the subject report

(C)      Council note that if approved the Guidelines for waste management in new developments and Sydney Development control plan 2012 - Loading and waste collection will come into effect 2 weeks from the date of the Resolution of

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor amendments to Sydney development control plan 2012 - Loading and waste collection and to the Guidelines for waste management in new developments, to correct any minor errors or omissions prior to finalisation.

Carried unanimously.

X039444.024

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the value-in-kind recommendations for the accommodation grant program as shown at Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      Council note the applicants who were not recommended for support for the accommodation grant program as shown at Attachment B to the subject report

(C)      Council note that all grant amounts are exclusive of GST

(D)      Council note that a review of the City of Sydney Social plan - ‘A city for all’ is commencing. This review will recommend the city’s future priorities, potentially leading to changes to our activities, programs and grants to ensure alignment with priorities. As such Council request that the Chief Executive Officer reviews the Accommodation grant program to ensure tenants are aligned with our priorities, that tenants are making maximum use of the space, that the spaces are fit for purpose for the proposed tenants, and that as many organisations as possible are provided the opportunity to participate

(E)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer occupancy agreements with any organisation approved for a grant under terms consistent with this resolution and the Grants policy

(F)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to correct minor errors to the matters set out in this report, noting that the identity of the recipient will not change, and a CEO Update will be provided.

Carried unanimously.

S117676

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      endorse the Position statement - Lockboxes on City assets, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      note that the City will commence removal of the lockboxes from 1 April 2027, following a public notification and education period to support voluntary compliance

(C)      note that during the notification and education period, the City may remove lockboxes where they present a safety risk, obstruction or affect high-use or sensitive infrastructure

(D)      note that the City will move to a proportionate compliance approach, including removal of remaining lockboxes, following this period.

Carried unanimously.

S087656

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      provide in-principle approval to name the thoroughfare "Guru Nura Path" and that the name be placed on public exhibition for community comment for a minimum period of 28 days

(B)      note that a further report will be submitted to Council, detailing the results of the public consultation process.

Carried unanimously.

X108806

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      provide in-principle approval to name the road "Cabbage Lane" and that the name be placed on public exhibition for community comment for a minimum period of 28 days

(B)      note that a further report will be submitted to Council, detailing the results of the public consultation process.

Carried unanimously.

X113129

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council approve the grant of a new lease for Suite 2, Shed 74 - 4D Huntley Street Alexandria, to Living Edge (Aust) Pty Ltd (ACN 603 725 891) for a term of 3 years, with 3 option terms, each of 2 years, in accordance with the essential lease terms and conditions contained within Confidential Attachment A to the subject report

(B)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer the terms of the lease in accordance with the essential terms and conditions contained within Confidential Attachment A to the subject report.

Carried unanimously.

X135068

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council accept the tender offer of:

(i)         Tenderer N for Part 1 - Patrols and Alarm Responses for the schedule of rates outlined in Confidential Attachment B to the subject report for a period of 3 years, with the option of 3 further terms of 1 year each, subject to satisfactory performance and the ongoing requirements of Council

(ii)        Tenderer B for Part 2 - Major Events and Festivals for the schedule of rates outlined in Confidential Attachment B to the subject report for a period of 3 years, with the option of 3 further terms of 1 year each, subject to satisfactory performance and the ongoing requirements of Council

(B)      Council note that the total contract values and contingencies for the contracts for Part 1 - Patrols and Alarm Responses and Part 2 - Major Events and Festivals are outlined in Confidential Attachment A to the subject report

(C)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise, execute and administer the contracts relating to the tender

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to exercise the options referred to in clause (A), if appropriate.

Carried unanimously.

X132266.005

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note the submissions raised during the public exhibition of Planning Proposal - 580 George Street, Sydney and draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 580 George Street, Sydney, as shown in Attachment C to the subject report

(B)      Council approve Planning Proposal - 580 George Street, Sydney, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report to be made as a local environmental plan under section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

(C)      Council approve draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 580 George Street, Sydney, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report, noting the approved development control plan will come into effect on the date of publication of the subject local environmental plan

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments to Planning Proposal - 580 George Street, Sydney and draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 580 George Street, Sydney, to correct any minor errors or omissions prior to finalisation.

Carried unanimously.

X124325

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Miller –

It is resolved that:

(A)       the Central Sydney Planning Committee note the matters raised in response to the public exhibition of Planning Proposal - 150 Day Street, Sydney, the draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 150 Day Street, Sydney, and draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, as shown in Attachment D to the subject report

(B)       the Central Sydney Planning Committee approve Planning Proposal - 150 Day Street, Sydney as shown at Attachment A to the subject report, to be sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to be made as a local environmental plan

(C)       the Central Sydney Planning Committee note the recommendation to Council's Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee on 17 August 2026, that Council approve the draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 150 Day Street, Sydney, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report, noting the approved Development Control Plan will come into effect on the date of publication of the subject Local Environmental Plan

(D)       authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments to the Planning Proposal - 150 Day Street, Sydney and draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 150 Day Street, Sydney, to correct any minor errors or omissions prior to finalisation

(E)       the Central Sydney Planning Committee note the recommendation to Council's Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee on 17 August 2026, that Council note the draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, as shown at Attachment C to the subject report, will be executed under delegation of Council in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Carried unanimously.

X090796

 

 

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Miller – 

It is resolved that:

(A)      the Central Sydney Planning Committee note the submissions raised during the public exhibition of Planning Proposal - 580 George Street, Sydney and draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 580 George Street, Sydney, as shown in Attachment C to the subject report

(B)      the Central Sydney Planning Committee approve Planning Proposal - 580 George Street, Sydney, as shown at Attachment A to the subject report to be made as a local environmental plan under section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

(C)      the Central Sydney Planning Committee note the recommendation to Council's Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee on 17 August 2026, that Council approve draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 580 George Street, Sydney, as shown at Attachment B to the subject report, noting the approved development control plan will come into effect on the date of publication of the subject local environmental plan

(D)      authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments to Planning Proposal - 580 George Street, Sydney and draft Sydney Development Control Plan 2012 - 580 George Street, Sydney, to correct any minor errors or omissions prior to finalisation.

Carried unanimously.

X124325

 

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Maxwell –

It is resolved that the subject report be received and noted.

Carried unanimously.

S042755-02